Odyssey in Athens program through Webster Athens is a uniquely designed to afford college students a rich cultural experience in the birthplace of Western civilization while taking accredited upper-level courses in their chosen fields of study.

Location:

Athens, Greece

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Spring Semester, Summer, Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

Webster University, founded in 1915 with its home campus based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is the only Tier 1 private, nonprofit university with campus locations around the world including metropolitan, military, online and corporate, as well as American-style traditional campuses in North America, Europe, including Athens, Africa and Asia. With over 160,000 alumni and 22,000 students from 50 states and 148 countries, Webster is defining global education for the future. Small, highly interactive classes encourage innovation, collaboration, and self-expression. Students have all the advantages of a student-centered university that supports personalized learning and gives every student an opportunity to excel. Webster University Study Abroad programs are ranked in the top 2 percent by the U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best Colleges 2017.”

The Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCASC) accredits Webster University.

Further, prestigious accreditation bodies in their respective fields accredit the various schools/departments of the University. Webster University’s mission is to ensure high quality learning that transforms students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

The Athens branch hosts ourOdyssey in Athensstudy abroad program. It is a unique program designed to afford college students a rich cultural experience in the birthplace of Western civilization. They take accredited courses in their chosen fields of study alongside Greek and other international students. This feature distinguishes Odyssey in Athens from other study abroad programs and facilitates the process of cultural integration. Odyssey in Athens is based in the facilities of Webster University Athens -in the historic area known as Plaka- at the base of the Acropolis. Two buildings house classrooms, computer lab, library, administrative offices, and a cultural center.

With its extraordinary artistic, intellectual and cultural heritage, Athens is richly endowed with resources for formal study and experiential learning. The museums at the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, as well as, the Cycladic Museum, and the Benaki collections are within minutes of the University’s facilities. Athens is a modern city with a plethora of activity.

TheOdyssey in Athenscurriculum 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 US and Europe. Courses include topics in art and archaeology, history, literature, politics, and language. Courses with an international or cross-cultural focus include anthropology, business administration, communication, history, literature, political science, international studies, international relations, philosophy, music and economics.

Students from over 150 different colleges and universities have enrolled in the Odyssey program. Enrolment is for a semester session (8 weeks and up to 9 undergraduate or 5 graduate credits), a single semester (up to 18 undergraduate or 10 graduate credits), a full academic year (up to 36 undergraduate or 20 graduate credits) or the summer session (4 weeks long and up to 6 undergraduate or 4 graduate credits).

Excursions are an integral part of Odyssey in Athens. Students have an opportunity to learn first hand about ancient sites. Mycenea, Epidavros, Meteora, Monemvasia, Sparti–Mystras and Delphi are a few of our destinations. Students also take organized trips to the Greek islands. The cost of university-organized group travel is fully covered by the program fees. Students may use their free weekends to travel on their own and quickly will discover that Greece abounds with exquisite natural beauty.

Once their academic obligations are met, students are free to live their own lives and are encouraged to take full advantage of the cultural and recreational activities available to them. They can participate or attend any of the organized sporting events of the University or participate in student organizations such as the International Student’s Association. Community service and volunteer opportunities, such as working with the endangered sea turtles or assisting at a refugee center have been popular choices for the Odyssey students. The Director can assist students in pursuing their interests.

Setting Description:

Odyssey in Athens is located in the Plaka area, below the Acropolis, in the heart of downtown Athens. Students are housed in shared, fully furnished apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities, in addition to an ADSL wireless/ethernet internet connection. Student housing is also in the Plaka area, walking distance to the university facilities. Excursions to archaeological sites, monuments and museums around Greece are an integral part of the Odyssey program. Some of the sites visited are Ancient Olympia, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidavros, Nafplio, Delphi, Meteora, Sparti-Mystras, Monemvasia, Thessaloniki, and Vergina, to name a few. Students from over 100 universities with a variety of majors have participated in Odyssey in Athens.

Cost:

$12,840 USD. Interested students can email the Director of Odyssey in Athens, Dina Skias regarding program costs.

Additional Program Information

Requirements:

Students in good academic standing at their home institutions are welcome to apply.

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

WINS (Webster International Network of Schools) travel award and tuition assistance