Cornell SHA and ACG Study Abroad Program

In 2015, Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and The American College of Greece signed the first two of a series of agreements that will see the schools cooperate in educating future leaders in Greece’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

Cornell, a member of the Ivy League, is a global leader in the field of hotel and hospitality management education, while Deree’s International and Hospitality Management (ITHM) program seeks to become Greece’s premier undergraduate offering in this strategic field.

Cooperation between ACG and Cornell includes several initiatives:

  • Deree undergraduates studying at Cornell
  • Cornell undergraduates studying at Deree
  • Integrating Cornell’s online curriculum into Deree undergraduate and ALBA graduate curricula
  • ACG faculty benefiting from professional education programs at Cornell

Combining the resources of Cornell and ACG is expected to open new avenues for research in tourism and hospitality in Greece and the Southeastern Mediterranean region.

Participation in the Program / Scholarship Application

Each academic semester, up to two (2) qualified students will be considered for enrollment. The Office of Student Affairs, Outbound Study Abroad Program is responsible for nominating the selected ACG students by SHA nomination deadlines.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Students should hold a GPA of at least 3.25/4.00.
  • Official enrollment in an ACG degree program, pursuing a course of study in hospitality management, or a related field. Only International Tourism and Hospitality Management students may apply for the Grace Foundation Scholarships.
  • Successful completion of second-year coursework including courses in the following subjects: statistics, financial accounting, introduction to finance.
  • Submission of a written statement of intent (in English).
  • English language proficiency verification (TOEFL score of 100 iBT, IELTS score of 7 – date of exam results must be less than two years prior to the start of the semester for which the student is applying).
  • Enroll in minimum of 12 credit hours per semester at SHA.

Application/Selection Process

  • Submission of application and application materials to the Office of Student Affairs, Outbound Study Abroad Program.

Application requirements:

  • Online Outbound Study Abroad application form
  • Official transcript
  • CV and biographical note (max. 250 words)
  • Confirmation of course transferability check
  • One letter of recommendation from the School of Business.
  • Assessment of whether ACG and SHA eligibility criteria are met by the Study Abroad Office.
  • Interview by a committee composed of the Vice President of Administration, the Head of the International Tourism and Hospitality Management Department and an Outbound Study Program representative. The committee selects the student(s) who will be nominated in a given semester and the student(s) who will be granted a fund through the ACG Scholarship Program.

Selection criteria:

  • Strong potential of professional excellence in the Tourism and Hospitality industry
  • Academic achievement
  • Demonstrable cross-cultural communication skills
  • Student life participation

Further Information

For more information on the application process and deadlines please contact the Outbound Study Abroad Program at The Office of Student Affairs (Deree Main Corridor).