Join the Program
Study Abroad in Athens, Greece —
Health Sciences, Research & Experiential Learning
In collaboration with international universities, HCISR offers faculty-led and short-term study abroad programs that merge academic coursework with hands-on, real-world experience. Academic credit and official transcripts are provided through Arcadia Abroad at Arcadia University, with Arcadia University serving as the School of Record. Students should confirm credit transfer with their home institution.
Summer Sessions
Students interested in short-term, intensive study abroad are invited to HCISR's summer programs in Greece, which combine rigorous academics with authentic, hands-on experiences. Our courses span a range of disciplines, from health sciences and public health to Mediterranean culture, nutrition, and applied research, all set against the backdrop of Athens and the wider Greek landscape.
Most courses are offered in 4-week sessions from late May to late July, each consisting of 40 contact hours. Students may choose to take two 4-week courses over subsequent sessions. Some courses vary in length and contact hours. Please visit the respective course page for detailed information.
HCISR summer courses follow intensive schedules including morning and afternoon sessions that require some hours of outdoor walking, often on uneven terrain. Expect to be outdoors in sunny conditions, with midday temperatures reaching the 80s or 90s. The program itinerary may change, so students should avoid making advance plans for free time and weekends without prior communication with the course instructor.
If you are interested in applying for summer 2027, applications will open on October 1st.
Greece as a Living Academic Setting
HCISR courses are designed as immersive academic experiences that use Greece as a living laboratory. Across disciplines, from public health and nutrition to social sciences and applied research, students engage with real-world environments, communities, and institutions that bring course content to life.
Each course combines structured academic sessions with field-based learning, site visits, and experiential activities tailored to the subject matter. Students may explore urban and rural settings across Greece, engaging with local experts, cultural heritage sites, agricultural systems, and health and research institutions.
HCISR courses are developed and delivered by HCISR in Greece, with U.S. academic credit provided through Arcadia Abroad at Arcadia University.
Please visit the individual course pages for specific learning outcomes, schedules, prerequisites, and credit information.
Application Process
Submit Application
Complete the online form with your field of study, academic level, CV/resume, and personal statement.
Application Review
Our admissions team reviews all submitted materials and assesses eligibility.
Admission Decision
Applicants are notified of the outcome within 2–3 weeks of submission.
Enrollment & Deposit
Confirm your place by completing the enrollment form and submitting the required deposit.
University Nominations & Group Applications
Partner universities may nominate students directly or submit group applications. Faculty-led cohorts are welcome — contact us for custom arrangements and institutional agreements.
What Happens After You Are Accepted
Once you receive your admission offer, the following steps will guide you through to arrival in Athens.
Accept Your Offer
Confirm your intention to join the program by accepting your admission offer within the stated deadline.
Pay Deposit
Submit the required deposit to secure your place in the program.
Complete Enrollment Requirements
Submit any outstanding documents required to finalize your enrollment.
Final Payment
Complete the remaining program fee payment by the stated deadline.
Receive Pre-Departure Information
You will receive a detailed pre-departure packet including housing details, arrival instructions, and program schedule.
Submit Travel Details
Share your flight information and arrival details with the HCISR team.
Arrive in Athens
Travel to Athens and check in to your accommodation.
Orientation
Attend the mandatory orientation session to meet your cohort, instructors, and program staff.
Who Can Apply
HCISR summer programs are open to undergraduate and graduate students from accredited universities (including fields such as Nutrition, Public Health, Health Sciences, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Social Sciences, History, Ethics, and related fields), as well as recent graduates, who are seeking an international academic experience in a field aligned with our course offerings.
Undergraduate Students
Currently enrolled at an accredited university in any relevant field, including Nutrition, Public Health, Health Sciences, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Social Sciences, History, Ethics, and related disciplines.
Graduate Students
Enrolled in a graduate program in fields such as Nutrition, Public Health, Health Sciences, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Social Sciences, History, Ethics, or related applied and health sciences.
Recent Graduates
Seeking international academic or research exposure.
Institutional Groups
Faculty-led cohorts and group applications are welcome — contact us for custom arrangements.
Eligibility requirements may vary by course. Please refer to the individual course page for specific prerequisites.
Credit & Certification Options
Academic credit and official transcripts are provided through Arcadia Abroad at Arcadia University, with Arcadia University serving as the School of Record.
Credit-Bearing Programs
Students enrolled in Ascle+ academic tracks may earn 3 U.S. semester credits, provided through Arcadia Abroad at Arcadia University, with Arcadia University serving as the School of Record. Courses integrate seminars, supervised research or fieldwork, and reflective assessment.
HCISR Certificate of Completion
All participants receive an official HCISR Certificate of Completion documenting their contact hours and learning outcomes, regardless of whether they are enrolled for academic credit.
Official School of Record:
Arcadia Abroad at Arcadia University
Applicants interested in earning credit should indicate this during the application process. HCISR's Academic Team will help align the program structure with your academic requirements.
Program Fees & What's Included
Program fees vary by course and session. Full fee details, including what is included and what is not, are listed on each individual course page. The following provides a general overview of what is typically covered.
Typically Included
- Academic tuition and course materials
- On-site academic coordination and program management
- Orientation upon arrival
- Selected field visits and site-based activities as part of the course curriculum
Not Included
- International travel to and from Athens
- Personal expenses and most meals (unless stated otherwise in the course)
- Visa fees, travel insurance, and vaccinations
- Optional excursions or activities outside the course program
Student Housing
Participants stay in fully furnished shared apartments (up to 3 students per unit) in well-connected residential neighborhoods such as Pangrati and Koukaki, approximately 10–20 minutes by public transport from the academic center. All apartments include kitchen, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi.
On-Site Student Support
HCISR provides dedicated on-site student support throughout the program duration. A local support team is available to assist with academic, logistical, and personal needs, ensuring students have access to on-site staff support at all times during the program.
Your Home for the Summer
Athens offers a vibrant mix of ancient heritage and modern urban life, the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable academic experience.
Culture & History: Easy access to landmarks such as the Acropolis, the National Garden, and historic Plaka.
Food & Community: Local cafés, tavernas, and open-air markets offering a taste of everyday Athenian food and community life.
Student Life: Walkable, student-friendly neighborhoods with bookstores, squares, artisan shops, and excellent public transport.
Ready to join us in Athens?
About HCISR  Hellenic Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and ResearchHCISR is an independent interdisciplinary academic center based in Athens, Greece, connecting education, research, and experiential learning. Through its ASCLE+ Athens Experience program, HCISR offers undergraduate students from American universities the opportunity to engage with Greece as a living academic laboratory, combining rigorous coursework with field-based learning across public health, health economics, and applied sciences. HCISR serves as the on-site academic and operational provider for all courses. U.S. academic credit is provided through Arcadia Abroad at Arcadia University, with Arcadia University serving as the School of Record. www.hcisr.com |  |