Study Abroad

Students study alongside Greek and other international students, a feature which distinguishes our programs from other study abroad programs and facilitates the process of cultural integration.

The Study Abroad programs are based in the heart of downtown Athens, footsteps away from Plaka, the historic section of Athens at the foothills of the Acropolis. Two buildings house classrooms, a student center, library, computer lab and administrative offices. With its extraordinary, artistic, intellectual and cultural heritage, Athens is richly endowed with resources for formal study and experiential learning. The museums of the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, as well as the National Archeological Museum, the Cycladic Museum and the Benaki Collections, are within minutes of Webster Athens. Cultural events, including concerts, recitals, dance and theatre, as well as international trade shows, conferences and symposia, public lectures, gallery exhibits, sports events and marathons, are an integral part of life in this bustling, cosmopolitan city at the confluence of Europe, Asia and Africa.

For more information, contact:

Dina Skias
Director of Study Abroad
Odyssey in Athens
Tel: +30 211 990 5303
skiasd@webster.edu 

Discover the Top 10 reasons to study abroad with Odyssey in Athens. Read the latest on virtual study, internships and more in the bi-annual newsletter.

• January 2021 (PDF)
• June 2021 (PDF)
• January 2022 (PDF)
• June 2022 (PDF)

The Odyssey in Athens curriculum is unique in that it offers a diverse variety of accredited upper-level courses. Students can continue their programs of study and earn college credit, which transfers back to their home institutions.

There are no specific program requirements, however, students are encouraged to take full advantage of the Greek language and culture courses. All courses are taught in English by distinguished faculty from the U.S. and Europe.

• Odyssey in Athens Program Brochure (PDF)
• Signature Courses at Webster Athens Brochure (PDF)

Fall I, Spring I and Summer I Schedule of Virtual Classes

Fall II, Spring II and Summer II Schedule of Virtual Classes

Odyssey in Athens accepts applications from students in good standing at their home institutions who are eager to learn about the landscape, culture and people of Greece. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply to our semester summer session or year-long program.

Students from more than 150 colleges and universities have enrolled in the Odyssey program. Enrollment is for a semester session (eight weeks and up to nine undergraduate and five graduate credits), a single semester (up to 18 undergraduate and 10 graduate credits), a full academic year (up to 36 undergraduate or 20 graduate credits) or the summer session (four weeks and up to six undergraduate or four graduate credits).

Although the junior year is preferred by most students who study abroad, freshmen, sophomores and seniors can apply to Odyssey in Athens with approval from their universities. Students in transition to graduate school or employment in the international arena are also welcomed.

Application Deadlines

• Summer: Feb. 28
• Fall: March 30
• Spring: Sept. 30

Academic credit is transferred to a student’s home institution on the basis of a transcript issued by Webster University. Each student is responsible for arranging academic credit with their own college or university before applying to Odyssey in Athens.

Letter grades are based on fulfillment of all course requirements, including written and oral assignments, exams and class attendance. An official copy of a student’s transcript is mailed to the home college and an unofficial copy is sent to the home address. Transcripts are released only after all financial obligations have been met.

HLC

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. The University has been evaluated on multiple aspects, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finance and resources.

ACBSP

The School of Business & Technology is proud to be one of the only 5% of the world’s business schools to have earned specialized accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Hellas

Webster Athens has been accredited/licensed by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs of the Hellenic Republic to operate in Hellas.

Top Rated Program

In 2019, the Odyssey in Athens program was awarded Top-Rated Program, based on student reviews of the program.

The Odyssey in Athens program fee includes tuition, housing, orientation, group excursion costs, student ID, computer lab and library fees, transcript and student support services. It does not include roundtrip airfare, meals, laundry, personal spending money, or medical, accident, and/or property insurance, textbooks, or independent travel.

Students can expect to spend $120-$150 per week on meals, laundry, entertainment and miscellaneous needs. Total costs are considerably less than those at private colleges and universities in the U.S.

For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as activities and WINS orientation, visit our Odyssey page.

"Studying abroad in Athens and attending the Webster University campus there was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Immediately you are immersed in this culture where family and friends are still valued as the most important things in life. Everyone takes time and cares for one another, and this is exemplified by all of the professors and staff at Webster University. Dina Skias, the director of the study abroad program in Athens, goes above and beyond every day to make sure all of the students are having the most amazing time in Athens. After you leave the most beautiful city on earth, you are left with the most wonderful of memories and spend your time counting down the days till you can go back.” Jessica Benedetto, Anthropology and History student, SUNY Geneseo

 

"My time in Athens changed my life. Athens gave me the opportunity to explore a vibrant and rich culture. I was touched by the kindness of everyone in Athens, especially the kindness of the staff at Webster Athens. I instantly felt welcomed by everyone, and they instantly made the campus and the city feel like home. I loved visiting the islands and Ancient Olympia. I was amazed by how much history is preserved in the city — I loved that ancient history co-existed alongside a modern industrialized city. Each day I fell in love with something new in Greece, and I would recommend this program to anyone. I am forever thankful for all that I learned from the people and the city.” Shelby Morgan, Creative Writing student, Writing Coach, Webster University

 

“My classes were interesting and engaging, without being overwhelming, allowing us to maintain a perfect balance of school and fun. The city of Athens is very special — rich history, amazing food, kind people. You will never run out of places to see or things to do. It really was the perfect city for me. So many awesome experiences were just a short walk from my apartment. I travelled to a few other cities in Europe during my time abroad, and while I do cherish those experiences as well, I felt myself always longing to go 'home' to Greece.” Ella Rogers-Light, Studio Art student, Goucher College 

 

"My time that I spent abroad in Athens will always be fondly remembered in my heart. I still practice my Greek, and I often think of places I would have visited if I had more time. I plan to go back one day — maybe even bring my family along for the trip this time! If you are thinking of studying in Athens, I urge you to do it! You’ll fall in love with the country, and the Webster Campus is awesome. The professors are excellent and some of the most captivating educators I have ever met. The courses are interesting and very useful in day-to-day life in Athens. It’s a place of wonder, excitement and history. Please, do yourself a favor and study at Webster University in Athens!” Lauren Huffman, Education and History student, Webster University

 

“My time at Webster's Odyssey Athens Program was not only one of international discovery, but self-discovery, as well. Thanks to the class styles and the extracurriculars, I was able to explore not only Athens, but many areas of Greece while learning about the beautiful history of the land, as well. The classes there challenged my current abilities and drove me to think of new perspectives during each meeting. Likewise, the excursions with my fellow Odyssey members allowed me to bond with them while seeing exceptionally beautiful historic parts of the country. I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to explore themselves and their interests, as well as the country they wish to live in.” Olivia Viteznik, Communications and Media Studies Student, Goucher College

“I really enjoyed my time here in Athens, Greece. My favorite class was Greek, and I think this is an important class for everyone to take, so that they have some understanding of Greek while they are here. I learned quite a bit in such a short amount of time. And when I did speak Greek, it actually helped me make Greek friends, because no one expects you to know it. There are a lot of things to do here in Athens, and the food is amazing. I could eat Greek salad and gyros every day! I really enjoyed my time while abroad and am very grateful for the opportunity.” Mikaela Brigman, Junior Sociology student, Goucher College (Photo of Mikaela is at Webster Athens Cultural Center rooftop with Roman Agora in the background)

 

“Living in Greece gave me a small glimpse of how adulthood would be for me after graduation, while also allowing me to develop a sense of independence. Studying abroad in Greece brought me out of my comfort zone countless times. I spoke to strangers more, things in general that I would be too scared to do back home. I loved that I had the ability to take a Greek class since it allowed me to make new friends, while also practicing my Greek! Being in Greece and in the Odyssey in Athens program was a breath of fresh air. I thank Greece for having me and changing me. If I had the opportunity to go back I wouldn’t hesitate!” Nicauris Veras, Junior Criminal Justice student, Centenary University (Photo of Nicauris is on the Greek island of Santorini)

 

“My experience here in Athens has been absolutely amazing! Based on my time here I would have to say that there is no way to be truly prepared to study abroad, because it will surprise you. From the friends I’ve made to the excursions we’ve been on, I feel truly blessed to have gotten the chance to be here, especially at the age of 21. I never imagined I would have this opportunity, and it turned out to be better than my wildest dreams.” Dana Rue, Junior Early Childhood and Elementary Education student, Webster University (Photo of Dana at Cape Sounio)

 

 “If you have the chance, take it, STUDY ABROAD! It has made me appreciate so much about the world, but also things at home. The thing that surprised me the most is how close I had gotten to everyone in this program, and I think that bond is very important when you are having these new experiences. The excursions have been eye-opening, and Dina, the Odyssey in Athens director, has made our experience here so easy and fun. I would recommend this program to everyone who wants to step into the world of art and history.” Ruchii Sheth, Senior Studio Art with Cultural Anthropology minor student, Webster University (Photo of Ruchii on rooftop of Webster Athens Academic and Administrative building)

 

“Overall, my experience studying abroad was wonderful! I highly recommend it to absolutely everyone. Meeting people from all over the world was one of the biggest highlights for me. Living in another country for four months away from my family and friends was life-changing, but at the same time amazing. I developed a different kind of bond with the people I met here in Greece and am so happy I did. Traveling almost every weekend was another highlight. We got to experience how other people are in different cultures, and that really stood out to me. Moreover, the classes and faculty were wonderful. I was motivated and looked forward to attending class every day. I thank the people for making my experience here in Greece so wonderful!” Megan Ramdehal, Senior psychology student, LeMoyne College (Photo of Megan at Santorini island)

 

“The highlights for me were going to community service twice a week and all the travels I did outside of Athens. My favorite place in Greece was Delphi and Meteora, because I love the mountains and nature.” Minnell Fundora, Junior advertising student, Webster University (Photo of Minell at Delphi)

"It was valuable to see up close the culture that influenced so much of the modern world and draw comparisons between the Greek culture and my own culture. It changed the way I see many aspects of my own culture.” Troy Lugar, Junior Computer Science student at Washington & Jefferson College (Photo of Troy is on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini)

 

"I wanted to study abroad somewhere a little different, other than somewhere like France or Germany, so I chose Greece. Whenever someone would hypothetically ask where I wanted to go, I always dreamt of Greece, and it’s literally a dream come true. I loved being able to learn this fascinating language and visit ancient historical sites on excursions. I met some amazing people through Odyssey in Athens and saw gorgeous parts of this country.” Emma Oroxom, Sophomore Spanish and Political Science student, Washington & Jefferson College (Photo of Emma is on the Greek island of Hydra during the Odyssey in Athens excursion)

 

“My experience in Athens has been a roller coaster, with ups, downs, twists and turns, but it has led to an important path of self-discovery/self-acceptance that I do not think I would have ever gotten at home to the degree I experienced here. I learned how to live alone without feeling lonely, adapt to a new culture without supervision, and embrace the world around me for what it is. Athens, too is its own roller coaster, and it is definitely worth riding on. All I can say is to enjoy right now, today.” Max Rodhouse, Sophomore media communication student, Webster University (Photo of Max at a café in Athens)

 

“Yia sas (hello) from Greece! For someone who is interested in international education, my hope was to go abroad this summer and have an international experience of my own. I am currently interning at Webster University’s Athens campus, and having a wonderful immersive experience. My internship so far has been more than I could have imagined. I am stepping out of my comfort zone, getting experience in a field that I have such a passion for, and also having fun along the way!"  Mackenzie Bowen, Graduate student, Leadership in higher education, Baldwin Wallace University (Photo of Mackenzie on the rooftop of the Webster Athens classroom and administrative building)

 

“My time here in Athens has been a roller coaster, to say the least. Emotions sometimes play tricks on us, hiding the true importance of what we have learned. Luckily, the structure of the Webster Program in Athens supplemented me with just what I needed to see beyond, and be able to understand the emotions felt while being in a new country surrounded by a culture that is not your own — through classes that help you understand why things happen here, to community service that allows you to get involved with people and things you never thought of; from helping teach asylum seekers basic English skills to dancing the tango with locals; I truly started to know and understand the place that I now call my second home. ‘Take advantage of whatever life throws at you.’” William Tucker, Junior Sociology student from Washington & Jefferson College (Photo of William is in the mountain village of Arahova, outside of Delphi, during an Odyssey in Athens excursion)

 

“Studying abroad in Athens was the experience of a lifetime. I got to see the world, make new friends and live on my own for the first time ever. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. One of the best things about being here was the ability to travel around Europe on the weekends. I went to so many amazing places inside and outside of Greece.” Jamie Kotthoff, Sophomore Script writing student from Webster University (Photo of Jamie at the Acropolis)