Service Learning

• Become a global citizen
• Enrich skillset and activate critical thinking
• Practice servant leadership
• Act as a social problem solver
• Learn to work within diverse groups
• Encourage creativity
• Celebrate diversity
• Transform into a human rights advocate

Service learning at ACG is an essential part of student life, encouraging students to apply their knowledge through meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster personal growth, civic awareness, and a spirit of giving back. Opportunities include volunteering in student-led initiatives, participating in campus-wide service projects, and engaging with local communities through structured programs. These experiences help students develop empathy, collaboration, and leadership skills while actively contributing to positive social impact.

A standout opportunity offered by the Office of Student Affairs is the Meaningful Engagement Trip, a multi-day experiential program that takes students to communities outside and inside Athens to participate in service-focused activities. From mentoring and tutoring to supporting local organizations and engaging with underserved populations, the trip offers students a unique chance to contribute, learn, and grow. Participation is open to enrolled students through an application and interview process, and the program is partially funded by the Office of Student Affairs. The experience is designed to deepen students’ understanding of social challenges and inspire them to become active, engaged members of society.

From April 4 to 6, 2025, a diverse group of 20 students from Deree – The American College of Greece embarked on a transformative three-day service-learning trip to Litochoro, Pieria. The group included local graduate and undergraduate students, International students from Sierra Leone, Congo, Ghana, and the US, parallel studies students, and study abroad students, all guided by three Student Life educators and administrators.

The trip was organized by the Office of Student Affairs in partnership with the NGO Ecogenia, with a shared goal of exploring and promoting sustainable rural development practices in Greece.

Day One focused on community-building, as students had the chance to connect with one another while enjoying traditional local cuisine in the picturesque town of Litochoro.

Day Two centered around climate action and sustainability. Participants learned about the pioneering work of Ecogenia, Greece’s first climate action youth corps, and its innovative forest ranger pilot program in Olympus. A guided visit to the Mount Olympus Information Center offered insights into the region’s rich biodiversity and environmental significance. The students actively contributed by cleaning hiking trails and collecting biodiversity data through a citizen science application, followed by a hands-on workshop to design actionable climate solutions for the local area. The day concluded with an inspiring talk by Litochoro’s vice mayor, Ms. Sofia Zourzoura, who discussed regional sustainability initiatives, including water conservation and flood prevention efforts.

Day Three offered a moment of cultural immersion and reflection. Students hiked to the stunning Olympus waterfalls and visited the historic Saint Dionysius Monastery, deepening their connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The day ended with the “Climate Super Power” workshop, where students reflected on their actions throughout the Meaningful Engagement Trip and found their climate super power, the power that they have to change their local communities and countries.

ACG educators work closely with faculty-led groups and youth teams to develop tailor-made Service Learning experiences

• Service learning on and off campus, in Athens and the Greek provinces
• Collaboration with ACG Centers (Center of Excellence for Sustainability), Student Clubs (Better Days for Strays), external partners and diverse stakeholders
• Examples: Social cooking, survival kits preparation for the homeless, animal shelter visits, emergency response awareness-raising
• Experience tailored to the specifics of special/faculty-led program’s educational/learning objectives and logistics, as well as group size
• Possible to tailor service learning experiences to student interests, talents and strengths
• Participating students are required to submit a quick survey including essay questions

Comprehensive fee includes:

Program development

• Coordination of communication and activity design with partners and local stakeholders
• Space booking
• Administrative work (required permits; documentation for volunteers; disclaimers; form processing for participants)
• Team building and training tailored to activities and involving subject matter experts (taking place on ACG campus premises, unless on-site presence is necessary)
• Production of inventory and list of supplies and equipment required for the service equipment
• Cost of supplies and equipment
• Group reflection sessions with expert in volunteer engagement and human rights education programs
• Optional fee for social media coverage and photographic documentation of activities by experienced documentary photographer and videographer
• Optional fee for creation of individual feedback forms for each volunteer
• Optional additional fee for report of program impact and highlights based on survey generated to cover all program components, including quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the program, testimonials, survey results etc.