Strengthening educational ties between Greece and Jordan, Study in Greece (SiG) and representatives from five major Greek universities carried out a dynamic three-day outreach mission in Amman. The initiative brought together the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Athens University of Economics and Business, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, the University of Patras, and the University of Crete, all aiming to introduce their international study opportunities to Jordanian students and educators.
The decision behind the delegation’s visit was far from arbitrary: approximately 3.500 Jordanians that have graduated from Greek Universities over the past few decades have returned to Jordan after their studies and now hold high-standing positions in the local society.
The mission opened on November 15th with a well-attended event at the Four Seasons Hotel Amman, where participants received a comprehensive overview of the academic pathways available in Greece. The program featured combined opening remarks by SiG’s Operations Director George Chatzithanasis and SiG President Professor Christos Michalakelis, who jointly underscored the growing momentum of educational collaboration between the two countries and the strategic importance of Greece as a regional hub forinternational studies. Their presentation set the tone for an event marked by constructive dialogue and strong institutional presence.
A highlight of the evening was the participation of His Excellency Wajih Mousa Owais, former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Jordan and current Senator, who commended Greece’s commitment to fostering international academic partnerships. Equally pivotal was the support of the Greek Embassy in Jordan, with Her Excellency Eirini Riga, Ambassador of Greece to Jordan, offering welcoming remarks and actively facilitating the mission’s organization and outreach. Her presence and the Embassy’s coordination, also attributed to the invaluable assistance of the Consul, Mr. Petros Kondylaros and the Educational Attaché, Mrs. Vassiliki Papanikolaou, were instrumental in ensuring the event’s broad visibility and smooth execution.
During the following two days, the Greek delegation carried out an extensive schedule of school visits to 11 international high schools in Amman, giving students firsthand insight into study options in Greece. Visits included the Amman National School, the Amman Baccalaureate School, the Mashrek International School, the Modern Montessori School, the International Academy Amman, the New English School, the Canadian International School Amman, the National Orthodox School of Amman, the Amman Baptist School, the American Excellence School and the King’s Academy of Amman. The mission was accompanied by the Greek Embassy Educational Attaché, Mrs. Vassiliki Papanikolaou and Mr. Ahmed Alameer, a Jordanian graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University who volunteered to speak to students about the impact that studying abroad in a Greek university has had on his life and career.
The university representatives delivered presentations on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, engaged with school counsellors, and answered a wide range of questions – from academic requirements to campus life, mobility opportunities, and career prospects. The response was overwhelmingly positive: students were attentive, enthusiastic, and well- prepared, demonstrating a strong interest in pursuing studies in Greece. Notably, there was impressive curiosity about Greek-taught undergraduate programmes, all of which remain tuition-free, making them an attractive option even for international applicants.
During the school visits, the Greek delegation also received strong endorsements from local educators. At the American Excellence School, the Managing Director Mr. Ala Shaban addressed his students by sharing a personal reflection: although he had sent his son to study in Madrid, he noted that had he been aware earlier of the breadth and quality of study opportunities in Greece, he would have chosen Greece instead. His remark highlighted both the growing appeal of Greek higher education and the importance of raising awareness among Jordanian families about the diverse academic paths available.
Across all visits, the reception highlighted a growing recognition of Greek higher education in the region and the value placed on Greece’s academic standards, cultural accessibility, and affordability. The mission ultimately reinforced the role of Study in Greece as a bridge between Greek institutions and international student communities, while also strengthening the bilateral academic links that continue to deepen between Greece and Jordan.
