“Faros Global Community”: The new Digital Platform for Greek Studies Worldwide

“Faros Global Community” is the new digital platform of Study in Greece for Chairs and Programs of Greek Studies worldwide, recently presented at the Ministry of Education. The platform enables in-depth exploration of more than 500 study programs offered by over 150 institutions across more than 40 countries. Its mission is to provide a detailed mapping of higher education institutions, educational centers, and organizations around the world that promote the Greek language, history, and culture. The platform is part of the broader strategy of Study in Greece (SiG) – the non-profit organization promoting Greece’s public universities and their internationalization and outreach – implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of connecting Greek higher education institutions with the global community and attracting foreign students to Greece.

Ιn her address welcoming the proceedings of the conference, the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, referred to the Greek language as a timeless vehicle of ideas that have profoundly influenced global thought, as a gateway connecting Greece with the world, and as a bridge linking Greece with the Greek Diaspora, philhellenes, and the international academic community. “The Greek language can become one of the most powerful tools for the internationalization of higher education. It can attract new students. It can strengthen cooperation among universities. It can open new pathways for Greece internationally. Because when the Greek language travels, Greece travels with it,” Ms Zacharaki noted.

The Minister referred to the digital platform “Faros Global Community,” noting that it maps departments of Greek studies and centers for the Greek language worldwide, creating a new international network of cooperation. At the same time, she spoke about the “e-Hellenomatheia” project, which is currently underway and makes use of the possibilities of distance learning, giving people around the world the opportunity to learn Greek and prepare for studies at Greek universities. Furthermore, Ms Zacharaki emphasized that Greek-language education abroad is a “stable and enduring priority” for the Ministry of Education, noting that approximately 40,000 students worldwide learn Greek through 230 recognized Greek language departments, supported by 752 seconded teachers from Greece. In parallel, during the current school year, more than 145,000 school textbooks have been sent to Greek educational units abroad. “With cooperation, extroversion, and confidence in the power of education, we can further strengthen the presence of the Greek language and Greek higher education internationally,” the Minister concluded.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr)

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos, addressing the event, referred to the recent proclamation of World Greek Language Day by UNESCO and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Study in Greece. He described the Greek language as “universal” and a “language of culture,” and highlighted the unanimous decision of countries around the world, through UNESCO, to designate February 9 as World Greek Language Day, recognizing its unique contribution to global thought and civilization. “Language and culture do not belong only to Greeks; they belong to the whole world,” Mr. Loverdos emphasized.

The Deputy Minister praised the work of Study in Greece, noting that the national and supranational services it provides promote the dissemination of the Greek language and culture. He also referred to the Memorandum of Cooperation signed by the two sides, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of their collaboration and establishing a pillar for achieving strategic planning—not only for the Greek Diaspora and expatriate Hellenism, but also for all those who wish to become acquainted with Greek education and culture. “With this Memorandum, Study in Greece acquires a more active role in connecting the Greek academic community with Greek communities abroad, making use of the global network of our diplomatic authorities,” Mr Loverdos noted.

The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni, stressed, among other points, that “the strengthening of Greek-language education worldwide is directly linked to preserving the identity of Hellenism, promoting the country’s cultural outreach, and reinforcing Greece’s ties with Diaspora communities. Enhancing Greek studies internationally is not merely an educational goal—it is also a tool of public diplomacy and a bridge connecting our country with the global academic community”. “We are implementing the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024–2027 and shaping the Strategic Plan for Public Diplomacy, in which support for the teaching of the Greek language and Greek-language education abroad holds a central place,” Ms Myrogianni noted.

“The initiative Faros Global Community highlights Greece’s role as an academic and cultural destination, opening new pathways for students, researchers, and young people from the Diaspora—as well as from around the world—to become acquainted with the language, culture, and contemporary Greek reality.” “It is an initiative that contributes to mapping and connecting the international academic ecosystem of Greek studies,” she added.

“The General Secretariat is developing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Greek-language education abroad. In 2024, for the first time, a holistic strategy was formulated to support Chairs, Departments, and Centers of Greek Studies—both Modern and Classical—in universities and research institutions abroad. This strategy is based on three main pillars: strengthening existing chairs, recording and monitoring those facing sustainability challenges, and encouraging the creation of new Greek studies structures internationally. The results are already visible. In 2024, 43 university chairs of Greek studies were supported for the first time, while in 2025 this number increased to 81. For 2026, we aim to respond to even more requests.”

“Particular emphasis is also placed on networking these chairs with each other, as well as with universities and institutions in Greece, with the aim of creating a dynamic international collaboration network that will further strengthen philhellenism and academic exchange. In this direction, we are planning to organize an international Conference in early June with the participation of representatives from Chairs and Centers of Greek Studies worldwide,” the Secretary General noted.

Study in Greece (SiG)is the organization of Greek higher education institutions, dedicated to promoting internationalization of Greek higher education. Fully endorsed by the Greek state, SiG operates as a non-profit comprising representatives from all 24 Greek state universities, and is governed by a dedicated board of directors who bring knowledge and expertise from leadership positions in Greek universities

Professor at Harokopio University and President of Study in Greece, Christos Michalakelis presented the platform and emphasized the importance of recording study programs in strengthening links with Greek higher education institutions. “From now on, we can connect Greek universities, through summer or joint programs, with chairs in the Diaspora,” he noted.

More than 300 participants attended the conference, both in person and remotely, with the overwhelming majority joining from countries abroad. Stella Kokoli, President of the Hellenic-American Educators Federation, and Fr. Grigorios Stamkopoulos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne and Director of the Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, also delivered greetings at the event. In addition, a significant part of the conference was devoted to presentations on Greek language proficiency and its potential as a driver of internationalization.