Activities and Opportunities
Student Life
The American College of Thessaloniki offers study abroad students off campus accommodation in downtown Thessaloniki. Rooms and studios in apartment complexes are all fully furnished (including kitchen appliances in individual studios or in common areas), and are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. Both single and double-occupancy options exist. Off-campus housing locations are well served by the city's reliable bus system with buses running at 10-15 minute intervals. In addition, during the Fall and Spring semesters the college provides free bus service in a morning run (picks up students from their residence) and an evening run (drops them off at their residence). Extracurricular activities are an important part of the program, including cross-cultural orientation programs, excursions, museum visits, archaeological digs, dance classes, and student clubs. Excursions may include Athens, Vergina-Dion, Meteora and Mount Athos.
See the Spring 2013 Calendar for Activities and Field Trips here
For exciting details on ACT volunteering and service learning opportunites click here!
Alumni Feedback
"Deciding to come to ACT has easily been of the best decisions of my life. The professors are great and the staff in the International Programs Office is always there to help. From the moment you get off the plane in Thessaloniki, Efi (or Big Momma as she is known) warmly welcomes you and you get a sense of assurance that everything is going to go well. The ACT students are also very open and it was very easy making new friends. Through the ACT organized trips to Vergina, Delphi and Athens I was able to learn a lot about the history of Greece, while having fun along the way. ACT also organizes other trips, such as a hike up Mount Olympus, boat tour of Halkidiki (which has some of the nicest beaches and its about an hour away from Thessaloniki), a trip to the Pozar Hot Baths and many more trips you have the option of signing up for. Aside from classes, Thessaloniki's location in Europe has allowed me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and visit places I'd never been able to go to otherwise. I have met many people during my time here in Greece, that I now consider very good friends, who have changed me as a person in the best way possible!" "Deciding to come to ACT has easily been of the best decisions of my life. The professors are great and the staff in the International Programs Office is always there to help. From the moment you get off the plane in Thessaloniki, Efi (or Big Momma as she is known) warmly welcomes you and you get a sense of assurance that everything is going to go well. The ACT students are also very open and it was very easy making new friends. Through the ACT organized trips to Vergina, Delphi and Athens I was able to learn a lot about the history of Greece, while having fun along the way. ACT also organizes other trips, such as a hike up Mount Olympus, boat tour of Halkidiki (which has some of the nicest beaches and its about an hour away from Thessaloniki), a trip to the Pozar Hot Baths and many more trips you have the option of signing up for. Aside from classes, Thessaloniki's location in Europe has allowed me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and visit places I'd never been able to go to otherwise. I have met many people during my time here in Greece, that I now consider very good friends, who have changed me as a person in the best way possible!"
- Chris Gogos, Baruch College, NY
"I'm never going home!"
- Joshua Ahl, Nassau Community College, NY
"I can honestly say that my time in Thessaloniki was one of the most valuable experiences of my life.Being immersed in a language, a culture and a style of life that are infinitely different (and, subjectively, infinitely better) from those that we can live among in the States helped me think about what I truly value and has changed and shaped the course of my career and personal life.I have come to realize that apart from the incredible time I had during my semester in Greece, the experience is contributing to my life and happiness as much if not more than ever before."
- Meghan Morris, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
"Thessaloniki is the best city in the world for a college student!"
- Allison Barlows, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO
"After spending an entire year in Thessaloniki, I believe one thing becomes abundantly clear: the atmosphere that the city, school, and staff provide make this one of the best study abroad experiences. The city is absolutely beautiful with its ancient walls intertwining through a modern city. It is also a student city; everything a student could ever ask for is right at your fingertips. The school, where one can interact with students from all over the world who all have the same goals in mind, sets an environment to exchange ideas--yet have fun and be oneself."
- Nicholas Piston, Burlington County College, NJ
"Study Hard, Play Harder: A Study Abroad Philosophy.
People have often said to me, "follow your dreams and life will be rewarding." Over the summer I was fortunate to experience one of my many dreams, thanks to a spectacular group of people in the SEEK Program at CSI......While many students were soaking up the sun over the summer, I was privileged to study in Thessaloniki, Greece, at the American College of Thessaloniki......My professors were masters in their subject matter. They used a variety of tools to teach the lectures. Because of time constraints during the summer session, we had assignments every day, which I expected, of course. After all, I was there to learn. However, I played even harder. Everyone looked forward to the weekends, because they were extraordinary. Most weekends, the Student Government took us on field trips. We explored a few Greek Islands where both learning and playing took place. We visited archaeological sites, such as Vergina, where the ruins date back to early civilization. We also traveled to spectacular beaches and swam in the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Skiathos, one of the beaches we visited, was warm and calm, just like most of the Greek people. "
- Gerard Forte, College of Staten Island, NY
"I feel like I can blend into any culture now, and I can be who I am no matter what country I'm in, and feel comfortable. It is a selfish idea to take 3 months to myself in a foreign country, but the experience has been invaluable so far. I feel like I've grown, and that I see things more clearly, literally a world away from where I grew up."
- Melody Brody, UCLA, LA
"Attending The American College of Thessaloniki was an experience of its own. The faculty were extremely nice and understanding at all times! I never felt that I could not find someone to help me when I needed. Both staff and students were friendly and accommodating. I learned much about Greek civilization, historical monuments, and works of art. After this 3 month excursion I walk away more independent, self-confident, eager to take on challenges, whether academic, personal, or professional, and with a global network of new life long friends!"
- Sade Brooks, Barry University, FL
