May 17, 2010 - Mass Demonstrations in Greece

Background

Many of you have questions about whether the economic crisis and recent protests against economic austerity measures in Greece will impact your study abroad experience.

It is understandable that the news coverage can often be alarming for you and your parents, but we hope that the following will help clarify things.

Potential Implications

Student travel could be disrupted.

 

GLS Actions

GLS is constantly monitoring the situation. Should something take place in Athens (or in any location, for that matter) while the students are there, the itinerary will be changed in order to avoid it and to ensure the safety of the students.

Q&A Section

Q: Why are there mass demonstrations in Greece?

A: Greek citizens and organized labor groups are protesting the economic austerity measures being legislated in order to deal with the fallout from the crisis that has hit the Greek economy.

Q: Is Cyprus affected?

A: Cyprus is a separate country from Greece. It is located several hundred miles from Athens, Greece, and has an independent economy that has not been affected by the economic crisis. Cyprus’ economy is actually very well developed, and a model for other countries in the southern Mediterranean.

Q: Where do the sometimes-violent mass demonstrations take place?

A: The mass demonstrations that take place in Greece and sometimes turn violent tend to take place in Syntagma Square – a very concentrated area in central Athens.

Q: Will the GLS students spend much time in Athens?

A: When the students travel to Greece in the Summer, most of their itinerary involves being on the Greek islands, where they are not only far from Athens, but also where there are no protests or turmoil. The islands are very peaceful and very tourist/hospitality-oriented. In the Fall, the students spend a small amount of time in Athens on one trip while most of their travel is throughout Europe or Cyprus.

Q: What will GLS do if a mass-demonstration occurs in Athens while the students are there?

A: Should something take place in Athens (or in any location, for that matter) while the students are there, the itinerary will be changed in order to avoid it and to ensure the safety of the students. Athens is a big city, and there are many things to do that do not involve being close to Syntagma Square.

Q: Are there mass demonstrations in Cyprus?

A: Mass demonstrations are rare in Cyprus, and violence is almost unheard of.

Q: Should I be worried?

A: No. Many of us have lived or traveled in Greece for many years – some of us are in Greece right now – and we have never had any problems or even encounters with mass demonstrations. GLS will be constantly monitoring the situation to ensure that the students are safe.