On Friday 13th of February 2026, the University of Crete successfully hosted the Orientation Day for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program “Resilience in Educational Contexts” (FLOURISH), welcoming 22 international postgraduate students for the Spring Semester 2026. The event took place at the Senate Hall and marked the official beginning of Semester 2 at the University.

The program opened with greetings from university officials, including Professor Maria Vamvakaki, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs and Professor Tassos Matsopoulos, Director of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master and Professor of School Psychology, who outlined the vision and philosophy of the FLOURISH program and the academic structure of the semester in Crete. Professor Stefanos Mastrotheodoros was present in person and contributed to the presentation of the curriculum, schedule of classes, and academic expectations. Professor Anastasia Psalti joined the event via teleconference and delivered a warm address, presenting members of the FLOURISH faculty and emphasizing the collaborative and international character of the program.

Detailed information about student life, university policies, and support services was provided, including presentations by Ms. Evgenia Skountaki and Ms. Kleopatra Paterogiannaki from the Welcome Office, who introduced key facilities and services available to international students. Representatives of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN UOC) also attended and informed students about social, cultural, and volunteer activities that support integration into university life.

The event was coordinated by Isavella Theodosiou, Associate of FLOURISH at the University of Crete, who contributed to the organization of the day and the delivery of practical information to students. The program included an experiential “Listening Cycle” activity designed to foster connection among participants, a guided campus tour, and concluded with a shared lunch at the University restaurant. In the afternoon, students participated in a volunteer visit to the Old City of Rethymno, beginning their academic journey in Crete with a strong sense of community and engagement.