Twenty incoming U.S. Fulbright grantees participated in the fall 2017 orientation session, which was held over two days, on September 27 and 28. Five Graduate Students, thirteen English Teaching Fellows, and two Scholars joined the Fulbright staff members at the Foundation’s premises for a welcome meeting that included introductions and a discussion on logistics during the grantees’ Fulbright Year. In the afternoon, grantees were invited to the Acropolis Museum for a tour of the ‘Emotions’ exhibition under the expert guidance of Professor Jenifer Neils, Director of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens and Fulbright Board Member, followed by a welcome reception in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey R. Pyatt.

The following day, grantees were expected at the U.S. Embassy of Athens for a number of presentations on contemporary Greece and a discussion with U.S. Ambassador Pyatt on U.S.-Greece related issues. The orientation program was rounded off with a traditional lunch at a local tavern.

Invited speakers:

· Dr. Stelios Zachariou, Expert Counselor, Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs on “The "Ambivalent" Road Map to Contemporary Greece - Where do we go from Here?”

· Alkisti Macrynikola, Board Member & International Partnerships Director of the NGO “Ethelon”

· Monica Cummings, Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy/Chair, Fulbright Board of Directors

· G. Michael Snyder, Cultural Attaché, U.S. Embassy/Treasurer, Fulbright Board of Directors

· Josh Frazar, Regional Security Office, U.S. Embassy “Security Matters in Greece – Things to Know”

· Lindsey White, American Citizens Services, U.S. Embassy “U.S. Citizens in Greece – Things to Know”