Program Overview

Introduction to the IASON Program

The IASON program is a well-known initiative within the university community and official circles. Its primary objective is to provide practical support to cores of Greek studies operating in universities within the Black Sea region, or even establish mini-departments of Greek studies where none exist.

Program Description

Prior to 1990, a few universities in the region had Greek studies programs that were operating at a low level. However, after this critical historical threshold, an unprecedented demand for Greek language and culture emerged, not only for ancient Greek but also for modern Greek. This development is impressive and historically anticipated, given the renewed connections with countries that emerged from the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which reconnected the historical thread that had been severed by the October Revolution of 1917.

Program Goals and Outcomes

The program aims to address the practical need for Greek language proficiency in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Romania, Moldova, and Armenia, where new Greek or mixed enterprises require Greek-speaking personnel. Simultaneously, the program supports the renewed search for ideological foundations in the humanistic education of these countries, drawing from the universal values of Hellenism.

Target Regions and Benefits

The IASON program focuses on the Black Sea region, where the demand for Greek language and culture has been steadily increasing over the past decade. By supporting the development of Greek studies in this region, the program aims to foster greater cultural understanding, economic cooperation, and diplomatic relations between Greece and the countries of the region.