How can an 18 year old graduand do something serious with his cultural refinement?

Question

I want to cultivate my inner self. I just started reading books, but I don't think that only this will provide me with all the appropriate "supplies" for my life. I would prefer to accept answers from people that have some close experience, either this means that they have already widened their cultural borders, or they were in the position that I'm now and acted in a way that brought them to the wanted "level".
P.S. I feel the need to ask, because all those months (or better years ) I was dedicated strictly to my lessons so as to pass to the university, here in Greece, where no chances for multilateral education are offered. Thank you in advance.

These "Details" are refered to the 2 first (and i hope not the last) answerers. Thank you both, but there are a couple of things that I would like to mention.

"La buena bruja": when you say mentor, what do you mean in detail?

And as far as "All-One" is concerned, I would to inform him that every word of him will be taken into account.
P.S. Although I apprehend that no certain steps exist, anything more detailed would be illuminating. Thank you both again.

Answer 1

My goodness young man, you have already started you journey. The question you ask Say's to me you are open-minded, and you are live in a great place, start with the great Greek thinker's, those thoughts will open the door to many question, that time has answered, or that require different answers. Seek and you will find, might be your future motivation.
As far as your last statement about your future education, go to the American embassy, and see what education opportunities are available to you in the U.S..
I believe that life is a journey, and in my mind you are going to have a wonderful experience. All my best to you.
I in response to your addition comments, try to clarify by saying the following:
You come from a culture that has given the world some of the greatest thinkers, philosophy's, Their thinking is the corner stone to most of the civilized world. (Plato, Aristotle, Socrates), read them Now! Go to the American Embassy, and ask about scolarships offered to Greek Students, who would like to continue their education in the States. I assure their are many.
You will find those there, that will help you apply. If, and I am sure they will, see you as intelligent, and motivated as I do, it will be a great experience for both you and them.
A side benifit of going to the States is your wish to view different cultures would be gratified. The American culture is so diverse, you, if you choose and were open, experience them all. It is the beginning of a wonderful journey. My best, Sincerely All-One.

Answer 2

Yes, you need to read the great literature that was not included in your academic work, but you also need the opportunity to discuss what you have read. Are there clubs you could join where such conversation is held? Are there coffee-houses or bistros or something where traditionally the well-educated hang out together?

Perhaps you should seriously consider travel. If you have the money, you could spend some time just touring, getting to know people, especially well-educated people, and talking about the philosophical aspects of living. If you visit the US, be sure to include St. Louis, which is right in the middle of the nation and has a lively cultural heritage. Come to the Ethical Society some Sunday morning, where intelligence and compassion are combined in some really fine people.

Study philosophy, spiritual matters, the inside of the human experience. Not only in books, but in meditation, in the understanding of symbols, myths, that part of ourselves which is not well expressed in language. Follow up on the links provided to you in Answers, keeping your BS filters on high gain. Check out Yahoo Groups for people concentrating on those parts that interest you most.

Learn history, including the history of art and architecture, of civilization. If you can't afford to travel, get yourself some of the better DVDs, such as those by the History Channel, the BBC, A&E (which is to say, public broadcasting). Cruise the Internet if you cannot cruise the world!

Answer 3

A good way to improve cultural refinement is to meet people who are knowledgeable about fine arts. One way is to seek out a mentor.