IPSL: Greece - Refugees, Migration and Resilience & Micro-Entrepreneurship
- Location(s): Field Programs in Greece, Greece: Multiple, Greece: Thessaloniki, Greece: Athens, Greece
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Volunteer, Gap Year, Research
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(For American Students)
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 Greec... read more
All Reviews
I gained and grew so much on this trip to Greece. Besides the amazing relationships I built while there, this was the trip that segued into my international humanitarian career, which is what I'm doing now in Iraq. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I'll cherish it forever. Brenda Hershey - Roosevelt University View Entire Review

I've learned a lot about myself, but mainly I've learned that you can never take anything for granted because (A) other people are either doing okay with less than you and (B) life moves faster than you can blink Kaitlin McGeown - College of Mount Saint Vincent View Entire Review

I gained a better understanding on another part of the world. I honestly felt like a native after just a month there. The Greek culture is so welcoming and inviting. I made so many friends who I still keep in contact with it. At first I was apprehensive about going away for school, as I was the only person in my program, but I a... Danica Luc - College of Mount Saint Vincent View Entire Review
You should take nothing for granted. This entire trip and learning experience was certainly worthwhile. Kaitlin McGeown - College of Mount Saint Vincent View Entire Review
About
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.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadVolunteer
Gap Year
Research
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
- Custom
- Short Term
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Language Requirement(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Applied Horticulture, Horticultural Business
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Culinary Arts
- Linguistics
- Modern Greek Language, Literature
- Ancient/Classical Greek Language, Literature
- Foods and Nutrition
- Global Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Social Sciences
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business
Minimum GPA:
2.0Year Founded:
1981Website
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IPSL Scholarships
IPSL's goal is to help all students go abroad. Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and Americorps Education awards are accepted to go towards all programs. In addition, an automatic $5500 will be applied to all Graduate students who have served with Americorps, Peace Corps and or the military.
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Deadlines:
Please call IPSL for details
Guidelines/Requirements:
Please call IPSL for details
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