The Bissell Library at ACT - The American College of Thessaloniki is one of the largest private learning resource centers in Southeast Europe. Opened in the Fall of 2002, it holds one of the largest English language book collections in Greece, occupying the ground and upper levels of a 4,500-square meter building. Today, it offers a collection of over 27,000 books in print, 130,000 electronic books, DVDs and other media. Collection strengths include business, international relations, Balkan studies, communication and new media.

The Library building is Wi-Fi enabled and network ports are available for laptops. Three study zones contain 250 seats and computers accessible to enrolled students, alumni, and current Bissell Library members. An additional 24 computers are located in the Library Lab, which also features an interactive whiteboard and projection system for library orientations, information literacy teaching and other ACT instruction.

The Learning Hub is situated within the Library on the upper level, providing support to students in math, reading, writing or refining their digital skills. The Stavros S. Niarchos Technology Center is located in the basement level of the Library building and includes computer teaching laboratories, a multimedia center and lab, two viewing rooms, a Web and teleconferencing center, and the Systems Administration headquarters.

We see tourism as the future an ever-booming business that never seems to fade, whatever the circumstances. People will always have the need to travel and move places, pursue their happiness, advance their career, enjoy an exciting new experience.

For Greece, tourism is part of our culture and the greatest industry in the country. Hospitality is in our DNA. Businesses revolve around it and professionals strive to become a part of it and gain from its winning trajectory.

ACT is now the first to offer a fully integrated solution in hospitality and tourism studies that will help both high school graduates enter the field and expand their knowledge, but also post-graduate students and business professionals to hone their skills and advance their career.

Are you ready to learn from the best professionals and academics?

The Bachelor's, combined degree, and Master's programs in Hospitality and Tourism Management at ACT are the perfect opportunity to gain international expertise and get right into (the) business.

Be part of the future, today!

It was definitely worthwhile! I learned so much about myself and my culture and also about different cultures while traveling throughout Europe. I've been back now almost two months and I constantly think about Thessaloniki and how much I miss it and I am already planning a trip to go back to Greece again!
-Andrew, University of Tampa 2015

The most incredible and enriching experience of my life... Our apartment building was right in the middle of the city. We walked out our front door and straight into the Greek culture.
-Judi, University of Wisconsin, EC 2014

ACT is a fantastic collegiate environment and the professors are well qualified. ACT staff is fantastic and makes sure that you have everything you need, are comfortable and happy, and are getting by and adjusting as easily as possible.
-Boston College student 2014

I love Thessaloniki because it isn't like living in a huge tourist city where everyone speaks English. You will feel truly immersed into the culture. This is easily one of my favorite parts of the program!
-Boston College student 2014

I became a new person after this experience in Greece. Every ACT staff I met was super friendly and quick to help. The campus was beautiful, set atop much of the city.
-Chloe "Bring Me Back" Video Contest Winner 2013

The academic side of the study abroad experience was perfect at ACT.
-Jane 2013

I loved the food here... The open air market provided a lot of great food and the restaurants were great, cheap gyros or expensive meals. Absolutely loved.
-Logan, University of Wisconsin, EC 2013

My experience in Thessaloniki was wonderful.  The food, the people, the atmosphere were all amazing and special in their own way.  I felt so fortunate to not only a part of a study abroad program in Greece, but to also be spending time in an authentic Greek metropolitan city. Thessaloniki was beautiful and vibrant and my experience there was more than I could have imagined.
-Colleen Regan - 2012

ACT has collaborative agreements with a number of colleges and universities across the U.S. In all cases we encourage you to contact ACT and discuss with your home institution’s study abroad advisor as early as possible.

Study Abroad Application Deadlines

If you have any questions please contact our U.S. enrollment office for advice on options regarding your application process:

If you do not attend one of ACT’s partner schools you may apply through the College Consortium of International Studies or ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs). If after a discussion with the study abroad staff member/s at your institution you have decided that this in not the best option for you, please

apply directly to ACT

Study Abroad Merit Scholarship

ACT awards a $1,000 merit scholarship applicable towards the semester's tuition to study abroad students who have reached sophomore status at their home institution and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.6/4.0.  Accepted students will be given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship by sending their most recent transcript to the admissions office. Merit aid scholarships are available during the fall and spring semesters.

To confirm eligibility, please email Roula Lebetli, Director of Admissions, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hellenic-American Scholarship

Hellenic-American scholarships are available during the fall and spring semesters.

ACT awards scholarships that cover half tuition to eligible Hellenic American applicants. The award does not include housing, orientation, field trips and study abroad fees.

Deadline for Spring I 2026: October 20, 2025
Deadline for Fall 2026: May 29, 2026

Eligibility guidelines/application procedures are as follows:

• Acceptance to the ACT study abroad program
• Proof of enrollment as a full time student at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada
• Proof of Greek descent
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Completion of Hellenic-American Scholarship Application Form

Study Abroad Program Fees

• Study Abroad fees for the Academic year 2026/27
• Study Abroad fees for the Academic year 2025/26

• Read our Withradwal Policy here

Additional Costs & Fees 

Housing Deposit: $300

By sending in your housing application and deposit fee, you reserve your room. Single rooms are allocated based on need and the order that the request is received. The deposit is refunded at the end of the successful completion of the semester, less any fees for additional expenses or damages.

Estimated Personal Living Costs:

• Food: 250€  - 300€ / month
• Local Transportation: 30€ - 80€ / month
• Entertainment: 100€ - 150€ / month
• Books and Supplies:  50€ - 150€

Visa Costs: $120 approx.

Visa must be obtained prior to departure from the US.  The application and fee are submitted directly to the Greek Embassy/Consulate nearest to you. The fee may vary by Embassy. Contact the Greek Embassy nearest to you.

Greek Residence Permit Costs:  

• 20€ for passport photos with CD
• 169€ Residence permit fee for 1 year
• 120€ for insurance policy by a Greek provider valid for 1 year (duration of residence permit)
• 400€ Bank deposit to open the Greek National bank account. The money is yours to keep.

Visa & Residence Permit Overview

ACT offers various programs for Study Abroad students in its pursuit to provide a truly immersive, cross-cultural learning experience in historic Thessaloniki, the student hub of Greece. 

ACT provides off campus accommodation in safe residential areas near downtown Thessaloniki and a short drive from the ACT campus. The housing locations are well served by the city’s public bus and metro system, with buses running at 10-15 minute intervals and trains running at 3-5 minute intervals. Our housing is in close proximity to supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, and post offices. In addition, ACT provides a basic bus service to and from campus once per day.  An ACT Residence Assistant (RA) resides at each housing location and is there to help students settle in and get to know Thessaloniki by organizing outings and planning activities. 

The studio apartments are furnished, however you provide your own kitchenware and linens.  The building offers free Wi-Fi access and access to a common washing machine. Both single and double-occupancy studio apartments are available to study abroad students. Housing preferences are indicated on the housing application and housing preferences are granted based on need and in the order that the housing deposits are received.

Program Deposit

In order to secure your place in the program, please complete the program deposit. The amount and the deadline are indicated in your acceptance letter. The deposit secures your place in the program and your housing. It is refunded at the end of a successfully completed semester. See our Study Abroad Application Procedure for instructions on making the deposit.

For any questions about housing contact the Student Services Office at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With a variety of trips offered each term, experience hassle-free travel around Greece with fellow students. Field Trips include scuba diving, rafting and canyoning adventures, the monasteries of Meteora, hikes on Mt. Olympus, an afternoon of relaxation at the Pozar hot springs and sailing around the Aegean Sea on a private sail boat.

For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See our most recent online brochure below for details and dates:

• Summer 2026 field trips brochure

Please note that all optional trips are subject to change or cancellation due to circumstances beyond our control. These may include, but are not limited to, inclement weather, limited participant enrollment, or unforeseen changes in third-party provider operations. We will make every effort to communicate updates as early as possible and to provide suitable alternatives when available. Participation in optional trips is voluntary, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Trip Details

Experience Greek hospitality, heritage and culture during your time at ACT!

Choose from a variety of programs and courses that focus on your interests and help you reach your goals.

Gain hands-on experience through service learning, internships and practicums; explore ancient and modern Greece through organized trips, clubs and events; live the local customs and traditions throughout your time at ACT and build lasting relationships.

Apply here

ACT’s Student Service Office operates one of the largest community service programs in Greece. As the first post-secondary institution in Greece to introduce service and community programs to such a large percentage of its student body, ACT collaborates with various NGOs, providing the students with unique opportunities to serve the local community and gain valuable experience. These programs reflect the community-focused mission that the institution as a whole ascribes to. ACT acknowledges the student's effort and provides them with a Certificate of Service at the end of the term.

Selected volunteer opportunities are available for students who are interested in developing or exercising skills in an environment tailored to their interests and studies.

Service learning opportunities

Special needs centers

Students can volunteer for organisations that protect, support and provide educational and creative outlets for people with special needs. Students are assigned to volunteer at a specific organisation depending upon their interests, previous experiences and skill sets.

Soup kitchens

Students can volunteer alongside localsto prepare food for people in need. The work is basic but necessary:peeling potatoes, stacking shelves, washing pots and pans, and similar activities. Soup kitchens are a great place to learn how to make Greek food from home-cooks, and practice speaking Greek in an everyday context.

Local schools

Students can volunteer as teacher’s assistants in the English programs at elementary schools, both at Anatolia and at local public schools in the west Thessaloniki district. This community service opportunity is especially appealing to students who are studying education. Each school has its own character; some are in low income housing areas where the volunteer’s job can be more challenging yet very rewarding.

Youth centers

There are a variety of youth centers in Thessaloniki that provide after school workshops in arts, crafts and music as well as foreign languages. The youth centers usually accommodate youth from low-income housing as well as immigrant families where the need for extracurricular activities, training and entertainment is greater. Volunteers help run workshops in the English and Greek language, math and science as well as arts and crafts. The opportunities are flexible and depend largely upon the volunteer’s abilities and skills.

Digital reporting

Students who are particularly interested in social media, blogging and web design can be a great asset to local website businesses and organizations. ACT students can write blogs on the political and economic situation in Greece and Europe for http://politis-dukakis-center.act.edu/, or Repower Greece. Alternatively they can help run the ‘Local’s Like’ program for www.enjoythessaloniki.com which features video interviews of locals from around the city and their recommendations on where to go, where to eat and what to see in the city of Thessaloniki. “Local’s like’ provides a great service for tourists and foreigners in the city and also provides great insight for our students.

Tutoring high school students

Students can volunteer to provide assistance in math, science, history and other school subjects for local pupils who are struggling in school; these tutoring sessions usually take place with one or two pupils at a time. Some schools organise larger groups of pupils (15-20) in which 2-3 volunteers help tutor English conversational skills, especially for pupils who plan to take the proficiency English exams.

Urban living

In collaboration with the different municipalities in the region of Thessaloniki, ACT helps organize both cultural events and projects to improve urban living standards.. Examples include: beach cleanups, helping at music festivals, helping organise a day of cultural, sports and tree planting initiatives in the forest of Seih-Sou, weeding green areas in the city and tree planting in the pedestrian centres of the city. Once a year ACT also organises olive picking projects in nearby villages.