As part of a series of several cities that are great study abroad locations to base your faculty-led Custom Program, Explore Thessaloniki, Greece.
Why Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece after Athens and its low numbers of tourists gives the city a more authentic feel. Thessaloniki is considered one of the major cultural capitals of the country, hosting both the Thessaloniki Film Festival and International Trade Fair. Located just six hours from Athens, programs may consider incorporating an excursion to this famous Greek city. Thessaloniki prime location also makes it ideal for country-hopping, with neighboring countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania.
Academic Subjects
Due to its central location in Europe, international relations and business administration are popular study subjects at the American College of Thessaloniki. The college also offers a range of courses including finance, intercultural relations and computer science.
Cultural Activity Highlights
Thessaloniki has an impressive range of cultural sites and activities to explore. If you are developing your Custom Program in Thessaloniki, take some of these activities into consideration as either part of your program’s cultural activities or suggest these for students to visit in their free time. Here are some of our recommended things to do in the city:
- Visit the White Tower, the main city icon
- Check out royal tombs, jewelry, pottery and sarcophagi at the archaeological museum
- Shop like a local on Smyrnis Street and browse local, original crafts and charms
- Visit the historic Byzantine churches scattered throughout the city
- Lounge in a cultural Turkish public bath to soak in this long-standing custom
- Grab a sailboat or yacht around the marinas to explore Greece’s striking coastline and crystal blue waters
What to Eat
There is no shortage of delicious, authentic Greek food in Thessaloniki. For the more savory, try gyros (Greek wrap with roasted meat), pastrami, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (spinach pastry) or souvlaki (Greek sandwiches). As is traditional within the Greek coffee culture, sit and chat with friends over exceptionally strong coffee at a local kafeneio.
Are you ready to start developing your ISA Custom Program? Want to learn more about Thessaloniki or other ISA sites?
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