Gap Year Programs in Greece
Greece is the perfect place to live out your own personal odyssey as part of a gap year. This country has been fascinating and amazing foreign visitors since at least the time of the Romans and still does today.
While on a gap year in Greece, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore the remnants of the country’s ancient and modern history, seek the thrill of outdoor adventure, and eat delicious and surprisingly healthy food. Perhaps best of all, you’ll get to know people with a proud heritage who are happy to share it with you.
Greece is growing in popularity as a gap year destination. Perhaps this is due to its lower cost of living in comparison to many other parts of Europe. Maybe it’s because of its laid-back culture and lifestyle. Perhaps people are drawn to Greece’s endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whatever your reasons for going on a gap year, Greece will be sure to satisfy!
Perhaps the hardest part of going on a gap year in Greece is deciding what to do. Many people find work in the hospitality industry to help pay the way. Others find ways to volunteer their time and skills to make it possible. Whatever you choose, you're in for a real adventure!
Adventure travel
Greece has no shortage of amazing activities for the active traveler taking a gap year! If you’re into the great wet outdoors, the country’s 8,500 miles of coastline offer countless possibilities to engage in water sports. From sailing and sea kayaking to scuba diving and surfing, this is the perfect place to have fun in clear blue Mediterranean waters.
Greece’s unique geology and ecosystems also provide near-endless opportunities for hiking and trekking. There are mountains, valleys, gorges, and caves all waiting for you to explore them. Perhaps most impressive of all would be an ascent up Mount Olympus to see the mythical home of the gods.
Intern
If you’d like to build your resume or at least earn a few euros during your gap year, there are opportunities for you in Greece. One major area is in the hospitality industry, as the influx of summer tourists creates a high demand for workers in this field. It’s best to seek out these work placements several months in advance.
If you aren’t an EU citizen, you’ll need a work visa to earn money in Greece legally. This involves dealing with the Greek bureaucracy, so once you’ve found a sponsor apply early and be patient. Canadian and Australian citizens can apply for one of a limited number of working holiday visas.
Volunteer
One great way to spend your gap year in Greece is as a volunteer. There are so many ways to give back here. There are programs in which you can help protect Greece’s endangered sea turtle population, work at animal sanctuaries, maintain park trails, or teach English.
For fans of exploring the past, there are many archaeological excavations that can use your help. Throughout the year, and particularly during the summer, archaeologists need passionate and hard-working volunteers to swing a pickax or trowel to help uncover clues to Greece’s storied past. Who knows what you might discover!
For those of you who hear the call of the sea, consider volunteering as a deckhand on a yacht. Greece is one of the world’s premier yachting destinations, after all. It’s not unusual for short-handed crews to take on volunteers to help sail among the islands made famous by Homer thousands of years ago. While you won’t encounter any sea monsters or sirens, this is hard work. However, you’ll be rewarded with an experience few others ever have.
Visas
No visa is required for visits of fewer than 90 days. Beyond that, you’ll need a visa to stay longer in Greece. This is where it can get tricky. Once in the country, you can apply for a temporary residence permit valid for either three or six months. You’ll need to provide a compelling reason for staying in the country, such as work at a volunteer or internship program.
Before you head to Greece, you'll need to get certain affairs in order. Use the information below to help prepare for the trip of a lifetime!
Cost of Living in Greece
While they use the euro, Greece is one of the least expensive countries with this currency. Athens tends to be a bit pricier than other parts of the country. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to avoid the big tourist spots like Santorini or Mykonos.
If you plan ahead, you can live comfortably on a small budget. The trick will be knowing where to cut back and when to splurge. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is still not as cheap as one you cook at home with ingredients from a local market.
Housing in Greece
Finding an apartment in a Greek city or town shouldn’t be too difficult. Local classified listings are a good place to start. Perhaps the best way to find good affordable housing is to search for it while you’re already in Greece. Personal connections are highly valued here, and it shouldn’t be too hard to find someone with a cousin, neighbor, or friend with a place to rent.
While Athens will be slightly more expensive than elsewhere in the country, you should be able to find a one-bedroom or studio apartment for under €400 per month. Of course, if your budget allows for it, you can rent a pretty swanky luxury apartment for much less than you could in North America or other parts of Europe.
