The Centre for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture (HeLaS) of the University of Ioannina, participated in the 10th^ο Anniversary International Summer University ‘Greek Language, Culture and Media’, referring to the spread and teaching of Greek Language in America. The event took place at the Maliotis Cultural Center of the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston from May 28 to June 2, 2024.

The Laboratory for the Study of Social Issues, Media and Education of the Department of Early Childhood Education of the School of Education of the University of Ioannina in collaboration with the Maliotis Cultural Center, had the main responsibility in the organization of the 10th^ου Anniversary International Summer University. The University of Ioannina was represented by the Rector, Professor Anna Batistatou. The scientific coordinator and founder of the programme, Ms Nikoletta Tsitsanoudi – Mallidi, professor of the Department of Early Childhood Education in the University of Ioannina and the executive director of the Maliotis Cultural Center, Ms Chrisoula Kourkounti took care of the successful execution of the event.

The Center for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture (HeLaS) was represented by Ms Anastasia Giannikou and Ms Anna Douvali, teachers at the centre, who presented thoroughly the work and the mission of the Centre for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture (HeLaS) of Ioannina’s University. Furthermore, at the Cultural centre there was a info point for the participants of the 10th International Summer University on the programmes and activities of HeLaS. At the same time, an exhibition of works by Professor Xenofon Bitsikas, Vice Rector of International Relations, Global Engagement and Lifelong Learning of the University of Ioannina and President of the Centre for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture was held.

The representers of the Centre for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture (HeLaS) of Ioannina’s University took part in all the events that were held during the 10th^ου International Summer University, in the reception that was organized by the Ambassador Mr Simeon Tegos in the General Consulate of Greece in Boston, in the guided tour in the Museum of Fine Arts and specifically in the Bechrakis’ wing by Drakoulis Bechrakis, former chair of the advisory committee of the Maliotis Cultural Center and in the reception that followed in the Museum, as well as in the award of diplomas to the participants by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

Through the speeches and the parallel laboratories that took place in the 10th^ο International Summer University, the need of enhancing the spread of Greek Language to Greeks of the diaspora emerged, innovative practices and researches in teaching Greek Language as a second, foreign and heritage language were presented, problems and proposals were discussed.

The programme was attended by 200 teachers, artists and journalists in proximity with physical presence and more than 1500 online, as it was transmitted in live streaming in the website of the International Summer University (https://summerschool.ac.uoi.gr/). It also involved academics and researchers from 25 universities and research centres abroad from countries such as the United Arab Emirates and North West Africa, Serbia and Brazil, and of course from other European countries and US states.