International education and study abroad programs bring significant benefits to host countries. Student spending on tuition, housing, transportation, and daily living supports local businesses and creates jobs across sectors like education, hospitality, and services. Beyond economics, these programs help raise the international profile of institutions and expand global academic collaboration.

But the impact goes much deeper. Study abroad is a vital bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It allows students and scholars to engage with new ideas and perspectives, build lasting international networks, and contribute to stronger diplomatic and educational ties.

I am a firm believer in cultural exchange and how important it is. I have exercised communication, compassion, humility, and adaptability. Not just the skills, but the relationships with the other Fulbrighters has made a really positive impact on my life. I will always promote Fulbright and be forever grateful for the opportunity it has given me. I am empowered, independent , and driven to make a difference in this world. Thank you Fulbright Greece. 
(Brooke Cannon, Graduate Studies at Greek State Universities, M.S. in Sustainable Tourism Development: Heritage, Environment, and Society, Harokopio University of Athens)

Greece is well-positioned to welcome even more international students, with a growing number of short-term programs and full degrees now offered in English. This presents a unique opportunity to diversify and enrich Greece’s higher education landscape while contributing to the national economy.

According to the Institute of International Education’s latest Open Doors report, Greece is now among the top destinations for U.S. students. During the 2022–2023 academic year, over 6,000 American students studied in Greece—a nearly 34% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth reflects Greece’s growing appeal as a welcoming, academically rich study abroad destination.

At Fulbright Greece, we are proud to support academic exchange. We collaborate with key partners, including the national platform Study in Greece (www.studyingreece.edu.gr), which offers comprehensive information about study opportunities in Greece and helps students navigate the application process.

This commitment to internationalization was further highlighted at NAFSA 2025 in San Diego, where Greece was represented through the Study in Greece initiative and a delegation of ten Greek  universities. NAFSA—the largest global gathering of international education professionals—offered a valuable opportunity to showcase Greece’s academic strengths and build new partnerships.

Through our programs, Fulbright Greece continues to connect Greece and the U.S.—promoting academic exchange, cultural understanding, and shared growth across borders.