In Greece, students with proper identification (ISIC and IYC cards) are given reduced entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums, as well as discounts on admission to most artistic events, theatrical performances, and festivals. So you'd be wise to arm yourself with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers substantial savings on rail passes, plane tickets, and entrance fees. It also provides you with basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour help line. The card is available for $22 from STA Travel (tel. 800/781-4040; www.sta.com or www.statravel.com), the biggest student travel agency in the world.
The International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC; www.istc.org) was formed in 1949 to make travel around the world more affordable for students. Check out its website for comprehensive travel services information for students.
If you're no longer a student but are still under 26, you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) from the same people, which entitles you to some discounts. Travel CUTS (tel. 800/592-2887; www.travelcuts.com) offers similar services for both Canadians and U.S. residents. Irish students may prefer to turn to USIT (tel. 01/602-1904; www.usit.ie), an Ireland-based specialist in student, youth, and independent travel.
In the United States, one of the major organizations for arranging overseas study for college-age students is the Council on International Education Exchange, or CIEE (tel. 800/407-8839; www.ciee.org).
A Hostelling International membership can save students money in some 5,000 hostels in 70 countries, where sex-segregated, dormitory-style sleeping quarters cost about $15 to $35 per night. In the United States, membership is available through Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels, 8401 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910 (tel. 301/495-1240; www.hiayh.org). A 1-year membership is free for ages 17 and under; $28 for ages 18 to 54; $18 for ages 55 and over.
In Greece, an International Guest Card can be obtained at the Greek Association of Youth Hostels (OESE), in Athens at 75 Dhamereos Athens 11633 (tel. 210/751-9530; www.athens-yhostel.com).
