Perhaps the most important reality that humanity has had to deal with in its recent history is that the very pace of history and change in the world has accelerated.

Two places that exemplify that reality are Greece and Cyprus – to such a degree that we are entitled to refer to the New Greece and the New Cyprus.

Rapid and dramatic change in the World has accented the importance of another thing that we have been hearing for a while: education now means ‘life-long learning’. Both notions reinforce the value of educational institutions that inspire as much as they teach, but the quickening of the pace of life also shouts to us that we must make the most of every moment. Add that all together, and endeavors like ‘studying abroad’ become even more meaningful and valuable because they expand educational and cultural horizons, enhance young peoples’ love of learning and understanding of the world they live in – and bestow upon the memories of a lifetime. And some of the most powerful memory generators on the planet for students are Greece and Cyprus.

This brings us to this year’s edition of the Study Abroad special insert in which we take such great pride. The National Herald is doubly pleased about it because it is an opportunity to present both our beloved homeland as the ultimate study abroad destination for Greek-Americans, Cypriot-Americans, and philhellenes, as well as the fine institutions of higher learning that are featured in this year’s articles and advertisements. For your sakes, if you are students, or the sake of your children and grandchildren, kindly take the time to peruse this year’s presentations. The tributes of the alumni of some of the programs that we have included tell us that you will all be thankful.