On-Site Orientation
Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, you will receive a packet of information that includes an orientation schedule, campus map, academic calendar, preliminary excursion information, and details about local neighborhood resources and services.
All N.U.in Greece students participate in a multi-day orientation once they arrive in the country. This orientation will introduce you to your new neighborhood, review the student services available, and build community among the group. Workshops regarding housing, safety, and navigating the city are just a few of the sessions planned once you arrive. During orientation, you will be introduced to the American College of Thessaloniki’s services, academic resources, and student activities. Orientation typically also includes a campus tour, an acculturation workshop, group meals, and cultural activities. You will also have a chance to explore the city of Thessaloniki during a day-long tour.
Transportation
ACT provides daily private bus transportations to and from campus each weekday and for preplanned excursions. The bus schedule will be shared with students during on-site orientation. ACT also provides a limited number of city bus passes for students. These bus passes will be distributed during on-site student orientation; this is paired with a walking tour of the city for students so they can learn how to use the public transit. Buses can take N.U.in students to the domestic bus terminal, the downtown area, or to destinations well outside the city including the airport. If students wish to purchase more bus passes, the staff will show them where and how. The city also has a number of taxi services they can use including FreeNow, which connects with Uber. Students can also download the FreeNow Taxi app.
We encourage you to connect with The N.U.in Program to discuss any mobility or disability concerns.
Activities
One of the goals of the N.U.in Program is to foster and develop a strong community among its members. Students will experience multiple cultural excursions as part of the program. The host institution and N.U.in staff will plan weekly free or low-cost activities, which vary year-to-year.
In the past, students have participated in several types of activities. Examples include: local beaches of Halkidiki, Meteora, and Ioannina, Mount Olympus, and Athens.
N.U.in Program Traditions
N.U.in Traditions are popular events and activities that are held across all N.U.in sites:
- Family Group Dinners: The Student Success Coordinators will organize a “family dinner” about once a month for their family group to get students to experience the cuisine of their host city with their fellow N.U.in cohort.
- First Day of School Photos: Students will be provided with a space to reflect on the momentous first day of their academic career at Northeastern University by taking photos with Husky-themed props.
- N.U.in Husky Day: Husky Day will provide opportunities for students to connect with the campus in Boston, as well as other N.U.in students across sites by sharing in a day of Northeastern pride!
- N.U.in Thanksgiving: Students will have the opportunity to build community by celebrating a traditional American holiday with the N.U.in students at their site.
- Community Council: Each N.U.in location will have a student-led group known as Community Council or more commonly referred to by students as “Coco.” This student leadership council is charged with representing the student voice on-site and gathering programming interests for their cohort. Information on getting involved with the Community Council will be made available during your on-site orientation.
