AHIF Launches College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus

WASHINGTON, DC—The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) is pleased to launch a new program directly aimed at our next generation Greek Americans 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. The program is open to undergraduate (raising sophomores and older) and graduate Greek 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. 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 prior to their departure to Cyprus and Greece and attend a mandatory briefing about their trip. 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 resolution of the Cyprus problem, the participation of Greece and Cyprus in the EU and other international a nd regional issues. “Following the completion of this study trip, we hope that students will have a better understanding of these issues.” Mr. Larigakis stated. “The experience these students will have will be invaluable. Their participation will enhance their understanding and knowledge of Greece and Cyprus.” 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). The program will led by the executive director, Nick Larigakis. Those interested in learning more about this unique trip should contact Yola Pakhchanian at yola@ahiworld.org . Students attending will have to submit a completed and signed application form (details will be available on the AHI website www.ahiworld.org sometime in late April), sign a waiver of liability/indemnification form, present proof of insurance, and provide a resume, official current transcript, and two letters of recommendation. Please note the agenda for the program is currently being formulated. The actual agenda may vary depending on schedules and availability of the officials and speakers in Greece and Cyprus. ### For20a dditional information, please contact C. Franciscos Economides at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.

The American Hellenic Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and also within the American Hellenic community. 1220 16th Street, NW | Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone 202-785-8430 | Fax 202-785-5178 | www.ahiworld.org