IPSL: Greece - Refugees, Migration and Resilience & Micro-Entrepreneurship

Financial Aid is available for eligible students. IPSL also accepts AmeriCorps Segal Education awards. 

Are you looking to explore the ancient and modern cultural and social issues of this unique part of the world?
Choose IPSL’s Thessaloniki Greece program (Semester, Short-term Summer, Custom or Graduate level) where participants study and work with social activism, youth empowerment and micro-enterprise. Thessaloniki is a 2,300-year-old city still playing a vital and active role as an integral international trading city for much of Southern Europe. Those interested in Grecian history will adore Thessaloniki’s unique history as a symbol of the Byzantine Empire, a free state under Roman rule, captured during Ottoman rule, and the city where the Young Turk Revolution began.

Courses include (electives may not be available each term):
*Intro to COSA (Community Organizing and Social Activism)
*COSA in Greece
*Greek History, Culture and Modern Greek Language
*Sustainable Mico-Enterprise in Urban Communities: Seminar and Field Work (elective)
*The Rise of Social Solidarity in Greece Since the Crisis (elective)
*Creative Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Leadership (elective)

Volunteer opportunities may include:
*Refugee Work
*English Tutoring
*Supporting homeless and at-risk youth
*Working with disadvantaged children
*Environmental work educating about and protecting the oceans
*Community empowerment through art and technology
*Social Service NGOs
*Societal Integration and Support of Roma
*Education Organization for Street Children and Street workers and other disadvantaged populations

Students live with a Greek family on undergraduate level Thessaloniki programs (Graduate students may have other lodging options). All IPSL host families are carefully selected and experienced with hosting students. An integral part of the program, the homestay offers you the opportunity to make life-long friends, reinforce language skills, and experience the culture from "the inside".

As part of the onsite orientation upon arrival, students will be given a day-long guided city tour highlighting some of the important historical sites and museums in Thessaloniki. This will serve as an introduction to the rich history of this part of Greece as well as provide a logistical orientation to the city.

Other excursions and activities may include:
*Vergina (known for the royal tombs of Macedonian Kings)
*Stagira (birthplace of Aristotle)
*Pella (ancient capital of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great)
*A (2-day/1-night) hike up to Mt. Olympus (home of the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greek Mythology)
*Sailing trip to unforgettable Chalkidiki, a region in northern Greece known for its jutting peninsulas, which feature Mediterranean forests that give way to sandy beaches in sheltered bays (Summer only)
*Four days in Athens exploring everything this 3,400-year-old city has to offer. 

IPSL engages students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on service to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity. 

IPSL, the founder of Service-Learning. They invest over 83% of our revenues directly back into the communities where they serve.