The American College of Thessaloniki

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT ) provides to a diverse student body, a high quality, tertiary level multidisciplinary, student-centered educational experience in an innovative learning environment. Drawing on the principles of the American liberal Arts educational philosophy we foster depth and breadth of knowledge, grounded on theory, scholarly research, and intellectual freedom. Our faculty members are passionate about teaching, value close relationships with our students and strive to instill in them the desire to pursuit academic and professional excellence and personal enrichment.

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is the tertiary division of Anatolia, a private, not-for-profit educational institution founded in 1886. ACT is an independent American institution chartered in the State of Massachusetts and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ACT also holds EU program validation and has been granted a license by the Greek government to operate as a private post-secondary College.

ACT is a vibrant learning community, where students of 20 different nationalities meet a highly diverse faculty body to engage in discourse characterized by sharing and mutual respect. In addition to knowledge acquisition, the hallmarks of the ACT experience are critical inquiry and service to others.  The ACT curriculum promotes open inquiry in a conscious and systematic way, in order to broaden students’ horizons, cultivate their talents, enhance their understanding of the world, and prepare them for a life of empathy.

At ACT, we strongly believe in the role that the environment and in particular Gaia plays in fostering intellectual growth; that is why we have built a beautiful campus on a hill, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Under the Grecian blue sky and amid a plethora of ancient trees and shrubs (cypress, olive, plums, pomegranate, etc.), our students have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art educational facilities in pursuing their educational goals. This is the same environment that, a few miles to the East became the birthplace of Aristotle, while a few miles to the West, the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

If you are currently an ACT student, I would like to congratulate you for your choice and ask you to be proud of your studies and your institution. If you are contemplating becoming an ACT student, I urge you to explore the ACT programs of study and I encourage you to visit or contact us, in order to facilitate your joining of our community. We will be delighted to address all of your queries, and discuss your future.

• Business

  CT’s programs in business are designed to lead to US-accredited BS and MBA degrees, as well as to offer a forum for communicating new insights into management and marketing research and applications among the academic, business and entrepreneurial communities of Greece & Southeast Europe. The business education envisioned by ACT is unique for its comprehensive view of management and explicit focus on fostering entrepreneurial approaches to management in the region. Graduates will have acquired an appreciation of the interactions among all elements of an organization and be ideally equipped to lead entrepreneurial activity throughout Southeast Europe over the next decades. The foremost goal of the business curriculum is to develop and strengthen students’ coherent and logical thinking processes in order to make and implement sound, ethically responsible business decisions throughout their careers.
  
  Our Vision
  Graduate Program: To provide quality education to a diverse graduate student body who will be immediately effective in cutting edge business organizations.
  Undergraduate Program: To provide the highest quality business education to a diverse student body which reflects the realities of the business world.
  
  Our Mission
  Graduate Program: Our MBA programs prepare our students to be decision-makers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, ready for a broad spectrum of managerial responsibilities and/or for success as higher level professional specialists. We affirm our commitment to intellectual contributions that enhance our teaching, particularly to applied scholarship and instructional development. We employ our professional skills in service to the College, scholarly and professional organizations, the business community, and the regional community.
  Undergraduate Program: Our undergraduate programs prepare our students for successful careers and life-long learning in a rapidly changing world. We guide our students in the development of their intellectual experience.

• School of Arts, Science, and Technology

  The Anatolia School of Arts, Science, and Technology at the American College of Thessaloniki consists of two academic divisions offering undergraduate degree programs in English, International Relations, and, in collaboration with the Division of Business, Business and Computing. In addition, our academic programs include optional six-course minors in Humanities and Social Sciences and in Computer Science, and a 2+2 option in Psychology. Certificate programs are also offered for professional training in computer networking, multimedia, web development, and teaching English (TEFL). The School provides supplemental academic training in all areas of ACT’s General Education curriculum.
  
  In addition to providing outstanding classroom teaching by experienced instructors educated in Europe and the US, the School offers unparalleled extracurricular opportunities, ranging from live digital teleconferences in a state-of-the-art teleconferencing center to formal internships in companies and organizations off campus. The School is home to the Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service, the Lucy Center for Balkan Studies, ACT’s Certificate Program in TEFL, the Cisco Regional Academy for Northern Greece, and the Stavros Niarchos Technology Center. These programs and facilities combine to make the American College of Thessaloniki the leading center for English language instruction, public affairs, and informatics in Northern Greece and the Southern Balkans. 
  
  Our degrees provide an ideal foundation for future success. Students graduating from our programs have been admitted to pursue post-graduate study, often with full scholarships or other awards, at some of the best universities in the world, including Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, King’s College London, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Fletcher, Columbia, and many others. Many more have embarked on meaningful careers in Greece, the Balkans and Europe in private industry, government ministries, international organizations, and educational institutions. 

1886: Anatolia College founded at the Merzifon Seminary with Charles Tracy as President; the students are principally Greek and Armenian, most coming from outside of Merzifon and boarding at the school; the faculty is Greek, Armenian, and American; enrollment soon reaches 115 students. 
1894: Anatolia incorporated under the laws of the State of Massachusetts
1920: Campus consists of more than 40 New England style buildings; Anatolia includes a kindergarten, a school for the deaf, high schools for boys and girls, a college-level program, a theological seminary, one of the largest hospitals in Asia Minor, and an orphanage for 2000 orphans.
1924: With help from Eleftherios Venizelos, Anatolia reopens in Thessaloniki, in rented buildings in Harilaou, with 13 students, mostly refugees; enrollment soon jumps to 157. 
1934: Anatolia moves to newly constructed campus above the city near the village of Pylea, on the lower slopes of Mt. Hortiatis.1940: Greece enters World War II when Italy invades; school closed, campus used as German headquarters and military hospital.
1945: War ends, Anatolia reopens as repair of damaged campus proceeds; Girls’ school moved into temporary quarters on the Anatolia campus after its building on Allatini Street burns down.
1950: Dr. Carl Compton begins eight year Presidency.
1980: Anatolia begins transition to co-education.
1981: SBALA (School of Business Administration and Liberal Arts) founded to provide post-secondary instruction in business and the liberal arts.
1986: Anatolia College celebrates its centennial year.
1993: The first 4-year Baccalaureate degrees in Liberal Arts and Science are awarded. 
1995: Name of the post-secondary institution institution is changed to American College of Thessaloniki.
1997: ACT accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
1999: Richard L. Jackson assumes the presidency upon retirement of William W. McGrew (1974-1999)
2000: Restructuring of all BA/BS degree program requirements. Introduction of new concentrations and minors.
2001: ACT assumes the project management as well as administrative and financial oversight for all aspects of the AID financed training segment of the World Bank's program for Transportation and Trade Facilitation in South-Eastern Europe; The Board of Trustees approves an intensive American MBA program, effective September 2002.
2002: Inauguration of the Bissell Library which is one of the largest general-purpose English language libraries in Greece.
2002: MBA begins at ACT. The only US accredited MBA program in Northern Greece enrolls 40 students from 3 continents, 7 different countries, six undergraduate disciplines and a broad range of work experience.
2003: The Bissell Library dedicates the Stavros S. Niarchos Technology Center. The Center comprises a teleconferencing room, four classrooms with audiovisual equipment, two computer labs, a multimedia lab and production studio, a networking lab, a computing and telecommunications center and faculty offices.
2003: Re-accreditation of ACT by the NEASC-CIHE with next on-site visitation scheduled for October 2012.
2008: ACT undergraduate programs accredited by the University of Wales, UK.
2009: Dr. Hans Giesecke named 10th President of Anatolia. Anatolia College anounces its Green Initiative.
2010: Anatolia Elementary School (lower campus) moves to new campus.
2011: Establishment of the President’s Club - The institutions’ most steadfast supporters. Renovation of A’ side soccerfield gifted by Anatolia College Alumni Association. Initiated and fulfilled the fundraising goal for the 125th Anniversary Matching Fund.
2013: Dr. Panos Vlachos named 11th President of Anatolia College.

The American College of Thessaloniki, a division of Anatolia College in Thessaloniki, Greece, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC—CIHE).

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Clubs & Organizations

ACT provides a wide range of clubs, societies and organizations to its students and alumni, some of them in cooperation with companies and agencies. Most of them are free of charge, some require a membership contribution to cover expenses (noted with an * below) like travelling, meals, software, etc., and a few provide certificates to their members (noted with an ∞ below).

Each organization and club meets regularly and is advised by a faculty member or a competent professional. A Clubs' Fair is hosted by all ACT student organizations at the beginning of each semester so students may become familiar with co-curricular offerings and sign up for clubs and activities which best suit their personal interests.

The student life at ACT is as vibrant as the city around it. Thessaloniki abounds with modern shops, cafés, bars and squares, all built upon the historicalfoundations of its ancient civilizations. The city’s compact urban environment is ideal for walking, and interlaced with ancient marketplaces, theatres and churches.

Students can explore Greece through ACT’s organized field trips to the royal tombs of Vergina, the Acropolis of Athens, the oracle of Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora, the hot baths of Aridea, the waterfalls of Edessa and the peaks of Mt. Olympus. The country’s natural beauty is ideal for outdoor adventures, and students can sail the peninsulas of Halkidiki, go rafting in the rivers of Zagoria, Absail down the canyons of Mt.Olympus, take bike tours around Thessaloniki and go scuba diving in the crystal blue waters of the Aegean.

ACT has a world-class campus with state of the art facilities which are unique to Southeastern Europe. The diverse student body representing 30 different nationalities exposes students to a variety of cultures and perspectives and enriches both their academic and social engagement. Courses are offered at a high academic standard and range from comprehensive liberal arts, technology and business to Greek language, history, culture and art. Study abroad students experience intellectual development, cultural immersion, and a growth of ethical sensitivity both in the classroom and in their co-curricular pursuits.

he American College of Thessaloniki provides off campus accommodation in downtown Thessaloniki.

Rooms are all fully furnished (including kitchen appliances in individual studios or in common areas), and priority is given based on the date of application receipt. Both single and double-occupancy options exist. Off-campus housing locations are well served by the city’s reliable bus system with buses running at 10-15 minute intervals. In addition, during the fall and spring semesters the college provides bus service to and from campus.

Below is the list of clubs and organizations at ACT:

Cinema Club 
Photography Club 
Music Club 
Field Trip Club* 
Horse Riding Club* 
Young Diplomats Society 
Lifeguard Club* ∞ 
ACT Radio (Radio ACTive) 
Sailing Club* ∞ 
Scuba Diving Club* ∞ 
Student Government Association

ATHLETICS

Annual Invitational Intercollegiate Tournaments hosted by ACT, involve a number of other colleges

Athletic programs at ACT include both indoor and outdoor sports. Annual Invitational Intercollegiate Tournaments hosted by ACT, involving a number of other colleges, allow student athletes to participate in highly competitive sporting events.

Students have the option of participating in ACT's varsity teams and in intramural sports.

ACT’s sport facilities are used for Intramural sports, training, practices, games and other events. ACT’s outdoor facilities include basketball, volleyball, team handball and tennis courts, as well as outdoor fields for soccer and track & field.

The indoor gymnasium includes a ballet room (for aerobics and dance), a fitness room for weight resistance training and a court for indoor sports.

The most recent addition to the school's athletic facilities is a regulation "beach sports” court that regularly hosts tournaments for beach handball and beach volleyball.

Intramural Sports: basketball, beach volleyball, etc.

The official name of the students’ body of the American College of Thessaloniki is “Student Government Association” (SGA).

SGA’s main objectives are to provide a forum for the expression of student opinion and channels for greater student involvement in a wide range of ACT affairs, to serve as a liaison group between the student body and the administration, to promote greater participation in student activities, in collaboration with the Student Activities Office and to demonstrate behavior characteristic of good citizenship, scholarship, leadership, service and human values.

ACT is the first post-secondary institution in Greece to introduce service and community programs to such a large percentage of its student body. These programs reflect the community-focused mission that the institution as a whole ascribes to.
Students at ACT perform their community service at close to 20 carefully selected NGO sites throughout the city. The Community Service program offers study abroad students a way to experience another dimension of Greek society and helps them gain work skills that can be important for future employment opportunities. Certificates of recognition and awards of appreciation are provided to students for their volunteer work.
 
Community Service opportunities exist in a variety of fields:
SPECIAL NEEDS CENTERS:  Students can volunteer for organisations that protect, support and provide educational and creative outlets for people with special needs.  Students are assigned to volunteer at a specific organisation depending upon their interests, previous experiences and skill sets. 
SOUP KITCHENS:  Students can volunteer alongside localsto prepare food for people in need. The work is basic but necessary:peeling potatoes, stacking shelves, washing pots and pans, and similar activities. Soup kitchens are a great place to learn how to make Greek food from home-cooks, and practice speaking Greek in an everyday context. 
LOCAL SCHOOLS:  Students can volunteer as teacher’s assistants in the English programs at elementary schools, both at Anatolia and at local public schools in the west Thessaloniki district. This community service opportunity is especially appealing to students who are studying education. Each school has its own character; some are in low income housing areas where the volunteer’s job can be more challenging yet very rewarding.
YOUTH CENTERS:  There are a variety of youth centers in Thessaloniki that provide after school workshops in arts, crafts and music as well as foreign languages. The youth centers usually accommodate youth from low-income housing as well as immigrant families where the need for extracurricular activities, training and entertainment is greater. Volunteers help run workshops in the English and Greek language, math and science as well as arts and crafts. The opportunities are flexible and depend largely upon the volunteer’s abilities and skills. 
DIGITAL REPORTING:  Students who are particularly interested in social media, blogging and web design can be a great asset to local website businesses and organizations. ACT students can write blogs on the political and economic situation in Greece and Europe for http://politis-dukakis-center.act.edu/, or Repower Greece. Alternatively they can help run the ‘Local’s Like’ program for www.enjoythessaloniki.com which features video interviews of locals from around the city and their recommendations on where to go, where to eat and what to see in the city of Thessaloniki. “Local’s like’ provides a great service for tourists and foreigners in the city and also provides great insight for our students. 
TUTORING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:  Students can volunteer to provide assistance in math, science, history and other school subjects for local pupils who are struggling in school; these tutoring sessions usually take place with one or two pupils at a time.  Some schools organise larger groups of pupils (15-20) in which 2-3 volunteers help tutor English conversational skills, especially for pupils who plan to take the proficiency English exams.
URBAN LIVING:  In collaboration with the different municipalities in the region of Thessaloniki, ACT helps organize both cultural events and projects to improve urban living standards.. Examples include: beach cleanups, helping at music festivals, helping organise a day of cultural, sports and tree planting initiatives in the forest of Seih-Sou, weeding green areas in the city and tree planting in the pedestrian centres of the city. Once a year ACT also organises olive picking projects in nearby villages.

For the student seeking a unique study abroad site in Greece, the American College of Thessaloniki is ideal. Thessaloniki is the ‘road less taken’, a culturally intact city, small, diverse, youthful, at the crossroads of east and west and the gateway to Southeastern Europe.
 
Greek Cultural Immersion
With a student body comprised of 50% Greeks and international students from approximately 30 countries as well as a plethora of community outreach opportunities, visiting students find a valuable cultural immersion experience at ACT.
U.S. Accredited
ACT is the only NEASC-accredited academic institution in Northern Greece.
Vibrant Student Life
ACT is a warm, welcoming and active community that offers students the chance to explore and develop through a wide range of workshops, clubs, field trips and volunteer opportunities.
Cultural & Historical Exploration
Students visit the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Orthodox Monasteries dating from 12th Century, the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki and of course the enchanting city of Thessaloniki!
Strong Support Services
The Internation Programs Office has staff dedicated to assist students with all needs.  Pre-departure, staff in the ACT Boston office are there to answer questions and provide students with the support they need. Once students arrive in Greece, staff orients them with the campus and life in Thessaloniki and provides information on co-curricular opportunities and ways to engage with Greece outside of the classroom. ACT even provides an on-site doctor in the event of health issues.