In May 2026, the Klaus Höchstetter Foundation organized a one-week educational trip to Athens and Ithaca for ten students from Munich. The focus was on democracy promotion, international understanding, and marine conservation.

In Athens, the participants gained insights into politics and economics, including a visit to the German-Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Cultural highlights such as the Acropolis, as well as encounters with students from the German School of Athens, fostered intercultural exchange. A particular highlight was participating in the “Circle the Med Forum,” where high-ranking representatives from politics and Europe, such as the President of Greece Konstantinos Tasoulas, former Prime Minister Giorgos A. Papandreou, discussed current challenges in the Mediterranean region (https://www.circlethemed.com/).

 

 

On Ithaca, the young people deepened their knowledge of Greek history and culture through museum visits and participation in local festivities, as well as a visit with the Mayor of Ithaca, Dionysis Stanitsas. They gained practical experience in marine conservation during a kayak tour and a workshop on marine protection, where they learned more about recovering ghost nets.

The trip was accompanied by foundation founder Dr. Klaus Höchstetter. The educational trip impressively conveyed the connection between historical, political, and ecological themes and left a lasting impression on all participants.