2nd year of academic operation for the first undergraduate program taught in English, the "BA Program in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece" of the School   of Philosophy

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the first undergraduate program taught in English, the "BA Program in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece" of the School of Philosophy, welcomed the first and second academic year students of the Program on Monday, September 27th, 2021. The event took place in the Great Hall of the National and Kapodistrian of Athens. Students from 12 countries attended the ceremony, while it was also streamed live for students who had not yet arrived in Athens, as well as for all students’ parents, relatives and friends.

Welcoming address were given by the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor M. A. Dimopoulos, the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Ms. Niki Kerameus, the Deputy Minister, Assoc. Professor A. Sirigos, the General Secretary, Dr. A. Dimitropoulos and the Dean of the School of Philosophy, Professor A. Chaldaiakis. A welcoming note was also sent by the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mr. G. Chrysoulakis.

Rector M. A. Dimopoulos welcomed the students, confirming that our University has met the challenge of the pandemic efficiently, with its academics and researchers working closely with their counterparts in foreign universities and research centers to produce new knowledge and provide high level health services to the benefit of the entire society. Minister N. Kerameus pointed out that “Our goal is that Greece can become a beacon of education for students from all over the world”, while Deputy Minister A. Syrigos added that Greece “is investing on knowledge, education, research, the young, as well as collaborations”. General Secretary A. Dimitropoulos pointed out that BAAG students are among the very few in their own countries of origin who are studying Classics in the place where all well-known Greek philosophers lived and taught their own students. Dean Professor A. Chaldaiakis encouraged the students to seize the opportunity not to only to study, but also meet other people and cultures, reassuring them that all necessary measures have been taken for the Program to run smoothly.

Then, the Academic Director of the program, Professor Emerita. E. Karamalengou, explained that the courses of this Program help students not only to delve into the essence of Greek culture, but also get a better understanding of other cultures. Further, Professor D. Plantzos talked about courses in Archaeology and Ancient History, as well the on-site classes and visits expected to take place in 2021-22, while Ass. Professor K. N. Carvounis mentioned that studying ancient Greek literature in Athens offers ample opportunities to appreciate landmarks of world literature in their original form and contexts, which is a particularly fulfilling pursuit. Finally, the Secretary of the program Dr. D. Marinou encouraged all students to remain safe and at the same time to enjoy their time in Athens.

Except for students who have been accepted into the entire 4-year program, other exchange students have also been accepted to join for a shorter period. For the current academic year, students from the Southwest University of China (SWU) have joined for one-year, in the framework of a bilateral cooperation agreement between NKUA and SWU. Similar opportunities are under discussion with other partner Universities.

The BA program has entered its second year of academic operation, following an upturn in its structure, gaining international recognition, concluding bilateral cooperation agreements with renowned Universities abroad, such as the USA, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, and attracting distinguished professors from foreign universities.

The event ended with the presentation of souvenirs to the students.