These 3 College Students Studied Abroad in Greece

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It’s no surprise that Greece is such a popular study abroad destination. It’s a country of profound mythology and ancient history, home to first-rate universities, world-renowned archaeological sites, and delicious Mediterranean food. With an AIFS Abroad study abroad program in Athens, you can earn academic credit at a respected university, immerse yourself in the world-famous Greek culture, and explore breathtaking islands during your free time. Want to learn more about what it’s like to study abroad in Greece? 

Hear from three college students who did a study abroad program in Greece with AIFS Abroad! 

Taylor: Spring in Athens 

Meet Taylor, a communications major from Rowan University who studied abroad in Athens during spring semester. Hear Taylor explain why she chose Athens: 

“I chose Athens because it’s always been a dream of mine to go to Greece! When I tell you it’s worth it… IT’S SO WORTH IT! I’m so thankful for all the experiences I’ve had, and all the wonderful people I have met while studying abroad.” 

When you study abroad, you can immerse yourself in a new and exciting culinary experience. As Taylor said, the food is her favorite thing about Athens: 

“What I love most about Athens is that there are a ton of food options and delicious restaurants all around you and all in walking distance… I’m already such a huge fan of Greek food, so having it all the time is amazing! Everything is so fresh, and I love learning new Greek dishes!” 

Between shopping at the local grocery store near her dorm and eating out at restaurants, Taylor found herself enthusiastically adopting more of a Mediterranean diet, as she said: “By being in Greece, [I’ve been] inspired to practice somewhat of a Mediterranean diet.”  

Below, Taylor explains how her study abroad courses in Athens offered a new perspective to her field of study: 

“My major is actually communications, so most of my classes are based around Greek terminology and philosophies on how we as people communicate. Also, being able to experience a different perspective in [terms of] way of life is really helping me understand communication in a different context. I think that’s really cool!” 

She goes on to say that her host institution, the American College of Greece, offers a number of classes focused on health and wellness: 

“The American College of Greece offers a ton of classes for both your physical and mental health! Many different classes range from yoga, Pilates, meditation, and more!” 

Angie: Summer in Athens 

Angie, an international business major at James Madison University, did a summer study abroad program in Athens. 

During her four-week program, she said that she took “two classes, one is Aspects of Greek Art in Athens and the other is Introduction to Astronomy.” Angie’s housing was close to classes, so she could enjoy a leisurely stroll to and from class: “[It’s a] ten-minute walk through the neighborhood to get to campus.” 

Angie said that the American College of Greece campus was an excellent place for student athletes, thanks to its first-rate sports facilities: 

“Our campus has a huge track and soccer field, including an Olympic sized swimming pool which Michael Phelps used to train in when the Olympics were held here!” 

Below, Angie explains her experience traveling and going on trips during her program in Athens: 

“It was super easy to explore other parts of Greece—the college itself and AIFS put in so many different events and excursions we could choose to go on. We had our weekends completely free and open to visit wherever we wanted. So, my friends and I took advantage of that. We would book ferry tickets and go around the islands on the weekends.” 

Not only did the ferries make travel easy, but Angie also added that “There are so many different affordable transportation services like buses and trains that can take you from city to city.” 

Worried about making friends during your time abroad? Everyone does! As Angie explains, other study abroad students are often eager to make new friends:  

“Everyone is in the same boat and wants to meet new people; you just have to put yourself out there! I found the best people ever, and we are already planning when we can see each other back home!” 

Halle: Fall in Athens 

Halle, a marketing major and international business minor from Auburn University, studied abroad in Athens during the fall semester. As Halle explains, fall is the perfect time to study abroad in Athens: 

“If you’re not a huge fan of big crowds, visit tourist areas and attractions after tourist season ends! This is typically in the fall or early spring. If you love the city, Athens will definitely be right up your alley! Athens is the biggest city in Greece, so you can expect a larger population. However, it’s not impossible to find a hole in the wall.” 

While it gets cooler in Greece during the late fall, Halle says it’s a great place to be if you want to avoid the cold: “If you’re looking for an area that will stay warm the majority of your stay, I highly recommend Greece!” 

Studying abroad in Greece is an awesome opportunity to discover some of its many stunning islands. During her program, Halle traveled to Corinth, Meteora, Nafplio, Corfu, and Santorini! Like all our programs, you can go on trips and excursions led by AIFS Abroad staff; plus, you’ll have plenty of time to do some traveling with the friends you make along the way! 

Hear Halle describe her experience with the AIFS Abroad on-site staff in Athens: 

“My Program Director’s name is Alice, and she is the sweetest woman in the world! She is so responsive and checks in with us often. She spoiled us with an 11-course meal after our Acropolis tour!” 

Turn your adventure abroad into an odyssey of its own—study abroad in Greece like these three students did with AIFS Abroad! 

AIFS Abroad offers multiple programs in Greece, each providing access to a range of unique courses and cultural experiences. When you study abroad in Greece with AIFS Abroad, you receive valuable program inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.