For 100 Greek-American and Canadian college students, the summer of 2026 won’t just be a break from classes—it will be a journey into their own DNA, through The National Hellenic Society’s (NHS) “Heritage Greece” program.
This year, the non-profit is sponsoring 100 students to rediscover their ancestral roots through an all-expenses-paid immersion program that has already transformed the lives of over 900 alumni.
The Heritage Greece program
Unlike typical study abroad programs, Heritage Greece functions as a cultural “gift.” The NHS covers nearly all costs—including tuition, housing, meals, and domestic transportation—leaving students responsible only for their airfare and personal spending. The goal is to forge a permanent bond between the North American diaspora and modern Greece.
Students can apply for one of three distinct tracks, each hosted by a premier academic institution. While the destinations vary, every session pairs participants with Greek “peer” students to ensure they experience the country through local eyes rather than a tourist lens.
The Athenian Immersion (American College of Greece): With sessions in both June and July, students explore the capital’s landmarks like the Acropolis and the Hellenic Parliament. The highlight includes a multi-day trip to the island of Tinos to explore marble-craft traditions and a final three-island cruise.
The Northern Frontier (American College of Thessaloniki): Running in July, this session focuses on the “vivid portrait of Northern Greece.” Highlights include the royal tombs of Vergina, the waterfalls of Edessa, and the thermal springs of Pozar.
The Intellectual Journey (College Year in Athens): This mid-summer session blends site-based lectures with modern innovation. Students will study democracy at the Pnyx and explore Greece’s seafaring traditions on the island of Hydra.
Are You Eligible?
The program is highly competitive, seeking students who have a 3.0+ GPA and are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens of Hellenic descent—defined as having at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent born in Greece or Cyprus.
While not mandatory, the NHS gives preference to students who have never visited Greece before, aiming to make that first connection as impactful as possible.
For many, the program is a career-altering experience. Alumni frequently cite the “meaningful connections” and “professional growth” as the most significant takeaways from their two weeks in the Mediterranean.
For more information and deadlines for applications, visit the official NHS site
Related: New NHS Chair Eyes $10 Million Goal to Cement Greek Heritage for Next Generation
