For Greek-American families and students interested in public service, diplomacy, and international affairs, the American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) has announced the return of its College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip, now entering its 18th year.
The three-week program offers Greek and Cypriot American college students direct exposure to U.S. foreign policy institutions and regional decision-making in Washington, D.C., Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus. The tentative dates for the 2026 program are June 14 to July 2, 2026, according to AHIF.
The study trip focuses on the strategic relationship between the United States, Greece, and Cyprus, with particular attention to diplomacy, security cooperation, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean. Participants take part in briefings, site visits, and meetings with policymakers, diplomats, military officials, and policy experts.
From Washington to the Eastern Mediterranean
The program begins in Washington, D.C., where students meet with representatives from the Greek and Cypriot embassies, the U.S. Department of State, members of Congress, and policy think tanks. These sessions are intended to provide a practical foundation in how U.S. foreign policy is debated, shaped, and implemented.
Students then travel to Greece and Cyprus, where they meet with officials at U.S. embassies, ministries including Foreign Affairs, military leadership, members of parliament, religious leaders, academics, and representatives from think tanks and the private sector. These meetings allow participants to see how policy priorities discussed in Washington translate into realities on the ground, particularly in a region of longstanding strategic importance.
A scheduled highlight of the Greece portion includes a visit to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete, where participants receive a briefing at the NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI), a facility that plays a key role in NATO operations in the region.
Reflecting on the program’s purpose, AHI President Nick Larigakis said the study trip places students “directly into conversations with decision-makers in Washington, Greece, and Cyprus,” offering firsthand exposure to issues shaping U.S. policy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Who can apply
The program is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate Greek and Cypriot American students with a minimum 3.00 GPA. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in January 2026, and participation is limited.
According to AHIF, alumni of the program have gone on to pursue internships, academic research, and professional paths in areas including foreign policy, diplomacy, international law, and international business.
Looking back at 2025
Alongside the 2026 announcement, AHIF has released a comprehensive report on the 2025 College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip, which took place from June 11 to July 2, 2025.
The 2025 AHIF Foreign Policy Program Report includes detailed student biographies, a full itinerary, AHI press releases, student essays, media coverage, and a collection of photographs from briefings and site visits in Washington, Greece, and Cyprus.
Cosmos Philly previously covered the 2025 College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip, documenting students’ meetings with government, military, and civic leaders in Greece and Cyprus, as well as their visits to key defense and diplomatic sites.
Students interested in reviewing the structure and scope of the upcoming program can also consult the AHIF 2026 Student Foreign Policy Information Guide, which outlines program components, eligibility requirements, and logistics.
Those considering applying can find application materials through the AHIF 2026 Student Foreign Policy Trip Application.
Additional information about AHIF and its programs is available at americanhellenicinstitute.org. Program-specific inquiries may also be directed to Will Martin, AHIF Student Programs Director.
For Greek-American students considering careers connected to public policy or international affairs, the program remains one of the few opportunities designed specifically to place diaspora perspectives inside real policy conversations spanning Washington and the Eastern Mediterranean.