Dear friends,

CYA is hosting Forum on Education Abroad 3rd European Conference titled “Living Change: Education Abroad in 21st Century Europe.”

The conference theme is very timely. It focuses on the transformation Europe is going through and the perceptions and expectations of American students as they experience this transformation.

Europe’s picture today is a big contrast to the peaceful museum land that was Europe a few years back. How can we explain this new Europe to our education abroad students? How can we describe the changes that are transforming a traditional study abroad destination, and define this new Europe for our young, impressionable students?

It is fitting that such a theme is brought to discussion in Greece, a small country in the south of Europe, which has nevertheless always been in the center of geostrategic movements and changes because of its geographical position.

CYA students view their study abroad in Greece as a life-changing experience, one that has increased their awareness and perceptions making them better prepared to live in the global community. The Forum’s delegates are about to embark on such an experience.

I am certain that the conference sessions will offer insights on many of the issues that affect both European educators and American students today.

Alexis Phylactopoulos