Study at the crossroads of civilizations in Thessaloniki Greece!
The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) offers summer and semester programs as well as an extended spring option and a Maymester immersion program in the seaside cultural capital of Greece. With a 6 mile boardwalk, laid back student population, rich history and fantastic location- Thessaloniki is the ideal place to spend a semester abroad.
With an international student body of over 50% Greek and non-US students, ACT provides the perfect opportunity for immersion into Greek life through housing, orientation, and service learning opportunities. Students will also enjoy the extremely active Student Activities office which organizes included trips to Vergina and Athens along with a large array of optional trips like climbing Mount Olympus, canyoning, or simply volunteering to help clean the boardwalk in Thessaloniki. There is something for every student looking to be involved at ACT.
Courses are offered in a wide variety of subject areas including Business, Computer Science, Humanities, Hellenic studies, Sea Sailing and more. Highlights include Greek 101, an immersive course on Thessaloniki's culture and history, and Service Learning and Business Practicum options where students will have a chance to do hands on work locally while building practical skills and reflective practices.
As an American College and NEASC accredited institution overseas with and an English-speaking campus, visiting students will find that the course work and the classroom style is very similar to what would be found in the US with the exception of the international classroom which brings new ideas and perspectives to coursework. Classrooms are small with an average class size of around 16 students and an 11:1 student to faculty ratio which allows visiting students an easy immersion in the classroom and on campus. In addition to the small classrooms, every course includes a "Learning in ACTion" component where students will be taken away from the classroom at least once during the and into the local community to better expand understanding of the subject matter and life in Greece.
The student activities office at ACT is extremely active and involved in ensuring that each visitor makes the most of their experience abroad through clubs, activities, and service learning options.
- Students have the option to participate in a weekly Service Learning project throughout the semester. ACT works with over 40 NGO's for placement or students could be placed at our not-for-profit elementary or high school located on right the Anatolia campus.
- Clubs and Organizations on campus are all open to study abroad visitors and include clubs such as painting club, yoga club, drama club and more.
- The student government at ACT holds a spot for a study abroad student to participate in the democratic process at the school.
- A trip to Athens and Delphi as well as a day trip to Vergina are included with every program.
- Optional Activities ($) are abundant and well planned; these include trips to Meteora, canyoning, Scuba Diving, Beach Trips and the most popular option- a climb fit for the Gods at Mount Olympus.
Visiting students will live in furnished studio apartments in a safe downtown area of Thessaloniki. The apartments are well serviced by public bus and a basic daily bus service is provided to bring students 10-15 minutes to and from campus in a more residential area of the city. All of our apartments are located in close proximity to markets, pharmacies, banks and post offices. Each apartment building includes a live in professional Resident Assistant (RA) who knows the local area and will help students to settle in and make the most of their location. Kitchenware and bedding must be provided by the student.
ACT offers scholarships to visiting students during the Spring and Fall semesters. A $1,000 merit scholarship is available to any accepted student with a GPA of 3.6/4.0 or higher and the Hellenic Heritage scholarship gives a 50% tuition reduction to students of Greek heritage who are traveling to Greece to connect with their cultural roots. Details for both scholarships can be found on the website or by clicking the link in the title above.
For more information please visit ACT’s website www.act.edu/studyabroad – be sure to check out the scholarship page!
