Summer Study 2021 FAQ | Classical Studies

When is the Program held?
The Program will take place June 24 to July 28, 2021.

Will the program run during the COVID outbreak?
Obviously we cannot predict what the situation in Greece will be like in six months. Only if conditions there have improved markedly and the vaccination regimen has been advanced significantly (here and there) would the program run. However, we are optimistic that this will be the case and that the program will be able to go forward.

The American College of Greece, where we stay and take classes, has been extremely successful in their own COVID-19 protocols. If such were necessary in June, we would be following their protocols.

What if the program is cancelled due to COVID?
If the program is cancelled due to COVID, then any deposits will be returned.

Where and when are classes held?
All classes are taught Monday through Friday on the beautiful campus of the American College of Greece in Athens.

What is the American College of Greece?
ACG is an American, English-speaking, fully accredited institution founded more than a century ago. For more information visit their website: www.acg.edu/

Will the credits transfer back to my home school?
Yes. The American College of Greece is a fully accredited institution and all credits will transfer. For Boston University students we arrange for students’ courses to be approved as a group, so BU students do not need to complete course transfer paperwork. Non-BU students need to fill out the appropriate credit-transfer paperwork for their home institution.

Where do students live?
Students live in the apartment-style residences of the American College of Greece. These residences feature marble floors, balconies, and kitchens. Students find them very comfortable.

Does anyone live with the students?
The American College of Greece residences all have Resident Advisors who work very hard to make sure the students are comfortable.

Does everyone fly to Greece together?
Since students and faculty are often traveling to Greece from different cities, students make individual arrangements to arrive in Athens on the arrival date. However, staff from the American College of Greece will meet you at the airport and transport you to your residence. When you arrive, the faculty will already be in Greece preparing for the program.

Will there be any meetings before the program begins?
Yes, the Summer Study Faculty will meet with the BU students in the group before the spring semester ends. All Summer Study students will also receive a number of detailed emails preparing you for the program.

How many students participate in the program?
The program is designed for 16 – 25 students. More than 25 students would make weekend excursions more difficult.

How many professors participate in the program?
Two professors from Boston University lead the program.

Is this program part of Boston University Study Abroad?
No, the BUPh Summer Study is an independent program organized and led by the Boston University Department of Classical Studies, B.U. Core Curriculum, and the B.U. Philhellenes. However, we work very closely with the BU Study Abroad office to ensure that course credits are transferred.

How much time will I spend in class?
Students normally attend two classes per day, and each class is approximately two hours. Homework time will vary depending on the student, but you should probably prepare to do 30 minutes to an hour of work out of class each day.

How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the program, excluding food but including airfare, accommodations, tuition, and excursions is approximately $8,000. This is significantly less than similar programs, which typically run well over $10,000. BU students are eligible to apply for scholarships, which will be at least $2,000 for qualified students.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
Application for the program constitutes application for a scholarship. You don’t need to do anything but apply for the program.

How to I apply for the program?
Students should submit a one-page statement of why they would like to study in Greece, a paper submitted for any class, and an unofficial transcript. All can be submitted electronically to Professor L. J. Samons (ljs@bu.edu) or via this form by April 5, 2021.

Do I have to do anything if I accept a scholarship?
We ask students who accept a scholarship to take one course in Greek (modern or ancient) after they return to BU.

Is the area around the American College of Greece safe?
ACG is located in Agia Paraskevi, one of the nicest and safest upscale suburbs of Athens. Athens (and Greece) is very safe, although of course everyone has to take the same precautions one would take when traveling abroad to a major city in any country. You will receive a detailed list of things you need to do before and after you arrive to ensure that you have a safe and wonderful experience.

How long has the Summer Study been in existence?
2021 will be the ninth annual BUPh Summer Study.

When are admitted students notified?
You will be notified of acceptance into the program and scholarship status by the middle of April.

Do I need to speak Greek to be part of the program?
Absolutely not! Everyone at ACG speaks English (and so do most people in Athens). We hope that many students will begin to learn the wonderful Greek language while they are in Athens!

Do I need to be a classics or Modern Greek student?
Not at all. We want students from all disciplines to join our program. We have had students from many different fields in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as students of engineering, communications, and other fields.

What happens on weekends?
The group makes excursions to sites of cultural and historical significance around Greece on the weekends. Sites visited include Corinth, Mycenae, Epidauros, Nauplion, Delphi, Marathon, and islands like Mykonos, Tinos, Ydra, Aigina, and Poros. One weekend excursion will consist of a two-day sailing trip to the islands of the Saronic Gulf.

Can I travel around Greece on my own while I’m there?
No. We do not allow students to travel on their own outside of Athens during the BUPh Summer Study.

What is a “Philhellene”?
Philhellenes are individuals who study, admire, and seek to promote Greek (that is, Hellenic) values. They have existed since ancient times: Persians, Romans, Egyptians, and many others in antiquity identified themselves as “philhellenes,” and that tradition continued into the modern world.

Do you have any more information? Are there pictures?
For more information (and pictures!), visit the Department of Classical Studies website: www.bu.edu/classics

And for pictures and student testimonials about the program, visit the website of the Program in Modern Greek: www.moderngreek.org

For more information, you can also write Professor Samons directly: ljs@bu.edu

And be sure to visit our Facebook pages!