Read the following paragraphs with tips foreign students need to know before studying in Greece and then decide which heading (A - I) corresponds to each of the tips 1 - 7. You can only use one tip for a paragraph and one of the tips is not needed. Tip 0 is an example.
0. Example: B
The Greeks know how to eat and how to create divine, mouth-watering food. Make sure you learn what it means to sit at a traditional Greek taverna and spend two hours eating a meal. It is so cheap to eat out you might never cook at home.
1.
Taking the time to enjoy a coffee is an essential part of Greek culture. It is also used as an excuse for being late to class or needing to leave class halfway through. Soon you won’t even remember how you used to dash in and out of a coffee shop in 15 minutes!
2.
In Greece, time can be a slippery concept. I learned the hard way that meeting at a certain time is often only a rough estimation. People can be anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours late to a party and it’s not a problem. In fact, don’t be surprised if your fellow study abroaders ask if a meeting time is on ‘Greek time’ or ‘normal’ time!
3.
Greece is packed with history from ancient and byzantine time periods so don’t miss an opportunity to learn as much as you can. Ruins and monuments are often incorporated into fast developing cities with new construction built around old ruins. Even if museums are not your thing, simply taking a walk through your neighbourhood will lead you to history’s front door.
4.
From the stunning rocky Greek islands of the south to the mountain-filled north to the famous Peloponnese, Greece is filled with natural wonders. Make sure you get out and explore them. The islands might be your first thought, but don’t forget to branch out and also explore where tourism has not left its mark yet and where people live like they have for decades. Here you will start to really understand the roots of the Greek culture.
5.
Greek is not an easy language to learn. Not only is there a whole new alphabet to learn for us English speakers, but there are also new sounds and it can all seem a little bit complicated. Greek is also one of the oldest languages in the world. Make an effort to learn a few words – it will help you to gain insight into Greek culture.
6.
There is a saying in Greece along the lines of ‘relax, do it tomorrow, today we enjoy life’. Things may seem slow and even the simplest task convoluted and you will never be sure as to why. Relax, this is all part of being in a new country. In some ways, Greece will force you to learn to slow down.
7.
Most universities will offer on campus dormitory style accommodation for students but many people also choose to live in apartments. Accommodation in most Greek cities is quite cheap and you can easily find shared apartments or possibly even afford to rent your own. Apartments can come furnished with basic items like a bed and desk but you may need to purchase things like crockery and pots and pans.
Tips
A - Be Prepared to Wait
B -
C - Beware of strangers!
D - For intrepid souls
E - It has lots of advantages
F - It’s All Greek?
G - Relatively speaking
H - Soak it all in
I - Where to Get Your ZZZ
Photo: GoAbroadBlog
Key:
1E 2G 3H 4D 5F 6A 7I
