WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) is accepting applications for its leading travel abroad program the AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus aimed to help Greek and Cypriot-American college students better understand the core foreign policy issues important to the Greek American community. The trip is tentatively scheduled for June 13-30.

During the two-week trip, the students will have the opportunity to experience first-hand foreign policy issues affecting Greece and Cyprus, and the interests of the U.S. in the region. Prior to their departure, students will meet in Washington, DC where they will attend meetings and briefings with officials at Greek and Cypriot embassies, the State Department, Congress and think-tanks.

While in Greece and Cyprus the students will attend briefings with officials at the American embassies, various ministries including Foreign Affairs, military, members of Parliament, religious leaders, think-tanks, and members of academia and the private sector.

AHI President Nick Larigakis will lead the group to Greece and Cyprus. “Since its inception AHIF has promoted a better understanding of Hellenic issues and strived to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and the United States and Cyprus,” he said. “Over the years we have held conferences on the future of Hellenism in America, and seminars pertaining to our issues and for the purpose of educating and informing U.S. policy makers. Through the College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus we are now able to offer a hands-on experience aimed to giving college students a better understanding and connection of the issues that affect our community and better prepare them to be responsible leaders of the Greek American community.”

Academic Credit

Although the AHIF does not have the capacity to provide academic credit, students can enhance their degree by doing so independently through their universities. Past trip participants have met with their academic advisors to obtain course equivalency approvals for major, minor, general education, or other degree requirements as well as scholarships or funding possibilities provided through the university. AHIF will be happy to assist participants with this process.

Eligibility

The program is open to undergraduate students (rising sophomores) and to graduate students with a full-time enrollment status and a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. Students with a keen interest in U.S. Foreign Policy as it relates to Greece and Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean will benefit from this program. Program size is limited, and participation is contingent upon acceptance by the program review committee. The program operates on a rolling admission basis beginning in January with application reviews on a rolling basis also beginning in January. Applications received after March 31, 2023 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

More information is available online: https://bit.ly/3QkpmYa.

The American Hellenic Institute Foundation, Inc., (AHIF), established in 1975, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit tax-exempt educational and research organization and is the first think tank devoted exclusively to the study of the issues confronting the Greek-American community.