Semester in Greece

Introduction

Experience the wonders of Greece by participating in Iowa State University’s newest program in Europe at American College of Thessaloniki as part of the ISU Semester in Greece program. Located in northern Greece, undergraduate students have the opportunity to take university- level coursework in English while experiencing the language, culture, and history of Greece firsthand.

The college

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is the university division of Anatolia, an integrated educational center over 200 years old. Originally founded as a seminary near Constantinople in 1840, in 1924 it was relocated to the city of Thessaloniki in northern Greece.

Today ACT consists of four separate schools: an elementary school, a high school, a college with approximately 700 students, and an MBA program. The college has a student population representing over 20 countries. All ACT coursework is taught in English and includes humanities, business, and technology and sciences. Special courses of interest include Byzantine History, Greek History, Ancient Greek Philosophy, Greek Culture, and the Greek language.

The city

Named for the sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece (pop. 1.5 million). Over 2,300 years old, the city of Thessaloniki is a wonderful blend of ancient and modern. Mere minutes from the spectacular Thermaikos Gulf, students find themselves surrounded by beautiful parks, Byzantine churches, endless shopping, museums, and a uniquely Greek nightlife. ACT is within an hour of some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, not to mention easy access to Pella, the home of Alexander the Great, the birthplace of Aristotle, and Mount Olympus.

Academic program

The Semester in Greece program is offered both fall and spring semesters with the possibility of a summer option. Semesters at ACT run from September to January* and February to June. For students considering the summer option, the summer term runs from the end of June to the end of July. See the 07/08 academic calendar.

An orientation will be held prior to the commencement of courses. This orientation will assist students in preparing for the academic and cultural experience ahead. Students then enroll in regular courses offered by the university.

Students attending the fall semester (September – January) are able to complete the semester prior to winter break in order to return to ISU for the spring semester if arrangements are made in advance to complete exams, term papers, and all other assignments.

Credits

Academic credit earned at ACT transfers to Iowa State University. ACT follows an American model of course credit. Study abroad students must enroll for the equivalent of a “full-load” of courses while studying at ACT. An average “full-load” is typically five courses and is generally equivalent to 12 semester hours of credit at ISU.

Room and board

Students will be housed in off-campus university residence halls located in the downtown area of Thessaloniki. Most students are assigned to a single room and will share community bathrooms and kitchen. There is no meal plan available at ACT. Kitchen facilities are available in the residence halls so that students can prepare their own meals. There is a café available on campus as well as a variety of inexpensive restaurants. More information is available from the program coordinator.

Eligibility

To apply for the program, students must have:

At least sophomore standing
A minimum 2.8 G.P.A.

Program cost

The program fee, paid to Iowa State, for the Fall 2006 semester at ACT, is $5,250. This includes tuition, fees, orientation, and fieldtrip. Double occupancy accommodation is approximately $2,000 and $2,500 for a single room. Accommodation fees, including deposits, are paid directly to ACT.

Financial aid

Most students remain eligible for their current financial aid. Need-based scholarships are available through the Study Abroad Center. If you are a National Merit/National Achievement Scholar, you should contact your on-campus scholarship coordinator. Learn more about Iowa State's study aborad financial aid.

Application deadline

Spring semester: October 1
Fall semester: March 15
Summer term: March 15

Two applications are required:

Download the application process (.doc).

For more information

Read the Spring 2007 ACT Program Handbook (.pdf) or contact the following:

Iowa State University
Study Abroad Center
3224 Memorial Union
Ames, IA 50011
Tel. (515)294-6792
studyabroad@iastate.edu