Fulbright Greece is celebrating 70 years of educational and cultural exchanges between the Unites States and Greece!

The Fulbright Program is the premier international educational exchange program in the world. It was established in the United States in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Foundation in Greece offers scholarships to Greek and American citizens – students, teachers, scholars, and artists – to pursue a wide variety of educational projects. Since 1948, more than 5,000 Greek and American citizens have received scholarships from the Fulbright Foundation in Greece to participate in US-Greece educational and cultural exchanges.

The Foundation awards grants to Greek and US citizens to study, teach, lecture, or conduct research in the United States and Greece respectively. Fulbright Greece collaborated with filmmaker, alumna Eirini Steirou and cinematographer Antonis Katrakazis to produce a series of portraits of US and Greek scholars, who share their Fulbright experience.

“Education is life-changing, I‘ve seen it change lives. It changed my own”.

Breiana, with a background in psychology and experience in incarcerated youth education came to teach English in Greece, out of her love for Greek mythology. She believes that education has the power to change lives.

“Education is about opening your heart, opening your eyes, going into places, into thoughts, into experiences that are new”.

Elizabeth came to Greece with her teenage son, to teach American Studies in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and research on how the humanities and academy can deal with real issues people are facing today. She believes education has the power to make people and the world better.

To read this article in full and to watch the videos, please visit: Greek TV

Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. recently signed an agreement to buy 100 percent of TrainOSE for 45 million euros, ending a four-year tender process and opening a new page in the Greek railways' future.

Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. is the third largest railway company in Europe and has agreed to enhance and grow TrainOSE using its know-how and expertize to create a significant railway services company.

To read this article in full, please visit: AMNA

The summer is over, and fall is gradually making its presence with autumn showers and chilly evenings. Even though the memories of the warm Greek summer holidays are still fresh, there is something about the transition between seasons that invites us to explore unknown and remote destinations.

 

Visit these 5 great international destinations in October to take advantage of the affordable rates and thinner crowds, while being able to visit world-famous attractions in a more relaxed manner.

 

Visit Spain in October, and you are in great luck. In the fall, you'll be able to go chestnut picking, and wine tasting in Catalonia, surf in the Basque Country, or climb the Teide volcano. Compared to other European countries, Spain is warmer and drier in October, making it an excellent destination for an autumn retreat! Most probably, you'll even still be able to swim as waters are still warm in October.

 

Great Things To Do: Visit the Alhambra, and explore the cities of Seville and Barcelona

Ideal For: Honeymooners

 

 

Prague is one of the most exquisite destinations in Europe. Airfares are more affordable in October, there are many festivals and events happening around the city in the fall, and the temperature hasn't yet started to drop to its low winter grades. Furthermore, the traditional beers, local foods, and delicious pastries will definitely treat your taste buds too.

 

Great Things To Do: Walk on the Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, cruise Vltava River, and watch a Black Light Theater Performance

Ideal For: Families, friends, and couples

 

If you have the time and the budget for a more extended trip outside Europe, Canada is an excellent option. Packed with beautiful landscapes and amazing sites, Canada is one of the ideal holiday destinations in the world. Not only is Canada the second-largest country in the world, but it's also home to the breathtaking Niagara Falls and other incredible natural sites. With such a variety of places to visit, don't be surprised if you manage to explore snowy mountains, quaint port towns, and the Arctic Ocean on the same trip.

Great Things To Do: Go to Niagara Falls, visit a maple syrup farm, and explore Toronto's Sugar Beach
Ideal For: Families and honeymooners

 

 

 

Great Things To Do: Visit as many pubs as you can, discover Irish music, and take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

Ideal For: Young travelers and families

 

 

Greek locals probably haven't thought of October as a great time to explore our beautiful country.However, October is the best time to visit Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, and Kefalonia. In October, the weather is still quite warm, the crowds are thinner, and travel costs can plummet by as much as 20%! From hiking beautiful island trails to bird watching, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can pursue in Greece in the fall.




Great Things To Do: Climb Mount Olympus, watch the Santorini sunset in peace, or visit a year-round destination like Crete

Ideal For: Couples and families

 

It's a well known fact that Greece is a beautiful country so we don't like to brag about it... well maybe just a little bit! In this week's newsletter discover some of the most beautiful towns in Greece to visit for a lovely time and find out which Greek resorts were named the best ones in the world!

• Optimistic
• Communicative
• Honest (literally she cannot lie for a damn thing)
• Patient
• Sleepaholic

Since February 9th was officially declared International Greek Language Day in 2017, the Greek language is getting more and more attention. The principal aim for celebrating International Greek Language Day is to celebrate the vital, fundamental role played by the Greek language in the shaping of Western civilization throughout the centuries

February 9 was selected because it is the official remembrance day of Dionysios Solomos, who died on February 9, 1857. Dionysios Solomos is the Greek national poet famous for writing the Greek national anthem, titled ”Hymn to Liberty” (Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν). This initiative encourages anyone interested in the Greek language and culture to learn our ancient and fascinating language and instigate more initiatives that will spread the Greek language and culture around the world.

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Here are 5 surprising facts about the Greek language you may have never heard of: 

1. The Longest Word In Literature is Greek

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest word ever to appear in literature can be found in Assemblywomen, a comedy written by the Greek playwright Aristophanes.

The word is transliterated as:
lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphiokarabomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossypho
phattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon 

or, in the Greek alphabet:
λοπαδο­τεμαχο­σελαχο­γαλεο­κρανιο­λειψανο­δριμυπο­τριμματο­σιλφιο­καραβομελιτο­κατα­κεχυμενο­κιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττο­περιστεραλεκτρυονοπτο­κεφαλλιο­κιγκλοπελειο­λαγῳοσιραιο­βαφητραγανο­πτερύγων

It is the longest Greek word, with 183 letters and 78 syllables. 

2. Greek Is The Oldest Recorded Living Language

Greek is the oldest recorded living language with written records in Greek spanning over 34 centuries. Greek derives from Proto-Greek, the first form of spoken Greek which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. The language later evolved into Ancient Greek, which was spoken during the Antiquity, while Modern Greek emerged after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453.

3. Originally, Greek Was Written From Right To Left

Like modern-day Hebrew and Arabic, Ancient Greek was written from right to left. Subsequently, Greek was written boustrophedon, meaning that lines alternated between right-to-left and left-to-right script. During the 5th century BC, the direction of Greek writing was standardized as left to right, and all the letters adopted a fixed right-facing orientation.

4. The Word ‘Alphabet’ Derives From The 2 First Letters Of The Greek Alphabet

The first two letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha (α) and beta (β). And while the English language uses Latin characters, the word ‘alphabet’ actually refers to Greek letters.

5. An Estimated 12% Of The English Vocabulary Has A Greek Origin

Did you know that almost every English word starting with ph such as philosophy, philanthropy, phobia, and phenomenon, comes from Greek? Greek hugely influenced the English language that is why many technical and scientific terms such as astronomy, biology, and mathematics, originate from Greek.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

The leading golf tournament for the shipping community, Greek Maritime Golf Event, is expected to gather the Greek and global shipping industry for the 7 th year, on September 3-5, 2021, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.

The Greek Maritime Golf Event is a tournament that is always distinguished not only for the competitive level of its participants but also for its social work. This year, the great golf event will strengthen through its actions the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI. More specifically, during this year’s award ceremony to the winners, and winning teams respectively, on Saturday, September 4, participants will have the opportunity to directly contribute with their desired amount at the specially designed area. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI, which claims intervention in the effort of stopping Childhood and adolescent cancer being a taboo issue, but also finding as many allies as possible so that every child who suffers from cancer has equal access to high-quality hospitalization, effective treatment and, ultimately, the right to life. 

The awards ceremony will be glamorous and full of surprises and gifts for its participants. The event will be presented by the Euroleague legend, Joe Arlauckas and the international model Ioanna Papadimitriou. The shipping community is expected to “embrace” and actively support the event’s good cause for yet another year.

Registration for this year’s tournament continues with an undiminished pace, as participants are already forming their teams. Amateur golf enthusiasts, all of them being shipping executives, will have the opportunity to compete in the two signature 18-hole courses, The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, in an idyllic landscape of Messinia with a unique view of the Ionian Sea and the historic Bay of Navarino.

At the same time, non-golfers will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the Olympic sport of golf. They will learn the rules and the basic hits by attending the golf lessons that will be implemented within the golf clinic of the schedule.

MOTODYNAMICS SA is the Signature Sponsor of the Greek Maritime Golf Event, actively supporting the Greek golf industry. The company is the official importer of Porsche AG in Greece, the German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars.

Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the leading shipping companies from Greece and Cyprus as well as great Greek companies that support the event.
The Marshall Islands Registry IRI is the event’s Platinum Sponsor. Mainline Shipping Company, Onego Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Swift Marine are Golden Sponsors. Arrow Hellas, DNV and Drew Marine are Silver Sponsors.
MOTODYNAMICS SA is the Signature Sponsor.
Marine Tours is the event’s Official Travel Partner.
IYC is the Official Sponsor.
Tototheo Maritime, Standard Club and Poseidonia are the Official Supporters.
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
The Margi, Domotel Kastri, Karalis Beach Hotel, Dinner in the Sky, Athi Rodi and Unique Flowers Creations are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
Greek Maritime Golf Event, is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias.

The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production.

The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community. The tournament will be held in a completely safe destination, with a health protocol and the necessary approvals of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, taking into account the strict specifications set by the Hellenic Golf Federation. More information about the full schedule of this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Hashtag: #greekmaritimegolfevent

Photo credit: Charis Akriviadis

Trams will start serving the recently extended line to Piraeus in the next few days, according to the Athens Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY).

The two routes that will serve the expansion are the N6 Syntagma-Pikrodafni and the N7 Asklipieio Voulas – Akti Poseidonos Piraeus. Both routes can be accessed by commuters in southern Athens at the Pikrodafni stop on Poseidonos Avenue, between the Edem and Marina Alimou stops.

Passengers who start their journeys from Syntagma will have to switch trams at Pikrodafni to get to Piraeus.

In the meantime, the test runs for the link to Piraeus port have been reportedly progressing smoothly over the past two weeks, and the only pending issue is the announcement of the exact start date of the itineraries. ​​​​​​

The contract for the 5.4-kilometer route connecting the center of Athens to the port was signed in 2013 and the project was beset by snags and delays.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

A measure aimed at reducing traffic in downtown Athens, by which cars with license plates ending in an odd number can enter the city center on odd days of the month and those with even numbers on even days, came back into effect on Monday, October 10.

The so-called “Athens ring” (daktylios), which was suspended over the summer, is in force from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

The restrictions do not apply to low-emission vehicles. However, the owners of electric, natural gas, autogas, and hybrid vehicles, as well as and Euro 6 diesel cars that emit no more than 120g/km of carbon dioxide, must apply for a special exemption permit via a dedicated website (greek only).

Holders of exemptions from last year have up to 10 days to renew them, the Citizen Protection Ministry said.

Originally published on: keeptalkinggreece.com

As summer approaches, many parents are looking for ways to keep their children engaged and entertained without relying on screens. Athens, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse activities, offers a plethora of opportunities for families to enjoy a screen-free summer. Here’s a guide to making the most of your time in Athens with kids, ensuring a blend of education, adventure, and fun.


1. Explore Ancient Ruins & Mythology



Athens is a treasure trove of ancient history that can captivate the imagination of children.

The Acropolis & Parthenon: Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Use this opportunity to tell your children stories about Greek gods and goddesses, making the ruins come alive with myths and legends.

The Ancient Agora: Another must-visit is the Ancient Agora, where kids can learn about the birthplace of democracy. The wide-open spaces allow for free play while absorbing history.

Why it matters: Engaging with history in a hands-on way fosters curiosity and learning outside the classroom.

2. Interactive Museums



Athens boasts several interactive museums designed to make learning fun for kids.

Hellenic Children's Museum: Located in Plaka, this museum offers hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and learning through play. Kids can participate in workshops and interactive exhibits tailored to different age groups.

National Archaeological Museum: While this might seem daunting for kids, the museum offers special tours and educational programs designed to engage young minds. The stunning artifacts and treasures can ignite a passion for history and archaeology.

Why it matters: Museums provide educational entertainment, blending fun with learning.

3. Outdoor Adventures & Parks



Athens is not just about historical sites; it also offers plenty of green spaces and outdoor activities.

National Garden: Located in the heart of Athens, the National Garden is a haven of tranquility. With a small zoo, a playground, and a duck pond, it's a perfect spot for a family picnic and leisurely strolls.

Lycabettus Hill: Take a hike or ride the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill. The panoramic views of Athens are breathtaking, and the journey itself is an adventure for children.

Why it matters: Outdoor activities promote physical health and allow children to connect with nature.

4. Creative Workshops & Classes



Engage your kids in creative activities that stimulate their minds and keep their hands busy.

Art & Pottery Classes: Numerous local studios offer pottery and art classes for children. These hands-on activities are perfect for nurturing creativity and artistic expression.

Cooking Classes: Enroll in a family cooking class to learn how to make traditional Greek dishes. It's a fun way to bond and teach kids valuable culinary skills.

Why it matters: Creative workshops enhance fine motor skills and encourage self-expression.

5. Beaches & Water Activities



Athens' coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches perfect for family outings.

Vouliagmeni Beach: This family-friendly beach offers shallow waters, making it safe for kids to swim. The nearby Lake Vouliagmeni is another fantastic spot, known for its thermal waters and unique ecosystem.

Water Sports: Many beaches offer facilities for water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, providing an active and exciting way to spend the day.

Why it matters: Water activities are excellent for physical development and provide a refreshing break from the summer heat.

6. Cultural Festivals & Events



Summer in Athens is packed with festivals that cater to all ages.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus: For slightly older children, attending a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus can be a memorable experience. This stunning ancient theater hosts various performances during the summer, including classical music concerts, theatrical plays, and dance shows. It's an opportunity to appreciate the arts in a historic and majestic setting.

Street Performances & Fairs: Throughout the summer, various street performances and local fairs pop up across the city. These events are lively and engaging, perfect for family outings.

Why it matters: Cultural events provide an enriching experience that combines history, art, and entertainment and they also foster a sense of community.

7. Animal Encounters



Introduce your kids to the animal kingdom with these engaging activities.

Attica Zoological Park: This expansive zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Educational programs and interactive exhibits make it a great learning experience.

Horse Riding: Several stables around Athens offer horse riding lessons and pony rides for kids. It’s a fun way to develop a love for animals and the outdoors.

Why it matters: Animal encounters teach empathy and responsibility towards other living beings!