Act

A highly flexible Master's program that is tailored to your needs

• A Master's program you can complete in 1 year, with only 3 quarters of studies at ACT.
• Classes held twice a week in the afternoon, to accommodate working professionals and those living outside of Thessaloniki.
• Thesis can be included within the time frame of the program.

Guaranteed internship placement for all

• ACT has developed strategic partnerships in order to provide all MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management students with an internship during their final semester, stretching from May to September
• Strong industry synergies with hotels, associations, agents, etc.
• Expected collaborations and exchange programs with famous US colleges.

Remain competitive within the tourism and hospitality industry.
Enter the field for the first time as a trained professional.
You may be striving for pure personal growth, or you may want to start your own business.
You may be pursuing a top management position, or you may already be there – without the advanced business training the position demands.

ACT has secured exclusive partnerships with leading EU and US universities and colleges in their respective fields, offering students the opportunity to gain international experience while completing their studies abroad.

The ACT Entrepreneurship Hub acts as a start-up accelerator and provides:

• Workshops and training on start-ups
• Mentoring
• Networking with partners, investors, markets
• Pitching events with investors and stakeholders
• Workspaces in the ACT Bissell Library and affiliated incubators
• Business Plan competitions to promote and reward the most innovative and sustainable ideas
• Information on “ΕΣΠΑ” funded programs, and other financial tools such as microcredit

Some of the most important projects we implement are:

VentureGarden

VentureGarden was conceived and is operated and managed by ACT in Thessaloniki & ALBA Graduate Business School in Athens.

The joint project aims at supporting and helping people nurture their entrepreneurial mindset and work on their specific ideas, through a blended learning educational process, totally adjusted to the participants’ profile, needs and business potentialities. The whole project and the courses included are free of charge and correspond to all people that want to comprehend the business environment and the operation of a sustainable enterprise. VentureGarden’s innovation lies on the fact that the project’s core-philosophy focuses on the person, rather than the idea. Taking into consideration this principle, the joint project welcomes all interested participants regardless of the entrepreneurial characteristics of their idea.
VentureGarden’s educational process consists of two stages of different content and scope of work that are however, completely aligned with the project’s main objective; to help people define their needs, explore their capacities and set the roadmap of their entrepreneurial goals. More specifically:

• A rigorous 5 week classroom based activity with two courses per week facilitated by a professor and delivered by experienced specialists. The initial stage is repeated twice a year (Spring and Fall)
• A 12 month mentoring phase built around a customized roadmap to entrepreneurial success. The formal training stage leads to 12 months of elective courses (online, self-taught and/or classroom based) in additional to mentoring. The process is based on a specific roadmap that each participant designs with the support of mentors and project staff. The program’s graduates become the project’s alumni.

GreenHouse

GreenHouse, is a free, intensive, five-day startup business bootcamp organized in Northern Greece cities other than Thessaloniki, in partnership with local stakeholders, within the framework of VentureGarden. The ACT Entrepreneurship Hub has successfully implemented GreenHouse boot camps in Kavala, Kozani, Xanthi, Trikala, Ioannina and Alexandroupolis.

The John & Mary Pappajohn Business Plan Awards

The Annual John & Mary Pappajohn Business Plan competition is open to people interested in starting up their own business. The competition awards the top 5 business plans among the ones submitted (annual application over 100) provided they turn into real businesses. Winners are also provided with mentoring support. This support includes access to ACT’s resources and counseling from the Business School’s faculty and a network of businessemen.

The key features which are evaluated are the skills of the startup team, the innovation, the viability and potential growth of the proposed idea. Participants are judged based on their communication skills, their enthusiasm, and their expertise in the sector of the proposed project.

Entrepreneurship Camp for Children

The Young Business Creators summer program is aimed at students completing the 4th, 5th and 6th grades of Elementary School. The program’s language is English, at a level that is understood by the students. Young Business Creators is based on the method of the Jacobson Foundation of the University of Iowa for Youth Entrepreneurship. The know-how and educational material were adopted by Anatolia College.

Through mentoring and teamwork, students as young entrepreneurs learn how to create their own small businesses. They start with the idea, the design, the brand name, the production, and the sales. They visit businesses in Thessaloniki where executives present them how a modern enterprise operates.

The Entrepreneurship Hub initiatives are supported by a network of 80 speakers and 30 mentors, prominent business executives and representatives of the business community.

The work of the ACT Entrepreneurship Center is recognized by many city agencies with which it has developed collaborations (Universities, research centers, incubators, businesses). Many teams that have gone through the Center today are successful businesses, offering prospects and income to their owners and employees.

The Entrepreneurship Hub at ACT was established in 2014.

It aims to bridge existing gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and leverage on existing structures. Entrepreneurship is a team sport and the Entrepreneurship Hub acts as the glue to bring ecosystem stakeholders together and provide with a sturdy springboard for entrepreneurial activity to launch.

The Bissell Library at ACT - The American College of Thessaloniki is one of the largest private learning resource centers in Southeast Europe. Opened in the Fall of 2002, it holds one of the largest English language book collections in Greece, occupying the ground and upper levels of a 4,500-square meter building. Today, it offers a collection of over 27,000 books in print, 130,000 electronic books, DVDs and other media. Collection strengths include business, international relations, Balkan studies, communication and new media.

The Library building is Wi-Fi enabled and network ports are available for laptops. Three study zones contain 250 seats and computers accessible to enrolled students, alumni, and current Bissell Library members. An additional 24 computers are located in the Library Lab, which also features an interactive whiteboard and projection system for library orientations, information literacy teaching and other ACT instruction.

The Learning Hub is situated within the Library on the upper level, providing support to students in math, reading, writing or refining their digital skills. The Stavros S. Niarchos Technology Center is located in the basement level of the Library building and includes computer teaching laboratories, a multimedia center and lab, two viewing rooms, a Web and teleconferencing center, and the Systems Administration headquarters.

We see tourism as the future an ever-booming business that never seems to fade, whatever the circumstances. People will always have the need to travel and move places, pursue their happiness, advance their career, enjoy an exciting new experience.

For Greece, tourism is part of our culture and the greatest industry in the country. Hospitality is in our DNA. Businesses revolve around it and professionals strive to become a part of it and gain from its winning trajectory.

ACT is now the first to offer a fully integrated solution in hospitality and tourism studies that will help both high school graduates enter the field and expand their knowledge, but also post-graduate students and business professionals to hone their skills and advance their career.

Are you ready to learn from the best professionals and academics?

The Bachelor's, combined degree, and Master's programs in Hospitality and Tourism Management at ACT are the perfect opportunity to gain international expertise and get right into (the) business.

Be part of the future, today!

It was definitely worthwhile! I learned so much about myself and my culture and also about different cultures while traveling throughout Europe. I've been back now almost two months and I constantly think about Thessaloniki and how much I miss it and I am already planning a trip to go back to Greece again!
-Andrew, University of Tampa 2015

The most incredible and enriching experience of my life... Our apartment building was right in the middle of the city. We walked out our front door and straight into the Greek culture.
-Judi, University of Wisconsin, EC 2014

ACT is a fantastic collegiate environment and the professors are well qualified. ACT staff is fantastic and makes sure that you have everything you need, are comfortable and happy, and are getting by and adjusting as easily as possible.
-Boston College student 2014

I love Thessaloniki because it isn't like living in a huge tourist city where everyone speaks English. You will feel truly immersed into the culture. This is easily one of my favorite parts of the program!
-Boston College student 2014

I became a new person after this experience in Greece. Every ACT staff I met was super friendly and quick to help. The campus was beautiful, set atop much of the city.
-Chloe "Bring Me Back" Video Contest Winner 2013

The academic side of the study abroad experience was perfect at ACT.
-Jane 2013

I loved the food here... The open air market provided a lot of great food and the restaurants were great, cheap gyros or expensive meals. Absolutely loved.
-Logan, University of Wisconsin, EC 2013

My experience in Thessaloniki was wonderful.  The food, the people, the atmosphere were all amazing and special in their own way.  I felt so fortunate to not only a part of a study abroad program in Greece, but to also be spending time in an authentic Greek metropolitan city. Thessaloniki was beautiful and vibrant and my experience there was more than I could have imagined.
-Colleen Regan - 2012

ACT has collaborative agreements with a number of colleges and universities across the U.S. In all cases we encourage you to contact ACT and discuss with your home institution’s study abroad advisor as early as possible.

Study Abroad Application Deadlines

If you have any questions please contact our U.S. enrollment office for advice on options regarding your application process:

If you do not attend one of ACT’s partner schools you may apply through the College Consortium of International Studies or ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs). If after a discussion with the study abroad staff member/s at your institution you have decided that this in not the best option for you, please

apply directly to ACT

Study Abroad Merit Scholarship

ACT awards a $1,000 merit scholarship applicable towards the semester's tuition to study abroad students who have reached sophomore status at their home institution and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.6/4.0.  Accepted students will be given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship by sending their most recent transcript to the admissions office. Merit aid scholarships are available during the fall and spring semesters.

To confirm eligibility, please email Roula Lebetli, Director of Admissions, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hellenic-American Scholarship

Hellenic-American scholarships are available during the fall and spring semesters.

ACT awards scholarships that cover half tuition to eligible Hellenic American applicants. The award does not include housing, orientation, field trips and study abroad fees.

Deadline for Spring I 2024: October 16, 2023
Deadline for Fall 2024: May 31, 2024

Eligibility guidelines/application procedures are as follows:

• Acceptance to the ACT study abroad program
• Proof of enrollment as a full time student at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada
• Proof of Greek descent
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Completion of Hellenic-American Scholarship Application Form

Study Abroad Program Fees

• Study Abroad fees for the Academic year 2024/25
• Study Abroad fees for the Academic year 2023/24
• Study Abroad fees for the Academic year 2022/23

• Read our Withradwal Policy here

Additional Costs & Fees 

Housing Deposit: $300

By sending in your housing application and deposit fee, you reserve your room. Single rooms are allocated based on need and the order that the request is received. The deposit is refunded at the end of the successful completion of the semester, less any fees for additional expenses or damages.

Estimated Personal Living Costs:

• Food: 250€  - 300€ / month
• Local Transportation: 30€ - 80€ / month
• Entertainment: 100€ - 150€ / month
• Books and Supplies:  50€ - 150€

Visa Costs: $120 approx.

Visa must be obtained prior to departure from the US.  The application and fee are submitted directly to the Greek Embassy/Consulate nearest to you. The fee may vary by Embassy. Contact the Greek Embassy nearest to you.

Greek Residence Permit Costs:  

• 20€ for passport photos with CD
• 169€ Residence permit fee for 1 year
• 120€ for insurance policy by a Greek provider valid for 1 year (duration of residence permit)
• 400€ Bank deposit to open the Greek National bank account. The money is yours to keep.

Visa & Residence Permit Overview