Semester in Athens
Unique Experiences
Explore the heart of ancient Athens
where Socrates once walked and taught western philosophy
Learn to cook traditional Greek dishes
lie moussaka, spanikopita, and souvlaki
Enjoy vibrant susnsets on Areopagus Hill
an ancient rock offering an unmatched view of Athens
Your Destination
Athens is Greece’s cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of ancient and modern Greek culture, iconic architectural landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Athens is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- 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.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
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:
- Visit Syntagma Square to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard, a striking display of tradition and honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Embark on a journey through Athens’ ancient heart, exploring five iconic archaeological sites: The bustling Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the towering Olympian, the sacred Kerameikos, and Aristotle’s legendary Lyceum
- Escape to the timeless island of Hydra, where car-free cobblestone streets, seaside charm, and stunning Aegean views create a perfect Greek getaway
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
Top 10 Greek Slang Words & Phrases
You’re about to touch down in Greece, ready for sun, study abroad, history, and enough gyros to last a lifetime – only to realize the locals are dropping words you’ve... keep reading
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... keep reading
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... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Athens offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From single to double accommodation in shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes a double rooms in shared apartments. Shared apartments feature a kitchen, bathroom, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Housing is located within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Center.
Select Housing: Includes single room in shared apartments. Shared apartments feature a kitchen, bathroom, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Housing is located within a 4530-minute commute to CIEE Center. Select housing requires an additional fee.
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.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA): NKUA, the largest university in Greece, holds a great place in Greek history as it is the first founded university of South-Eastern Europe (year of foundation 1837). It is hailed as one of the greatest educational institutions in the world, due to its contribution to education, research, and innovation.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Biological and Physical Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Biological and Physical Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Sample courses:
Department of Business Administration
- New Venture Creation
- Business Economics
Department of Economics
- Public Finance
- Accounting I, II and III
- E-Business
- International Economics, Theory and Policy
Department of Communication and Media Studies
- Information Society
- Art Sponsorship
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
- Governance, Institutions and Trust: the European experience
- Interest Groups and Lobbying in the European and the International Politics
Department of Modern Asian Studies
- Energy, Politics and Security
Department of Digital Arts and Cinema
- Creative Music Technology
- Sound Art
- Greek Cinema
Department of Ports Management and Shipping
- Shipping Economics
- Port Management and Organization
- Supply Chain Management
- Marine Pollution Management
- Oceanography
- Blue Growth and Sustainability
- Waste Management: Technologies and Policies
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Athens' vibrant work scene offers numerous internship opportunities, especially in sectors like tourism, archaeology, history, education, and the arts. With a mix of established companies and innovative startups, it provides valuable hands-on experience in dynamic, culturally rich environments. The city's diverse professional community encourages collaboration, blending modern business practices with Greece's deep historical roots, fostering both professional and personal growth.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Spring 2026 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $16,950 |
| Program Fall 2026 19 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.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $10,706 ** |
| Housing | $5,750 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $16,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $800 |
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.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,163 † |
| International Airfare | $1,200 †† |
| Local Transportation | $170 |
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Visa Fees | $175 |
| Personal expenses | $220 |
| Total Costs | $2,943 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
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
Francisco Diez
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Francisco Diez is the Regional Director of Operations for Europe including Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Palma, Seville and Athens.
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
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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