Greece is gradually turning into a popular destination for students to study abroad. Greeks are generally welcoming and live a relaxed life. EDUopinions is now going to explore some of the Pros and Cons of Studying in Greece.
Pros and Cons of Studying in Greece
Pros
Good Weather Conditions
If you love the sun, Greece is perfect for you! The number one pro among the Pros and Cons of Studying in Greece is undoubtedly the weather. After Valletta, Athens is the warmest Capital in Europe. July is usually the sunniest month and December the cloudiest. That said, this country is blessed with sunny days and good weather conditions almost all year around.
Top Business School in Greece
Alba Graduate Business School, the American College of Greece is one of the top graduate business schools in Europe, located in the historic capital of Athens. Alba faculty comprises of staff from all over the world who have experience in prestigious schools in the area of business and management and beyond, such as Harvard Business School, Stern School of Business, Wharton, London Business School etc.
some of the best Greek Universities
Greece is increasingly becoming one of the most popular places to study in. The country has around 24 universities, amongst them, a few have even made it to the top 1000 universities by the Times Higher Education World Rankings. Some of the top institutions are:
- University of Crete
- University of Patras
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Athens University of Economics and Business
Low tuition fees and low living expenses
If you are an EU/EEA student, you most likely will not be charged with any tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree. However, an increasing number of Masters is requiring students to pay. If you are an international student, then you will have to pay tuition fees that range less than €10,000 per year, which includes textbooks. Depending on the university, books might be given to students at no extra cost. For example, The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers hot meals twice a day and the free use of the gym to all its students.
To live in Greece, students spend on average between €450 and €700 per month, inclusive of accommodation, bills, phone plan, public transport pass, etc. If we compare this to other European destinations, like Spain and Germany, then the average monthly living costs might easily rise to a minimum of €800, depending on the city.
Read this article: 4 Affordable Countries to Study an MBA in Europe
Enjoy the local cuisine
If you are going to study there, you will get to enjoy the delicacies that the country has to offer. Tsatsiki, feta, olives, gyros are just some of the many Greek specialities which should not be missed. The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest. Fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, just to mention some, help lower inflammation in your body, reduce the risk of diabetes, and more.
stunning beaches and beautiful Greek destinations
Greece is an amazing tourist destination for those of you who love water sports, spending time at the beach, and sunbath. There are also plenty of sights to visit across the country, starting from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and Mount Olympus.
ConS
Few course optionS in English
At public universities, the number of courses offered in English is very limited. As an Erasmus student, you might be able to speak with your teachers to see if there is the possibility of attending courses taught in Greek but do your coursework in English.
High taxation & Low Wages
The taxes in Greece can be a bit of a pain. In fact, VAT is 24%, which is one of the highest in Europe after Hungary, Denmark, Croatia, and Sweden. Because of high taxation, the prices of goods is quite higher compared to other sunny destination like Malta, where, as we speak, VAT is only 18%.
The minimum salary in Athens in 2019 is below €700. The minimum wage was lowered as a result of the recent crisis. The official minimum wage has not changed since 2012. This makes it very difficult for locals to cover all of their expenses.
Conclusion
The lovely weather, great universities, and the low living costs make Greece one of the best options to study abroad. However, you might not be able to work and study. Salaries are low and many job positions require basic knowledge of Greece.
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