Paros Island

Paros is an island in the heart of the Cyclades Islands with over 10,000 inhabitants and 120kms of coastline. Serene landscapes, fertile valleys and rolling hills are dotted with small churches and monasteries, complemented by endless sandy beaches with azure blue waters. Not only is the natural landscape stunning, but there are numerous things to do in Paros to keep you entertained. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Greece.

You’ll find ancient, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube towns and villages, and no shortage of tavernas bars and cafes run by friendly locals who all know the true meaning of hospitality.

Paros Island is a short ferry ride away from Athens, and its proximity to popular Cyclades islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos makes it the perfect Greece island hopping base!

The two main villages of Paros Island are Parikia and Naoussa. HISA is located in Parikia (also called Paros Town or Hora) Parikia is the capital of Paros, Greece and has about 3,000 inhabitants. Parikia was built on the same site where the ancient city and capital used to stand. This little town is the commercial and cultural center of Paros Island as well as the main harbor of the island, serving many other islands.

HELLENIC INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN THE ARTS

Hellenic International Studies in the Arts (HISA) was founded in 2000 by academics who desired to bring together the historical and classical landscape of Paros Island, Greece, and students who desire more than a traditional lecture format education experience. The talented teachers and artists at HISA are passionate about sharing their experience and knowledge with their students, and they draw on their extensive and diverse backgrounds in university teaching and administration, international art, and academic seminars, to create a unique and creative learning environment.

HISA was founded on the concept of an experiential immersion into the cultural and artistic legacy of Greece and specifically the Cycladic Islands, famous for their individualistic and creative lifestyle and social environment. HISA was built to be a program where students can live as members of the community, securely in their own space, and free to personalize their experience. The classes, workshops and studio environment are set up to allow students to absorb ideas, create works and develop projects in a collaborative relationship with their teachers. This program is perfect for any student wanting to get in touch with their artistic side or further their artistic endeavors. The courses, the people, and vistas can’t help but push your current limits and awaken you to the world’s beauty.

The main school building is located in the historic Azari Merchant House, a structure built in the seventeenth century and now completely restored in the original style. Nearby are the photo, painting and print studios. The HISA Beach Apartments are a ten-minute walk along the sea, and a half block off the main town beach in a quiet setting.

A typical program will have anywhere from 8-30 students on the program.  If you are looking for independent travel, the semester program does have open weekends that allow for travel.  For the summer programs, so much is included in the program, so there is not as much time available for independent travel. Many summer students choose to stay after the program ends if they are interested in independent travel. Being on the Aegean Sea gives the island restaurants many seafood dish specialties.  Traditional Greek dishes are also all around the island, including gyros, Greek yogurt, baklava (a delicious dessert),  olives, and many more.

ASA semester programs on Paros Island include 2 overnight excursions and 3 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. A sample of standard trips included for both the summer and semester programs are:

• Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, famous for its beautiful beaches. Mykonos is also known for its place in Classical Greek literature. It was here that the battle between Zeus and the Titans took place. We will visit the archeological museum, the impressive 14th century church, Panagia Paraportiani, a true Byzantine jewel, and most likely come across one of the town landmark pelicans!
• Santorini - With its dramatic landscape and breathtaking views of the Caldera, or volcanic lake, Santorini is an unforgettable destination. During our study excursion, we will explore the entire island, including the famous Minoan city, Akrotiri, which is now open to the public once again. The main towns of Santorini, Fira and Oia, are both precariously perched on multi-layered steeply rising terraces. We will hike along the edge of the volcanic rim, boat out to the volcano itself, and have class on the cliffs of Oia, while the sun sets before us.
• Delos - Few locations in Greece compare with Delos, birthplace of Artemis and Apollo and the sacred island of ancient times. The Classical ruins exist in a magical surrounding that is unmatched both for its historical significance and its spiritual serenity.
• Antiparos - The island of Antiparos lies just across the bay from Paros. Reached by a small ferry in only a few minutes, it otherwise takes us back to another moment in time. Known for its distinctive Cycladic beauty with white houses, cobbled streets and narrow streets devoid of vehicles, it presents a truly laid back atmosphere, more common of the Greek islands some fifty years ago. We will also visit the uninhabited and dramatic islet of Despotiko, site now of an extensive archaeological dig, and from there to the sea caves and calm hidden lagoons.
• Naxos, home to the god Dionysus. The arch at the harbor of Naxos marks the gateway into Dionysus' mythical realm: HISA students will explore the villages of the high mountain interior, hike isolated trails, and wander through the Castle district of the old town before relaxing over mezes at the port cafe.

Hellenic International Studies in the Arts
Semester/Summer/Academic Year

• Requirements
  • Minimum GPA 2.5 (Students with GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Language Requirement: None. Courses are taught in English
  • At least 17 years of age
  • Must have graduated from high school. Open to all gap-year and undergraduate students, as well as those who have recently graduated with their undergraduate degree.
  • Transcript from your college or university (unofficial is ok)
  • Personal Statement (1 page) describing your personal and academic reasons for wanting to study abroad at Hellenic International Studies in the Arts.
  • 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.
  • For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

INCLUDED

• HOUSING in a student apartments with kitchen facilities. Meals not included. 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 Hellenic International Studies in the Arts (HISA). Students who require a transcript from an accredited U.S. institution may request that their final transcript be issued by Whittier College. There is no additional fee for this. ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

• EXCURSIONS: Semester programs include 2 overnight excursions and 3 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions, 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

NOT INCLUDED

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

• Books, materials, lab fees

• Local transportation

• Personal expenses

• Meals

• 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 and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students only, medical insurance during winter break is included if it is required to get your visa.

If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above.