​NOSTOS is an educational and cultural immersion program in Greece designed as a gateway for high school students (juniors/seniors) and college students of the Greek diaspora to discover the homeland of their ancestors, and experience the land of myth, history and natural beauty. This month-long program is organised and administered by the Hellenic American Academy Foundation and hosted by the Mycenaean Foundation. 

Join this special program! 

Take a look at the brochure of NOSTOS 2025 (download)

For more information, please contact us: 

Academic curriculum

The academic curriculum of the NOSTOS program consists of two parts, a core of two courses and seven thematic learning modules:

I. The core comprises basic language instruction in Modern Greek (Elementary and Intermediate level) and an introductory course on the History, Art and Archaeology of Greece from prehistory to the 20th century AD: Aegean civilisations (Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean); Archaic and Classical Greece; Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age; Roman period and Byzantine Empire; Medieval Greece and Greek Revolution of 1821; Greece in War (1912-1945). 

II. Seven thematic learning modules structured with integrated workshops or lectures, related activities, and field trips promote interactive learning, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of ancient Greece as well as the opportunity to immerse in modern Greek culture and language. The thematic modules integrate seamlessly humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences, focusing on various topics, such as Greek archaeology; field archaeology; archaeoastronomy; geology and volcanology; art history and studio art; ancient Greek philosophy, theater, religion/sanctuaries, athletics; warfare and diplomacy; ancient and modern democracy.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive (i) a certificate of completion from the Mycenaean Foundation and the Hellenic American Academy, listing the particular courses, learning modules, workshops, volunteer activities, and (ii) a language proficiency certification in Modern Greek as a foreign language (oral/written exam).

Pedagogy and learning outcomes 

The mission of our educational programs is to promote an interdisciplinary study of the ancient Mediterranean world and encourage personal and academic growth of the students through a unique combination of practical experience, interdisciplinary education, cultural immersion, and an appreciation for international collaboration. We strive to integrate theory with hands-on practice, classroom with travel, education with cultural immersion, learning with critical thinking and interdisciplinary approach.

The NOSTOS program has been designed on an innovative model of ‘poly-dimensional’ pedagogy that conglomerates diverse, complementing and mutually reinforcing educational, research, and experiential components to engage the students, promote interactive learning experiences, and link theory with practical training. The program offers a unique cultural experience in Greece and truly interdisciplinary education that encourages synergy and exploration, theory and ‘hands-on’ experience. The students receive interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and experiential education fashioned on an innovative holistic model that aims to communicate knowledge, create personal experiences, and develop critical ability and original thinking. Students and faculty have the opportunity to enjoy and share a collaborative learning experience on special themes and programs that highlight and address diverse directions to discover Greece.

The academic curriculum integrates seamlessly humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences, with Greece as centripetal force and central point of reference. Guest lectures by invited speakers on a variety of topics of current interest complement and diversify the academic curriculum.

Courses and thematic learning modules are also complemented with faculty-led group field trips to famous archaeological sites, museums, art galleries, cultural heritage sites, and historical landmarks on mainland Greece and the Greek islands, enriched with on-site lectures and activities, which are designed to offer the students hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of ancient Greece as well as the opportunity to immerse in modern Greek culture and language. Travel destinations may include Athens, Nafplio, Argos, Mycenae, Tiryns, Corinth, Epidaurus, Sparta, Pylos, Olympia, Delphi, Mystras, Monemvasia, Methone, Korone, Meteora, Thessaloniki, and select Greek islands.

Special workshops in studio art (drawing, painting, ceramics), astronomy, archaeological fieldwork (training in our unique outdoor dig simulator or diving underwater to explore sunken ruins), rowing/sailing in a trireme (ancient Greek warship), volcano exploration, Greek cuisine (cooking and pastry), modern Greek dances, etc. are designed for students to gain skills, experience the spirit of Greece and embrace local authenticity.

Students may also attend musical and theatrical performances of the Athens Festival at the Herodeion of Athens, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, or the Niarchos Cultural Center, and meet with senior Greek officials and dignitaries in the Greek Parliament during their stay in Athens.

Volunteerism is an important aspect of student group activities, involving cleaning local waterfronts (shores, lakes, riverbanks), city parks, and archaeological sites, volunteer work at an archaeological excavation, charity breadlines, etc.

In their spare time, students may engage in various outdoor recreational activities in surrounding landscapes of unique natural beauty, such as team sports, hiking, trekking, swimming, boat sailing, canoeing and rafting. 

Accommodation, classrooms, student services and responsibilities

Classes are held, and students study at the Melathron American Center for Archaeology at Mycenae (http://mycenaeanfoundation.com/melathron-center). Students and faculty reside either in Nafplion (12 miles from Mycenae), one of the most beautiful and culture-rich European cities, an ideal location for entertainment and cultural immersion, or in Argos (5 miles from Mycenae), the oldest city-state in ancient Greece. Hotel accommodation includes double-occupancy rooms (students) or single rooms (staff and chaperones) with a/c, tv, wi-fi, private bathroom, and breakfast. Long-distance field trips may require extended stay and different accommodation arrangements.

Students will receive pre-departure services and full student support on-site, including academic advising; general orientation and weekly follow-up sessions on everyday life, cross-cultural adjustment, and practical issues; health services and counseling; crisis management plan, safety measures, and emergency procedures in coordination and communication with the off-site administration and the US Embassy in Greece. High-school students will be accompanied by chaperones (teachers and/or parents) and faculty at a ratio of 5:1. The director, faculty, and staff remain on-site throughout the duration of the program, and have made arrangements with local liaisons in case of emergencies. The director, staff, and the students can be reached by phone or e-mail. The cities of Athens, Nafplio, and Volos are served by state hospitals, private clinics, and medical centers.

Student Responsibilities: all participants are expected to respect the rights of the other students, the staff and the faculty. The program director serves as Judicial Hearing Officer for all alleged violations. 

NOSTOS Program 2025 

Contact Info: to join this special program offered by the Mycenaean Foundation and the Hellenic American Academy or to receive more information, please contact us: 

Dates: July 1-31, 2025 

Location(s): Athens (July 1-6, 30-31, 2025), Nafplio/Mycenae (July 6-26, 2025), Volos/island of Skiathos (July 27-30, 2025) (see NOSTOS Brochure 2025)

Registration deadline: March 31, 2025 (admissions will be made on a rolling basis until positions are filled, so apply early!) - Orientation: May 1, 2025

Number of participants: 15-50 

Total Cost: 11,400 euros

  • Included in comprehensive fee: tuition fees, certificate of completion, room and partial board (breakfast), all local transportation, faculty-led group excursions, museum/site entrance fees, administrative fees 
  • Not included in comprehensive fee: international flight to/from Greece and incidental personal expenses

 Scholarships: available on the basis of financial need AND merit/academic excellence (check appropriate box in Application Form, and submit related information upon request)

Forms

  • Brochure NOSTOS 2025 (download)
  • Application Instructions (download)
  • Application Form (download, fill out, sign/date, submit by email with Waiver Form)
  • Waiver Form (download, fill out, sign/date, submit by email with Application Form)

Accreditation and Statement  

The Hellenic American Academy is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. 

The Mycenaean Foundation is a non-profit organization operating exclusively for scientific, educational, cultural, and charitable purposes under Section 501(c)(3).

The Hellenic American Academy and the Mycenaean Foundation are organizations that value free inquiry and justice, respect pluralism, diversity, and equal opportunity, promote tolerance, civility, and mutual understanding. The above organizations do not discriminate on such bases as race, color, sex, political and religious beliefs, marital status, age, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origins, veteran's status, or disability. 

The above information is accurate as of this printing, but is subject to change without notice.

PDF: 
PDF icon Waiver Form_NOSTOS.pdf
PDF icon application_form_NOSTOS.pdf
PDF icon Nostos Brochure 2025.pdf