Top 6 Athens Study Abroad Programs
Ditch the postcard version of Greece – Athens fuses its edgy streets, creative spirit, and layers of history in a way you can’t capture from a travel screenshot. Rooftop cafés, late-night souvlaki runs, and ancient ruins at every corner: This city is a playground for curiosity. Our Athens study abroad programs let you earn credit while living it – weekend island hops included.
So, where should you start? Here are the top college study abroad programs in Greece that’ll make your time in Athens extraordinary.
Read More: 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Athens, Greece
What are the Best Study Abroad Programs in Athens?
From global business to green innovation, these study abroad programs in Greece will help you grow academically and personally, all while living in one of the world’s most historic cities.
Featured Program #1: Ecology + Sustainability
Explore how Greece is tackling global environmental challenges while surrounded by some of the most breathtaking ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Through this hands-on program, you’ll learn about marine conservation, sustainable city planning, and renewable energy – all while you study in Athens, Greece, where the balance between nature and urban life takes center stage.
- Program Length: 19 weeks
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Cost: $16,950
- Featured Course: Sustainable Tourism
- Excursion Highlight: Embark on a half-day sea kayak tour in the serene Corinthian Gulf, exploring crystal-clear waters and stunning coastal views
Featured Program #2: Engineering, Technology + Sciences
Step into Athens’ innovative side with a program designed for future engineers, scientists, and tech leaders. Study cutting-edge topics like green energy, smart infrastructure, and sustainable design in one of the world’s most historically rich yet forward-thinking cities.
- Program Length: 15 weeks
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Cost: $16,950
- Featured Course: Principles of Ecology
- Excursion Highlight: Visit the Ancient Agora, home to “Ground Zero,” the starting point for ancient distance measurements, and discover the unique wheel-based method they used to measure distance
Read More: Top 10 Greek Slang Words & Phrases

Featured Program #3: Business + Culture
Experience how ancient philosophy meets modern entrepreneurship. In this program, you’ll explore international business practices and dive deep into Greek culture and commerce. From case studies to company visits, you’ll discover how global markets operate in one of Europe’s oldest yet most dynamic economies.
- Program Length: 17 weeks
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Cost: $16,950
- Featured Course: Economics of Wine
- Excursion Highlight: Discover the historic Plaka district, where a charming atmosphere blends with ample networking opportunities in a relaxed setting
Featured Program #4: Semester in Athens
Choose from a wide range of courses in humanities, sciences, and social studies while immersing yourself in Greek life. With weekend excursions to iconic sites like Delphi or the Greek Islands, this is one of the best college study abroad programs in Greece for students who want the full experience.
- Program Length: 19 weeks
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Cost: $16,950
- Featured Course: Mediterranean Myths and Mythology
- Excursion Highlight: Escape to the timeless island of Hydra, where seaside charm and stunning Aegean views create a perfect Greek getaway
Featured Program #5: Summer in Athens
Trade your usual summer routine for ancient ruins, turquoise water, and endless gyros. With this short-term study abroad program in Greece, you’ll earn credits, explore Athens’ hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the city’s electric mix of history and culture.
- Program Length: 6 weeks
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Cost: $6,450
- Featured Course: Culture and Cuisine in Greece
- Excursion Highlight: Visit Syntagma Square to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard
Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ATHENS

Featured Program #6: Open Campus Block
Can’t decide on just one destination? With the CIEE Open Campus Block program, you can study in Athens for one, two, or three six-week blocks – and even pair your time here with other amazing cities around the world. Take courses across disciplines, explore modern Greek culture, and see firsthand how global challenges are approached through a Mediterranean lens.
- Program Length: 6 weeks (or up to 18)
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Cost: $5,250 per block
- Featured Course: Greece Past and Present
- Excursion Highlight: Stroll through the charming Plaka district, Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighborhood
Which Athens Study Abroad Program Will You Choose?
You bring the curiosity; Athens brings the history, sunshine, and daily freddo espresso runs. Dive into one of CIEE’s study abroad programs in Greece and make your time abroad something cinematic.
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