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Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be between 15 and 17.11 years old
- School Enrolment Status: You must be enrolled in a NZ school
- Language Requirement: Intro to the Greek language is recommended
Notes
- This programme includes the Peace camp in Brussels, Belgium!
Read more below - Semester and Year Programmes are available to students with EU passports also. Unfortunately not for NZ passport holders this is something that the Immigration departments between Greece and New Zealand are working on.
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Individual Contact Person
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Re-entry Orientation
- Access to Alumni Network
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Visa and Passport Fees
- School Uniform
Host Family & Community
In Greece, family and community are deeply connected, with both forming the foundation of social life. Families often extend beyond the immediate household, encompassing a wide network of relatives and close friends. The sense of community is strong, and people regularly come together for social gatherings, celebrations, and support in times of need. Whether it’s helping one another through challenges or enjoying shared traditions, the bond between family members and the larger community is essential to Greek life.
Language
The official language of Greece is Greek, a language with a history that spans over 3,000 years. Modern Greek, while evolving from Ancient Greek, retains many of its historical roots and is spoken throughout the country, with various regional dialects adding unique flavors to the language. It uses its own alphabet and plays a central role in Greek culture and identity.
School
Schooling is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. The education system consists of primary, secondary, and higher education, with public schools being the most common. Greek students attend school from Monday to Friday, and the curriculum includes subjects like Greek language, mathematics, history, and foreign languages. School life also involves regular participation in cultural and athletic activities, reflecting the importance of a well-rounded education.
Food
Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and Mediterranean influences, with dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki being staples. Meals are often enjoyed in a social setting, with family and friends gathering around to share a variety of dishes, emphasizing the importance of community and tradition.
Alumni Story
My Greek Exchange Adventure
Discover the charm of Greece through the personal story of AFS returnee Manawa. Learn how his time abroad immersed him in the country’s unique customs, language and way of life.
Ready to Start your Greek Adventure?
Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact.
Peace Camp Info
The PEACE Programme or PEACE through Exchange and Active Citizenship Education is a secondary school trimester programme which aims at empowering and enabling young people to become active citizens. The participants stay with host-families and go to high school in a European country. At the end of the programme, all participants of the PEACE programme come to Belgium for a five day long camp with a focus on Active Global Citizenship in Europe.