What to Expect in Athens
Follow in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle as you explore the “cradle of Western civilization,” the home of the original Olympics, and a top destination for U.S. travelers drawn to Greece’s history, culture, and food. Here in Athens, Greece’s capital and largest city, you’ll never run out of things to learn and explore—just bring a good pair of walking shoes.
Nestled in a basin surrounded by four mountains and near the Aegean Sea, Athens is the southernmost capital of the European mainland, which means you'll get exactly what you'd expect from Mediterranean summer: sun and high temps (don't worry, housing and classrooms have A/C!). You’ll also see world history from nearly any doorstep, with the Acropolis looming large over the city. Beneath that incredible canopy awaits walking-friendly neighborhoods with sidewalk cafés, family-owned restaurants, shops, and often an ancient Greek statue or two!
When you study abroad in Athens, engaging in local tours of ancient sites, exploring the American College of Greece (ACG) campus in the northeastern Athens area, and enjoying the laid-back city lifestyle will all be routine. So, get ready as Greece is the stuff of history books and movies, from “Mamma Mia!” to “Jason Bourne” and the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.”
