Semester in Greece
The American College of Greece
Immerse yourself in the idyllic Mediterranean
On our Semester in Greece program, choose from over 1,000 courses in English at The American College of Greece. Discover the timeless wonders of Athens, immerse yourself in rich heritage and vibrant city life, all while experiencing the warm hospitality and captivating beauty of the Mediterranean.
What to Expect:
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Language: English
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Average Courseload: 4-5 courses (12-16 US credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.75
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Visa Requirements: YES - Pre-departure
Highlights:
- American-style campus in European setting
- Over 1,000 courses available in English each academic year
- Full immersion with a 60% Greek student population
- Vibrant campus life with lots of extracurricular activities, clubs, and festivals
- Beautiful Mediterranean location with easy access to Greek Islands
Program Details
The American College of Greece
The American College of Greece (ACG) is located in one of the world’s most renowned and safest cities. Its idyllic campus is the springboard for exploring Athens and the nearby Greek islands. ACG is the largest American college or university in Europe and a truly international learning community, with 60% Greek students. Students in nearly any academic major can find courses to apply towards graduation in their home institution. All classes at ACG are taught in English and transferring credits is generally easy because ACG is a US-accredited institution! As a study abroad student you’ll have access to a full range of co-curricular and extra-curricular programs. ACG’s student residences, built for the 2004 US Olympic team, provide a comfortable and enriching living environment.
Areas of study with at least 2 classes available
- World Languages
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
- Art & Design
- Business
- Communications
- Engineering
- Health
- Humanities
- Natural & Applied Sciences
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
CIS Abroad’s academic partner, The American College of Greece, offers a variety of courses instructed in English across business, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, communication, environmental studies and more.
You’ll take a full semester course load, typically 4 or 5 courses for 12 – 16 credits, depending on your assortment of courses and their credit hours (3 or 4).
Course Offerings
You can choose from courses across three schools: The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The School of Business and Economics, and The School of Fine and Performing Arts. This adds up to 32 programs of study, six cooperative programs with Clarkson University, 51 minors, and over 1,000 courses offered each year.
Course Selection
Find the schedule of course offerings for upcoming terms here!
Note: While the upcoming terms offer a good idea of what courses are available for your term of interest, future course offerings are subject to change. Please check back or contact us for specifics. As with any study abroad program, you’ll want to get approval for more courses than you plan to take so you can easily adapt as needed.
You can also search the entire course catalog by academic area and find syllabuses here.
NOTE: Students taking honors courses must have 3.5 GPA, preferably be enrolled in the honors program at their home institution, and must get approval from ACG to enroll in ACG honors courses.
Why Life in Athens
Studying in Athens you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, sunny summers. The pleasant weather creates an ideal environment for outdoor activities, allowing you to explore the city, relax on the nearby beaches, and enjoy the natural beauty of Greece throughout the year. Flanked by some of the world’s most beautiful seas, Greece is located on the southernmost point of the Balkan Peninsula. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history dating back over 3,400 years. Historians consider Athens the cradle of Western civilization. Today, the city artfully blends ancient history with modernity. You’ll see new buildings and stadiums built in the midst of world-famous ancient ruins.
Beyond its historical significance, Athens is a dynamic and youthful city that embraces contemporary culture and offers a thriving social scene. You’ll find a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere where you can connect with locals and fellow international students. The city is known for its lively neighborhoods where students can explore quaint streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and traditional tavernas. Moreover, Athens hosts various cultural events, music festivals, and art exhibitions throughout the year, providing you with ample opportunities to engage with the local culture. In Athens, you can gain a global perspective, develop intercultural competence, and create lasting memories in a city that seamlessly combines the ancient and the contemporary.
Aghia Paraskevi, home of The American College of Greece, is a bustling suburb on the Northeast corner of the Athens basin, where the city begins to slope upward Mount Hymettus (1,024 meters or 3.000 feet high). If Athens is one of Europe’s safest cities, Aghia Paraskevi is one of Athens’ safest (and prettiest) areas. ACG’s beautiful 64-acre campus is the last vestige of the city before urban development gives way to the Mt. Hymettus national forest. As a result of its special location, ACG offers students easy access to some of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city as well as some of the most spectacular nature walks in Greece.
Live The Local Life
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Festivals
Technopolis in the Gazi neighborhood is approximately 30 acres and constitutes one of the most interesting live industrial museums in Europe! Now used as a cultural center for concerts and festivals, there’s always something interesting going on here.
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Dance classes
There are more than 10,000 Greek dances from different regions all over Greece. Make sure you stretch before class!
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Cooking classes
Food is a huge staple in Greek culture - everything revolves around it. Learn to cook and then eat like a local.
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Theaters/Shows/Concerts
Greeks love the arts! Experience a live concert at the famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus, right under the lit-up Parthenon. It’s magical!
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Organic wine or olive oil tasting tour
Learn firsthand what it takes to cultivate and organically produce premium wines or extra virgin olive oil.
Apartment: Shared Room
Location
Live in a safe, clean, comfortable, and convenient residence complex operated by The American College of Greece (ACG). Located just a short walk from campus, the ACG student apartments are in a quiet neighborhood with nearby grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers. The apartments offer excellent amenities, including climate control, full kitchen, bathroom, and a balcony. Shared bedrooms provide single beds, bed-side table, and a closet.
The residence complex also offers lounges, dining areas, fitness rooms, outdoor spaces with grills, 24/7 security, and on-site residence assistants.
Single rooms and studio apartments are available in special cases only and on a very limited basis.
Meals
Various meal plan options are available for purchase upon arrival.
Inclusions and Amenities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- BathroomShared
- Bed linens
- Double Room
- Fitness Center
- Hair Dryer
- Kitchen Equipment
- LaundryOn-site
- Meal PlanOptional
- Microwave
- Study Areas
- Towels
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
- US University transcript issued by The American College of Greece
- Several day excursions (examples from previous terms include Delphi, Sounio, and the Acropolis)
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Full-time tuition & fees
- Housing
- Pre-departure and on-site orientation
- Airport pickup
- Medical & Accident Insurance
- The Local Life cultural program with local activities such as a dance class, food tasting, and cooking class
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival you’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. In the first few days you’ll take part in an orientation program. You’ll learn how to get around campus and how to make the most of your time in Athens.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
As the program draws to a close, you’ll go home with the tools you need to make the most of your experience. We’ll gather everybody together for a farewell meal. We’ll help you reflect on your experience during your time abroad and prepare you for cultural differences you’ll experience as you return home (reverse culture shock is no joke!).
Program Excursions
Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is an iconic archaeological site that holds immense historical and cultural importance. It is home to several ancient structures, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea, which date back to the 5th century BC. The Parthenon, in particular, is renowned for its harmonious design, intricate marble carvings, and Doric columns. The precision and beauty of the ancient craftsmanship are evident throughout the site. You’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Athens and its surroundings. From this vantage point, you can admire the cityscape, the sprawling urban landscape, and notable landmarks such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The view alone makes the trip to the Acropolis worthwhile.
Delphi
Delphi is the site of the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle. This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, plus a stadium and a theater.
Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, is home to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon, an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the god of the sea. The temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, offering stunning views and a chance to explore the rich history and architecture of ancient Greece. The location of Cape Sounion is exceptionally picturesque, with its rugged coastline, sparkling blue waters, and panoramic vistas.
Site Director
Travel Tip:
To explore a new country, I choose to walk rather than take transportation even for longer distances. It helps you better feel the vibration and get into the pace of local life. Makes you hungrier for local dishes, too!
Travel Tip:
To explore a new country, I choose to walk rather than take transportation even for longer distances. It helps you better feel the vibration and get into the pace of local life. Makes you hungrier for local dishes, too!
About:
Upon completing her Bachelor’s degree in Law at the University of Athens, Evgenia set off to the majestic south of France for her Master’s studies, an experience that has left a strong impression on her and planted the seed for wanting to work with international students. After practicing law for nearly 10 years, she decided to take a career turn and become a certified Counselor which led to her enrollment for a Master’s program in Psychology at Hellenic American University. This is where she found herself in a highly multinational environment and had the chance to take in the wealth of experience and perspective that comes with interacting with people from different cultures. The time had come for that seed to sprout! When not lost in Psychology books, Evgenia loves to ride her bike uphill or attend her traditional dance classes. Evgenia is also the counselor for CIS Abroad’s Let’s Talk program.
Your Support Staff
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
Don’t overplan. Have a place to stay, pick a few major things you want to do, and then just get lost in the beauty of it all. If you plan too many activities, you miss out on stumbling into the most wonderful things that you’ll never forget.
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Oct 15
- Arrival: January 10
- Departure: April 26
- Price: $16,890
- Application Deadline: Jun 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: September 8 (Estimated)
- Departure: December 13 (Estimated)
- Price: $16,890 (Estimated)
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.