A view of a cathedral in Thessaloniki, Greece.
A view of a cathedral in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Greece

Physical Therapy Shadowing in Thessaloniki

$4,499

Overview

This unique Atlantis experience is tailored for students interested in physical therapy, kinesiology, and exercise science. For a total of 40 hours over two weeks, participants will shadow physical therapy professionals to gain firsthand insight into Greece’s cultural approach to medicine and rehabilitation. This program is designed to provide students with a deeper appreciation of physical therapy practices while preparing them for future careers in healthcare.

Beyond the clinical shadowing experience, students will explore Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, known as the Symprotévousa, or “co-capital,” of Greece. This lively city is situated on the sea, is rich in ancient history and has many ruins, museums, and monuments to explore.

Destination Information

The City

Thessaloniki is a lively city is situated on the Aegean Sea, which gives it stunning views and fresh seafood.

Must-see locations include the iconic White Tower, the Church of Saint Demetrios, and Aristotelous Square. Though Thessaloniki has more than enough sights to see, other locations like Athens and the iconic Greek Islands are accessible via short flights.

If you’re a foodie, make sure you try the local dishes, including moussaka, gyros, traditional Greek salads, and amazing baklava.

If you’re looking for rich cultural experiences and to make memories you’ll treasure, look no further than the “co-capital” of Greece. Whether you want to explore the street markets, walk along the water, or dine late at night, there are numerous ways to both relax and experience the local culture.

 

Dates & Availability

  • Summer Break 2025

Dates

Price

Availability

May 31, 2025 - June 13, 2025 2 weeks

$4,499

Open

July 12, 2025 - July 25, 2025 2 weeks

$4,499

Open

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.

Hospital Overview

Papageorgiou General Hospital

Papageorgiou General Hospital in Thessaloniki is a non-profit institution within Greece’s National Health System. Founded in 1999, it operates with high standards in healthcare, offering comprehensive services from prevention to rehabilitation. Situated in N. Eukarpia, the hospital spans 75,000 sqm and collaborates closely with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s Medical School.

Renowned for its patient-centered care and advanced facilities, including a cutting-edge MRI scanner, the hospital serves over 1,000 outpatients and manages 900 emergencies daily. With 800 beds and a staff of 1,500, Papageorgiou provides trusted healthcare and training for medical professionals, continually innovating to meet the community’s needs despite economic challenges.

 

Alumni Favorite

Thessaloniki Seafront

Thessaloniki’s seafront is of one of the most popular spots in the city. At more than 3 miles long, this relaxing stretch features recognizable landmarks, stunning water views and provides an amazing place to walk, jog or bike.

A view of the sea and Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, Greece.
A view of the sea and Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Participating in Atlantis was truly one of the best decisions I could have made for my career. I learned so much and got to observe procedures that would be nearly impossible to observe in the United States. Going on the program solidified my desire to go to medical school and gave me confidence in the direction of my career.

Atlantis students in front of a monument in Milan, Italy.
Atlantis students in front of a monument in Milan, Italy.
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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.

Atlantis students on a program excursion.
Atlantis students on a program excursion (Genoa, Italy).

Language Skills Not Required

Most participants do not speak the local language at their Atlantis program. English levels vary within the hospital, but no knowledge of the language is required for Atlantis to be valuable. There is enough English spoken in the hospital for participants to benefit from the programs, as you can read in our testimonials. 

Many patients in your future career will not speak your language and will come from a different cultural background, so the Atlantis experience prepares you for that intercultural perspective. Any slight language barrier you may encounter at Atlantis also helps you develop “resilience and adaptability,” an AAMC core competency.

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.

Two students walking out of a hospital wing.
Atlantis students in a hospital wing (Lisbon, Portugal).

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.

An Atlantis student smiling while shadowing abroad.
An Atlantis student on an excursion experiencing culture while shadowing abroad (Athens, Greece).

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.

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students walking and smiling.
Atlantis students exploring together on a program excursion (Athens, Greece).

Med School Interview:
Atlantis Alum vs. Typical Pre-med

Compare a possible medical school interview of an Atlantis alum with that of a typical applicant by looking at responses to common questions.