ISA Study Abroad in Athens, Greece

My study abroad summer trip to Athens Greece was nothing short of unforgettable. Having never travelled abroad for an extended period the summer session was the perfect opportunity to dip my toes in. Of course this left me wishing I could stay for much longer. I had decided to take this trip solo and that was honestly the best decision I could have made. Almost everyone I met had chosen to do the same, and I made friends who I got really close with very quickly. I enjoyed the luxury of being close enough to walk to campus, shopping, markets, and different restaurant's. Public transportation was also super easy to navigate and we took many trips downtown on the metro and the buses. I went on many weekend trips with my program to historical sites and different islands. Big groups from my program also planned many weekend trips to different islands such as Mykonos and Paros. We booked boat cruises where we stopped at numerous islands or in the ocean to swim off the boat. The campus was beautiful as it sits on a mountain. The academics were a bit different than the U.S. as their grade scale and system is not the same, with little to no daily coursework. However, it is definitely manageable if you take the time to study for your midterm and final. I really enjoyed the cuisine as well, eating gyros almost every other day. There were lots of options for fresh produce and juices as well, and so many different authentic Greek dishes to try. Every Greek I met was very kind and helpful with any questions I had whether it be recommendations for places to visit or foods to try. Almost everyone speaks some English which made it especially helpful to navigate everything. My Greek classmates and Professors were very eager to answer our questions. Our accommodations were very close to the college and the apartment style living with everyone in our program made it so much fun to spend time together. The RA's living in the buildings were extremely kind and helpful and even spent time with us on various outings. I loved being in close proximity to everyone and so close to town where we could always find something to do. The views of course were extravagant. The beaches are unreal, with water so clear you can see completely to the bottom far off the shore. With the hot summer climate the water felt amazing. The historical sites and temples are truly something to behold, so much ancient history and Greek mythology associated with every place. It seemed that every site had a story of sorts behind its name. Greece in itself is truly everything I anticipated and more, I had many moments that felt so surreal. My biggest takeaway however, is the relationships I made. I was very fortunate to have met so many amazing people, and many which I kept in touch with after my trip. It is hard to see people you spent everyday with return back to every corner of the U.S. but I am so grateful to have experienced my summer abroad with them.

I had the absolute best time on my study abroad trip this past summer! The ISA representatives were so attentive and always made sure we were adapting well to the culture of Greece! The school was fantastic and the students and teachers were very friendly and accommodating! I made friends on this trip from schools all over the country and we continue to talk on a daily basis, and I was also exposed to culture that you simply cannot find anywhere else! Overall, this program is one of the most memorable experiences i have ever had and i would recommend it time and time again!!

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece was an unforgettable experience filled with countless memories. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of the city. The opportunity to immerse myself in such a dynamic environment allowed me to forge meaningful connections with people from all walks of life, each encounter leaving a lasting impression. Exploring the bustling streets, indulging in delectable Greek cuisine, and embarking on adventures throughout Europe added layers of excitement to my journey. Every day brought new discoveries and adventures, shaping an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. Athens truly stole my heart, leaving me with a profound appreciation for its beauty and the invaluable lessons learned during my time there.

This was such a great experience. I honestly enjoyed every second of it. I met so many wonderful individuals and the staff assigned to our area made sure we knew that they were here for us. Everyone's learning experience is different so the difficulty of classes really depends on the individual. The food at the school was amazing and the campus is beautiful. I would absolutely go again if I could. You have the freedom to do what you want on the weekends. Me and my friends explored the islands throughout our time in Greece. It was unforgettable.

My experience was unique just in the choices I made such as going to a semester and choosing Greece in the first place because not many think of Greece but Paris or England. ISA is very user-friendly and friendly in person as well, I would never regret studying abroad with ISA with so many choices. I got to meet so many people from different countries going to my college, my advisors were excellent with so much advise! The dorms were manageable with people from all over the US in the dorms. I wish I could go again!!!

I had such a great experience on this trip. Everywhere I went was historic and beautiful. The campus was amazing and the teachers were so nice. We got to go on field trips to the locals museums even though I was only there for a three-week course. I also got to join a school trip for my first time SCUBA diving! With my ISA group, we got to see many historic places such as the Acropolis, the National Archeological Museum, Anafiotica, the Acropolis Museum, Aegina, Cape Sunion, Lycabettus Hill, and more! In my free time, I got togo to Crete and saw the REAL labyrinth (the Palace of Knossos), the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Omphalos (what the Greeks believed was the center of the world), the Delphi Archaeological Museum, and the Sanctuary of Athena!

This trip was everything. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone constantly while knowing that I was supported and safe. Our directors were readily available and truly wanted to make the experience the best possible for each one of us. Any problems were handled swiftly, calmly, and remarkably. They worked hard to plan fun trips for the group to bond, adventure, and learn. Classes were intellectually challenging yet rewarding and a great opportunity to make Greek friends. (Some were quite boring like any class can be, and still a good opportunity to make friends!) In terms of living situations, dorming with seven other people was challenging and thankfully my roommates worked hard to create a fulfilling dynamic. We bonded over our fears, goals, and desire for adventure. I always felt safe and or had resources to get safe quickly allowing me to explore the neighborhood and Athens. Every day was a chance to explore my new environment and in turn, myself. I am so thankful and will remember my time in Greece forever :) Highly highly recommend.

I had have the best experience studying abroad in Greece. For me, this was the first time outside of the United States so, I was a bit nervous but I was received with so much compassion and kindness abroad that I can now say that I have found a second home! Not only were the staff at ISA so helpful and supportive but, the community from the neighborhood and college were so inviting and welcoming! The food, the people and the excursions, I definitely will be back in Athens in due time! I recommend this program to future college students, take that leap, you wont regret it!