The “Study in Greece meets Global Greece” event was held with great success and the participation of hundreds of attendees from across the globe – from Australia and the United States to Armenia and Argentina – highlighting the dynamic role of the Greek language as a tool for internationalization and as a bridge to the global Greek community.
The event brought together representatives of the Greek state, the academic community and the Greek Diaspora, reaffirming the strategic importance of Greek language learning in an international environment where the outward orientation of universities is a key priority.
The presence of institutional representatives was particularly significant, as they not only underscored the role of the Greek language as a fundamental pillar of culture and of Greece’s international presence, but also expressed their strong support for the work of Study in Greece, recognizing its contribution to the promotion of Greek language learning worldwide and to the internationalization of Greek Higher Education. The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, referred to the Ministry’s initiatives to support and promote the Greek language worldwide, highlighting its importance as both an educational and cultural priority. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis-Michail Loverdos, emphasized that the Greek language is not merely a means of communication, but above all a vehicle of culture and values with enduring significance. The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni, highlighted the importance of the language as a key link with the Greek Diaspora, presenting the initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at maintaining and strengthening this connection.
The participation of speakers from the international academic community and representatives of Hellenism abroad highlighted the multifaceted role of Greek language learning. The Greek language was presented as a tool for attracting international students, as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, and as a bridge for meaningful engagement between the Diaspora and Greece. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential of leveraging existing Greek language education structures worldwide, as well as initiatives such as summer schools in Greece, which enhance experiential learning and foster lasting connections with Greek universities. At the same time, growing demand for learning Greek was noted not only among members of the Diaspora, but also among international philhellenes.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Study in Greece strategy for leveraging the Greek language as a driver of the internationalization of Higher Education. The Director General of Study in Greece, Dr. Theodoros Papaioannou, underlined that the Greek language can serve as a powerful vehicle for attracting international students, noting that the organization’s initiatives have already significantly enhanced the global visibility of Greek universities. He also highlighted the role of the Faros Global Community platform and the “e-λληνομάθεια” initiative as key tools in this direction. The President of Study in Greece, Professor Christos Michalakelis, presented the operation of the Faros platform and its strategic expansion, aiming to broaden its international reach and strengthen the global presence of the Greek language.
The event confirmed that the Greek language, beyond its enduring cultural value, is today a modern and dynamic tool for international outreach, with significant potential to enhance the global presence of Greek universities and to deepen connections with the global Greek Diaspora.
Study in Greece extends its heartfelt thanks to the Administration of the NSRF program (ΕΣΠΑ) for funding the development of the Faros platform, as well as to the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for supporting the organization of the symposium.
