Education and Greece.

Overview & Synopsis

The Greek immigrant student finds adjustment to the American education system difficult and bewildering. This paper reveals the cultural and educational background of the immigrant so teachers may better understand student behavior and thereby help the foreign student through the transition period. In Greece, education is a privilege of the wealthy or intellectual, and access to secondary education is narrow. In the Greek family, a closely knit patriarchal unit, the majority of children end their education at grade six and find a job to supplement the family income. Primary schools, comprised of six grades, are compulsory and free. The one-room school environment is formal and authoritarian. Secondary and private schools are confined primarily to Athens and a few provincial centers. Secondary education consists of the six-year gymnasia, preparing students for professional roles and higher education, and a few privately operated technical/vocational schools. Higher education is offered at two universities, two poly technical institutes, several technical schools, and teacher training colleges. Related documents are SO 003 443 and SO 003 447. (SJM)