Career suCCess
THROUGH UK QUALIFICATIONS
UK Examinations Greece Εxam dates Registration information
January - December 2011
SUCCESS TOMORROW STARTS TODAY INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS FROM THE UK
www.britishcouncil.org/greece
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THE BRITISH COUNCIL Connecting the UK to the world and the world to the UK, we are the United Kingdom's international cultural relations body.
OUR PURPOSE We build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide.
OUR VISION The future for the UK in this crowded, dangerous, beautiful world depends on people of all cultures living and working together on foundations of education, mutual understanding, respect and trust.
OUR VALUES Valuing people • Treating people with courtesy and respect • Listening to what people have to say and responding helpfully • Giving people the opportunity to use and develop their talents • Valuing diversity
Integrity • Being honest • Being consistent both in what we do and say • Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions
Mutuality • Wishing to learn from and share with other people • Putting effective relationships at the heart of our work • Working towards common goals
Creativity • Encouraging people to develop new ideas in an environment of trust • Being resourceful and innovative in our approach • Actively seeking and presenting the best in creativity
Professionalism • Being true to our values and keeping our promises • Listening to and valuing the ideas and opinions of others • Accepting individual and collective responsibility for delivering work to a high standard
Do you have feedback on where you feel we have or have not demonstrated our values?
values@britishcouncil.gr 2
Contents • Why take exams with us?
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• How to register
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• The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
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• IELTS
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• Cambridge ESOL Exams • Trinity College London ESOL Exams
8-9 10 -11
• School Exams
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• Professional Exams
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• IELTS Test dates, 2011
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• ESOL Exams Calendar, 2011
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• Support for UK students
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• Support for teachers and learners of English
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Why take exams with us?
We help nearly a million people every year around the world achieve their life goals by obtaining a UK qualification, and we can help you, too. Our experience in delivering an independent high quality service ensures your examination experience is positive and fair. We pride ourselves on technical innovation. For example, we were the first to provide you with on-line registrations and results and infra-red headphones.
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I would like to thank you for always justifying my loyalty to the British Council by supporting my school in every possible way.
”
Evgenia Polychronaki-Kapaidonaki, Rethymno, Crete
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The feedback from students and parents was very positive. Your professionalism made all the difference once more.
”
Sofia Sagia/Sokratis Magnisalis, Vyronas, Athens.
Candidates with special needs We believe exams should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their learning or physical impairments. To make special arrangements, please contact us for more information.
Feedback We do everything we can to make sure you have a positive exam experience. If you have any comments on our exams administration, please let us know. We will do everything we can to help. Your input also helps us improve our services in the future.
Refunds We are able to refund 75% of your examination fee for medical reasons only. Appropriate medical evidence (from a state hospital, IKA, TEBE etc.) and your timetable must be submitted to the British Council within 1 week of the examination date.
Disclaimer The British Council and the examining boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service. We believe you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control. If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or retesting at a later date.
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How to register 1a. Online Register for IELTS, KET for Schools, PET for Schools, KET, PET, FCE for Schools, FCE, CAE and CPE at www.britishcouncil.org/greece We do not currently accept online payment. Exam fees should be paid by direct deposit to our bank account after you have registered.
1b. By post Alternatively, for all Cambridge ESOL (both paper-based and computer-based versions) and Trinity College London ESOL exams, download an application form or block entry form from our website and send it along with your bank deposit slip to: For candidates in Athens and all other areas of Greece:
For candidates in Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly:
British Council 17 Kolonaki Square, 106 73 Athens
British Council PO Box 12004 541 01 Thessaloniki
Please note registration for IELTS is only available online.
2. Payment By direct deposit to the British Council account at any branch of Alpha Bank, via an ATM or by web banking. Account number: 11500 200201 8908
IBAN: GR05 0140 1150 1150 0200 2018 908
If you register online, please quote the unique reference number provided by the system in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip. For individual registrations via post, please quote the name of the candidate in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip. For Foreign Language School block registrations via post, please quote the name of the school in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.
We thank you and your candidates for trusting the British Council for the delivery of UK examinations.
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The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project "Language Learning for European Citizenship" between 1989 and 1996. Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe. The CEFR has become a key reference document and valuable tool for educational and professional mobility. It also enables employers and educational institutions to easily compare qualifications and see how they relate to exams.
We offer a range of UK ESOL examinations at all levels of the CEFR, so you can choose the one which is best for you. You can read more about these on the following pages. CEFR
Cambridge ESOL
Trinity College London ESOL
CPE
ISE IV GESE Grade 12
BEC Higher, CAE, CB CAE
ISE III GESE Grades 10 & 11 SEW 4
BEC Vantage, FCE, FCE for Schools, CB FCE
ISE II GESE Grades 7,8 & 9 SEW 2 & 3
BEC Preliminary, PET, PET for Schools, CB PET, CB PET for Schools
ISE I GESE Grades 5 & 6 SEW 1
A2 - Waystage
YLE Flyers, KET, KET for Schools, CB KET, CB KET for Schools
ISE 0 GESE Grades 3 & 4
A1 - Breakthrough
YLE Movers
GESE Grade 2
--
YLE Starters
GESE Grade 1
C2 - Mastery C1 - Effective Operational Proficiency
IELTS 8+ 8 7.5 7 6,5
B2 - Vantage
B1 - Threshold
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6 5,5 5 4,5 4.0 5.0 4
“The IELTS test opened the door for me”
Recognised IELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.4 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment. IELTS is recognised by more than 6000 institutions in over 135 countries. IELTS scores are recognised by ΑΣΕΠ. For information about recognition visit: http://bandscore.ielts.org
Convenient IELTS is available twice a month in Greece. Results are issued in 13 days. Results are also available by SMS and on-line. The IELTS test has four parts - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes plus 15 minutes for the interview. The Speaking module is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.
Achievable There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User) for each part of the test. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score. Candidates from Greece performed well above the global average in 2009, putting them in sixth position in the global tables.
Supported To support candidate preparation, we offer 30 hours free access to "Road to IELTS Online", a self-study IELTS preparation course. A user name and password are supplied to candidates upon receipt of their application.
Fee and Locations Exam
IELTS
Fee (€)
Location
190
Tests are available in Athens and Thessaloniki twice per month. Tests are also available in Ioannina, Irakleio - Crete, Komotini, Volos and Patra on specified dates. We may offer additional test dates and locations. Check https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/ for live information on test place availability.
Test dates for 2011 are available inside the back cover. www.britishcouncil.org/greece-exams 7
Cambridge ESOL exams Cambridge ESOL offers the world’s leading range of examinations for learners and teachers of English – taken by over 3 million people in 130 countries. They help you gain entrance to university or college, improve job prospects or measure progress in English. A certificate from Cambridge ESOL tells people a great deal about you and what you can do. Employers and other organisations choose Cambridge ESOL exams because they know these are reliable evidence of the skills they need.
FCE for Schools: the newest version of First Certificate, designed for students of school age.
Hundreds of thousands of teenagers throughout the world participate every year in the FCE examination, making it the most popular B2 level English language test. Cambridge ESOL has created FCE for Schools in recognition of the need for an assessment at this level which reflects the life style and interests of the majority of the candidates, making it the ideal choice for school pupils. FCE for Schools is at the same level and has the same recognition as FCE and the format of the papers is identical.
Exams
Fees (€)
YLE
67
KET, CB KET*, KET for Schools, CB KET for Schools*
85
PET, CB PET*, PET for Schools, CB PET for Schools*
90
FCE, CB FCE*, FCE for Schools
165
CAE, CB CAE*
180
CPE
185
BEC Preliminary
120
BEC Vantage
181
BEC Higher
195
ILEC
260
TKT (per module)
50
Location (for paper-based exams and only subject to minimum requirements) Ag. Nikolaos, Agrinio, Alexandroupoli, Amfissa, Arta, Athens, Chania, Chios, Drama, Edessa, Florina, Grevena, Halkida, Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Irakleio, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Karditsa, Karpenisi, Kastoria, Katerini, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Komotini, Korinthos, Kos, Kozani, Lamia, Larisa, Lefkada, Leros, Livadia, Mesolongi, Mitilini, Mykonos, Nafplio, Paros, Patra, Polygyros, Preveza, Ptolemaida, Pyrgos, Rethymno, Rhodes, Samos, Serres, Sparti, Syros, Thessalonki, Trikala, Veroia, Volos, Xanthi, Zakynthos.
*For information concerning locations of computer-based exams, please contact us. Minimum number of entries required for test locations: • FCE for Schools: 25 candidates (CAE: 10 candidates, CPE: 10 candidates – subject to FCE for Schools 25 candidates) – May session only • FCE for Schools: 25 candidates (FCE: 10 candidates, CAE: 10 candidates, CPE: 10 candidates – subject to FCE for Schools 25 candidates) – December session only • KET for Schools/PET for Schools: 20 candidates (FCE: 10 candidates – subject to KET for Schools/ PET for Schools 20 candidates) – May session only • FCE: 25 candidates (KET for Schools/PET for Schools: 10 candidates – subject to FCE 25 candidates) – May session only • KET/PET, KET for Schools/PET for Schools: 30 candidates • YLE: 30 candidates We may open centres in locations not mentioned above if they meet the minimum number of entries.
Test dates for 2011 are available inside the back cover. www.britishcouncil.org/greece-exams 8
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Η νέα έκδοση της δηµοφιλέστερης εξέτασης αγγλικής γλώσσας, ειδικά σχεδιασµένη για µαθητές σχολικής ηλικίας •
Ίδια αναγνώριση και ίδιο ε�ί�εδο γλωσσοµάθειας µε την εξέταση FCE
•
Φιλική εξέταση και ιδανική ε�ιλογή για µαθητές �ου ε�ιθυµούν �ιστο�οίηση αγγλικών στο ε�ί�εδο Β2
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Θεµατολογία �ροσαρµοσµένη στις γνώσεις και την ηλικία τους
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Λογική συνέχεια της εξέτασης PET for Schools (Β1)
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Διαθέσιµη για όλους τους υ�οψηφίους ανεξαρτήτως ηλικίας
Ηµεροµηνίες εξέτασης για το 2011: Κυριακή 8 Μα�ου Σάββατο 3 Δεκεµβρίου Ο χαρακτηρισµός «for Schools» - KET for Schools, PET for Schools, FCE for Schools αναφέρεται α�οκλειστικά στην νεαρή ηλικία των υ�οψηφίων χωρίς όµως να θέτει κανέναν �εριορισµό στην συµµετοχή ο�οιουδή�οτε υ�οψηφίου στις εξετάσεις αυτές.
Για �ερισσότερες �ληροφορίες ε�ισκεφτείτε την ιστοσελίδα www.cambridgeesol.gr ή ε�ικοινωνήστε µε τα εξουσιοδοτηµένα εξεταστικά µας κέντρα. First Certificate in English (FCE) for Schools CEFR Level B2
Trinity College London ESOL Exams Trinity College London is a well established and experienced international examinations board. It conducts 500,000 assessments worldwide each year and celebrated 70 years of language assessment in 2008. There are three main suites of examinations: • Integrated Skills in English (ISE) • Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) • Spoken English for Work (SEW)
Why take TCL’s ISE exams? • ISE exams are recognised by ΑΣΕΠ and are an international standard for professional and academic advancement • TCL exams are ideal for students needing to prove they can communicate effectively in spoken English • There are three parts to each examination: Controlled Written Exam (30%), Portfolio (20%), Interview (50%) The portfolio consists of three tasks chosen from a published list and is prepared before the interview, with use of reference material etc. and with permitted, limited feedback from the student’s teacher. In the interview candidates present a topic of their choice, discuss their portfolio work and have a general conversation on a range of subjects as described in the syllabus. At levels III and IV there is also a separate listening task in the interview. The exams are available monthly, subject to minimum number of entries.
Examination
Fees (€)
ISE 0
83
ISE I
100
ISE II
157
ISE III
177
ISE IV
188
SEW 1
89
SEW 2
125
SEW 3
140
SEW 4
151
GESE 1
36
GESE 2
42
GESE 3
48
GESE 4,5,6
69
GESE 7,8,9
92
GESE 10,11,12
138
Location
For details of TCL's exam locations please contact the British Council.
Test dates for 2011 are available inside the back cover. www.britishcouncil.org/greece-exams 10
School Exams If you are studying for a UK school leaving exam, you can take your exam with us in Athens or Thessaloniki. We offer: • IGCSE/GCE O Level (usually studied from age 14-16 in the UK) • GCE/A Level (usually studied in the UK from age 16-18 in the UK) You can choose between two of the UK’s largest providers of international school assessments, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel. For more information about these boards, their exams and dates visit the following websites www.cie.org.uk www.edexcel.com
Professional Exams Are you looking for a UK professional qualification? Many UK professional bodies offer their exams overseas through us. Below are some of the most popular in Greece. The Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) ACCA aims to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. www.acca.org.uk The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) The ACA is regarded globally as one of the leading business and finance qualifications, and is recognised and valued in practice, industry, commerce and the public sector. www.icaew.com The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) RAD promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. It seeks to accomplish its mission through promoting dance, educating and training students and teachers and providing examinations to reward achievement. www.rad.org.uk Contact us or visit our website for information about registration and fees for all the above exams, as well as information about the complete range of professional exams we offer.
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SUPPORT FOR POTENTIAL, CURRENT OR PAST UK STUDENTS I want to study in the UK
As well as IELTS, we offer a range of services for you. Whether you want to take a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree, or study English in the UK, our experienced education counsellors can help you identify and apply for the right course. You may need to have Greek documents translated into English for submission to UK institutions. We can take care of that for you too.
I am studying at a UK university If you are following a distance learning course e.g. through the University of London External Programme or a course in any UK university, you can take all of your exams through us. Similarly, if you are studying at a UK university but need to be in Greece during your exams, you can ask the university if you can take your exams in Greece with us. While studying in the UK, you may need to have documents verified and translated for the Greek authorities. We can do that for you.
I have finished my UK studies When you return to Greece, we can translate, verify and provide certified copies of your UK education certificates for employers or other institutions that need this from you. You can also find details of UK university alumni associations through us. For more information on all these services see www.britishcouncil.org/greece-education
SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND LEARNERS OF ENGLISH www.learnenglish.org.uk
A portal that links to all of our websites for teachers and learners of English - just one web address to remember. It provides activities for kids, parents, teenagers and adult learners to practise English in an enjoyable way. Have you tried our new podcasts?
www.teachingenglish.org.uk The award-winning global home for English teaching which brings together everything busy teachers need, from classroom materials to ideas for development.
Talking English A newsletter for English language teachers to keep up to date with global ELT news and local events organised by the British Council. Find links to useful websites and articles, online teaching resources, and details of events and training opportunities in Greece. Registration is free. Subscribe at www.britishcouncil.org/greece-newsletter-subscribe
Teacher training If you teach IELTS at your school we can help you hone the teaching strategies and techniques of your teachers with our IELTS teacher training course. This course is available upon request only. Our online teacher training and development courses provide a unique opportunity for teachers who want to upgrade their teaching skills without attending a face to face course. Visit our website at www.britishcouncil.org/greece
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2011 IELTS Test Dates Athens and Thessaloniki Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Month
Dates
Modules
Dates
Modules
January
Saturday 08
A
Saturday 22
A / GT
February
Saturday 12
A / GT
Saturday 26
A
March
Saturday 12
A
Saturday 19
A / GT
April
Saturday 02
A / GT
Saturday 30
A
May
Thursday 19
A / GT
Saturday 28
A
June
Saturday 04
A
Saturday 25
A / GT
July
Saturday 09
A / GT
Saturday 30
A / GT
August
Saturday 13
A / GT
Saturday 20
A
September
Saturday 03
A / GT
Thursday 15
A
October
Saturday 08
A / GT
Saturday 22
A / GT
November
Saturday 05
A / GT
Saturday 19
A
December
Thursday 01
A
Saturday 10
A / GT
Dates
Modules
Thursday 25
A / GT
2011 IELTS Test Dates Other cities June
Saturday 11
A / GT
Irakleio-Crete, Patra, Volos, Ioannina, Komotini
A: Academic module GT: General training module We recommend candidates register 5 weeks before their chosen test date but places may be available after this date. Check https://ielts.britishcouncil.org for live information on test place availability.
“The test for study, work and life”
CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONS January to December 2011 Paper based
LMS
UMS
Examination Session
KET/ PET
KETfS/ KETfS/ KETfS/ FCE PETfS PETfS PETfS
FCEfS
Mar
May
Nov
May
May
Registration period
14–25 Feb
17–21 Jan
14–25 Feb
19 Sep– 04 Oct
14–25 Feb
Examination date
04 Jun
12 Mar
14 May
26 Nov
Oral Exams
27 May– 06 Jun
04–14 Mar
06–16 May
18–28 Nov
Jun
Computer based
BE
CAE/ CPE
FCE
FCEfS
CAE/ CPE
BEC
May
Dec
Dec
14–25 Feb
14–25 Feb
19 Sep– 04 Oct
19 Sep– 04 Oct
19 Sep– 04 Oct
11–15 Apr
14 May
08 May
07 May
04 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
P: 08 Jun V: 09 Jun H: 07 Jun
02–22 May
02–22 May
02–22 May
18 Nov– 11 Dec
18 Nov– 11 Dec
18 Nov– 11 Dec
03–13 Jun
Jun
Dec
LMS
UMS
Examination Session
CB KET/ CB PET
CB KET/ CB PET
CB KETfS/ CB PETfS
CB KETfS/ CB PETfS
CB FCE
CB FCE
CB
Nov
Apr
Dec
Apr
Registration period
02–06 May
01–04 Nov
30 May–03 Jun
24–27 Oct
14–18 Mar
07–11 Nov
14–
Examination date
26 May
24 Nov
23 Jun
19 Nov
14 Apr
02 Dec
15 A
Oral Exams
23–29 Apr
21–27 Nov
20–26 Jun
14–20 Nov
11–17 Apr
28 Nov–04 Dec
11–1
May
Nov
Jun
TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON ESOL EXAMINATIONS January to December 2011 Examination Session
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Registration period ISE Controlled written exams ISE Oral Exams and GESE and SEW exams
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oc
Closes 6 weeks before the test date 22 Jan*
09 Feb
16 Mar
13 Apr
11 May 28 May*
08 Jun
06 Jul
10 Aug
21 Sep
23–24 Jan
10–11 Feb
17–18 Mar
14–15 Apr
12–13 May 29–30 May
09–10 Jun
07–08 Jul
11–12 Aug
22–23 Sep
*ISE IV Controlled written exam is also available on these dates
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EC
ILEC
TKT
Young Learners
BEC
ILEC
ILEC
TKT
TKT
TKT
TKT
YLE
YLE
YLE
YLE
YLE
26–30 Sep
28–31 Mar
26–30 Sep
10–14 Jan
14–18 Mar
28 Mar– 01 Apr
19–23 Sep
10–14 Jan
21–31 Mar
21–31 Mar
02–06 May
26–30 Sep
P: 26 Nov V: 03 Dec H: 19 Nov
14 May
19 Nov
13 Mar
22 May
05 Jun
27 Nov
a. 13 Mar b. 20 Mar
a. 22 May b. 29 May
a. 05 Jun b. 12 Jun
03 Jul
11 Dec
P: 11–28 Nov V: 11Nov– 5 Dec H: 11–21 Nov
06–16 May
11–21 Nov
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
a. 13 Mar b. 20 Mar
a. 22 May b. 29 May
a. 05 Jun b. 12 Jun
03 Jul
11 Dec
Nov
May
B CAE
Nov
May
Jun
Nov
Mar
May
Jun
Jul
Dec
CB CAE
r
Dec
–18 Mar
07–11 Nov
Apr
10 Dec
17 Apr
05–11 Dec
ct
Mar
Nov
Dec
12 Oct
09 Nov*
14 Dec
13–14 Oct
10–11 Nov
15–16 Dec
ESOL EXAMS CALENDAR 2011
“IELTS is so well-respected, it was the obvious choice.”
Contact us 801 500 3692 or 210 369 2333 (Monday-Friday 0800-1700) customerservices@britishcouncil.gr We aim to answer all calls within 30 seconds and emails within one working day.
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If you need a copy of the information in this brochure in large print, we will be happy to provide one for you. Aν θέλετε να σας αποστείλουµε τις πληροφορίες αυτές και στα Ελληνικά,παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε µαζί µας. In our effort to reduce our environmental impact as part of the British Council’s global commitment, we have printed this leaflet on recycled paper.
© British Council 2011 The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).
www.britishcouncil.org/greece