Center for International and Cultural Education

Students interested in short-term, intensive study abroad are invited to take advantage of our summer program, which offers unique, experience-based opportunities for learning.

Summer is an exceptional time to study in Greece. Our unique courses are tailored to combine academics with authentic experiences, taking advantage of the sun, the sea, and the vibrant summer culture from Athens to the surrounding islands. Explore our country's rich history, get involved in archaeological excavations and delve into Economics, History, Anthropology, and so much more, this summer at CYA.

Our summer courses are offered in two consecutive 4-week sessions that run between the May and July. They are arranged so that motivated students may earn credit in complementary courses. Students take one course per session. Each 4 week course/session consists of 60 contact hours.

Location: Most summer courses start in Athens and take study trips to different regions and islands of Greece. Check out each course's syllabus to see where that course travels. 

Class Size: 16 to 20 students depending on the course

Housing: While in Athens, students live in the CYA apartments, which are located in central Athens and are a short walk to the academic center. On class trips, students stay in hotels.

Meals: Lunch is provided Monday through Friday while students are in Athens.  

Fees: Program fees include tuition, lodging in a furnished student apartment or hotel unit, course materials, a farewell lunch or dinner and, where applicable, field trips and co-curricular activities. Cost varies by course. See the full list of courses below or visit our website for more information!

Program Highlights:

• Onsite and experience-based classes
• Study-travel at breathtaking sites across Greece
• Personalized attention from dedicated faculty and staff
• Delve into a subject of interest with intensive course structure

Experience the gorgeous Greek summer!

Summer Session I (May 20 – June 15, 2024)

• The Strangeness of Ancient Greece: Diversity, Difference, and Regionality among the Greek States
• Excavating in the Aegean | The Despotiko FieldSchool
• Excavations at Aixonidai Halai | Voula Field School
• Islomania: An Exploration of Contemporary Art in the Greek Islands
• Conservation Issues Confronting the Mediterranean Sea and Sustainable Solutions: An Interdisciplinary, Project-Based Approach 
• Branding Greece: An Ancient Ideal in the Modern World
• Health and Healing in the Ancient Greek World
• Becoming a Traveler: Writing in Greece
• The Geography of Faith

Summer Session II (June 17 – July 13, 2024)

• When Egypt Meets the Aegean
• Making Love and War in the Medieval Mediterranean
• Reason & Revelation: Paganism & Christianity
• Cultural Considerations in Understanding Family Dynamics
• Greek Island Architecture, Culture, and Identity

Partnership Course With DIS - (June 24 – July 20, 2024)

• Tasting Culture: Nordic & Mediterranean Food, Tradition & Nutrition*
• Young Adults Under the Influence in Europe*

* Students will apply through CYA

"My summer abroad experience was an amazing way to gain cross-cultural experience & practice interacting with a language barrier. Every day, I was immersed in the culture & able to learn from and interact with the locals. I was able to gain a greater sense of independence during my travels and everyday experiences. One of the best parts of my trip was making lifelong friends with the other students in my class. I also developed a strong relationship with my professor who I admire greatly."
~ Grace Wilson University of Virginia, CYA Summer '23

More Questions? Visit our website or email us at info@cyathens.org


For Gustavus Adolphus students: CYA uses semester credits. Each GAC unit = 4 semester credits. Thus, some CYA courses, which are worth 3 semester credits each, are worth 0.75 GAC units. Be sure to discuss the irregular unit totals with your advisors as you select courses.

Note: This program includes two consecutive sessions. Participants may choose one or both sessions. In some years, Session I is not possible because it overlaps with the end of the spring semester on campus.

More info on the CYA Summer Program >>>