Hellenic International Studies in the Arts - HISA: Koh Samui Island - Discover Thailand

Athena's partner institution, Hellenic International Studies in the Arts (HISA), with its main campus in Greece, has expanded to the Far East.  The institution brings together an interaction between students who desire more than a traditional lecture format, and talented teachers and artists who wish to share their experience and knowledge.

The program begins with a three-night stay in Bangkok.  The first night's welcome dinner will take place in one of the lively open-air stalls, followed by a guided orientation tour through the traditional downtown market area.

During the following two days, concurrent with coursework and cultural orientation presentations, Athena students will visit the floating vegetable market and flower stalls along the Chao Phraya river.

From Bangkok, students will fly to the program's home base on Koh Samui Island, only an hour's flight away, but a luxurious world apart, set in the magical landscape of the Gulf of Thailand.

This tropical island of white sand beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees is full of cultural and artistic adventures. A few hidden gems Athena students will discover during their stay are the Big Buddha Shrine, the Wat of the Mummified Monk, the 18-arm image of Guanyin - the Goddess of Mercy, and the Ten Stars Samui Art Party, a recurring cultural event bringing together art lovers, local Thai and international artists and their new, original artworks.