Program Details
- Location:
- Paros, Greece
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester, Year Round
Program Overview
- Program Description:
- A wildly fun, trip-intensive, carefully designed curriculum offers small classes and individualized instruction. Students may concentrate in any area they wish or select a course of study across the curriculum. Students partake in a variety of excursions, including trips to famous Greek islands Santorini, Naxos, Delos and Mykonos, among other destinations. Semester students also may participate in an optional week-long journey into vibrant Turkey for a fee. Island excursions are included in HISA's tuition.
Fully accredited American university study abroad program located on the beautiful Greek island of Paros offering a unique blend of traditional and non-traditional small group fine arts and humanities instruction. HISA emphasizes experiential learning facilitates by professional artists with a true passion for student development and creative expression. We offer full semesters, summer sessions, gap year programs and continuing education courses. Communications and education courses are also offered.
Courses are accredited and designed to be credit bearing and are taught by professional educators and accomplished, practicing artists. Students can learn and create in an artistic, non-pressured atmosphere, full of cultural and experiential opportunities. Beginner and advanced options are available for many courses. A low student to teacher ratio ensures a closely tailored education for all participants.
- Setting Description:
- Lovely, single student accommodation is situated a couple of blocks from the sea and in the heart of the exciting and picturesque town of Paroikia. HISA's Darkroom, Digital Lab, Interrelated Media Studio, Library and Art Studio are nearby, as well as the HISA classrooms and offices. The HISA compound is located in the center of the town, about a ten minute waterfront walk from the student lodging. Studios and classroom settings are located in centrally located, traditional Greek buildings amid a thriving local art scene.
- Cost:
- Spring and Fall Semesters $11,950 Summer Session (depending on courses taken) $2,450-3,750 Scholarships and Work-Study Grants available, check website for more info. Financial aid is accepted in most cases.
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 7 Reviews
- Best Trip06/14/18
I have traveled many times and not once, I have felt so relieved, carefree and so much self love. I was given the opportunity to expand my understanding of myself and others by being abroad. It forced me to be out of my comfort zone and become more independent.
I am always excited to learn new cultures and meet new people so that I could understand how beautiful the world can be, and this trip intensified that. I also traveled all over Asia and have not been to Europe. Culturally and emotionally, this was a life changing experience. This was a great opportunity for me to explore other cultures than those of my own. In addition, I also learned the ways and values of other cultures. For example, most Greek people was extremely welcoming and caring for my friends and I abroad. They taught us the language, showed how to get home and to other places, and ALWAYS treat us with such great hospitality. Before then, I only thought only family treat each other this lovingly. I guess family was the right word being in Greece. The people was the best thing, but the place is most definitely second best. I get to travel and witness so many beautiful animals, florals, and lands. The places is so captivating, I have forgotten to take pictures! luckily, I have wonderful instructors and friends who did that for me.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Cycladic Spring05/19/17
Arriving in Greece felt new and exciting yet there was some sense of a homecoming. Perhaps it was the Greek texts I had previously read or art history I had studied but I was sold the moment I arrived at the hostel in Athens, then after settling into
my apartment on Paros Island. The experiential courses offered a great balance of pushing me within the classroom's perimeters yet granting me freedom to pursue self-guided explorations outside of a formal setting. The Cycladic islands we visited were nourishing, enchanting, rich with history, and graced with locals who were eager to extend their hospitality to study abroad students and Greeks alike!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Great Experience06/11/15
I want to return to the island and never leave. I loved the program, the classes, the professors, and the island. Photography, painting, and philosophy are a few classes offered at HISA; through taking these classes, I grew a greater appreciation for
art, color, culture, morality, and life in general.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Hisa06/11/15
"I attended HISA's summer session with three weeks of Cycladic Culture and Photography classes. We travelled all over the Greek islands, to Santorini, Delos, Antiparos, Naxos and other places whose names I regrettable forget though their experience left
an impression. HISA exposed me to a beautiful countryside and the warm hospitality of Greek culture but I especially am thankful for the help of photo teacher Maria for the extra time she put in helping me to improve my eye, and work on thematic development. I feel like I have a better understanding of my next steps artistically. About the rest of the program, the student housing was a nice hotel, I couldn't believe this was part of tuition. Though I'm not very interested in history, I felt the Cycladic lectures enhanced the trips for me (though I could have used less museums and more beaches). My favorite destination was Santorini. I reccommend taking the optional boat ride to the volcano. "
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - I was right to pick this place..06/08/15
I came to HISA in 2012 and took six courses, Goddess, Creative writing, Painting, Digital Photo and Cycladic Culture. By far my favorite was the creative writing class. The teacher George met with me every week to go over my screenplay, and was very blunt
with me, causing me to look into what really worked for my writing and what was lacking. I feel like I've much improved due to his advice. Though the beginning of the semester was a little chilly on the island, by the time we returned from Turkey, the weather was nice enough that we could have our woman's study Goddess course classes on a marble table on the roof of the school. It was gorgeous! Teachers were kind and helpful, and the island itself is mindblowingly beautiful, chill and open.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
- Amazing, Beautiful, and Life Changing06/05/15
I attended HISA for their 2014 fall and 2015 spring semesters. I had the most amazing, life changing experience. The faculty members were kind, helpful, and highly intelligent; they care for their students, and will go above and beyond expectations to
ensure student comfort and security. Paros offers beautiful landscapes and hiking trails for those who love the outdoors, and an active night scene for those who enjoy night life. The people who live on the island are friendly and giving, and the environment/culture is relaxed and laid-back. I will return to Paros the first chance I get!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Best Decision... Ever.03/20/14I wanted to move back and live on Paros after the semester ended. It's a small town mentality, very friendly, but very modern and accessible. We literally lived, ate, wrote and read on the beach.Bottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend