Education Minister Niki Kerameus’ recent announcement may not make headlines in the United States, but its potential impact will be felt imminently. The Greek government plans to attract thousands of foreign students to study in Greece, which by definition involves collaboration with the country’s leading universities.
According to the New York-based Institute of International Education, more than 5,200 American students are currently enrolled in study abroad programs in Greece. This number likely does not take into account the number of American high school students, faith-based programs such as the Greek Orthodox Church’s Ionian Village Camp program, and college immersion programs such as the National Hellenic’s Heritage Greece program. Society, which sponsored 500 students. + students.
The fact is that 90 percent of students involved in study abroad programs in Greece are not of Hellenic origin. This is also supported by my own observations in my capacity as a Boston College administrator and by our own program that involves more than 1,200 students abroad, including those participating in study abroad experiences in Greece.
I often hear that the annual family trip to Greece is the panacea that ensures the survival of Hellenic heritage. Imbuing the character of culture, identity and heritage is not just about days spent on a beautiful Greek beach and dinners in a taverna. Our own studies of our Heritage Greece program demonstrate that shared study abroad experiences, particularly with Greek students, are both fun and life-changing.
We are at a critical moment and crossroads and must reflect Minister Kerameus’ bold agenda with a rallying cry to encourage young Greek-Americans to take advantage of the opportunity to become involved in immersive educational and cultural programs in Greece. The Greek government should be commended for realizing the importance of Greeks in the diaspora and should provide additional funds to promote such efforts. The return on such an investment will be exponential. Strengthening these efforts with online resources is yet another way to achieve a common goal: maintaining Hellenic heritage in the diaspora for the long term. This must be a national priority for us as a community.
Next topic: The Greek language!
Drake G. Behrakis is president of the National Hellenic Society.
