The University of Crete implemented for the first time under this title the English-taught Winter Program “Crete and the Aegean: from Prehistory to the Early Byzantine Period” from January 8 to January 21, 2026, in collaboration with College Year in Athens (CYA) / DI.K.E.ME.S. (International Center for Hellenic and Mediterranean Studies).

The program brings together students and scholars from different academic and cultural backgrounds, combining high-level academic teaching with immersive, on-site learning experiences across Crete.

The program is taught by Nikolaos Litinas (Department of Philology, University of Crete). The Academic Coordinator of the program is Eleni (Melina) Tamiolaki, Vice Rector for Development, International Relations, and Outreach, and Professor of Ancient Greek Philology at the University of Crete.

The program brings together undergraduate students from American universities, postgraduate students of the University of Crete, and faculty from CYA, fostering academic exchange and intercultural learning.

The academic program includes lectures, educational visits, and on-site teaching at important archaeological and historical sites in Crete, such as Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, the Messara Museum, and the Melidoni Cave, offering participants a comprehensive learning experience that combines academic study with field-based learning.

The Welcome Office of the University of Crete was responsible for the administrative coordination and overall organization of the program.