Hellenic International Studies in the Arts

During my time abroad, I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture of Greece and see many different islands with the help of Academic Programs International (API) and Hellenic American University. My program through API made the process enjoyable and easy to navigate. With excursions in the program, traveling was made easy. In addition, the program lead showed students around the city and even some favorite local spots. She became a mentor to me while abroad and made Greece feel like a home away from home. Overall, my experience with API and Hellenic American University was nothing short of amazing and I would go again in a heartbeat!

HISA is a beautiful small program. The academics are engaging and flexible enough that you can really find yourself in the work, while not being so rigorous that you don't have time to focus on what's important: life in Paros. Every morning we would walk along the beach and through the town square to get to class, and it doesn't take long to stop feeling like a tourist. Pretty soon, returning from weekend trips to the other islands felt like returning home; to the streets and restaurants and bartenders and stray cats that I know and love. By the end of my semester with HISA, all of the students were very close friends and most of us were writing novels. All of the faculty members are very kind and insightful and I was able to really get to know all of them, even those whose classes I wasn't taking. It's like a three-month artist retreat on a Greek island, what more could you ask for? The sky is blue, the water is wet. Once you arrive you'll never want to go home. If you're just looking for a fun getaway you'll have some of the best months of your life, and if you're looking for a life-changing experience you'll find that too.

This trip was amazing. Everyday the weather was absolutely beautiful and the views were amazing. I learned so much about the culture of Greece and got to experience it first hand by all the field trips we went on and all the historical landmarks we saw. Our guides, professors, and administrators were so greatly organized and made Greece feel like another home. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to study abroad.

My semester abroad with HISA was everything I had hoped for and more. I was looking for a semester to unwind, take a breath, and regroup with myself. The island of Paros was the perfect place for just that! Paros became a real home to my peers and I as we hiked, swam, and painted our way through the island. The teachers were all extremely supportive in each of our creative aspirations and provided us with the tools and resources needed to make our ideas come to fruition. Furthermore, all of the teachers were so passionate about their lessons that they made each of us excited to learn and work on our projects. The school's coordinated weekend trips to the nearby Cyclades islands was also a major highlight! This has been such an incredible semester and I hope to come back soon to visit!

I chose this program specifically because they focus on experience rather than in classroom lecture, it’s very affordable compared to the other programs, and the beach was just a short walk away. The minute I stepped on Paros Island, I felt very comfortable and safe. The professors took amazing care of their students and the classes were relaxed and enjoyable. I got to experience true Greek foods and culture, and I met friends from all over the world. Overall, I wish every student could go to Paros Island because it is life-changing.

I have traveled many times and not once, I have felt so relieved, carefree and so much self love. I was given the opportunity to expand my understanding of myself and others by being abroad. It forced me to be out of my comfort zone and become more independent. I am always excited to learn new cultures and meet new people so that I could understand how beautiful the world can be, and this trip intensified that. I also traveled all over Asia and have not been to Europe. Culturally and emotionally, this was a life changing experience. This was a great opportunity for me to explore other cultures than those of my own. In addition, I also learned the ways and values of other cultures. For example, most Greek people was extremely welcoming and caring for my friends and I abroad. They taught us the language, showed how to get home and to other places, and ALWAYS treat us with such great hospitality. Before then, I only thought only family treat each other this lovingly. I guess family was the right word being in Greece. The people was the best thing, but the place is most definitely second best. I get to travel and witness so many beautiful animals, florals, and lands. The places is so captivating, I have forgotten to take pictures! luckily, I have wonderful instructors and friends who did that for me.

This was my first trip abroad to a country I've dreamed about since I was able to read about the myths (I have to say, some were in comics!) I was a little scared, but the HISA teachers and staff were amazing. My arrival was well planned out, and we first visited the Acropolis and parts of Athens. Then off to Paros! I took five courses, including two studio classes. It was hard work, but based on projects I chose (in painting and writing). I especially appreciated the way the teachers treated everyone with respect and paid attention to issues of adjustment. (Missing by boyfriend was hard!) It's the best study experience I've ever had.

HISA is an amazing school that provides an experience that is incomparable to other study abroad programs. The person you come here as will transition into something you would not expect. The hospitality offered by the people here on Paros island is very beautiful. You get off at the port and everyone is there with open arms. Every weekend is a adventure and exploration through the Cycladic islands. As you will experience the life style of Paros, you will also get experience of many islands. For our midterm trip we went to Croatia which was just absolutely amazing. Each trip is guided by the wonderful brilliant staff here. Between the staff and the trips, you truly are emerged into the setting of the place. Another part of HISA I appreciated was the staff. The owners are wonderful kind hearted people who are ready to guide while you grow as a person. I came the semester before my graduating semester and I was incredibly stressed about graduating on time with the classes I needed. They accommodated my situation and did independent studies for those classes that would help graduate on time. The staff is always there for anything even outside of the classroom. HISA is a school of growth through your education as well as a personal growth experience. Through the program I grew friendships and bonds that are so important to me. Your class mates end up becoming like a family and your teachers as mentors. These connections will continue even after the program is over. I would recommend the program to everyone dearly. You will not want to leave!

Attending HISA on Paros island was a great way to truly live in the Greek culture. The students got lots of personal freedom to travel as they wished and go on teacher-led cultural field trips as well. We visited all of the important sites on the Greek islands and the course load is not too restrictive so students have free time on the island as well. Paros is a wonderful place with incredible beaches and natural beauty. The towns are very safe and the nightlife is good also. Everyone is so helpful and friendly on the island. Not an expensive place to live at all, and the food options are excellent. It is very easy to travel around by bus and on foot.

Rarely has a day passed since completing my program that I don't think of some aspect of my time spent abroad. Several of our instructors were Greek natives and others had lived internationally for many years. This led to a rich information base provided by the faculty and staff. The geography and climate were stunning and ferry rides made island hopping feasible during weekends off. Many former students returned as interns. My semester abroad experience has helped shape my character today and I would absolutely recommend it to those seeking to expand their cultural horizons.

Photos

Paros is a beautiful Island, with brilliant people, and endless opportunities to experience and learn. I loved HISA, and will go back to visit as soon as I am able. I loved the one-on-one learning and attention from the instructors; they care about their students. Living on Paros is easy and affordable as long as you don't go out to eat for every meal, though the local bakeries offer cheap and delicious foods. Night life is poppin', and there is a constant influx of tourism, with endless opportunities to meet new and interesting people.

I'm a pretty radical painter and I've never quite felt, let's say, 'well-received' in university art programs. In the end I was ready to drop out of college but found my way to HISA though a family connection, stayed for about a year and it totally changed my life. I love the school. Barry, the director, is an amazing philosopher. Our class conversations were beyond what I've experienced in any other classroom: challenging, at times agitating and totally necessary. I felt like the open, creative, free and philosophical environment fed my artwork and understanding of readings and helped me grow personally. I have new favorite poets I didn't know existed. I can passably communicate in Greek! This island is my new home, I'm going to come back!

If you are interested in living in a charming hostel tucked away close to the ever beautiful sea shore and immersing yourself in painting, photography, poetry and late night discussions than this program would likely be a good fit! Overall I had a delightful experience studying and living on Paros with HISA. It was lovely to have prearranged weekend trips to different islands (as well as a longer trip to Turkey!) that expanded our immersion experience. The painting teacher was wonderful- I was totally captivated by her teaching style and grew SO much as an artist (starting out a novice) under her instruction. Because the program size is kept small, class sizes were intimate and it was incredibly easy to bond with everyone who was there during the semester that I studied abroad. A focus on night life (dancing and drinking in local venues- often times with locals) was something I was not expecting but found to be enjoyable. (As someone who is relatively low key, it was fun to have the option available, although there were many times when I chose to explore the island or cook at the hostel with friends instead). It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience such a friendly, wholesome and cheerful community of people who live and work on Paros island. We easily became friends with people from all over the island, and the sleepy evenings were a perfect time to sit in the sand and watch the truly indescribable sunsets. I miss the island and the school every day. All that being said, my only complaint about the program is I found the school work to be overall lacking in gusto. Although the relatively light work load aloud for exploration and bonding with friends (something I do treasure) I sometimes found myself feeling bored and wishing for a little more substance to my classes. Overall, if Greece is a desirable location for your study abroad experience (and rightly so), than HISA is an experience you won't regret.

Photos

I attended HISA for their 2014 fall and 2015 spring semesters. I had the most amazing, life changing experience. The faculty members were kind, helpful, and highly intelligent; they care for their students, and will go above and beyond expectations to ensure student comfort and security. Paros offers beautiful landscapes and hiking trails for those who love the outdoors, and an active night scene for those who enjoy night life. The people who live on the island are friendly and giving, and the environment/culture is relaxed and laid-back. I will return to Paros the first chance I get!

Photos

The Greek culture is like no other. Modern and Ancient Greece has been around for years. The culture is eye opening, everyone was friendly and would say kala mahra (good morning) and there is a cista, where everyone takes naps. It was a wonderful and safe place to study. The program director is a wonderful man with the most lively energy and spirit. There are a few things that I needed to get use to, but all minor, such as taking baths instead of shower and not being able to drink out of the sink. The walk to school was close to ten minutes and the night hikes were wonderful. Studying in Greece, was the best decision I have ever made.