APPLICATIONS OPEN: 2024 AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trip
No. 6
WASHINGTON, DC - The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) is now accepting applications for its leading travel abroad program, the American Hellenic Institute Foundation College Student Foreign Policy Trip. This trip is designed to help Greek and Cypriot American college students better understand the core foreign policy issues in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast European regions that are important to the interests of the United States and the Greek American community.
The trip is scheduled for June 11 – June 29, 2024.
During the three-week trip, the students will have the opportunity to experience first-hand U.S. foreign policy issues related to Greece and Cyprus. Prior to their departure, students will meet in Washington, DC, where they will attend meetings and briefings with officials at the State Department, Congress, the Greek and Cypriot embassies, and think-tanks. While in Greece and Cyprus, the students will attend briefings with officials at the American embassies; various ministries, including Foreign Affairs; the armed forces; members of Parliament; religious leaders; think-tanks, and members of academia and the private sector. As an example of some of the meetings and activities you will be participating in, please see the itinerary from the 2023 trip.
WEEK ONE: WASHINGTON
Participants begin the first week of their journey in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Their program officially starts when they enter AHI’s headquarters, the Hellenic House, located just a few blocks from the White House. Once all participants arrive, they will receive a briefing on the different components of the trip by AHI’s president, Nick Larigakis. Afterward, they will begin their first day of activities, followed by a reception at the Hellenic House that includes special guests and alumni. At the end of the day, the participants will board their shuttle to their hotel to rest and prepare for the week ahead.
While in Washington, participants will attend various briefings, lectures, tours, and receptions in order to learn more about the policy issues AHI covers. Previous visits have included the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Department of State, the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, and more. Examples of past meetings include:
- The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues
- U.S. Department of State Desk Officers
- The Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the U.S.
- The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S.
- Various academics, policymakers, and Hellenic community leaders
WEEK TWO: CYPRUS
After landing in the Republic of Cyprus, participants will check into their hotel before having a group dinner. Throughout the week, students will continue to learn about Cyprus and its history through various briefings and excursions. Past visits include:
- Wreath-laying the Makedonitissa Tomb
- Visiting Archbishop Makarios III’s Chambers and Palace
- Receiving a briefing at the jointly operated CYCLOPS Training Center
- Taking an excursion to the beach of Ayia Napa
- Meeting with the Ambassador of Greece to the Republic of Cyprus
- Meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus
- Meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus
Participants will also be exposed to Cypriot foods and traditions, and will visit landmarks and more.
WEEK THREE: GREECE
To conclude their trip, participants travel to Greece for their last week. Once participants arrive after taking a plane from Cyprus they will check into the Grande Bretagne Hotel, a historic building originally constructed in 1842 which features a rooftop view of the Parthenon. During the week, participants will receive a historical tour of the Acropolis Museum where they will stay for a special dinner.
Participants will depart for the island of Crete for a tour of the military base Souda Bay, which previously has included the NATO Missile Firing Installation, the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center, and the 115th Hellenic Air Force Combat Wing. Once there, they will receive briefings on various components of Souda Bay and its important strategic functions. They will also travel to the island of Salamis for a tour of the Hellenic Navy’s submarines, experience with simulators, and a meeting with the Hellenic Navy Fleet Commander.
After returning to Athens, participants have previously embarked on a maritime observation of the area via boat, meet with the General Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces, toured the Olympiacos Stadium, had a discussion with the mayor of Athens, and received more briefings from various officials. In the past, participants have also had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister and the President. Throughout the week, they will have the opportunity to see Athens and its historic landmarks, be exposed to its rich cuisine, and participate in its customs and traditions.
Their journey will conclude with a special farewell dinner at the Grande Bretagne where participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences with various public officials and community leaders. Afterwards, participants are responsible for their next plans, whether that’s returning to the United States, staying in Greece, or traveling somewhere else.
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AHI President Nick Larigakis will lead the group in Washington, Greece, and Cyprus.
“Since its inception, AHIF has promoted a better understanding of Hellenic issues and strengthened U.S.-Greek and U.S.-Cypriot relations. Over the years, we have held conferences on the future of Hellenism in America, seminars on issues pertaining to U.S. interests in Greece, Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe, and produced materials for educating and informing U.S. policymakers. Through the AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trip, we are able to offer a hands-on experience that gives college students an opportunity to see what it’s like to craft and execute foreign policy, to better understand the issues that affect the Greek-American and Cypriot-American communities, and prepare them to be responsible leaders who are ready to continue this work forward.”
- AHI President Nick Lairgakis
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.
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For additional information, please contact Alexander Christofor at (202) 785-8430 or AHIFtrip@ahiworld.org.
