22–28 August 2025
The 1st Summer School of Greek Language and Culture was successfully completed, organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) in Belgrade, on the initiative of the Foundation’s director Mr. Božidar Radojčin and coordinated by Vasileios Arapis, PhD candidate in Theatre Studies at the University of Patras. This idea, the fruit of a shared vision, was implemented for the first time in Greece—and more specifically in Western Greece, based in Patras—from 22 to 28 August 2025.
The students of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) of Serbia had the opportunity to participate in a multifaceted journey of education and culture, which combined language learning with an experiential and participatory experience.
The program included, among others:
cultural activities (gastronomy, wine tasting, music, traditional dances, and folklore storytelling),
educational excursions to archaeological sites, museums, and cultural heritage monuments,
as well as nature-based activities, such as birdwatching in a National Park of unparalleled beauty.
By actively engaging in these authentic cultural activities, the students of Greek practiced and improved their language skills, as they communicated exclusively in Greek—asking questions to tour guides and conversing with locals, exchanging views, thoughts, and feelings.
The program’s success was reflected in the lasting memories the participants brought back to Serbia. The Summer School of Greek Language and Culture strengthened their confidence in using the Greek language, contributed substantially to a deeper understanding of Greek cultural heritage, and renewed their inspiration to continue their studies. At the same time, it nurtured a strong sense of community, as the students felt they belonged to a group with shared dreams and goals.
The program coordinator, Dr. Vasilis Arapis, stated:
“Beyond learning the Greek language, we sought to create an authentic learning and cultural experience, with unique moments we will remember for a long time, renewing our creative drive for what lies ahead. Because we truly learn only what we love.”
The Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) in Belgrade, in turn, extends its warm thanks to the collaborators and Greek Language teachers who stood by the students throughout the program, actively contributing to the smooth running of the Summer School.
Such initiatives demonstrate in practice that language and culture unite and serve as bridges of learning, friendship, and cooperation. The aim of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) is to continue similar initiatives that promote the dissemination of the Greek language and the outreach of Greek culture.
