Invitation to Philoxenia Program at DEREE

The Study Abroad Office invites all students to join our Philoxenia Program designed to connect Greek students with study abroad and other international students at DEREE.

“Philoxenia” is an important Greek word meaning "love of strangers" or "love of foreigners”, and Greeks know that “philoxenia” is at the heart of their great tradition of hospitality.  Greeks, more than most other people, are famous for their generous hospitality to visitors.

“The goal of the Philoxenia Program is to foster friendships and cultural understanding among the many nationalities here at DEREE,” notes Dr. Kathleen M. Cross, chief technology officer and dean of studies abroad.  Greek students can demonstrate their “philoxenia” by helping international students learn about and adjust to Greek culture and life at DEREE while study abroad and international students can teach Greek students about their unique cultures and traditions. 

We will pair a Greek student with a study abroad or other international student for friendship and cultural exchange.  While there is no set time commitment, we ask that paired students communicate or get together every other week or so for lunch, coffee or just to hang out.  Since study abroad and international students are curious to learn about Greek culture and make new friends, they will likely have many questions about the cuisine, culture, language and life in Athens.

To become a member of the Philoxenia Program or learn more, please contact us at studyabroadoffice@acg.edu