NEWS
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While visiting Chania, Crete students enjoyed local culture, touring the city's famous sights. |
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Serge Fahed (I 07) asks question during the Political and Diplomatic Symposium. |
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| A group of IIPES students enjoy a break from the classroom on the beaches of Chania, Crete. |
IIPES STUDENTS LEARN THROUGH THE CLASSROOMS AND CULTURE OF GREECE – 09/01/07
Attending the IIPES program in Greece is an experience one cannot gain anywhere else. From tours of Knossos to multiple guest lectures, the 86 students who traveled to Greece this summer enjoyed a very full three weeks.
During the day, students participated in classes focusing on political economy, history, philosophy and conflict management. They also participated in the annual country presentations where they learned about the different traditions of the 22 nations represented by IIPES participants.
The students were not only limited to time in the classroom. In addition to their tour of Knossos where they visited the archeological site of the Minoan Palace, students also explored the ancient city of Chania, Crete where the IIPES program takes place. The tour of Chania included a monastery, the grave of Eleftherios Venizelos and a traditional Cretan lunch.
The guest lectures featured such prominent speakers as Antonio Borges de Carvalho of the Portugues Atlantic Committee, Dr. Paul Carter of the U.S. Embassy to Greece and Dr. Efthalia Chatzigianni of the University of Peleponesse.
In addition to these lectures, IIPES welcomed the first lecture of the Robin Beard Lecture Series on July 30. The inaugural lecture took place in Crete, Greece and was given by Jean Fournet, the assistant secretary general of NATO.
At the annual Leadership Network in South Carolina this past October, TFAS announced the establishment of the Robin Beard Lecture in U.S. – European Relations. "This lecture recognizes Robin not only for his service to the country and to TFAS, but also for his years of work strengthening the transatlantic alliance that has been so vital to the cause of freedom," said Chairman Randal Teague during the Leadership Network.
Chairman of GAAEC and Chairman of the Board of Advisors of IIPES Theodossis Georgiou said he felt honored to inaugurate the lecture during the Greece program.
After an eventful summer, IIPES students graduated on August 6. Thomas Countryman, the deputy chief of mission for the United Stated Embassy in Greece, gave the keynote address to students while Theodossis Georgiou and Aliki Mitsakos, both of GAAEC, congratulated students and wished them well on their journey throughout life.
*TFAS would like all of its Greek alumni to know they are in its thoughts and prayers in regards to the recent wild fires throughout the country. May your friends and family stay safe and able to find peace amid this situation.
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