ATHENS, GREECE - MARCH 3, 2026
The second Alumni Meetup in Greece combined academic heritage with festive networking. Held within the exclusive setting of the Czech Embassy in Athens , the event provided a unique platform for alumni and students to reconnect and celebrate their shared academic ties to Czechia.
The gathering was attended by distinguished guests, including the Slovak Ambassador, representatives from the
Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alumni of various Czech universities, members of Czech expatriate associations, and friends of the Czech Republic. The guests were welcomed by the Czech Ambassador, H.E. Ivo Šilhavý, whose opening speech was followed by the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita. This Greek New Year’s tradition involves a special cake with a hidden coin, symbolizing good luck and blessings for the year ahead.
The evening continued with a captivating archaeological lecture led by Prof. Peter Pavúk and Dr. Petra Tušlová from the Institute of Classical Archaeology at Charles University. Their presentation, titled "Classical Archaeology: From the Foundations of the Institute to Contemporary Czech Projects in Greece," explored the history of the field and highlighted current Czech excavations across the Greek islands of Samothrace, Skopelos, Samos, Antikyra, Tinos, and throughout Thrace.
The final part of the evening was dedicated to networking. While establishing new connections, participants had the opportunity to explore the exhibition "Two Lives, Two Cultures, Two Countries: Greeks in the Czech Lands from the Second Half of the 20th Century to the Present," which maps the rich history of the Greek community in Czechia.
The impact of studying in the Czech Republic was best captured by the participants themselves. Reflecting on their experiences, one alumnus noted: "My very first internship abroad was in Czechia, and it was that experience that made me certain I wanted to keep traveling and exploring the world." Another added with a smile: "I have traveled all over Europe, but Czech beer is still the best."
It was an inspiring evening that successfully blended archaeological insights, festive Greek traditions, and high-level cultural exchange between the Czech and Greek communities.
Want to stay informed about our upcoming events? Please register for the Czechia Alumni programme and receive our quarterly newsletter. Or do you wish to engage more actively as an alumni ambassador? Contact us at alumni@studyin.cz
Photo credit: the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bangkok