Question 1

Where is HISA?

Accepted Answer

HISA is located on Paros, an island in the center of the Cyclades group, which includes Mykonos and Santorini. The school facilities and the student housing are in Paroikia, a quaint village of winding lanes and white-washed houses.

Question 2

How many units can I take with HISA?

Accepted Answer

Students usually take 4 or 5 classes for a semester. Students who require a transcript can take up to 18 credits, or 6 classes. The courses are interdisciplinary and though the work load is intensive, it is not overburdening. 3 or less classes are also allowed.

Question 3

Are your courses accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HISA has two American university school of records who can issue official transcripts. See University Credit page for further details.

Question 4

Are field trip expenses included in the tuition?

Accepted Answer

All inter-island transportation, land transfers, museums and site fees, and overnight stays are included.

Question 5

What majors can apply to HISA?

Accepted Answer

The HISA program is open to the students of all majors.

Question 6

Where do HISA students come from?

Accepted Answer

Most students come from colleges and universities in the US and Canada, though we have had students from Japan, Mexico, India, Hong Kong, Estonia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Bermuda, Poland, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, and Norway.

Question 7

What is the learning environment at HISA?

Accepted Answer

HISA classes run from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, and students usually are in class for 3 or 4 hours per day, depending on their schedule. All work areas are open from 8 am to 10 pm, and later during the final preparation week for the exhibition. The classes are a mixture of lectures, one on one mentoring, slide presentations, and teacher assisted work projects.

Question 8

What is the length of a semester? And when?

Accepted Answer

Full semester system is 13 weeks. Summer is 3 weeks. The Fall Semester: the second week of Sept to the first week of Dec. The Spring Semester: the first week of March to the first week of June. The Summer Semesters are usually June 7th to 27th and July 2nd to 23rd.

Question 9

How much is the tuition? What is included?

Accepted Answer

The standard tuition for semester is US$ 12,950. Summer tuition ranges from $3,900 per session to $7,000 for two full summer sessions. Importantly, your tuition includes all Greek based field trips, housing with utilities, room cleaning, and WiFi: all inter-island transportation, museum and site fees, guides where necessary, overnight in Santorini and Naxos. Refer to the Tuition & Payment page for more detailed information.

Question 10

How can I pay?

Accepted Answer

Tuition payments to HISA can be made by deposit or direct wire to our American bank in Maryland. Students receiving financial disbursement can have their schools either wire fees to HISA.

Question 11

Can I get syllabi on the classes?

Accepted Answer

Once a student fills out the standard application form, all syllabi are available. Just ask for the ones you’re interested in.

Question 12

What about meals?

Accepted Answer

Each student has his/her kitchenette with basic kitchen utensils. Students can also share meals or cook communal meals at school kitchen.

Question 13

Are linens included in the accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels.

Question 14

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Please see the Preparation page for complete details.

Question 15

When should I arrive at Athens? When should I leave from Paros?

Accepted Answer

Semester students should arrive on the official starting day.  One day before or more the official starting day for summer. Please read the arrival page. Leaving day is more flexible but we need to consider the ferry and airplane schedule from Paros to Athens. Students are strongly recommended to communicate with staff before purchasing an air flight ticket.

Frequently asked questions