Study Abroad in Athens, Greece

Ancient Wonders, Modern Adventure
Discover where ancient history and modern energy collide in Athens, Greece’s vibrant capital city. Home to more than 3 million people, Athens is one of Europe’s most dynamic metropolitan hubs — where world-changing history exists alongside lively cafés, thriving nightlife, incredible cuisine, and Mediterranean coastal beauty.

 

As one of the world’s oldest cities, Athens boasts more than 3,400 years of history. It was here that democracy, philosophy, theater, and education flourished, shaping the foundations of western civilization. Walking through Athens means following in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, Sophocles, and Hippocrates, whose ideas continue to influence our world today.

 

As a student living in Athens, you can move beyond tourism and truly immerse yourself in one of history’s greatest cultural capitals. Explore the Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon, wander through ancient ruins tucked between lively neighborhoods and modern shops, and discover priceless ancient artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum. Every street, monument, and neighborhood tells a story thousands of years in the making.

 

Beyond the classroom, Athens comes alive with music, art, sports, festivals, and unforgettable food. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and the world-famous Mediterranean diet at neighborhood cafés and rooftop restaurants, or learn to cook traditional dishes yourself.

 

And no study abroad experience in Greece would be complete without exploring the breathtaking Greek islands. Crystal-clear waters, sunny beaches, and unforgettable weekend adventures are just a short flight or ferry ride away. Athens also offers easy, affordable travel to destinations across Europe including Italy, France, Spain, and beyond.

 

Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, watching the sunset from a rooftop café, or island-hopping through the Aegean Sea, studying abroad in Athens offers the perfect blend of academics, cultural immersion, and adventure — the chance to live inside history and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

 

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Academics & Eligibility

American College of Greece (ACG)
Come study at the largest US-accredited university in Europe!
 
The American College of Greece offers students an American-style education and campus experience while living in an international community in one of Europe’s most historic cities. Located in the charming suburb of Agia Paraskevi - just outside central Athens at the foothills of Mount Hymettus - ACG’s 64-acre campus has everything you need. ACG boasts a welcoming environment surrounded by natural beauty, as well as fully staffed residential life and comprehensive student services.
 
ACG is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and all courses are taught in English, with students earning U.S. credits.
 
Students live in spacious, fully furnished residences within walking distance of campus, located in a safe residential neighborhood with easy access to grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, shops, and other local amenities. During your free time, you can visit Athens’ many historical sites and monuments by taking public transportation into the city, about an hour’s ride.
 
The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including an expansive library, smart classrooms, and a simulated training room. Students also have access to premier athletic facilities such as the High Performance Olympic Training Center used by the 2004 U.S. Olympic team. You can participate in intercollegiate sports, intramural leagues, clubs, and student organizations on campus, allowing you to continue pursuing interests and hobbies abroad. Social events and activities are held regularly throughout the term to help students connect.
 
To support student success and well-being, The American College of Greece offers comprehensive student services including tutoring, wellness coaching, counseling, first aid care from on-campus nurses, and 24/7 support from Greek Resident Assistants. 
 

Course Information

Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English.

 

Course Schedules: ACG posts schedules online for upcoming terms as follows: Fall - end of March/early April; Spring - end of October; Summer - February

 

See ACG Course Schedule (make sure to select the correct term in the drop-down list, then click on ‘Download Class Schedule’ link to view the accurate course list of the selected term)

ACG reserves the right to alter any course offerings should circumstances make it necessary.

 

Course Codes: Most ACG courses are designated as Level 4, Level 5, or Level 6

  • Level 4 (L4) courses are suitable for all students and are equivalent to 100 and 200 US level courses. No prerequisites.
  • Level 5 (L5) courses are suitable for juniors, and seniors and are equivalent to 300 US level courses. A few prerequisites.
  • Level 6 (L6) courses are suitable for advanced juniors, and seniors and are equivalent to 400 US level courses. Prerequisite knowledge necessary.
  • Courses that don’t have a Level or are Non-level/Liberal Education (LE) courses are normally open to all students. Designed for students fulfilling General Education credits.

Course Code example: AF 2006A 1 L4 where: AF = department; 2006 = course number; A = section; 1 = Campus (1 = APC, 2 = DTC): L4 = level (levels = 4,5,6)

 

Prerequisites: Check the course syllabi for course prerequisites prior to enrolling. 

 

US students are not currently eligible for research, capstone or internship classes.  

 

Assessment: Most (not all) classes only have 2 assessments! You must stay on top of your work. Most classes (not all) do not have any homework assignments, ONLY the 2 exams.  

 

Credit Information

Summer U.S. Credits: 3-6 credits. Normal course load is 1-2 courses. Students who enroll in more than the maximum credits allowed will be charged an additional fee per credit.

 

Semester U.S. Credits: 12-16 credits. Normal course load is 4-5 courses. Students who enroll in more than the maximum credits allowed will be charged an additional fee per credit.

 

Final Transcript: Issued by The American College of Greece, a U.S. accredited institution by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA 2.75 (Students with GPA between 2.5-2.74 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. GPA below 2.5 will not be considered.)
  • Language Requirement: None. Courses are taught in English
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must have completed at least 1 semester at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying and be currently enrolled full-time
  • Transcript from your college or university (unofficial is ok)
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport, is required at latest 2 weeks after the application deadline if you’re applying for an academic year abroad, or at latest 4 weeks after the application deadline if you’re applying for a semester abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

You MUST have DOUBLE the number of classes approved by your home institution than you actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts.

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

When can I book my flight? Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and you receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

 

Academic Year Participant Notes: An automatic $1,000 discount is applied to your second-semester program fee. For your ASA application, enter your academic year program code as the Fall program code and then add AY- in front of that code. 

 

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your home away from home.

We place a high priority on safety, housing location, and proximity to school. Housing includes wifi and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school. All ACG housing is located a short walk from campus (approximately 10-25 minutes.

 

Students will complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted to the program. Students are then placed within the ACG housing pool while accommodating as many preferences as possible. The vast majority of rooms are double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms or studio apartments with private bathrooms are available for a supplemental fee for students with a medically documented need, and on a first come, first served basis.

 

The majority of apartments/units are shared by 4-8 students, though there are a few smaller and larger units as well.

 

Residence halls and shared apartments each have their own unique characteristics, and rooms and features may vary.

 

Residence Hall

The ACG residence halls offer a traditional residence hall living experience with double occupancy fully furnished rooms, shared kitchens, and cozy amenities like fitness area, television, BBQ area, outdoor space, onsite laundry, and indoor lounge/common area where you can hang out, watch movies, and dine with other students. See above for single room policies. Bathrooms are shared (approximately 4 students per bathroom). Apartments/units are arranged in cluster flats of 2-5 bedrooms, each apartment having its own kitchen and bathroom. The standard arrangement is to share an apartment with same-gender students. However, all-gender apartments are available by request for members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Shared Apartment

Shared Apartments are located off campus nearby in the Agia Paraksevi neighborhood surrounding campus, just a short walk from your classes. All apartments are fully furnished with shared kitchens, onsite laundry facilities, and double occupancy rooms (see above for single room policies). Bathrooms are shared (approximately 4 students per bathroom). The standard arrangement is to share an apartment with same-gender students. However, all-gender apartments are available by request for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Housing FAQs

You may request to live with a friend by emailing ASA at hello@academicstudies.com and we will do our very best to accommodate you. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back.
Semester programs: Rooms are single occupancy. Summer programs: Rooms are double occupancy.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. If there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.
No, meals are not included but students will have access to a kitchen.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
Students will live a short walk away from campus (roughly 5-10 minutes).

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

 ASA semester programs in Athens include 3 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. A sample of trips include Aegina (a nearby island), Nafplio (a historic coastal city), and Delphi (ancient ruins in the mountains).

Aegina

Aegina

Day Trip

Aegina, a picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf just a short ferry ride from Athens, is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and pistachios! We will visit the ancient Temple of Aphaia, a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site that reflects Greece’s classical past, and taste the island’s famous pistachios, which have been cultivated on Aegina since the end of the 19th century.
Nafplio

Nafplio

Day Trip

Nafplio, once the first capital of modern Greece, offers visitors a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. We will visit the impressive Palamidi Fortress, wander through the picturesque old town with its narrow streets and vibrant squares, and explore the waterfront promenade overlooking the Argolic Gulf.
Delphi

Delphi

Day Trip

Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and was once considered the center of the ancient world. Known for the Temple of Apollo and its famous oracle, Delphi provides a fascinating glimpse into Greece’s rich history, mythology, and cultural heritage.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite
  • Housing in a residence hall or shared apartment with kitchen facilities. Meals are not included, but you can purchase a meal plan after arrival if you prefer. See housing tab for more info.

  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by The American College of Greece, a U.S. accredited institution by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • Excursions: Semester programs include 3 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Locations to be decided .

  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Athens (ATH) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation

  • Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App

  • Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about Mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs

  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs)
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs)

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location.

  • Books, materials, art supplies (if applicable)

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals (a Meal Plan may be purchased onsite after arrival) 

  • Laundry

  • Meals on excursions.

  • Visa, if required.

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time.

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program.

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Program Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

No program calendar data found.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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