Summer: Hellenic American University
Hellenic American University is a NEASC-accredited US university with a mission to educate students to be global citizens equipped to contribute to the social and economic development of their communities. Its small-sized, seminar-style classes and an internationally educated faculty passionate about teaching create a supportive learning environment that favors hands-on, engaged learning.
Hellenic American University's campus in Athens (Hellenic American College) is home to about 500 students, 15% of whom are international students. The College is located in downtown Athens, within walking distance of many of the city's museums, concert halls, clubs and theaters, as well as numerous cafes, galleries and restaurants.
Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer I | 2025 | February 1 | TBD | June 6 | June 28 |
| Summer II | 2025 | February 1 | TBD | July 4 | July 26 |
Program Description
Hellenic American College supports students in their academic and personal development through a broad array of academic services and co-curricular experiences. These include formal academic support services such as student mentoring and advising, academic tutoring, and help with academic writing and library research, as well as personal and professional services such as clinical counseling and career development.
Program Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing with SHU
Student Life
HAU's academic services are complemented by a broad range of co-curricular activities to enrich learning, foster communication and leadership skills and enhance student employability. These activities include clubs such as the Toastmasters and the Psychology Club, student participation in national and regional competitions, and presentations at research conferences. Student government is another opportunity for co-curricular learning. The five members of the Student Council are elected by their peers to represent and promote student concerns in the framework of University governance.
Other activities are designed to expose students to the breadth of professional opportunities in their chosen area of studies and help them acquire a sense of what it is like to work in the field. These experiences have recently included student participation in EU-funded research projects, field placements with social service charities (BSPSY) and pro bono interpreting opportunities at NGOs.
Orientation
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation organized by Global Engagement. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. Pre-departure orientations for Summer programs are held in April.
Upon arrival to Greece, you will attend mandatory orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the University. During Orientation, your schedule will include important information sessions that will give you the necessary tools to prepare you to start your academic program at HAU successfully. Students are introduced not only to the University, but also to life in Greece, and to academics in a multicultural environment. You will have the opportunity to meet students from different nationalities, faculty, and staff who will become an important part of your university experience!
Greece, the birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civilization, offers extraordinary opportunities for a rich learning experience. The ideas that helped shape the art, philosophy and politics of the Western world can be seen in the temples, theaters and stadiums whose remnants still stand in the midst of Athens.
Yet, Athens is also a vibrant modern metropolis with a thriving arts scene, and a fulcrum of the ongoing debate on the meaning and future of Europe. A meeting place of East and West, Athens remains an affordable, safe and friendly Mediterranean city, where life is lived outdoors in the squares and sidewalk cafes of its many, diverse neighborhoods.
Summer 2025 Course Information
- Hellenic American University - Course Schedule for Summer Session I, 2025 (Tentative)
- Hellenic American University - Course Schedule for Summer Session II, 2025 (Tentative)
Students enroll in up to 6 credits per summer session. When looking for courses, be sure that you are looking at classes in the correct term of study. Students should ensure they have taken any necessary pre-requisite courses for their study abroad course selections.
Courses are taught in English.
A Walk Across Greece Course
This experiential learning course is offered intensively over the span of one week prior to the start of each summer term. The course takes students on a journey across the country for a series of interactive excursions exploring the history of Greece through day hikes, walking tours, and guided visits to regional museums, historical sites and famous monuments. Traveling from the Homeric epic of the Bronze age to the 19th century War of Independence, students follow the footprints of 5,000 years of history, covering over 1,000 kilometers of geography with on-site lectures and group discussions. The course runs prior to the start of each summer session and has an additional program fee cost of $1800. Students earn 3 credits for this course.
Eligibility
You must have an overall GPA of 2.5+ and be in good disciplinary and financial standing with SHU. HAU study abroad programs are usually developed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Course Credit
SHU approved courses taken on this program will count towards your general graduation total. Course grades will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail).
Students can reference the Course Equivalency Database to see which courses have already been approved. Approval for courses not yet approved can be requested through Global Engagement. Email studyabroad@sacredheart.edu for more information.
Housing
For study abroad groups the University can arrange moderately priced, wifi-equipped accommodations at a number of smaller boutique-style apartments with which it regularly cooperates. Students participate in an apartment orientation upon arrival with the landlord and a university representative. Students also participate in a neighborhood orientation to help acclimate them to their new living location and nearby amenities.
Housing costs are included as a part of your study abroad program fees.
Meals
Meals aren't included in study abroad program fees and should be budgeted for separately. Students have shared kitchens in their apartments and generally buy groceries and eat at local cafes/restaurants.
Breakfast is included in the "A Walk Across Greece" program fee.
Hellenic American University: Summer 2025 (tentative)
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 | Global Engagement | Payable upon application to the program |
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of acceptance to the program |
| Host University Tuition (1 session, up to 6 credits)* | $3,375 | Student Accounts | Includes shared housing |
| Registration Fee* | $115 | Student Accounts | |
| Program Fee | $67 | Student Accounts | covers international health insurance (additional $34 for Walk Across Greece) |
| Additional Program Fee - A Walk Across Greece | $2,050 | Hellenic American University |
Optional 1 - week course before HAU Summer session. Students enrolling solely in A Walk Across Greece (not in Summer I or II) pay directly to Student Accounts. |
*Total will be billed in accordance with Student Accounts billing cycle and policies
Additional Expenses
| Budget Item (Estimate) | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation - International Airfare | $1,200 | Airline/flight of your choice |
| Meals | $1,000 | |
| Personal Expenses | $1,000 |
All costs subject to change.
Fees Include: Program orientation, arrival airport transfer, and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees Do Not Include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, on-site course fees, visa/resident permit fees, program materials, or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Program withdrawal fees, penalties, and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.
Contact Global Engagement directly for further information.
Participation in the full duration of the program is mandatory. Students must ensure they book travel which properly accommodates the assigned arrival and move out dates of the program. Dates of arrival to and departure from your program cannot be adjusted to accommodate students' individual needs.
To view the current academic calendar, visit the Hellenic American University Academic Calendar web page. All dates are subject to change. Do not book your flight until you have been accepted by the host university and the academic dates have been confirmed.
Summer 2025
A Walk Across Greece
- Program Session I: May 31 - June 7, 2025
- Program Session II: Jun 30 - July 7, 2025
Session I
- Arrival: June 6, 2025
- Classes Start: June 9, 2025
- Program End/Departure: June 28, 2025
Session II
- Arrival: July 4, 2025
- Classes Start: July 7, 2024
- Program End/Departure: July 26, 2025