The Journey to Greece program–also known as The Journey–which is offered by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) in collaboration with the University of Indianapolis in Athens, enters its sixth consecutive year in 2011 with an arrangement for students to take part as volunteers in the Special Olympics.
The University of Indianapolis, a top tier U.S. university accredited by the prestigious Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, has worked with AHEPA to offer the program since 2006. AHEPA, the largest association of Greek Americans and philhellenes in the world, is well known for its work in philanthropy, education and promotion of Hellenism.
The Special Olympics is just one of this year’s highlights. On the conclusion of the first session students will meet the second session students and together they will enjoy an educational cruise in the Aegean Sea which will take the students to many places of historical interest while exposing them to Greek island life and culture. By special invitation, at the conclusion of the 2011 program, students can join a pilgrimage to visit the Ecumenical Patriarch, His All Holiness Bartholomew, in Constantinople; the group will also visit places of interest in central and northern Greece on the way.
The Journey to Greece combines classes in Greek studies with excursions to places of interest. It serves to introduce students, some for the first time, to the beauty of Greece, its history, and its culture. Since the majority of students are Greek Americans, the Journey holds a particular significance for them as they return to their ancestral home.
Nick Karakostas, AHEPA’s Supreme President, remarked: “The Journey to Greece program has proved to be an outstanding success. Each year the University of Indianapolis has offered students a valuable learning experience which has an enormous impact on the lives of the students that attend. This is a ‘journey’ that none of our young people should miss.”
Journey to Greece Session I starts June 27 and ends July 15, Session II starts July 9 and ends August 5. Students can attend both sessions, more information can be found at http://ahepa.org/