How to Study Abroad in Greece: A Simple Guide
Thinking about spending a semester or summer surrounded by ancient ruins, colorful islands, and endless sunshine? This guide breaks down how to study abroad in Greece – from choosing the right program to understanding costs, requirements, and scholarships – so you can focus on planning your adventure in Athens instead of stressing over logistics.
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How to Study Abroad in Greece
Studying abroad might sound complicated, but with the right steps, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step process how to make it happen:
Step #1: Choose Your Program
When it comes to how to study abroad in Greece, Athens is the place to be. With CIEE, you can spend a full semester (spring or fall) diving into academics and Greek culture, join a shorter summer program if you’re looking for flexibility, or gain hands-on experience through a global internship.
No matter which time of year or program you choose, studying abroad in Athens means you’ll be surrounded by ancient history, modern city life, and endless opportunities to learn outside the classroom.
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Step #2: Explore Your Scholarship Options for Greece
Don’t let finances hold you back. With Greek study abroad scholarships available for all types of students, you’ll find support to make your time in Athens affordable.
Need-Based Grants
CIEE’s need-based study abroad grants consider your Student Aid Index (SAI) from your FAFSA to award grants toward program fees and travel. You don’t need to write an essay for most of these grants – just provide your SAI.
Merit-Based Scholarships
If you have strong grades, leadership experience, and/or a passion for making an impact, CIEE’s merit scholarships can significantly lower the cost of studying abroad – no financial data required.
A standout example is the annual Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship, which fully funds a transformative study abroad experience for exceptional student leaders committed to advancing social justice and equity.
Most merit-based awards also involve a short essay where you’ll share how studying abroad connects to your academic or career goals.
Other Scholarship Options
Beyond need and merit, CIEE offers extra grants and awards like:
- The Go Abroad Again discount for returning students
- Special summer sessions discounts
- Incentives for referring friends
These options can stack with other scholarships to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs even more!
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Step #3: Complete Your Study Abroad Application
Once you’ve nailed down your program and funding, it’s time to apply.
You’ll begin by:
- Entering your personal details (name, birth date, contact info)
- Selecting your college, and picking your preferred term in Athens
- Adding emergency contacts and your home university’s study abroad advisor
Some programs may require extra steps; you’ll see prompts for essays, transcripts, or additional forms depending on the location.
Finally, review and accept the terms and conditions, and submit your application. Once we receive it, you can expect a status update within a week or so!

How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Greece?
If you’re asking how much it is to study abroad in Greece, the answer depends on the type of program you choose.
Shorter options, like the Summer in Athens program, start at $6,450 for six weeks. Longer semester programs, such as Semester in Athens or Business + Culture, are more expensive, coming in at about $16,950 for the semester.
While living costs like housing, meals, transportation, and personal travel add to the overall budget, CIEE offers plenty of scholarships and grants to help make studying abroad in Greece more affordable.
What Do You Need to Study Abroad in Greece?
The requirements to study abroad in Greece depend on the program you choose with CIEE.
Most students will need to:
- Be enrolled at an accredited college or university
- Have a minimum GPA (typically 2.5-3.0)
- Meet any course prerequisites tied to their program
Some options may ask for a personal statement, recommendation letters, or even proof of language proficiency, while others are more flexible.
You’ll also need a valid passport, and if you’re planning a longer stay, you may need to secure a student visa.
Since requirements vary between summer, semester, and internship programs, always double-check the specific details for your chosen program before applying.
Explore Greece Study Abroad with CIEE
Think of Athens as your classroom, your playground, and your home base all at once. CIEE puts you in the middle of it – studying, exploring, and living in Greece like it’s meant to be lived.
Now that we’ve given you the ultimate guide, it’s time to start planning your own Athenian adventure!
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