Hellenic Birthright - PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation

Study Abroad
and Travel Guide
Hellenic Birthright
A New Educational Program of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation
Join the Pella Project in Thessaloniki, Greece
June 18 - July 20, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRE‐DEPARTURE INFORMATION & PREPARATION................................................................................................1
Welcome! .........................................................................................................................................................................1
Passports & Identification...............................................................................................................................................1
Visa ...................................................................................................................................................................................2
Medical Insurance............................................................................................................................................................2
Confirming your travel information with ACT................................................................................................................2
Safety Precautions ...........................................................................................................................................................2
Banking.............................................................................................................................................................................2
What do I pack?...............................................................................................................................................................2
UPON ARRIVAL IN GREECE .............................................................................................................................................3
Culture shock....................................................................................................................................................................3
LIFE IN THESSALONIKI.......................................................................................................................................................3
Student Housing...............................................................................................................................................................3
Banking.............................................................................................................................................................................3
Transportation .................................................................................................................................................................4
Internet.............................................................................................................................................................................4
Telephones .......................................................................................................................................................................4
Shopping...........................................................................................................................................................................4
Health Services.................................................................................................................................................................5
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & CONTACTS .........................................................................................................5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................................6
Recreation ........................................................................................................................................................................6
Cultural Sites ....................................................................................................................................................................6
Archaeological Sites.........................................................................................................................................................7
Byzantine Churches..........................................................................................................................................................7

PRE‐DEPARTURE INFORMATION & PREPARATION
Welcome!
The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation and the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) are happy to introduce the
inaugural year of the Hellenic Birthright Study Abroad Program.
The International Program Office (IPO) also welcomes your interest for ACT and the Pella Project. Their office is
dedicated to assisting students with questions about the college itself and providing advice and suggestions on how
to deal with everyday concerns, questions, or challenges in your daily life in Greece.
If selected to participate in the program, you will become a part of the ACT community and will be given an overview
of your summer in Greece during Orientation. All participants are required to be present at Orientation. An
Orientation and Semester Schedule will be provided by our Foundation.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions:
PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation
VIVIAN HARITOS
Hellenic Birthright Study Abroad Coordinator
17 N. Wabash Ave., Ste. 600
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.357.6432
Email: vharitos@tomaras.net
ACT Office in Boston, USA
RHIANNON YOUNG
Office Manager
130 Bowdoin St., Ste. 1201
Boston, MA 02108, US
Phone: 617.830.5075, 877.524.7301 (toll free)
Email: officemanager@anatolia‐act.org
International Programs Office in Thessaloniki, Greece
EFI ANTONAKOPOULOU
Assistant Director of the IPO
American College of Thessaloniki
PO Box 21021, Sevenidi #17
Pylea 55510, Greece
Phone: +30.2310.398.205
Cell: +30.6945.102.318
Email: antonefi@act.edu
Passports & Identification
Valid passports are required for all students participating in the program. If you do not have one, you should apply
immediately as it can take up to 8 weeks to process an application. To apply for a passport you will need proof of
citizenship, and two recent identical photos (2” x 2”). You can apply for a passport at Passport Agencies, the DMV,
local county clerk’s offices, as well as some US Post Offices. If you already have a passport, check to make sure it will
be valid for the entire time you plan to be away from the United States.
It is a good idea to photocopy your passport along with any credit cards or other identification you plan to take with
you. Please leave these copies with someone back home, as well as taking a set with you should an emergency arise.
It is smart to go one step further and to scan and email yourself these documents so that you can immediately access
them from any place you travel to. Students may also wish to obtain an International Student Identity Card for special
discounts and offers, although it is not required. Additional information can be found at www.isic.org.
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Visa
Summer students DO NOT need to obtain a student visa. Students of the United States are automatically granted a
tourist visa to stay in Greece for 3 months. If you plan to stay in Greece or in the European Schengen countries for
MORE than 3 months, you must obtain a student visa. Students who wish to apply for a visa should visit the Embassy
of Greece in Washington DC’s website for more information and to download an application:
www.greekembassy.org/embassy/content/en/Article.aspx?office=11&folder=79&article=20630
Medical Insurance
You are required to have international medical insurance during your time in Greece, and it is the students’
responsibility to make sure they obtain coverage prior to traveling out of the country.
If you currently have health insurance, you may expand coverage to include international travel by contacting your
provider directly. You can also expand coverage if you receive insurance through your University by contacting them
directly. If the previous scenarios do not apply to you, we recommend you purchase insurance through HTH
International at www.hthworldwide.com or Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) at
www.culturalinsurance.com/students.
Please carry proof of insurance with you throughout your summer abroad stay should an emergency arise. In Greece,
it is customary to pay the doctor/hospital at the time of your visit. Please retain copies of all bills and receipts in
order to submit them to your provider for reimbursement.
If you are currently on medication, we recommend you take an adequate supply with you. In order to avoid delays at
customs, be sure to carry medications in the original containers provided to you by the doctor or pharmacy. Also
carry any over‐the‐counter medicines in their original packaging. We also recommend you have a physical exam and
dental check‐up prior to your departure as a precautionary measure to alleviate any problems while abroad.
Confirming your travel information with ACT
Several airlines carriers directly serve Thessaloniki’s airport (International Airport Makedonia) such as Lufthansa,
Alitalia, British Airways, and certain allied airlines. In addition, numerous flights connect to Thessaloniki from
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens, Greece.
If selected, and as soon as you have finalized flight information (date, time, airline, flight #), you MUST e‐mail the ACT
Assistant Director of the IPO. Arrivals should not occur prior to 3 days before Orientation begins, since housing will
not be available. If you choose to arrive prior to 3 days before Orientation, you must make your own arrangements
for accommodation up to that date; exceptions cannot be made.
Safety Precautions
It is recommended that you register with the American Embassy in Athens, Greece. This is a free government service
and only takes a few minutes of your time. You can do so by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
Banking
Make sure to notify your bank/credit card company that you will be abroad prior to departure. Also, check to make
sure that you will be able to use your ATM card while in Greece and inquire about any additional transaction fees.
What do I pack?
Try to pack light. Summers in Thessaloniki are hot. We highly recommend you bring light‐weight and light‐colored
clothing. We suggest you bring comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking and hiking. A sweater
or light‐weight jacket is also recommended for the evenings. Dress is casual but you'll want some nicer clothing for
Thessaloniki's active nightlife. For up‐to‐the‐minute weather information, please visit www.accuweather.com and
type in Thessaloniki, Greece.
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You should plan on purchasing an adapter and voltage converter (many come as one unit) for European countries
(220 volts; two thin round prongs). Do not try to use an adapter alone. This may damage your appliances/electronics
and short out the electricity. (Please note: hairdryers are sold in Greece for as little as 10 Euro.)
International passengers are typically limited to check‐in 1 luggage and bring 1 carry‐on bag with them on the plane.
You may also be charged a fee if your luggage exceeds the weight limit. Please check with your airlines prior to
departure for their specifications.
UPON ARRIVAL IN GREECE
Culture shock
You have signed up for a study abroad program recognizing that immersion in a culture is the best and quickest
method of learning about it. Keep in mind that you will find yourself in a completely new environment. You will most
likely be tired upon arrival, and very far from the familiarities of home. Culture shock may take physical and
psychological forms, and is quite normal.
A good way to deal with culture shock is to record your experience in a journal. This will help you keep a sense of
perspective, and will also be a treasured keepsake in the future. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it, as
program administrators and teachers are there to help you. Sharing your feelings with your fellow program
participants is also a helpful outlet. Above all, try and keep an open mind, and appreciate this once‐in‐a‐lifetime
immersive experience!
LIFE IN THESSALONIKI
Student Housing
Study Abroad students are housed together in off‐campus dormitories based on double occupancy. Each room has its
own bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Student Housing Policies:
Any illegal drug use is cause for immediate dismissal from student housing.
Quiet hours in Greece, by law are from 11.30pm‐7am and from 3pm–5pm. Violation of the quiet hours will result
in disciplinary action.
Alcohol is only allowed within the confines of your own apartment and is strictly prohibited in common areas
(hallways, entrance ways, outside the building, etc).
Housing check‐out is three days following the conclusion of final exams. You are expected to leave your room in
the same condition you found it in.
Housing for visiting family & friends:
Having your family and friends visit can certainly enrich your study abroad experience. Doing a Google search on
hotels in Thessaloniki is probably your best bet to locating a place for them to stay. Please feel free to contact the ACT
International Program Office if you would like recommendations for specific hotels.
Banking
ATM’s are available at the airport, all over Thessaloniki, and on campus on the main floor of Macedonia Hall.
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Transportation
ACT provides free weekday pick‐up service during the summer semester that connects student housing facilities
downtown and ACT campus. Times that buses run will be announced to you during Orientation. You also have the
option to take a public bus to get to campus. A 20 to 40 minute ride, depending on the traffic, on the #58 Panorama
Bus. You can buy tickets on the bus (for 0.90 Euro/ticket), or you can buy multiple tickets at the kiosks (or periptera)
all over the city (for 0.80 Euro/ticket). The periptera are little stand‐alone kiosks that sell snacks, newspapers, phone
cards and bus tickets.
Taxi service in Greece is relatively inexpensive (8‐10 Euro from downtown to ACT campus). Up to 4 students can share
this one‐way fare.
Taxi Phone Numbers:
Thessaloniki – T: 2310.551‐525
Macedonia – T: 2310.550‐500, 501
Megas Alexandros – T: 2310.866.866
Lefkos Pyrgos – T: 2310.214.900
Omega – T: 2310.546.522
Internet
Most of the campus at ACT has free wireless access. The library also has many computers available for student use.
Wireless access is also provided for students using their own laptops. All student residencies downtown have
internet access. These are ADSL lines and require that the students bring or purchase an Ethernet cable (RJ‐45) to
connect their computers.
While this service is free for the students living in ACT housing, one must have realistic expectations. At peak times it
can be rather slow and ‘down time’ is not uncommon. It is fine for surfing the internet and emailing, but downloading
movies and music is often not possible, and is discouraged as it uses an extraordinary amount of bandwidth. One can
use VOIP programs such as Skype but with varying degrees of success. Students should not expect this to be their only
or primary means of communication with the outside world.
Telephones
Phone Cards: Phone cards can be purchased at the kiosks and cost between 5‐10 Euros. They allow you ample
calling time at low rates and are located near your housing.
Cell Phones: Check with your US cell provider if your phone device works in Europe. If yes, it must be unlocked so you
may use a Greek SIM card. If not, you may want to purchase an inexpensive phone in Greece (about $50) and then
purchase a phone card to add minutes. You can “pay as you go” (10‐20 Euro at a time). This will also allow you to text
message friends within Greece, and to receive calls from home. Please note, the country code to call Greece from the
US is 01130. Please remind your family and friends to add this code before the phone # in order to reach you
successfully.
Shopping
Part of living in Thessaloniki will involve dealing with everyday challenges such as grocery shopping or finding a
drycleaners. Thessaloniki is a cosmopolitan city, but it’s also a city of neighborhoods. In addition, large malls and
superstores are becoming a part of the city (Mediterranean Cosmos, IKEA, Carrefour, LIDL, Macro are all a short cab
right away from campus and will meet most of your shopping needs). In the center of town the old Agora features
cheap clothing markets, a farmers market and a fish and meat market.
Shopping Hours:
Most supermarket are open from 8am to 8 or 9pm on Monday‐Friday and 8am‐6pm on Saturday’s. On Sunday’s all
shops are closed. Shops other than supermarkets are usually open from 9am‐2.30pm but reopen from 5.30‐8.30pm
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Neighborhood shops are often open later in the evenings and occasionally on
Sundays.
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Open Air Farmer’s Markets:
You will want to find out when farmer’s markets are held in your neighborhood with the freshest fruit and vegetables
at low prices. Great groceries at bargain deals can be found at your neighborhood market and in other open markets
around the city.
Health Services
It can be quite distressing being sick away from home. Be sure to eat well, get enough sleep, dress appropriately, do
not drink more alcohol than you can handle, and follow general rules of safety. There is a Doctor’s office on campus
and you can get medical advice from the campus doctor for free.
An ACT accident policy covers all students, staff and faculty while on campus. St. Lukas Hospital, a private general
clinic, is less than a 10 minute drive from campus. The staff and higher administration at St. Lukas are aware of ACT's
study abroad programs and work with the International Programs Office staff in taking care of students that on
occasion might require medical attention. Please note that St. Lukas Hospital accepts Visa cards only. As mentioned
in the pre‐departure section, it is customary to pay the doctor/hospital at the time of your visit. Please retain copies
of all bills and receipts in order to submit them to your provider for reimbursement.
Enrolled students at ACT are also eligible to utilize the ACT Counseling Office. The counseling psychologist may offer
brief individual counseling sessions. Students who require further therapy will be referred to an appropriate
professional.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & CONTACTS
Emergency (equivalent to 911) ‐ T: 100
American Consulate in Thessaloniki – T: 2310.242.905, 6, 7 ; http://thessaloniki.usconsulate.gov
US Embassy in Athens – T: 210.7212.951 ; http://athens.usembassy.gov
Makedonia Thessaloniki Airport – T: 2310.985.000; www.thessalonikiairport.gr
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport – T: 2103.530.000; www.aia.gr/default.asp?langid=2
Thessaloniki OSE Train Depot – 2310.517.517; www.ose.gr
Larissis OSE Train Depot – 210.5297.777
Athens Metro – 210.6792.399; www.ametro.gr/page/default.asp?la=2&id=4
Central Bus Station in Thessaloniki – 2310.500.111; www.ktel‐thes.gr
Central Bus Station in Athens – 210.5124.101
Halkidiki Bus Station – 2310.924.445; www.halkidikinet.gr
Hellenic Birthright Study Abroad Coordinator ‐ Vivian Haritos; T: 312.357.6432; E: vharitos@tomaras.net
ACT Assistant Director of IPO – Ms. Efi Antonakopoulou; T: 2310.398.205; E: antonefi@act.edu
ACT Student Services Coordinator – Ms. Laura Strieth; T: 2310.398.242; E: lstrieth@act.edu
ACT Coordinator of Student Events & Activities – Mr. Stepan Partemian; E: stepan@act.edu
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Recreation
Thessaloniki has many fitness centers and as well as martial arts studios, dance studios, etc. Additionally, the YMCA
offers basketball, soccer and tennis courts, pool and many other facilities.
Suggested Fitness & Recreation Centers:
Gymnasium – 43 Tsimiski Street
Stilianidis – 18 Navarinou Square, T: 2310.223.262
GYM Underground – 117 Aghiou Dimitriou Street, T: 2310.245.207
National Swimming Pool Thessaloniki – T: 2310.203.126
YMCA of Thessaloniki – T: 2310.274.410
Posidonio Aquatic & Athletic Centre – T: 2310.427.414
Tennis Club Thessaloniki – 16 Kiprou Street, T: 2310.411.569
Pylea Riding Centre – T: 2310.311.013
Ippotis Georgiki Sholi (School) – T: 2310.473.537
Paintball – T: 6976.511.396; E: teo@paintland.gr
Magic Park – T: 2310.476.771; www.magicpark.gr
Waterland – T: 2392.072.025; www.waterland.gr
Cultural Sites
Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Exhibit of pre‐Classical to late Roman art, artifacts and treasures. M. Andronikou Street, YMCA Square,
Tel: 2310.830.538
White Tower
The architectural symbol of Thessaloniki, on the east side of the waterfront which houses an exhibition of daily
utensils and instruments used during the Byzantine era.
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Exhibit of Early Christian to Byzantine architecture and artifacts. #2 Stratou Avenue, Tel: 2310.306.400
Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art
Displays modern art exhibitions. Helexpo Grounds, #154 Egnatia Street, Tel: 2310.240.002
Museum of Jewish Presence/Jewish History Museum
Until WWII, Sephardic Jews accounted for over 50% of the city’s population. The museum displays
important information on the Jewish presence in Thessaloniki. #13 Agiou Mina Street, Tel: 2310.250.407
Museum of Macedonian Struggle
Historical objects from 1903‐1908 from Ottoman Empire and Greek‐Balkan Wars.
Proxenou Koromila Street 23, Tel: 2310.229.778
Technical Museum of Thessaloniki
Displays exhibitions related to scientific and technological achievements. 2nd Road, Building 47, Industrial Zone of
Thessaloniki, Municipality of Sindos, Tel: 2310.796.816
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Eptapirgio (Fortress) and City Walls
A Byzantine fortress overlooks the remains of the city walls that used to encircle the city at the beginning of the 20 th
century. The fortress is in good condition and was used as a security prison until the late 1980’s and is today restored
and open to the public. Ano Poli (Old City), Tel: 2310.204.734
Moni Lazariston
Houses the main venues of the Modern Art Museum of Thessaloniki, two stages of the National Northern Greece
Theater and various open air concerts and music festivals during the summer. Kolokotroni 21, Municipality of
Neapoli, Tel: 2310.650.999
Archaeological Sites
Vergina Site & Museum
Family tombs and treasures of the Macedonian royal Family and Alexander the Great’s immediate family.
Tel: 2331.092.347
Pella Archaeological Museum
Pella, Greece; Family Palace of Alexander the Great; Capital of the Macedonian Kingdom.
Tel: 2382.031.160
Dion
Dion, Greece; Sacred city of the Macedonians; remains of temples and theatres.
Tel: 2351.053.206
Olynthos
Myriophyto, Greece; Ruins of an ancient Macedonian city.
Tel: 2373.091.000
Byzantine Churches
Crypt of Saint Dimitrios, Tel: 2310.270.008
Agia Sofia, Tel: 2310.272.820
Osios David, Tel: 2310.221.506
Agios Nikolaos, Tel: 2310.214.497
Vlatadon Monastery, Tel: 2310.209.913
Rotonda (Agios Georgios), Tel: 2310.213.627
St. Panteleimon, Tel: 2310.737.403
St. Apostoli, Tel: 2310.537.448
Taksiarxes, Tel: 2310.209.546
St. Ekaterini, Tel: 2310.225.580
Metamorfosi Sotiros, Tel: 2310.828.989
Profitis Elias, Tel: 2310.235.398
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