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Athens
Athens, Greece

Ecology + Sustainability

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

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!

Check out our Ecology + Sustainability Courses

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

Experience
  • Athens
  • Athens, Greece

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.

Delphi Greece

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.  
Athens

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.  

Housing

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. 

Athens Greek Salad
Academics

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.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Athens Ecology + Sustainability students enroll in courses for a total of 12-16 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of ecology or sustainability is required. Students select from:  

  • CIEE courses 
  • At least two courses at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Up to two ASU online courses (max 8 total credits), in ASU session B only 

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-15 U.S semester credits/18-22.5 quarter credits.

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours) 
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours) 
  • CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 seminar hours (15 seminar hours, 90 service hours) 
  • National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 50-60 contact hours 
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.   

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time.    

Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses. 

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens courses are designed for students to gain in-depth knowledge of all areas of Ecology and Sustainability along with an understanding and practical experience in the related fields of innovative and disruptive technologies and applications. Students will also have the skills to implement meaningful ideas, manage teams with diverse perspectives, and lead their own, personal vision. Invest in experience for changing the world by becoming a strong, empathetic, and innovative leader who will excel in any environment. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.  

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.  

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens courses are for Greek students, European Union Erasmus students and other international students. Classes are middle size and are scheduled Monday through Friday.   

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.  

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens courses are graded on a 10-point scale, which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents.   

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

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 

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

 

Program Options
Program Options
  • Global Environmental Policy
  • Global Change and the Environment
  • Principles of Ecology
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Economics of Wine
  • Culture and Cuisine in Greece
  • Greek Language - Beginning I
  • Ancient Mediterranean Art History
  • Internship Seminar
  • Service-Learning Project
  • Directed Independent Research 

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.

Internships

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.

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

A female intern listens to instructions from her teacher

Manufacturing

Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.

And intern and a manger reviewing warehouse inventory

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.

Find Internship Options

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.

Dates & Fees

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

Our Staff

paco diez

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

Apply Now

2

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.

Contact Us

4

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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