Studying abroad in Greece

     Greece's education goes in three stages, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education is divided into kindergarten lasting one or two years, then primary school lasts six years. Secondary is seperated into two section, Gymnasio, or middle school, which lasts three years and Lykeio, or high school. After Lykeio students have the option of attending a university, polytechnics, technilogical education institute, or an academy. Academies are usually for military or the clergy. An undergraduate course lasts four years typically, five years in polytechnics and some art schools, and six years in medical schools. Postgraduate courses last one to two years and a doctorate last three to six years.
     You must be at least six years of age to begin attending school. All public schools and universities require no tuition and textbooks are provided free. There is no failing a grade but any students who fall behind must take remedial courses aside from their regular schooling, similar to summer school in the United States. When students reach the Gymnasio section of education they may either go into a general gymnasium which is automatic or pass an exam of either music, sports, art, science or clergy. Required courses throughout all grades include, Modern Greek Language, Modern Greek Literature, Ancient Greek Language, Ancient Greek Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Social and Political Studies, Physical Education, Art, Music, Religion, History, Computer Studies, Technology, English, 2nd foreign language, School Vocational Guidance, Economics, Geography. Some others are offered but these are required.
     Greek schools are similar to the those in the United States. They go five days a week and start and end around the same time most American schools do. They are different in that they only go to school between four and eight hours depending on the grade and courses the student is taking. Its also different that they go one more year in primary school, or elementary school in America.
     A typical day in school in Greece begins with starting class at 8:15 and you will go through your courses which may include any of the ones listed above which may last between thirty and forty-five minutes. After each class you get a five to ten minute break. Once a month you take a walk and a trip to a museum, monument, etc. Classes vary daily because you need so many hours of every class a week in order to pass. That's a typical day for a high school student in Greece.