The dynamic sphere of ACT student life is a vibrant "patchwork" of unique experiences, perspectives, and achievements, woven together through personal journeys. We had the joy of interviewing three Computer Science undergraduates, diving into their backgrounds and aspirations to provide an insightful glimpse into the diverse trajectories of the college’s students.
This compilation of student testimonials is our attempt to present the multifaceted aspects of life at ACT from their perspective. Their narratives not only echo the academic opportunities and challenges that ACT presents but also encapsulate the personal development, cultural interaction, and community involvement that characterize their collective journey.
Nikola Jocic embarked on his academic journey at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) seeking the full American college experience.
“When I graduated high school in the U.S, I sought the full American college experience, but I was away from home for quite some while. That's when I found ACT– a perfect middle ground where I could be close to home while immersing myself in the American education system”.
As a leader of the Google Student Development Club on campus, Nikola actively contributes by organizing events, workshops, and supporting fellow students in the field through engaging lectures and projects, all initiated by Google.
Upon arriving in Thessaloniki, Nikola discovered a “sense of pleasantness” that exceeded his expectations. The open-minded and friendly atmosphere of the city, coupled with the unique blend of proximity and cultural immersion, made his academic journey truly enjoyable. As he approaches his senior year, Nikola reflects on the positive experiences that have shaped his time at ACT.
One of the aspects that sets ACT apart, for Nikola, is its campus, which he describes as a “remote paradise”. “As students, we are privileged to have the opportunity to escape the city almost everyday”.
Similarly to Nikola, and after initially pursuing his education in Russia, Daniil Saltykov found himself motivated by a desire for a more computer science-focused education, which led him to study at ACT. This move aligned with his long standing plan of studying abroad since high school.
For Daniil, ACT did not only provide a variety of courses related to his major, but also offered what he describes as “soft skills classes that enhance my communicative and team building skills and help me to become a versatile person with developed critical thinking”.
What also stood out for Daniil at ACT was the opportunity to build personal connections with professors and engage in meaningful interactions. “For me, the ability to reach out with questions and actively participate in discussions has created a more pleasant and interactive educational environment. Another aspect I find important at ACT is that you get a hands-on education. The emphasis on practical learning means that I gain valuable knowledge through real-world experiences. Also, the fact that there are comparatively small student groups in the class makes it easier to build an individual approach for every student which significantly improves the quality of education process as well as the overall enjoyment from studies”.
Daniil highlighted the significance of being able to pursue a minor degree concurrently with one’s primary studies, as he believes this option has not only expanded the scope of opportunities available to him but has also enriched his educational journey, allowing him to complement his area of study with a secondary focus. “The institution has empowered us to tailor our four-year education to align more closely with our individual interests, career aspirations, and academic strengths”.
Daniil’s favorite spot on campus is the Bissell Library, which he believes “exudes an American vibe” and serves as a hub of knowledge and collaboration.
For Daniil, the strong sense of community at ACT, where everyone, including professors, is approachable and friendly, has made his learning experience both interactive and enjoyable.
Our final interviewee, Daniel Stefani took the opportunity to study at ACT in a spontaneous and multidirectional move. Drawn by his love for sciences and physical activity, Daniel saw ACT as the perfect blend to develop both his social and academic sides.
Currently working as a developer at an Italian company, Daniel has successfully found a balance between work and school. He emphasizes the importance of effective time management, maintaining good mental well-being, proper nutrition, and engaging in physical activities. “In the fast-paced world of computer science, having an outlet for energy is crucial to navigate the constant flow of information”.
Reflecting on his academic journey at ACT, one of the most significant improvements Daniel has observed have been in the areas of “writing and speaking”. As he mentions; “being a senior finishing up my degree, I've never felt more confident in my approach when it comes to interacting with others in the professional world through all kinds of mediums, and my experience in ACT has been a factor that contributed to this positively”. He mentions that he arrived at ACT with a “professionally-oriented mindset”, eager to broaden his horizons in the professional realm, which he did not only achieve by acquiring his first job, but also through the “unexpected possibilities” that unfolded during his studies at ACT.
“Beyond the academic sphere, my experience at ACT has made me a more fulfilled individual in nearly every aspect - not to mention the countless social and networking opportunities that allowed me to not only be a better student, but also a better person. I am very thankful for being able to study at ACT with a scholarship, as without it my stay at ACT wouldn’t have been possible and I am eternally grateful for being a grant recipient”.
“I appreciate the relaxed atmosphere at ACT, which resonates with the culture I am familiar with in Albania. The multicultural environment allows me to meet people from different backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives that enrich my overall experience.”
Engagement is a key aspect of Daniel’s ACT experience. He actively participates in various events and is a member of the Google Student Developer Club but also values the chance to take trips and explore different activities, such as a class on sea sailing; “this particular class provides a refreshing break, allowing me to feel close to nature”.
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On June 19th, ACT celebrated and bid farewell to the graduating Class of 2024. The Commencement Ceremony took place in the outdoor amphitheater on the ACT campus, signifying the end of a challenging yet exciting academic journey. The Class of 2024 was awarded degrees, academic honors, and recognition for their outstanding involvement in extracurricular activities.
Dr. Stamos Karamouzis, ACT Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs emphasized the institution's mission and its societal impact by fostering democratic and civic awareness in students, along with a sense of individual and social responsibility, respect for others, social institutions, and the environment. He expressed gratitude to parents, family members, and faculty for their role in the accomplishments of the graduating class.
This year's keynote speaker was Mrs. Christina Anagnostopoulou, whose H.R. career has extended to fashion, banking, telecoms, and engineering industries. Since graduating from ACT with a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration in 1999, Mrs. Anagnostopoulou has had a long and successful career in H.R. She has held numerous leadership roles, demonstrating her versatility and expertise across various sectors. Her contributions have not only advanced the organizations she has worked for but also set a benchmark for excellence in the field of human resources. Mrs. Anagnostopoulou's journey is a testament to the robust education and foundational skills she acquired at ACT, and her address inspired the graduates to pursue their ambitions with dedication and resilience.
The ceremony moved on to the segment of awards and distinctions. The first award presented was the Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award, which honored Dr. Eleni Godi, Coordinator of the English Program and Assistant Professor, in recognition and appreciation of her outstanding contribution and dedication to excellence in academia.
This year's Teaching Excellence Award recipient was Dr. Anestis Anastasiou, Coordinator of the Hospitality and Tourism Program and Assistant Professor, recognizing his exceptional achievements in teaching.
Daniel Stefani was the valedictorian of the Undergraduate Class of 2024, and Maria Platidou was the valedictorian of the graduate MBA class of 2024.
Michail Doychinov graduated with a 3.89 GPA and received the William McGrew Award for Excellence in History and International Relations.
The recipient of the Alki Kyriakidou-Nestoros Memorial Prize for Excellence in Liberal Arts for 2023 was Aikaterina Mourmanidou, who earned the highest grade point average within the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The Stavros Niarchos Award for Excellence in Computing was presented to Christina Ogreni, a highly involved student who developed an intelligent assistant for learning the Albanian language as part of her dissertation.
Finally, Vasileia Iliana Gkanatsiou was awarded the Elizabeth Yphantis Demeter Memorial Prize for the most academically proficient female business school graduating student.
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Two of ACT junior students in the Biological Sciences bachelor's program, Panos Doulgeris and Theodora Partsiou, recently completed a prestigious summer research internship at the School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences at Open University in Milton Keynes, UK. This unique opportunity allowed them to work on cutting-edge research projects and gain invaluable experience in their field.
Panos Doulgeris had the chance to collaborate with Dr. Calum McMullen on an innovative project aimed at developing 3D culture models of the human heart to study drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
Theodora Partsiou worked alongside Dr. Kayleigh Orchard on a groundbreaking project investigating novel epigenetic therapies for incurable prostate cancers.
Recently, Panos and Theodora presented their initial research findings to the scientific community at the OU research center. Their presentation was met with great enthusiasm, showcasing their impressive laboratory techniques and effective communication skills. The audience was thoroughly engaged, posing numerous questions and expressing strong interest in their work.
Dr. McMullen and Dr. Orchard were highly pleased with the progress made by Panos and Theodora and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talented students. Their mentorship and guidance played a crucial role in the students' success.
We are excited about the potential for future collaborations and hope to continue and expand this internship program in the coming years, fostering even more fruitful partnerships between Open University and the American College of Thessaloniki.
Congratulations to Panos and Theodora on their remarkable achievements! We look forward to seeing their continued success in the field of biological sciences.
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Kevin Basia, a Political Science and International Relations student at ACT, was invited to participate in the Mediterranean Theological Meetings 2024, organized in Croatia. In an event from 14-20 July, the central theme was the coexistence of Christians and Muslims in the Mediterranean region and Europe and advancing interreligious dialogue. During the program, Kevin had the opportunity to attend lectures by distinguished speakers from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Germany, France, and Sweden. The participants were organized into three workshops on different topics (refugees, Islam and feminism,and the integration of Muslims in Europe). Kevin shared the example of Greece and gained practical knowledge and experience through promising perspectives on interfaith coexistence in Europe and the Mediterranean, leaving him well-informed and prepared for future discussions.
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The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) in cooperation with the University of Jena (Germany) and the Foreign Affairs Institute (www.fainst.eu) is organizing for the third consecutive year its Kavala International Summer School in international relations, reconciliation studies, and diplomacy (Kavala, 25-31 August 2024).
The subject of the academic lectures, seminars and discussions during the Summer 2024 is the pivotal role of the Republic of Cyprus in international relations, energy issues and the geostrategic interests of the Euro-Atlantic Cooperation, especially in the MENA region and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Summer School combines academic theory and the praxis of diplomacy to analyze policies and behaviors at the local, national, and international levels under the guidance of well-known professors, scholars, diplomats, and businessmen. In addition, the participants/students will be able to improve their professional skills as they will work on real cases with academics, leaders, and diplomats. This year, the summer school organizers are happy to welcome doctoral students from Waseda University, Japan as participants and discussants.
For more information on the program and the proceedings, please contact one of the following:
Dr. Maria Kyriakidou. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Christos Aliprantis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Theodoros Theodorou, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Foreign Affairs Institute, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kevin Basia, a Political Science and International Relations student at ACT, recently attended a two-day event organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation on May 21-22, 2024, in Brussels. The “Protecting Pluralism and Euro-Mediterranean Societies” event brought together youth, institutional representatives, civil society organizations, practitioners, academics, and community leaders. The discussions aimed to find solutions to enhance the protection and promotion of pluralism and diversity in Euro-Mediterranean societies. Kevin had the unique opportunity to represent religious minorities in Greece, promoting understanding and inclusivity.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Entrepreneurial and Corporate Marketing Strategy course (MKT 301) students, under the guidance of Dr. Eirini Tsichla, Assistant Professor of Marketing, had the opportunity to enhance their learning experience using a Market Simulation Game. The ACT students formed three teams that competed internationally.
The Game scenario required students to undertake the roles of Marketing Executives and lead the new marketing division of an international firm. Students were required to practice crucial business concepts, develop strategies, and practice problem-solving in a real-world business environment. Key strategic decisions included the selection of world markets, development of brands, design of advertising campaigns, and recruitment of salespeople. In addition, students were able to monitor and understand the impact of these decisions on the company’s financial performance.
Throughout this hands-on educational journey, this year’s students achieved a remarkable accomplishment: The three ACT teams were ranked among the top 15% of the student teams that ever played the game worldwide while two teams entered the top 10% Hall of Fame!
The students were rewarded for their performance by receiving their certificates and collecting their digital badges that showcase this achievement on their resumés and LinkedIn profiles.
Haris Lalatsis graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration in 2005 and upon completing his obligatory army service, returned to earn an MBA in Marketing in 2008. After finishing his studies, he started working in market research and then in 2019, he launched his own market research company, ierax analytix. Currently, the company has offices in Thessaloniki and Athens, and collaborates with some of the biggest FMCG brands in Greece such as Lidl, Masoutis, Misko, Beyond Meat, Instacar and many more.
Haris also serves as a mentor in various incubators around Greece, a board member of Marketing Club Greece, and a TEDx speaker.
My bachelor’s graduation. You don’t feel it so much then, but you understand why it was so important after it was over. Also, the whole ceremony was beautiful, and I felt like we had achieved something so important.
Well, I can’t name one, so I’ll name four: Vlachos, who made me love statistics with his vast knowledge; Kessapidou, for our epic fights while I was a student but whose teachings were so important in the real world; Kourkoumelis, who believed in me as few people did at that time; and Mousiades, who made me love market research.
all the labs and classrooms in the lower level of the Bissel Library. They were always so serene and calm, and I could concentrate there. It felt more to me like a university than the other buildings. And, it was cool during the hot days!
to prepare for the business world. It got me into a schedule, and I learned how to work. I Came in ACT a bit raw and got out a person who knew how to handle responsibilities. I needed some discipline and to be inspired.
Innovation and a sense of creativity. We rarely like to stay still and we want to change things. I feel that most of us want to become something more.
the place where I learned about my craft. Where I got to love what I do now, here is where I got ready for the business world. And I feel proud about that.
listening to consumers and trying to understand them, and then, actually seeing my effect on some of the biggest brands in Greece, it’s thrilling.
when I decided to start my own business. A huge risk that almost nobody believed in. But I believed in it so that was enough, I guess. A leap of faith.
to try and be happier. It sounds sad, but I think we forget about it as we grow up. We put all these responsibilities on our shoulders, and we don’t remember to be happy.
MoreClick on the links below to see our featured stories across Political Science & International Relations faculty, students, and alumni:
21 February 2023: Dr. Christos Aliprantis, ACT adj., gave a lecture at the Center of Hellenic Studies at Harvard University
27 June 2023: ACT faculty member, Dr. Christos Aliprantis, secures funding for his postdoctoral research
28 May 2024: ACT faculty member Christos Aliprantis mentors public high school students
11 May 2018: ACT student is the recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship
23 October 2018: Meet Ermal, the International Relations Alumnus
21 November 2018: Meet Valentini, the International Relations Alumna
11 June 2019: Jana Arsovska ACT ’03. Spotlight on this year's Commencement speaker
12 November 2019: Nicole Morgret '07 reaches Capitol Hill!
11 February 2021: Interview with Ilda Zhulali, ACT ’01, Advisor for European Integration of the President of Albania
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