Living and Learning: Springtime at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Summary

The current crisis facing the Greek tertiary educational system is examined in this documentary which goes into the university and looks at the issues from the varied and sometimes conflicting perspectives of those involved. It’s spring 2006 and the university corridors are bristling with political activity. Students are getting ready for elections, professors are also voting for deans, while a group of engineering students is totally engrossed in preparing for an international competition and doesn’t seem to notice any of this. They all want a better public university system, but how can they achieve it? We witness a crisis in the making. When students decide to occupy the university, it turns into a standoff between the government, professors and students. Finally, as Professor Vokos observes, “perhaps we’re afraid of facing reality.”