January in Athens
Unique Experiences
Experience modern Athens
by joining street-art walks, sunset coastal outings, and vibrant dance events
Taste Athens like a local
through neighborhood mezé tours and Greek cooking classes
Step into the ancient Greek world
as you explore legendary sites and the Parthenon
Your Destination
Athens is Greece’s historic capital, where ancient landmarks meet modern Mediterranean life. January is an ideal time to explore the city with fewer crowds – wander through the Acropolis, discover local cafés in Plaka, and experience Greek winter traditions and cuisine. Whether you’re majoring in history, classics, business, communications, psychology, liberal arts, or language, Athens is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Course: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Athens will open doors for you to explore Greece’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Explore iconic city highlights, including the ancient Acropolis and Parthenon, the Monastiraki Flea Market, or the historic neighborhood of Plaka
- Join a hands-on Greek cooking class and learn how to make traditional dishes like moussaka, tzatziki, and baklava from local chefs
- Discover the awe-inspiring ruins of Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology, and take in breathtaking mountain views
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
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Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Athens offers comfortable single-room housing in shared apartments to ensure you feel at home during your time abroad. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes single rooms in shared apartments. Each apartment features a kitchen, bathroom, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Housing is located within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Athens.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Apartments: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE Athens: Study in Athens, a city where ancient history and modern energy collide. Wander through iconic ruins, savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and immerse yourself in the lively culture that makes Athens a one-of-a-kind destination.
Course Information
History, Philosophy, Religion
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program January 2027 3 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Vicky Kynourgiopoulou
Center Director
Maria Leimoni
Program Manager
Maria Leimoni joined CIEE Athens with over eight years of experience in higher education in Greece, Spain, England, and Italy. Maria holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from...
Get Started
1
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.