Welcome to Athens, the historical capital of Europe and the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and philosophy of western civilization! Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, and Sappho, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and its influence is still felt throughout the world. Athens is frequently known as the “birthplace” of democracy, drama, philosophy and civic engagement — ideals which have formed the cornerstones of all modern democracies.
Today, Athens is not only the capital of Greece but one of the most important cities in modern Europe. An important center for world business, finance, shipping, trade, education, art, and tourism. What makes Athens such a fascinating laboratory for learning is the combination of diverse cultures in the same city. With almost 4 million people, Athens offers almost everything imaginable: museums, magnificent churches, concerts, street art, ancient ruins, incredible food and nightlife, and “philoxenia” (the Greek word for hospitality and generosity to those who are far from home).
Helpful Links:
The American College of Greece (ACG) hosts the Demos Center as it is the perfect place to launch and foster such a Center because its leadership embraces innovation as an integral part of its DNA. By choosing ACG, you will:
- Study abroad at the oldest and largest American educational institution in Europe.
- Explore Athens and the nearby Greek islands while using the ACG campus as your springboard.
- Mingle with ACG students and be part of an international student body from 78 countries worldwide.
- Enjoy a top-notch secure and safe environment at the idyllic, 64-acre ACG campus at the foothills of Mount Hymettus.
- Live in the modern ACG Residence Complex situated just a short walk from campus, nearby grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Blue Sea Greece will include SCUBA certification for a specialized environmental program that focuses on the sustainability of Greece's pristine beaches, sea bottoms, marine life and archeological sites.
Coming soon: The Jews of Greece: An Historical Odyssey, a study-abroad offering to include travel to Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Ioannina, and Corfu.
Coming soon: A fellowship program to include scholars, filmmakers, authors, journalists and artists.
Coming soon: The Demos Center will invite students to take a gap year at Deree - The American College of Greece from September through June. Two courses (in fall and in spring) related to citizenship, civic engagement and human rights will serve as our foundational courses which will inform and enrich a student's interest in the other courses they will choose to sample.
The Center for Excellence in Sustainability @ Deree
Education Unites @ Deree
The Athens Democracy Forum
Ecogenia
Diadrasis
The Jewish Community of Athens
Joinda Production
Resilient Cities Catalyst
Hellenic American Leadership Council
A dream whose time has come: The Demos Center
Introducing the Demos Center, a powerful collaboration with Deree and visionary initiative that seeks to empower students to tackle global challenges, foster innovation and critical thinking, and cultivate the next generation of change-makers who will create a sustainable and equitable world through education, collaboration, and action.
