The Center for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture (HeLaS) of DI.K.E.P.P.E.E. « Stavros Niarchos» of the University of Ioannina, on July 1st welcomed with great pleasure^1st the students who participate in the Summer Greek Language and Culture Program as well as students of the Summer Greek Language and Culture Program for Epirotes abroad, while on July 5th started for the second year the Summer Greek Language and Culture Program fo Expatriates of Georgia.

The programme for Epirotes abroad is funded by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy and is implemented in cooperation with the Panepirotic Federation of America and the Panepirotic Federation of Europe. It is attended by 10 students who came in Ioannina from USA, Australia, and Albania and are hosted in the Residence of DI.K.E.P.P.EE « Stavros Niarchos». It is a programme that aims to promote the epirotic cultural heritage, strengthen the bonds with the Epirotes abroad as well as their contact with the Greek language and culture. The program for Expatriates from Georgia is also funded by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, it is attended by 10 students and has a duration of two weeks. The Summer Program of HeLaS is attended by students from many countries (Spain, China, Sweden, Japan, North Macedonia, Turkey, USA, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Russia, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Australia).

The participants of all programs have daily Greek Language and Culture lessons and they participate in a rich program of educational and cultural activities. We mention that they will visit the Archaeological site and theatre of Dodoni, the island (Nisaki) of Ioannina, the Perama Cave. They will be guided to the Castle of Ioannina, the Printmaking Gallery in Zitsa as well as in Averoff’s Winery and Gallery. Three all-day excursions will also be held: in Vergina and Thessaloniki, in the ancient museum of Igoumenitsa and in the wider region of Thesprotia as well as in Nikopoli – Parga. The students will also take part in the traditional festival of Kapesovo.

Programs include dancing classes, rafting and trekking in the area of Zagori.

The Summer Programs of the Center for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture of the University of Ioannina consist a point of reference for the Greek Language and culture and every summer people from all around the world who love Greece meet in Ioannina. There are students who renew their participation avery year, but also new participants, creating a multicultural community in the University of ioannina and in our city.