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nadellii

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I know that many European countries are very different than the university and college system in the United States. What is the process for entering into a university in Greece? And are the universities and colleges open to international students? I would love to hear from any Greek students or international student studying in Greece.
 
In high school you start preparing for panellinies (similar to the ACT/SAT for college) about 1-2 years in advance. Panellinies is a series of 4-5 tests that you're required to take to get into college, but the path you choose to study in high school determines the type of subjects on your tests for Panellinies. Your overall score on panellinies will determine which college and ultimately what career you have. A medical school will say "we only accept a panellinies score of 20" and a school to become a police office might have a score of 15. After you receive your score, in August you will check to see what scores each college is requiring for admittance into the school - each year this score changes because it's based on how everyone does in Greece that year. The max score is 20.

What's different about Greece than other countries like the USA, AUS, or CAN is that you don't need an undergraduate degree to become a doctor or a lawyer. Once you graduate high school, and if your panellinies score is high enough, you can go straight to medical school or law school.

Can international students go to college in Greece? Yes, but most colleges will require you to speak fluent Greek, but there are some colleges that are English speaking (e.g. American College of Thessaloniki).

Ask away with questions. My SO, took panellinies, went to college in Greece, and graduated from a college there. She graduated a few years ago, so she's fairly up-to-date on how the system works.

Also, something random, you can legally drop out of school at 15 in Greece and not finish high school.
 
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I heard that in the last year of high school there is a big final test, there are final tests in the other years too or just in the last one?
Also what university faculties there are in Athens?
 
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I heard that in the last year of high school there is a big final test, there are final tests in the other years too or just in the last one?
Also what university faculties there are in Athens?
Yes, this test is called the "panellinies" that is mentioned above. I'm not sure if it is in the last two years or just the last one...I think they have changed it a few times throughout the years.
 
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In high school you start preparing for panellinies (similar to the ACT/SAT for college) about 1-2 years in advance. Panellinies is a series of 4-5 tests that you're required to take to get into college, but the path you choose to study in high school determines the type of subjects on your tests for Panellinies. Your overall score on panellinies will determine which college and ultimately what career you have. A medical school will say "we only accept a panellinies score of 20" and a school to become a police office might have a score of 15. After you receive your score, in August you will check to see what scores each college is requiring for admittance into the school - each year this score changes because it's based on how everyone does in Greece that year. The max score is 20.

What's different about Greece than other countries like the USA, AUS, or CAN is that you don't need an undergraduate degree to become a doctor or a lawyer. Once you graduate high school, and if your panellinies score is high enough, you can go straight to medical school or law school.

Can international students go to college in Greece? Yes, but most colleges will require you to speak fluent Greek, but there are some colleges that are English speaking (e.g. American College of Thessaloniki).

Ask away with questions. My SO, took panellinies, went to college in Greece, and graduated from a college there. She graduated a few years ago, so she's fairly up-to-date on how the system works.

Also, something random, you can legally drop out of school at 15 in Greece and not finish high school.
I personally completely agree with the fact that people go straight into law school or medical school. Why waste so much time on taking "core classes" like you do in the United States. Some skills are so unnecessary for these jobs but the American schools force you to take them as a part of your first year curriculum. I think it's just a way for American colleges to get money because they're technically businesses and not public universities like in Greece
 
This is interesting - sounds so different from the education system in the United States!
 
As I've heard, there are some English-speaking options, like the American College of Thessaloniki, so it's not impossible. Honestly, the whole setup there feels way different from what you'd see in the U.S. or other places, so you'd probably want to get familiar with how things work before jumping in.
If college isn't your thing or you're looking for something more hands-on, there are plenty of other ways to build a career. Like, I know someone who got into locksmithing and went the certification route instead of the whole university grind. You can Get Licensed as an Institutional Locksmith and it can lead straight to solid work without all the extra years of schooling.
 
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Playing the tsougrisma game at Easter?

Hey everyone! With Easter coming up, I was thinking about the tsougrisma game we always play with the red eggs after the Resurrection service. You know—the egg cracking battle to see who ends up with the "uncracked champion"?

I’m curious—do you and your family still play it? And do the “rules” vary from house to house? In my family, we get very competitive about it—everyone picks their egg carefully and there's always a big cheer when someone stays undefeated!

I’d love to hear your stories. Do you play at midnight? At lunch the next day? Does your family do something funny or unique with it?

Share your traditions! It’s such a simple thing, but it really makes Easter feel complete for me.

Do you still break plates at celebrations?

My cousin is getting married later this year, and during the planning, she mentioned something that made me smile—she wants to break plates at the reception! It brought back memories of older family weddings where the music was loud, the dancing was wild, and the plates were flying (safely, of course).

But I’m wondering, do people still do this? I know it’s a classic Greek thing, but I’ve also heard that in modern times, many venues don’t allow it, or people opt for safer alternatives like throwing flowers or using napkins. Some say it’s more of a touristy thing now, but I still associate it with joy, energy, and that unapologetic Greek celebration spirit.

Has anyone here actually broken plates at a recent event, especially a wedding? Was it allowed at the venue, or did you find a workaround? Curious to hear your stories, advice, or modern twists on the tradition!

Greek Harvest Traditions?

I’ve been learning a lot about Greek culture recently and was curious about whether there are any specific traditions related to harvest time in Greece. I know that agriculture plays a big role in the country’s history, with olives, grapes, and other crops being essential to Greek life for centuries.

Are there any traditional festivals or rituals that mark the beginning or end of harvest season? Do certain regions have unique ways of celebrating the harvest? I’m especially interested in any customs around olive or grape harvesting, but would love to hear about anything involving other crops too.

If anyone has firsthand experience or knows of any specific harvest traditions in rural Greek villages or islands, I’d love to hear more! I think it’s fascinating how these practices often connect with local food, culture, and community life.

Information and History about Komboloi Beads?

I recently came across Komboloi beads (worry beads) and noticed how popular they are in Greek culture. I always thought they were just a fidget toy or stress reliever, but I’ve heard they have a deeper history and meaning. I’d love to learn more!

Does anyone know the origins of Komboloi? Were they originally religious like prayer beads, or have they always been used for relaxation? I’ve also seen different types made from amber, coral, and even silver—do certain materials hold special significance?

Also, is there a “correct” way to use them? I’ve seen people flipping them in different ways, and it almost seems like an art! Are there different techniques or traditions associated with them?

If anyone has stories, historical insights, or personal experiences with Komboloi, I’d love to hear them.

Greek Tradition of Founouria?

Hi everyone! I was recently talking to a relative about Greek traditions, and they mentioned something called Fanouropita—a cake made in honor of Saint Fanourios. I had never heard of it before and now I’m so curious!

From what I gathered, people bake this cake to ask Saint Fanourios to help them find something lost, or even to reveal guidance or clarity in life. But I’m wondering—what’s the full story behind this tradition? Is it something you do on his feast day (August 27th), or can it be done anytime?

Also, what’s the significance of the cake itself? Why is it made with exactly 7 or 9 ingredients? I’d love to hear how your family does it—do you offer a prayer, light a candle, or share the cake with others?

Would appreciate any personal stories or recipes too. Thanks in advance!
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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