Now that you have been accepted to study at GLOBAL you will want to start planning for your time in Heraklion. The following pages have been compiled to assist you with your preparations.

The list may not be comprehensive and you may have some specific queries not covered here, if this is the case please feel free to contact the international office international@global.edu.gr direct. We will do our best to provide the information you require.

Have you read the International student’s guide?

It is very important to read the International Student’s Guide. You will receive an electronic or a hard copy edition of the guide soon after you receive your acceptance letter from GLOBAL . The guide is designed to give you important information about your everyday living in Greece, about the Residence Permit for studies procedure and about student services at GLOBAL. It is available for download as a pdf file, requiring Acrobat Reader

Have you received the Affidavit/ Letter of Support, certified by the Greek Embassy or Consulate of your country?

The Affidavit / Letter of support is a letter signed from student’s parents’, stating that they accept to support their ward’s education and ‘not objecting’ to the same. The Greek Embassy or Consulate of your country should certify this letter. It is an indispensable piece of document that you will need later for the Residence of Permit for studies procedure.

Have you made sure that you have applied and got a student visa?

It is important that the student requests for a student visa for studying and not a visa for any other purpose. It must be checked while receiving back the passport that it is clearly printed on the visa that the purpose is for studies only. Otherwise, the student will not be able to apply for a residence permit after arrival in Greece. Make a note that GLOBAL will provide you with a document written in Greek, stating that you are a GLOBAL student, which you will submit to the Greek Embassy or Consulate of your country when you will apply for a student visa. Do not lose this document since Greek local authorities of Heraklion certify it and it cannot be replaced.

PREPARING TO COME TO GLOBAL : FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• When shall I come to Heraklion?
  Commencement of all degree courses at GLOBAL is normally within the second week of October, each year. However, you are advised to come to Heraklion from late August onwards since you will need some time to find accommodation and to adjust to your new environment.
• How can I find accommodation in Heraklion?
  GLOBAL accommodation services offers advice and guidance on all accommodation issues. There is a good selection of private accommodation available to students, therefore students can be sure that they will be able to secure an apartment before their course begins. Accommodation expenses in Heraklion vary according to the area, condition of flat, facilities, etc. Usually flats in the centre are old and more expensive than in other areas. Furnished flats are difficult to find. However, GLOBAL can give guidance to the students in finding cheap or second-hand furniture. To contact the Accommodation Services please email the internatonal@global.edu.gr
• How much do I have to spend per month for accommodation and living expenses?
  Rents for non-furnished flats of one room, kitchen and bathroom, usually start from EURO : 250 and up . Nevertheless, students usually share a flat, and in this case usually the cost for each student is between from 100 - 150 euro maximum. Other fixed expenses may amount up to EURO: 100 per month, approximately - including electricity, heating, water and condominium charges (building maintenance). In total, as a result of students' calculations, the average cost of living for one month (including all regular expenses) is around 300 - 450 euros.
• What is the weather like in Heraklion?
  What kind of clothes shall I bring?
  Greece has a Mediterranean climate. Greece is perfect for those who enjoy the sun, as for over two thirds of the year the country basks under clear, sunny skies. Temperatures do vary, however. Winters are mild and rainy, with temperatures sometimes dropping to freezing point, especially in the north. Summers are long and dry, with extremes of 37°C (99°F), making the yearly mean temperature about 17°C (63°F). Under these circumstances, you will need both summer and winter clothes. Click here for the current weather forecast. http://www.emy.gr or at http://www.poseidon.ncmr.gr/
• Will my mobile work in Greece?
  In Greece you can use all GSM mobile phones but US cell phones do not work. However, buying a local sim card is the cheapest way to have a mobile. A street kiosk will sell one for 15 euros.
• What is the currency in Greece?
  The currency used is Euro since Greece is a member of the European Union.
• What is the voltage in Greece?
  The Voltage in Greece is 220V and the plugs have two pins. In this case, you will need a three-to-two pin adapter.
• What things may be useful to bring?
  First of all make sure that you will bring with you enough money to cover initial costs. It is very likely, especially if you are planning to rent an unfurnished apartment that you will have to buy some crockery and cutlery (i.e. plates, cups, spoons etc), bed linen and towels. Naturally, you buy these items in Heraklion.