Ecology + Sustainability
Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Athens lasts a full semester and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Athens. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Athens!
Unique Experiences
PARTICIPATE IN A LOCAL GASTRONOMIC TOUR
TO TRY FOODS THAT SUPPORT FAMILY-OWNED EATERIES AND ORGANIC MARKETS
VISIT SOLAR FARMS AND WIND TURBINES
TO UNDERSTAND GREECE’S EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE COUNTRY’S RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS AND DECREASE CARBON EMISSIONS
VISIT NEARBY ICONIC GREEK ISLANDS
TO EXPERIENCE THE CHARMING AND SERENE GREEK WAY OF LIFE
Your Destination
Athens is Greece’s historic yet forward-thinking capital, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and growing sustainability efforts. The city harmonizes ancient wonders with modern green initiatives, featuring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the lively Plaka neighborhood, and the lush National Garden. With a Mediterranean climate, coastal biodiversity, and increasing investments in renewable energy and urban sustainability, Athens offers an engaging environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, archaeology, business, liberal arts, or history, Athens is an ideal destination to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Athens will open doors for you to explore Greece’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Join a walking tour or e-bike adventure tour along Athen’s top landmarks, from the Acropolis to its iconic surroundings
- Embark on a half-day sea kayak tour in the serene Corinthian Gulf, exploring crystal-clear waters and stunning coastal views
- Participate in meaningful volunteer work in the fields of ecology and sustainability with local students
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Athens, Greece
Opa! What could be better than studying abroad in Greece? From ancient ruins dating back thousands of years to mouthwatering olive oil to picturesque islands only a short flight or... keep reading
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ATHENS
EAT When in Athens, there’s one dish that you absolutely cannot miss – souvlaki. This beloved Greek street food consists of skewered and grilled meat, usually served with pita bread... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Athens offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a room in a homestay or double rooms in shared apartments. Homestays provide you with an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Greek family life and culture. Housing is located under 45 minutes from CIEE Athens.
- Select Housing: Includes double rooms in shared apartments. Shared apartments feature a kitchen, bathroom, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Housing is located within 30 minutes of CIEE Athens. Select housing requires an additional fee.
- Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in shared apartments located within 30 minutes of CIEE Athens. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Apartments: Meals are not included.
Homestays: Host families provide breakfast and dinner, and students are responsible for lunch.
Academics
CIEE Athens: Study in Athens, a city where ancient history and modern energy collide. Wander through iconic ruins, savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and immerse yourself in the lively culture that makes Athens a one-of-a-kind destination.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA): NKUA, the largest university in Greece, holds a great place in Greek history as it is the first founded university of South-Eastern Europe (year of foundation 1837). It is hailed as one of the greatest educational institutions in the world, due to its contribution to education, research, and innovation.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (examples) | ASU Courses (online) |
|---|---|---|
Principles of Ecology Global Change and The Environment Global Environmental Policy Sustainable Tourism | Marine Pollution Management Oceanography Blue Growth and Sustainability Waste Management: Technologies and Policies Costal Zones and Marine Environnent Management Port and Shipping Sustainable Management Shipping, Environment, and International Relations Marine Pollution Management | Systems Thinking Sustainable Ecosystems Basic Energy Science |
Biological and Physical Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Athens' vibrant work scene offers numerous internship opportunities, especially in sectors like tourism, archaeology, history, education, and the arts. With a mix of established companies and innovative startups, it provides valuable hands-on experience in dynamic, culturally rich environments. The city's diverse professional community encourages collaboration, blending modern business practices with Greece's deep historical roots, fostering both professional and personal growth.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Francisco Diez
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Francisco Diez is the Regional Director of Operations for Europe including Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Florence, Milan, Tallinn, and Prague.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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