Program Reviews

My experience with ACT was AMAZING! I really wanted to study abroad so I scrolled through all the programs that my home institution was advertising. I picked this one the second I saw it, without even considering another program and I’m so glad that I chose ACT. I learned so much not only in class, but also outside of class from the additional field trips that they offered every weekend (my favorites were hiking to the top Mount Olympus and visiting the Acropolis in Athens). There was always something to do. Studying here made learning so much fun!
My professor was very passionate and knowledgable about what he was teaching. He always made sure we understood what he was teaching before moving on to another subject. My class was on the Apostle Paul so it was really neat when our professor would take us on field trips so we could learn about something where it took places and visit places where Apostle Paul actually was! 
All of the ACT faculty and staff that I encountered were very kind and eager to help. It was easy to tell that they really wanted every study enrolled in the program to get the most out of their experience.
This program has certainly made a lasting impression on my life. I made so many new friends and so many new memories. If you’re considering studying abroad, I would HIGHLY recommend choosing the program at ACT!

I had such an incredible time studying at ACT! My program just ended a couple days ago and I’m already wishing I was back. The 5 weeks went by in the blink of an eye so it’s important to make the most of your time. There were so many great trips organized for us to participate in, my favorite being the hike up Mount Olympus. However my actual favorite part of the trip had been the time I spent in class with such an incredible professor and other study abroad students. ACT really had me immersed in the environment, and I can’t wait to make a trip back to Thessaloniki in the future!

My experience at ACT was nothing short of amazing. A small campus and personalized classes with lots of support from their awesome staff made my adjustment to Greek living seamless. I would highly recommend the summer program, and my advice would be to participate in all of the extra excursions!! Such a great summer that I will never forget! Side tip: try to learn some Greek before you come, the locals really appreciate it!

It was absolutely the most amazing experience I've ever had in my life. It opened me to new friendships as well as a new culture. I put myself in uncomfortable situations like asking a local Greek how to get somewhere with very poor/limited Greek speaking skills. This allowed me to get comfortable speaking Greek little by little. The American College of Thessaloniki is a small school, which is good because it helps form a closer bond to your classmates/locals.

I definitely recommend taking Sea Sailing while at ACT. You get to be on a sailboat twice a week in Greece during sunset - what could be better? You are on the boat for every class - even those that are about safety or navigation and don't require you to leave the dock. Greece has great weather and it is thus relatively warm and nice for most of your time sailing.

The professor, George, is great. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive. The class is rigorous at first and requires a lot of memorization. However, once you have all of the information down it's smooth sailing from there ;)

I loved studying abroad in Greece. ACT was smaller than expected and the academics not that challenging. However, I met many people from around the Balkans, traveled all over Europe, and explored other areas of Greece! Its important to know and understand that Greece is in an economic crisis so Thessaloniki is not super clean and shiny (some closed businesses, stray animals). However, I loved Thessaloniki and think it is still a super awesome city. Lots of students, incredible food, a beautiful boardwalk, and sunny weather! I learned how to sail, climbed Mount Olympus, relaxed in hot springs, and gained so much weight from delicious food - I definitely recommend studying abroad in Thessaloniki.

I am an international student in Boston so I am already studying abroad but this program particularly offers a different experience that any I had before. I liked how the classes were structure, very intense and dynamic in 5 weeks I was able to speak the basic of Greek language. We had opportunities to explore learning experiences outside the classroom in the city with local people helping on the learning proccess. I also really loved how the institution had trips and programs optional available every weekend panned ahead, I think it was a great way for us to get to know the culture and the country in a unique way.

With previous sailing experience, this course was both enjoyable and challenging at the same time. My sailing instructor George Podaras was very knowledgeable about the boat and just about everything to do with sailing. Each day of sailing was better than the last and I cannot wait to further my sailing experience and to sail on my own! I recommend this course to all experience levels and anyone who loves being on the water! The course did have some intense moments, but I felt that it was to better prepare us, not to frustrate us.

Although this was not my first time abroad, it was my first time studying abroad and it couldn't have went any better! I enjoyed the classes, the weather, the culture, and all of the activities that were available during my free time. The ACT staff was more than helpful, and they even helped me organize a winery tour for the group that hadn't been pre-planned. For my first experience, I am extremely satisfied and it is not something I will ever forget!

I loved my study abroad experience at ACT and am so happy I chose to study in the beautiful city of Thessaloniki, Greece! The staff and the classes have helped me grow as an individual, and through the structure of the program I got to become a more independent and well-rounded person. I also got to gain a new perspective on my home culture from a global context, and have developed a greater understanding of my family's heritage.