La Trobe University’s Greek Studies program is the only tertiary institution in Victoria offering Greek language subjects. We continue to attract students of all ages and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse society in which we live. The Beginners units are offered in a hybrid format (face-to-face and via Zoom simultaneously) to provide flexible options for those who cannot travel to the Bundoora campus.

Student internships are strongly supported by La Trobe University for their numerous advantages. They enable our students to realise the value of their language and cultural skills and to apply them in the workforce. Through this scheme, our students have been introduced to a variety of Greek Australian businesses and community organisations, including the GOCMV, Pronia, Fronditha, and Ethnolink. Last year, several of our Advanced students were hosted by local 3ZZZ Radio Greek program coordinator Elias Diacolabrianos, where they experienced firsthand the workings of a modern radio station.

Postgraduate study is a rewarding option for students who wish to delve further into Greek language, culture, or both. There is a plethora of material in the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora to form the basis of engaging research projects. At present, we have two postgraduate students: our MA student is fine-tuning her topic, while our PhD student has recently submitted his dissertation for examination.

Our research continues with Professor James Walker, exploring the changes in the use of the Greek language and views on the identity of Greeks living in Melbourne. Last year, we marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus with a lecture by the late Peter Yiannoudes OAM. Associate Professor Michail Bakogiannis, from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, held a workshop on the poet Maria Polydouri. Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between La Trobe University and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens was a significant milestone. Its benefits will be immense for La Trobe students and staff, leading to exciting exchange opportunities for all interested students, alongside our biennial Greek Study Tour (est. 2019).

Advanced students at 3ZZZ Greek Radio Program (September 2024).

The Pharos Symposium in December, hosted by La Trobe’s Greek program, was another highlight. Many thanks to those who assisted in organising the event, especially Professor Emeritus Joe Lo Bianco AM and Denise Diakodimitriou, as well as our local, interstate, and overseas presenters.

Thanks also to the event’s main sponsors: AHEPA Vic and the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria – Kolokotronis. The Pharos Alliance aims to bring together all interested sectors of the community to work effectively for the continuation of Greek in Australia. Professor Emeritus Joseph Lo Bianco, President of the Pharos Alliance, emphasised that hope and optimism are essential for our efforts to succeed. While the decline in language use is to be expected as the Greek community in Australia enters its fourth generation, language decline is reversible. This is evidenced by numerous case studies worldwide, including those on Australian Aboriginal languages.

Finally, we sincerely thank the Department of Foreign Affairs in Greece, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, H.E. Stavros Venizelos, and the former Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis for the financial assistance of €10,000 provided at the end of 2024 to support the teaching of Greek at La Trobe University—a further endorsement of Australia’s multicultural and multilingual potential.

La Trobe University welcomes students from other institutions to study Greek at La Trobe, whether as a single unit or as part of a Diploma. Learning Greek sharpens the mind, improves English skills (given that a large portion of English vocabulary is derived from Greek), enhances career prospects, prepares students for their next holiday in Greece, and enriches their overall experience of Greek culture. Come and join us at La Trobe! Please contact us at s.nikoloudis@latrobe.edu.au if you have any questions.

*Dr Stavroula Nikoloudis is the Coordinator of the Greek Studies Program at La Trobe University.

Don’t miss the 2025 Neos Kosmos Education Supplement in our print editions of Saturday 25 and Monday 27 January.