Founded in 1904, the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, Greece, applies its hallmark Learn by Doing approach to educate students of all ages toward responsible stewardship in the areas of agriculture, food systems, the environment and other life sciences related to our sustainable future. Greek Summer has been offered to U.S. and international high school students since 1970.

Greek Summer helps students develop their cross-cultural skills, empathy and confidence to learn and thrive in new environments. A particularly meaningful part of the program is the family stay in a traditional Greek village where students spend days exploring village life, conducting community service projects and developing relationships with their Greek families and villagers that can last a lifetime. While changing the lives of their hosts, they change their own lives and perceptions – making this summer more than a simple vacation.

We are in Greece so experiences extend beyond the farm and village to engage in the rich culture and history that surrounds them.  Students summit Mount Olympus and sail the Aegean to visit sites and people on some of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Their time in Greece fittingly closes with bicycling around Athens in the shadow of the Acropolis. This experience is like no other, Greek Summer will give students something to remember and share with friends, family – and colleges.

Staff are committed educators focused on providing compelling learning experiences. They help participants reflect on and process those experiences to deepen personal growth. Their in-country experience and training ensure that participants’ health and safety are top priorities. Our past participants have viewed their time in the program as life changing and cherish memories and relationships developed with other participants and with their Greek families.