Heritage Greece® Program, Thessaloniki

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student with a 3.0 GPA
• US/Canadian citizen of Hellenic descent*
• Between 18-26 years old 
• Preferably first-time visit to Greece 

* 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 participate in Heritage Greece® 2025 on the condition that they reimburse the NHS for expenses related to their participation.

To be considered for admission to the NHS Heritage Greece Program, complete the Online Application Form, provide a letter of recommendation, an official transcript, and complete the required forms.

How to Apply

Application Checklist and Required Forms

✅ Complete the online ACT Application below:

Apply here

Application Deadline: March 30th, 2025.

✅ Select the Heritage Greece® Program Application.

✅ In the "I have a code field", use Code Number: 41ACF7

✅ Gather & upload all required documents:

1. Insurance Certificate
2. Medical History
3. Program Agreement
4. Housing Agreement
5. Copy of your Passport, valid for at last 6 months following the Heritage Greece program dates
6. Photo ID for your digital ACT ID card
7. College / University Transcript
8. Provide a recommendation letter from a professor, community leader, religious leader or other individual that knows you well, e-mail the ACT Admissions Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
9. Provide a copy of medical insurance coverage covering you during your stay in Greece

✅ ACT’s Admissions team reserves the right to contact you for an interview.

About Heritage Greece®

The Heritage Greece Program is an unforgettable educational and cultural immersion experience for North American students of Hellenic heritage, shared with students from ACT- American College of Thessaloniki. Heritage Greece connects Greek American and Greek Canadian College & University-age students to their Hellenic roots by allowing them to spend two intense weeks exploring Greece in all its facets.

Heritage Greece is a proprietary program developed by the National Hellenic Society (NHS) as part of its mission to celebrate, preserve and disseminate Hellenic heritage in the United States. In 2019, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF) of Canada sponsored the first complement of Greek Canadian student participants.

Heritage Greece is a gift from the NHS to American students of Hellenic descent, comprising tailor-made educational and cultural activities that make for an impactful immersive experience. The itinerary includes an insider’s perspective of some the classic world’s leading museums, archeological and historical sites. The cultural component includes a broad array of activities ranging from Greek language class to dance,  cooking and experiential learning in the field. The Heritage Greece experience is shared with a peer group of ACT students. Together the students explore Hellenic heritage, culture and their roots while developing long-lasting bonds with one another. Heritage Greece alumni have described the Program as a life-changing experience.

The Heritage Greece experience continues beyond the return from Greece. Heritage Greece participants become part of the Heritage Greece Alumni Network. The NHS provides career advancement guidance, mentorship and the opportunity to stay engaged in NHS programs, events and be part of the NHS network.

The Heritage Greece Program is designed to keep Hellenic heritage and Greek identity vibrant, relevant and inclusive.

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