Hi! Sorry I missed this question for a while! Thessaloniki is so amazing, you will love living there (here are my posts about it)!

The language barrier is tricky with older people, but most young people speak English. I used Rosetta Stone before I went abroad, but if you don’t want to do that just load up on the basics (hello, thank you, I would like, how much is this, etc). And numbers! That’s enough to get you through most things!

I felt VERY safe in Greece. Of course, don’t totally let your guard down or anything. Here is a post I wrote about how to avoid general rip offs. I never felt unsafe at night or anything but it is always good to have a buddy no matter where you are on earth.

Here is another post I wrote about how to apply for a visa. The process was a little difficult, just start early and really, really follow every instruction as carefully as you can!

Good luck, I can’t wait to hear about it on your blog! :)