Overview
Agios Nikolaos, is a picturesque city nestled on the northeastern coast of Crete, the largest island of Greece. The city is surrounded by the the Mirabello bay and has narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through the charming labyrinth of its old town. The harbor is dotted with colourful fishing boats and elegant yachts. With a backdrop of rugged hillsides draped in olive groves and citrus orchards, Agios Nikolaos displays timeless beauty and serenity blended with tradition and modernity.
This program includes an HMX course and the potential to earn a certificate from Harvard Medical School depending on performance in the course. The HMX course would be taken over several weeks before, during, or after your Atlantis program depending on the space available in HMX cohorts at the time that you enroll in Atlantis. Read more.
Destination Information
Local Time Now:
5:46am
Official Languages:
Greek
Almost all alumni have not spoken the local language.The City
Agios Nikolaos has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Nearby archaeological sites, such as the Minoan palace of Malia and the ancient city of Lato, offer glimpses into the region’s ancient past.
The city is home to several Byzantine churches, including the Church of Agios Nikolaos, after which the city is named. These churches feature impressive frescoes and architectural details, offering insights into the city’s Byzantine heritage.
The Venetians left a significant architectural imprint on the city during their rule in the 13th century. The remains of Venetian fortification and buildings can still be seen throughout the city.
Dates & Availability
- Summer Break 2025
Dates
Price
Availability
May 10, 2025 - May 30, 2025 3 weeks
$6,199
Close to Full
May 31, 2025 - June 20, 2025 3 weeks
$6,199
Full
June 21, 2025 - July 11, 2025 3 weeks
$6,199
Close to Full
July 12, 2025 - August 1, 2025 3 weeks
$6,199
Close to Full
You may pay over time, fundraise, consider scholarships, and more. Learn about our significant partial need-based scholarships here.
Participants may transfer to another program or receive a refund up until a predefined amount of time before the start date.
What’s Included
Atlantis programs include ~20h/week of shadowing, housing, some meals, transportation, travel health insurance, and more. Airfare is not included but can be very affordable.
What’s Included
On Program Components
Pre/Post Program Components
Hospital Overview
The General University Hospital of Agios Nikolaos
The General Hospital of Agios Nikolaos, is located in Agios Nikolaos city in the prefecture of Lassithi, and is a large modern hospital that provides full medical treatment and services to the population of the area since 1940. The General Hospital of Agios Nikolaos has 144 developed beds and is on duty every day. The hospital provides the full range of primary and secondary health care services and, in addition to the basic departments of the Pathological, Surgical, Laboratory and Psychiatric Departments, it also has an Intensive Care Unit with 6 beds, Artificial Kidney Unit, Urology Clinic, Oncology Clinic, Gastroenterology Clinic, CT Scanner, Cytology Pathology Laboratory and other departments, units and clinics.
Lake Voulismeni
One of the city’s most iconic features is Voulismeni Lake, a picturesque body of water located in the center of Agios Nikolaos. According to local legend, the lake is bottomless and connected to the ancient goddess Athena. The city is full of amazing sandy beaches towards the coastline, such as Ammoudi, Agios Nikolaos Beach, Kitroplatia and many more, where you can get some well deserved relaxation.
Excursions
Our excursions are designed to offer a deeper look into your host culture, for both the educational benefit and the enjoyment of exploring a new place with others who share your interests in travel and medicine. Excursions range from historical tours to culinary and cultural explorations.
Your Site Manager will inform you of the excursions they have planned during your program orientation. If you make travel plans outside of your city for a weekend and it conflicts with the events your Site Manager has planned, notify your Site Manager several days in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
Clinical Experience that Stands Out to Schools
Medical schools want 3 things: healthcare exposure, GPA/MCAT, and certain competencies. Uniquely, “360 Shadowing” gives you the best version of the 1st, frees you to focus on the 2nd, and cultivates/shows the 3rd to medical school admissions.
Funding Your Future
The cost of Atlantis isn’t too dissimilar from the cost of many study abroad programs that you may find. And we’re here to help: from our extensive fundraising guide to flexible payment plans and financing options, we make the process simple and easy, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
Bring a Friend
Consider bringing a friend to the same program you’re applying to. Although the vast majority of Atlantis alumni have gone on programs without knowing someone in their cohort, bringing a friend allows your experience to be shared in a unique way, while still allowing you one of the benefits of Atlantis: meeting new pre-health friends from across the country. Consider sharing this idea with your friends.
