The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) is pleased to launch a new program directly aimed at our young Greek American leaders to help them better understand the core foreign policy issues important to the Greek American community.

During the two-week trip college students will have the opportunity to see and experience first hand foreign policy issues affecting both countries, their relations with the U.S., and the interests of the U.S. in the region. While the schedule will be packed with briefings and meetings with officials the students will also have free time to visit historic and other cultural sites in both Greece and Cyprus.

Program size is limited, and participation is contingent upon acceptance by the program review board. "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. Over the years we have held annual conferences on the future of Hellenism in America and other conferences to educate and inform policy makers in the U.S. on our issues. Now we are pleased to launch a program that will help facilitate a better understanding of these issues to future Greek American leaders," stated executive director, Nick Larigakis.

The trip is scheduled for June 25-July 10, 2009. Students will meet in Washington, DC on June 25th prior to their departure to Cyprus and Greece and attend a mandatory briefing about their trip. The program will led by the executive director, Nick Larigakis.

The students will attend meetings and briefings with Greek, Cypriot and U.S. officials in Washington, Greece and Cyprus. Emphasis will be placed on understanding Greek-Cyprus-Turkish relations, issues affecting Greek interests in the Balkans, the Cyprus problem, the participation of Greece and Cyprus in the EU and other international and regional issues. The actual agenda may vary depending on schedules and availability of the officials and speakers in Greece and Cyprus. Click here for the general program outline (527 KB PDF file).

Students are expected to attend and actively participate in all of the events.

The program is open to undergraduate (rising sophomores and older) and graduate Greek American and Cypriot American students who are currently enrolled fulltime and are in good academic standing with a minimum of 3.0 GPA. The program is for students who are studying political science, international relations, history, and foreign affairs.

The Review Committee has sole discretion in the selection of the participants of the AHIF Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus. Professor Van Coufoudakis, Dean Emeritus, School of Arts & Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University, Rector Emeritus, University of Nicosia, Cyprus, Honorable Patrick N. Theros, former U.S. ambassador to Qatar, and Eugene T. Rossides, former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, and founder of the American Hellenic Institute.

There will be NO costs associated with this program while in Greece and Cyprus which will include, accommodations, local transportation associated with the program, and most meals. Transportation to Washington, DC, Cyprus, Greece and return to the United States will be the responsibility of each student (approximately $2,000).

Students stay in double rooms at hotels in Washington, DC, Greece and Cyprus.

Application:

Students attending will have to submit a completed and signed application form (506 KB PDF file, also available on the AHI Web site http://www.ahiworld.org/), sign a waiver of liability/indemnification form, present proof of insurance, and provide a resume, official current transcript, and two letters of recommendation. The application form, transcript and letters of recommendation should be mailed to the AHIF.

Mail to:

AHIF Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus
American Hellenic Institute Foundation
1220 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Fax 202-785-5178

Application Deadline: All material should be submitted by May 15, 2009

Who Are We:

The American Hellenic Institute Foundation, Inc. (AHIF), established in 1975, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt educational and research organization devoted exclusively to the study of the issues confronting the Greek American community. From our Hellenic House headquarters, just steps from the White House, AHIF's professional staff works to advance the best interests of the U.S. on issues of importance to Greek Americans.

Further Information:

For information or to apply contact Yola Pakhchanian