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XpatAthens
Tuesday, 10 June 2025 11:26
Reading Fire On The Island: A Book Full Of Heat, Heart & Hope
A Journey to Vourvoulos (Not the One on Santorini)
From the first page, Fire on the Island transports you to the lesser-known Vourvoulos — not the Santorini village, but a fictional coastal town in Greece where beauty and hardship coexist. Through deeply evocative writing, Timothy Jay Smith doesn't just paint a scene; he places you right there. You can feel the sun and sense the sea breeze in the air. This is a Greece that tourists rarely see, raw, real, and heartbreakingly human.
Plot: Fire, Secrets & Soul
Greek-American FBI agent Nick Damigos arrives to investigate a string of suspicious arsons. As the mystery slowly unfolds, so do the lives of the villagers, complex, conflicted, and deeply intertwined. But while the fire is the plot’s ignition point, the heart of this book lies not in whodunnit suspense, but in its intimate human storytelling; its exploration of grief, identity, belonging, and resilience.
Smith uses the thriller structure as a vessel to explore something much bigger: the emotional and social layers that make up real communities facing real crises.
Characters & Greek Reality: A Village That Feels Alive
What makes Fire on the Island stand out is how deeply rooted in Greek life it feels. Smith doesn’t simply set his story in Greece, but he captures the rhythms, customs, tensions, and nuances of Greek village life with startling accuracy.
The characters, from Vassoula, the unapologetic village siren who flirts with fire in every sense, and Ridi, the Albanian immigrant, to Takis, the gay man and fierce and rebellious Athina, who represents a restless Greek youth. They all reflect different aspects of Greek society and especially, its contradictions.
Even secondary details reflect real Greek life: the stray cats, the gossip in cafés, the mingling of tradition and modernity. And then there is the church, not just a backdrop but a living part of the village ecosystem. In Vourvoulos, as in most Greek communities, the church isn’t only spiritual; it’s social, cultural, and often political. It's where people gather, judge, confess, celebrate, and mourn.
Whether it’s the tolling of bells or the priest appearing as an authority or social figure, the presence of the church helps anchor the novel’s events in a deeply Greek context. Its role is essential, just like in many real Greek villages, where faith and tradition often shape the boundaries of freedom, love, and identity.
By incorporating the church, along with its influence, its expectations and its (not always) silent rules, Smith once again adds another layer of realism to the story. It becomes clear that in Vourvoulos, as in much of Greece, the past is never fully past, and institutions like the church continue to hold both comfort and constraint.
Feminism & The Matriarchal Undercurrent
What may not be obvious at first but becomes strikingly clear is the feminist undercurrent running through the novel. Women, in all their forms and power, are the true emotional and moral anchors of this story.
You have Shirley, the English expat who came all the way from Australia, full of wit, experience, and unflinching strength. Then her daughter Lydia is the force of reason, the one who refuses to accept things at face value. She’s determined to complete the puzzle, to do her own research, to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface, and she’s not afraid to wrestle with the norms of her community if that’s what it takes. And finally, Lydia’s daughter, Athina, full of fire, questioning everything around her, already a force of disruption in a rigid society.
These three women — grandmother, mother, and daughter — form a matrilineal triad, a modern Greek matriarchy, standing firm in a patriarchal setting. They don’t dominate with violence or ego, but with intelligence, emotion, and endurance. They challenge gender roles with their actions, choices, and refusal to be anyone but themselves.
Themes: Humanity, Hardship & Grief
Timothy Jay Smith masterfully blends social issues with personal, emotional journeys. Fire on the Island it’s about how people survive, adapt, and care in a world full of complexities. Beneath the sun-drenched beauty of Greece lies a community dealing with issues that feel all too real:
- The refugee crisis, shown not as an abstract problem but through human faces and suffering, especially in Jura’s story who may not be a refugee but experiences the luck of many
- Xenophobia, both casual and systemic, echoing wider European tensions
- The suppression of LGBTQ+ identities, especially in small, deeply traditional societies
- Suicide and the lifelong trauma of adoption, and how these wounds quietly shape lives
- Sexual firsts, revealing how coming-of-age is rarely what we expect
And deeply present in all of this is grief — raw, real grief. Grief for a child lost. Grief for a partner lost. Grief for a life not fully lived. Grief for love denied, for freedom never found, for a sense of home that may never exist.
Smith doesn’t dramatize grief; he honors it. He allows his characters to sit with it, wrestle with it, and sometimes, rise from it. Jura’s heartbreaking loss, Takis’s internal despair, Athina’s aching restlessness, they all carry forms of grief that are deeply human and universally felt.
Yet even with all this weight, the novel doesn’t collapse under it. What emerges instead is a strong current of resilience and compassion. The village is fractured, yes, but some people still show up, with food for refugees, with water, with care for stray animals, with truth, even when it’s difficult. And that’s what Fire on the Island ultimately celebrates: the endurance of kindness, even in a world set ablaze.
A Moment That Hurts (and Stays)
There are many moments in the book that strike the heart, but one scene that stands apart is that of Jura, the immigrant woman who nearly drowns, not metaphorically, but literally, trying to reach Greece. She survives, but her child does not. This moment, soaked in Ancient Greek tragic irony, is written with such emotional precision that it nearly breaks you. It's a quiet, crushing moment that forces the reader to sit with the weight of grief, helplessness, and injustice.
But Light Breaks Through
Despite the heartbreak, there’s joy, connection, and community. There’s the group giving sandwiches to refugees. There’s the care for stray cats, a subtle yet deeply Greek act of grassroots compassion. There’s Dingo, the stray dog Nick saves. In a world full of problems, these small gestures shine bright.
Language: A Truly Greek Story
The use of Greek language throughout the book is not only charming but grounding. Smith sprinkles Greek expressions and words with effortless precision, giving the reader the feel of the language without ever making it confusing. For readers unfamiliar with Greek, it’s a fun introduction. For Greek readers, it’s a sign of deep cultural respect and accuracy.
It feels like a mini Greek lesson, wrapped in storytelling, one that adds local flavor and roots the novel even deeper in its Aegean soil.
Lived Experience: Why This Story Feels Authentic
What makes Fire on the Island resonate so deeply is that it’s not written from a distance. It’s clear that Timothy Jay Smith has lived and breathed Greece not just visited, but truly experienced it. The villages, the people, the way the sea smells in the morning, the way gossip travels faster than the wind, all of it speaks to someone who knows this world from the inside. And that’s what good writing is: writing what you know, and doing it with honesty and heart.
The characters don’t feel imagined, they feel observed, absorbed, and lovingly recreated. Every one of them could be someone you’ve met in a Greek village. And, perhaps, in a way, they are. There’s a quiet sense that pieces of Timothy himself are woven into each of these people, that their struggles, desires, and contradictions are not only reflections of Greek society, but of a writer who sees and feels deeply.
This is why Fire on the Island doesn't just tell a story but transports you in a lived reality, one only someone who truly knows Greece could portray so truthfully.
Conclusion: A Book That Bears & Shares Real Feelings
Fire on the Island is more than a mystery. It’s more than a Greek village story. It is a novel of human truths, full of emotion, contradiction, warmth, and shadows.
It gives you what every great book should: the feeling that you’ve lived somewhere else, that you’ve felt other lives, that you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes under someone else’s sun. And when you close the final page, you feel a little changed, a little more aware, a little more compassionate, a little more human.
If you’re looking for a book that speaks to the soul, that delivers both tension and tenderness, that brings Greece alive in ways most travel guides never could, Fire on the Island is for you.
Ready to dive into the story? Get your copy of Fire on the Island HERE!
About the Author
Timothy Jay Smith is a critically acclaimed author with a lifelong passion for Greece. His travels and experiences, from working as a sociologist in Greece to aiding refugees on Lesvos, have inspired his immersive, character-driven stories. An award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, Smith’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal in the Faulkner-Wisdom Competition for Fire on the Island not to mention that his screenplay adaptation of it was named Best Indie Script by WriteMovies. His diverse career has taken him around the world, from the streets of Istanbul to the jungles of Africa, giving him a unique perspective that brings depth and authenticity to his writing. Smith’s novels and screenplays have won top honors in competitions, and his stories resonate with readers for their vivid settings, complex characters, and rich social commentary.
Timothy Jay Smith is a critically acclaimed author with a lifelong passion for Greece. His travels and experiences, from working as a sociologist in Greece to aiding refugees on Lesvos, have inspired his immersive, character-driven stories. An award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, Smith’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal in the Faulkner-Wisdom Competition for Fire on the Island not to mention that his screenplay adaptation of it was named Best Indie Script by WriteMovies. His diverse career has taken him around the world, from the streets of Istanbul to the jungles of Africa, giving him a unique perspective that brings depth and authenticity to his writing. Smith’s novels and screenplays have won top honors in competitions, and his stories resonate with readers for their vivid settings, complex characters, and rich social commentary.
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Books
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Tuesday, 27 May 2025 15:08
Exit Support - Leaving Greece
Leaving Greece Needs Planning Too
The conclusion of leaving Greece can come with its own challenges. Whether the next step involves a new destination, a job change, or a return home, proper coordination is essential. Tailored departure services provide the structure and support needed to ensure that leaving Greece is smooth, timely, and free from unnecessary complications.
The conclusion of leaving Greece can come with its own challenges. Whether the next step involves a new destination, a job change, or a return home, proper coordination is essential. Tailored departure services provide the structure and support needed to ensure that leaving Greece is smooth, timely, and free from unnecessary complications.
Organized Transitions, Thoughtfully Executed
Move-out logistics involve much more than just packing! From rental contract termination to utility disconnections, expert coordination ensures that every detail is handled efficiently and in full compliance with local procedures. With the right support, tenants can avoid financial penalties, meet their obligations, and close their experience in Greece with confidence.
Departure Support Services Can Include:
- Formal notice to end lease agreements within legal deadlines.
- Property walkthroughs and coordination of any required repairs.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance to meet tenancy standards.
- Disconnection of services such as electricity, internet, and water.
- Change-of-address notifications (banks, post offices, insurance, etc.).
- Guidance on recovering security deposits, when applicable.
With everything properly handled, departing Greece can be a well-organized process, free of loose ends and unresolved issues.
If you're preparing to move from Greece to your next destination, ask us about planning a stress-free departure fully supported from start to finish!
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Relocation Greece
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Friday, 30 May 2025 15:06
Tenancy Support & Property Management
Relocation Doesn’t End On Moving Day
For expatriates and long-term visitors in Greece, consistent tenancy support plays a key role in maintaining a stable and stress-free living environment. Property management services offer continued assistance throughout the rental period, addressing practical issues and supporting clear communication between all parties involved.
For expatriates and long-term visitors in Greece, consistent tenancy support plays a key role in maintaining a stable and stress-free living environment. Property management services offer continued assistance throughout the rental period, addressing practical issues and supporting clear communication between all parties involved.
Reliable Overseeing for Everyday Living
From handling minor maintenance tasks to facilitating lease renewals, effective property support ensures that all of your residential concerns are resolved promptly and professionally. With knowledgeable relocation professionals managing your property processes, tenants can rely on a living space that remains comfortable, compliant, and well-managed at all times.
Tenancy & Property Management Services Can Include:
- Day-to-day coordination of property issues and service requests.
- Scheduling and follow-up for maintenance and repairs.
- Communication facilitation between tenants and landlords.
- Assistance with contract renewals, extensions, or renegotiations.
- Clarification of tenant rights, duties, and legal protections.
- Support navigating Greek rental procedures and compliance requirements.
Whether for a short-term assignment or a long-term relocation, professional property management provides stability and responsiveness. Ongoing tenancy support ensures that residential needs are met as they evolve, without unnecessary disruptions.
Looking for rental support or have questions about your tenancy in Greece? Get in touch with us today to explore tailored property management solutions.
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Settling-In Services
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Friday, 30 May 2025 15:04
Support For Spouses & Partners
Because Every Member of the Family Matters
Relocation affects everyone, and when partners feel supported and connected, the entire move becomes more successful. Partner Support services are tailored to help accompanying spouses or partners explore their own path in Greece, whether professionally, socially, or personally.
The aim of this service is to provide meaningful guidance and resources that empower each individual to feel confident, valued, and engaged in this next chapter of life.
Support for Career Continuity, Growth & Exploration
Relocating to Greece can interrupt career momentum and shift personal goals. That’s why it’s important for partners to have access to the tools and insights they need to navigate the change and discover new opportunities.
Partner Support Services Can Include:
- Information on the local job market and high-demand roles.
- Guidance on Greek employment law, work permits & eligibility.
- CV adjustments tailored to local hiring standards.
- Resources for job-seeking, networking, and coaching.
- Advice on volunteering, freelance projects, or upskilling programs.
Whether the focus is on finding a new role, continuing a career path, or discovering new possibilities, every effort is made to ensure partners feel seen and supported.
When Partners Thrive, So Does the Whole Experience
Successful relocation is about people. Having the right kind of personal and professional support can make all the difference in settling into a new culture and life with confidence and purpose.
We're Here For You & Your Partner
Support is available to help partners and families feel at home and on track. Whether it’s finding a job, building community, or gaining clarity on next steps, there’s guidance every step of the way.
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Settling-In Services
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Friday, 30 May 2025 15:00
Destination Services - Make the Space Truly Yours
Unpacking is just the beginning. Turning a house into a home requires reliable support with everything from small fixes to full setup. Whether it’s an apartment in the city, a home in the suburbs, or a villa by the sea, destination services are designed to make your post-move transition to Greece seamless!
Our trustworthy professionals handle all the details that make a space fully functional and livable, ensuring peace of mind from day one.
Everything You Need, Organized in One Place
A curated network of vetted service providers offer comprehensive support across technical, practical, and lifestyle needs. With access to experienced specialists and a dedicated relocation coordinator, every step is planned and managed with efficiency and care.
Destination Services Can Include:
- General handyman tasks & minor repairs.
- Electrical installations & lighting setup.
- Carpentry & customized fittings.
- Plumbing services.
- A/C installation & servicing.
- Satellite & Wi-Fi setup.
- Piano tuning & pool table assembly.
- Window cleaning, carpet care & deep cleaning.
- Car and boat transportation.
- Additional specialty services upon request.
If a particular service isn’t listed, just ask—custom support can be arranged based on unique needs.
A House That Feels Like Home
Once the essentials are in place, it’s the thoughtful details that complete the picture. A dedicated relocation coordinator oversees the process, managing bookings, timelines, and service quality, so everything is handled smoothly and with minimal effort on your part.
Start Fresh with Confidence
From practical tasks to personal touches, Destination Services ensure that every corner of the new home is exactly how it should be: comfortable, functional, and ready to enjoy.
Get in touch with our team if you're ready to begin planning a stress-free home in Greece setup today!
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Settling-In Services
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Thursday, 05 June 2025 12:26
Greek Language Support
Learn Greek With Ease
Learning the local language is one of the most meaningful ways to feel connected in a new country. Whether settling into life in Greece as an individual or as a family, access to the right language training can ease the transition and open the door to authentic local experiences.
Find the Right Language Path
Everyone learns differently—some prefer private tutors, others group classes or digital apps. From everyday conversation to business Greek, flexible options are available to suit your learning style, age, and reason for learning the language.
Language Support Can Include:
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Trusted recommendations for language schools and teachers.
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Assistance with enrollment and scheduling.
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Learning options for children, adults, and professionals.
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Online and in-person formats.
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Suggestions tailored to personal goals and timelines.
So Much More Than Words
Learning Greek is all about building confidence, forming relationships, and feeling like you truly belong in your new environment. If you're curious to begin learning Greek, get in touch with us to explore your language learning options.
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Settling-In Services
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Thursday, 05 June 2025 12:17
Cross-Cultural Guidance
Feel at Home in Greece
Starting life in a new country, apart from changing addresses, is very about adapting to an entirely different culture. Designed for newcomers to Greece, cross-cultural support provides the insight and practical tools needed to understand and embrace local customs, social norms, and professional life with confidence.
Navigate Greek Culture with Ease
From everyday conversations to workplace dynamics, adjusting to Greek culture can be both enriching and challenging. Tailored cultural orientations help individuals and families build awareness, reduce culture shock, and ease into life in Greece, both personally and professionally.
Some Cross-Culture Topics Can Include:
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Local values and daily routines.
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Social etiquette and communication styles.
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Understanding professional and workplace culture.
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Helping children adjust socially and at school.
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Comparative insights based on the assignee’s cultural background.
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Practical advice for smoother integration into the community.
Support for Individuals, Couples & Families
Whether you're relocating solo or with loved ones, cultural preparation plays a key role in making the transition feel natural. This kind of support goes far beyond information—it's about creating connection and a sense of belonging.
Get in touch with us to learn more about integrating into Greek culture with confidence!
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Settling-In Services
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Wednesday, 04 June 2025 18:05
Welcome Package For Your Arrival In Greece
A Friendly Introduction to Daily Life in Greece
Relocating to a new country brings both excitement and uncertainty. Having the right information from the start can make a big difference. A thoughtfully assembled Welcome Package helps newcomers settle-in by offering both practical tools and local insight into daily life in Greece.
Whether adjusting to a new city or getting to know the local culture, this resource makes the transition feel more familiar and less overwhelming.
What’s Included in the Welcome Package?
Designed to ease the first steps of relocation to Greece, the package includes a range of helpful materials, including:
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Local city map and neighborhood guide.
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Public transport information and main routes.
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Emergency contact numbers and useful hotlines.
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Local magazines, publications, and media guides.
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Insider recommendations on shopping, dining, and local living.
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Tips on navigating services, social customs, and everyday routines.
From understanding the basics to exploring the best local spots, the package serves as a trusted companion during the early days of settling-in.
Start Your Life in Greece with Confidence
A simple, useful resource can go a long way toward making a new place feel like home. To learn more about adjusting to life in Greece, get in touch with us today!
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Relocation Greece
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Thursday, 05 June 2025 17:38
Settling-In Support Services
Practical Help for Smooth Integration Into Everyday Life After Relocation to Greece
Starting fresh in Greece involves adjusting to a new environment, culture, and daily routine. Settling-in support services are designed to ease that transition, offering hands-on help with both practical tasks and lifestyle integration.
Whether it’s setting up a bank account or getting comfortable with local transportation, guidance is available to make the process smoother and less overwhelming.
Tailored Assistance for a Comfortable Start
No two individuals or families have the same needs when settling into a new country. Flexible services are available to address a wide range of priorities, whether that means handling administrative tasks or simply discovering where to shop and dine.
Support Services Can Include:
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City orientation and neighborhood tours.
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Introduction to the public transport system.
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Registration with local authorities.
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Assistance with opening bank accounts and obtaining insurance.
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Help with purchasing furniture, appliances, and home essentials.
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Access to medical facilities and healthcare recommendations.
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Vehicle lease or purchase assistance.
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Pet registration.
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Home and office utilities setup.
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Tips on dining, shopping, fitness, and local lifestyle.
Adjusting Smoothly Into Life in Greece
Practical guidance during your first weeks of moving to Greece make it easier to settle-in and feel at home. If you're looking to begin your transition with less stress and more clarity, getting in touch with us is one step closer to comfort and ease!
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Settling-In Services
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Wednesday, 04 June 2025 16:31
Home & School Search In Greece
Find the Right Neighborhood and the Ideal School for Your Family
Relocating to Greece is more than a change of address, it’s the start of a new chapter. Selecting the right home is essential for creating a life that feels both comfortable and connected. Tailored support is available to help individuals and families make informed, confident choices from day one.
Home Search Support
A new home should match your personal style, needs, and daily routine. With professional assistance, finding a house in Greece becomes efficient, focused, and stress-free. Through detailed consultations, the search is narrowed to the neighborhoods and properties that align with your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Whether you're renting or buying, every step is designed to simplify the transition.
Home Search Services Can Include:
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Personalized needs assessment.
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Curated listings of pre-screened properties.
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Appointment scheduling and accompanied viewings.
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Lease negotiation and document review.
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Move-in support, including utility setup (electricity, internet, water, etc.).
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Walk-throughs and property handover assistance.
School Search Guidance
For families moving to Greece with children, selecting the right school is a top priority. Choosing between public, private, and international education in Greece can feel overwhelming, especially when taking languages and curricula into consideration. With the right guidance, families can feel confident about their choice both academically and socially.
School Search Services Typically Include:
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Overview of local public, private, and international schools.
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Recommendations based on age, learning style, language needs, and family values.
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Organized and accompanied school visits.
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Support during the application and enrollment process.
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Insights on curricula, tuition fees, admissions timelines, and extracurricular activities.
Are You Ready to Find a Home in Greece?
Finding the right home and school in Greece is the foundation for a smooth and successful start. Having expert relocation support ensures that you make informed decisions, personalized to your family's unique needs and goals.
To learn more or begin the process, get in touch with a us today!
To learn more or begin the process, get in touch with a us today!
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Relocation Greece
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