Greek Traditions Community

What is the University system like in Greece?

1 - 6 of 6 Posts
nadellii

nadellii

Active member
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.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: acamp7
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?
 
  • Like
Reactions: acamp7
Damiano said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Damiano
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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!
 
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

I'm also curious about the brewing process itself. Is there a particular technique for achieving that rich, foamy texture that Greek coffee is known for? And what about serving suggestions? Are there any traditional accompaniments or customs that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top