WELCOME TO THE BEST
SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE
NHS programs make a difference, with NHS’ signature Heritage Greece Program® serving as a paradigm shift. The Heritage Greece Program® (HG) is a two-week cultural and educational immersion odyssey for accomplished Greek American college students who share their experiences with a peer group of exceptional students from the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens, Greece or Anatolia American University (Formerly the American College of Thessaloniki - ACT) in Thessaloniki, Greece; or immerse themselves into ancient and modern Athens for a journey through Democracy with College Year in Athens (CYA). The Heritage Greece Program® goal is to reconnect the participants with their heritage, roots, language, traditions and Greek identity. They have a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore their culture, as well as to identify and learn about the ancient past within the prism and context of modern Greece.
The Heritage Greece Program® was developed by the NHS as part of its mission to celebrate and preserve Greek heritage in the United States. The Heritage Greece Program® started at ACG, located on a 65-acre beautiful campus in the suburb of Aghia Paraskevi in Athens. In 2022, the NHS reached a milestone with the addition of Anatolia American University (Formerly the American College of Thessaloniki - ACT) giving over 100+ students, including 9 Greek Canadian students, the opportunity to experience Greece in all its nuances. Last year, College Year in Athens (CYA), based in the heart of Athens, joined the program with a two-week learning adventure focusing on Democracy through the ages.
The program is a gift from the NHS to the participants who participate in one of the three groups (ACG, AAU, or CYA). Students are responsible for personal expenses, additional meals and travel to and from Athens. All other expenses for tuition, accommodations, meals, transportation within Greece, and program related costs are borne by the NHS. Students learn language skills within the context of modern Greece, travel to important archaeological sites and earn one fully transferable credit hour.
Heritage Greece participant, Luka Cotronakis' impressions sum-up what Heritage Greece is all about:
“ I didn’t understand philotimo until I was surrounded by it…”
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS!
Visit the links below to explore which Summer 2026 Heritage Greece® Program is the best fit for you or your child.
These programs will take place during the summer of 2026 and each program runs for about two weeks. While the National Hellenic Society develops the Heritage Greece® Programs, each partner institution manages its own application process.
You may apply to as many programs as you wish, but please remember that all applications must be submitted through the links provided in each column as you are not applying for admission to the institutions themselves.
ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible to apply if you are:
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18-26 years old and enrolled as an undergraduate/graduate student with a 3.0+ GPA
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A US/Canadian citizen of Hellenic descent*
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Preferably (not mandatory) visiting Greece for the first time
* Hellenic descent is defined as having one or more parents, grandparents, or great grandparents born in Greece or Cyprus. Please note that siblings or first cousins of past and/or current participants, who meet the program’s eligibility criteria, may be considered but they must reimburse NHS for all expenses related to participation in the Heritage Greece® Program.
** Additional criteria may be added in case of pandemic-related changes imposed by the Greek or US governments or the European Union at the time of the program.
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ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
Heritage Greece® was the best decision I could’ve made this summer. Not only did I get to learn about my heritage through excursions, museums, and food, but I got to make relationships that I know will last forever. The activities we did every day were insightful and I am grateful to be able to experience things that many Greeks and Greek Americans don’t get the opportunity to experience. The people on our program got close so quick and they are the reason why Heritage Greece was so beneficial and fun. I want to give a special shout out to our amazing peers at ACG who made Greece so welcoming and Harris and Kiki who were the best program directors we could have ever asked for. I would recommend Heritage to any Greek American looking to learn more about their Greek culture.
Mercia
Heritage Greece® at ACG
Class of 2025
The Heritage Greece® program was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It gave me the chance to connect more deeply with my culture and explore parts of Greece that I never would have otherwise seen. On top of it all, the program introduced me to a bunch of other Greek Americans who I now consider close friends
Julia
Heritage Greece® at ACG
Class of 2025
Heritage Greece® Athens was an unforgettable and surreal experience. Although I’ve been to Greece before, this program allowed me to see our homeland through a completely new lens. Through cultural activities, historical tours, and language sessions, I gained a deeper appreciation for our heritage and the richness of Greek identity. What made it even more special was forming lasting friendships with both fellow participants and the amazing ACG peers. Their warmth and hospitality brought the experience to life. Heritage Greece reminded me how proud I am to be Greek and to be part of a global diaspora bound by shared history, culture, and community.
Adoni
Heritage Greece® at ACG
Class of 2025
