Athens, Greece · Summer 2027
Medical Shadowing in Athens, Greece
Spend three weeks observing physicians at a private teaching hospital in Athens, rotating through cardiology, oncology, obstetrics, radiology, internal medicine, and surgery, in a small group of no more than twelve students. Your documented hours can earn college credit.
- documented clinical hours
- 60+
- students per cohort
- 8–12
- specialties, one per week
- 3
- credit per 40 shadowing hours
- 1
Academic credit, not just a certificate.
Your shadowing hours can appear on an official transcript through our US university partner. Most programs like this can only offer a certificate. Yours goes on a transcript, and for 2027 cohorts, credit costs just $100 (normally $599).
What makes this different
This program was designed around the things pre-health advisors actually look for: verifiable hours, real physician access, and documentation you can bring to an admissions committee with confidence.
- 01
Credit for your hours
One credit hour for every 40 documented shadowing hours, enrolled through CELA and our US university partner. Real transcript credit, not a line on a resume.
- 02
Twelve students, max
Every cohort is capped at 8 to 12. You'll be standing beside the physician, not behind a crowd of other students trying to see.
- 03
A new specialty every week
You rotate departments weekly. Three weeks, three specialties. You'll leave having seen how several fields work day to day.
- 04
Hours you can prove
A daily log signed by your supervising physician. A completion letter listing your total hours, each department, and time spent in each. Documentation that holds up in front of an admissions committee.
- 05
Observation only, by design
The program follows AAMC, AMA, WHO, and GAPS guidance on clinical observation abroad. Students observe. No diagnosing, examining, treating, or performing procedures. This is deliberate and it protects your application.
- 06
Welcoming students abroad since 2009
Loop Abroad has offered field and clinical programs since 2009 and was recognized as the #1 study abroad organization on GoAbroad in 2024. CELA is part of Loop Abroad.
Why shadowing matters for your application
Over 90% of entering medical students have completed physician shadowing, according to AAMC data. Admissions committees don't just want to see hours. They want to see variety.
The recommended target is 40 to 100 hours across multiple specialties, not all with one doctor. This program gives you 60+ documented hours across three different specialties in three weeks, which puts you right in the range admissions committees look for.
If you're applying to osteopathic (DO) programs, plan to also shadow a DO separately. This program counts toward your overall shadowing experience but does not substitute for DO-specific hours.
Shadowing is observational. You watch a physician work. It's different from hands-on clinical experience like working as an EMT or medical scribe. Medical schools want both on your application. This program covers the shadowing side with documented proof.
Dates and pricing
Three sessions, each three weeks, timed to fit between the end of spring semester and the start of fall.
| Session | Dates | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | May 30 – June 19, 2027 | 3 weeks | Open |
| Session II | June 20 – July 10, 2027 | 3 weeks | Open |
| Session III | July 11 – July 31, 2027 | 3 weeks | Open |
Founding Cohort Rate
$5,999
For students who enroll by December 31, 2026. All three sessions, while seats remain.
Standard Rate
$6,499
From January 1, 2027. A $500 deposit holds your seat, balance due 60 days before your session starts.
Airfare not included. Credit enrollment is optional: $100 for 2027 cohorts (normally $599).
Where you'll be
Imagine walking into a modern hospital in the northern suburbs of Athens, putting on your white coat, and joining a cardiologist on morning rounds. That's your Monday.
Metropolitan General is a private multidisciplinary hospital with departments spanning cardiology, oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, internal medicine, and surgery. Your rotation schedule is confirmed before you leave home, and every department you enter has a named, English-speaking physician who's expecting you.
You won't need to speak Greek. Everything is in English. Your on-site coordinator is with you every step of the way.
A typical week
- Monday – Thursday
- In the hospital, roughly 9:00 to 14:00, with your assigned department
- Friday
- Full-day group excursion, lunch included
- Two evenings
- Group dinners at local tavernas, included
- Weekends
- Free to explore Athens, visit the islands, or travel on your own
College credit
Your hours in Athens can appear on a real transcript, not just a certificate. For 2027, credit is just $100 (normally $599).
How it works
You enroll in BIO 489: Internship alongside the program. Every 40 documented hours equals one credit hour.
What you complete
Weekly written reflections, an informational interview with a clinician, a midterm and final reflection, an updated resume, and a supervisor evaluation.
What you receive
A letter grade and transcripted credit. Most institutions accept it as transfer credit. Check with your registrar to be sure.
Credit is optional. If you'd rather skip the coursework, you still complete the full clinical program and receive the same hours log and completion letter.
What's included
In the price
- 60+ hours of supervised clinical observation, rotating weekly
- Shared student apartments, single gender, fully furnished
- Airport pickup when you arrive and transfer when you depart
- Local transport to the hospital and all program activities
- Three full-day excursions with lunch
- Two group dinners a week plus a farewell meal
- Travel and health insurance for the entire program
- A dedicated on-site coordinator and 24/7 emergency support
- Lab coat, name badge, and hospital ID
- Pre-departure orientation and help with all your documents
- Signed hours log and completion letter
Not included
- International airfare
- Breakfast and meals not listed above
- Personal expenses and independent travel
- Background check fee
- Visa, if required for your nationality
Where you'll live
Shared student apartments with other students on your program, arranged by gender and fully furnished.
Example of student housing.
Your three excursions
- 01
Saronic Gulf day cruise.
Spend a day at sea visiting the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
- 02
Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nafplio.
The ancient healing sanctuary, the Bronze Age citadel, and the first capital of modern Greece.
- 03
Cape Sounion.
A swim on the Athenian Riviera, then sunset at the Temple of Poseidon.
What you leave with
Admissions committees want documentation, not stories. Every student finishes the program with all four of these:
- 01
Daily hours log
Dates, times in and out, total hours and department, signed by your supervising physician.
- 02
Completion letter
On letterhead. Total documented hours, each department with hours in each, confirmation that you participated strictly as an observer.
- 03
Hospital reference letter
An individual letter from the hospital covering your time in its departments.
- 04
Transcript credit
If you enroll for credit, a letter grade and credit hours on a US university transcript.
Who this is for
This program is for undergraduates and recent graduates exploring careers in medicine, PA, nursing, dentistry, or another health profession. You need to be 18 or older by the program start date.
No prior clinical experience is needed. No Greek is needed. Everything is conducted in English, and your coordinator and the physicians all speak English.
To enroll, you'll complete an application, a background check, and health documentation. Our admissions team walks you through every step after you apply. You're not doing this alone.
Common questions
Is any of this hands-on?
No, and that's by design. AAMC guidance is clear that students should observe rather than participate in patient care. Programs that let pre-med students do hands-on clinical work can create real problems when you're sitting in front of an admissions committee. Observation is the standard, and we follow it.
Where will I live?
Furnished shared apartments with other students on your program, arranged by gender, in residential neighborhoods with easy access to the metro, shops, and cafes. You'll feel at home.
Can I stay longer or add a fourth week?
Extended placements are available on request. More hours also means more credit, at one credit per 40 hours.
Medical Shadowing in Athens, Greece