years-experience access-alumni-network airfare airport-pick-up assistance-with-application-process community-service-placement continuous-support cultural-trips domestic-transport emergency-support field-trips global-competence-certificate grade-transcripts host-family-placement housing individual-contact-person internship-placement language-instruction meals medical-insurance orientations-during-your-time-abroad other pre-departure-orientation product-materials re-entry-orientation school-dipolma school-materials school-placement school-transport school-uniform stipend teaching-materials vaccinations visa-and-passport-fees visa-application-assistance world-wide-presence

AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants

Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising

Eligibility Requirements

    • Applicants must be between 15 and 17 years and 11 months
    • Language requirements: English and an introduction to the Greek language recommended

Visitor Visa

Notes

  • The peace camp can be added to this programme at an additional $1,000 NZD
  • 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.

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.

Find out More