Over the course of the week, participants take part in several core program components:

• A student symposium with international peers
  The program begins with a youth symposium bringing together about 60 students from universities around the world. Through workshops, panels and discussions, participants explore key themes related to democracy, civic engagement, and global challenges.

• Participation in the Athens Democracy Forum
  Students attend the Athens Democracy Forum, a three-day international gathering where global leaders, scholars, journalists, and activists explore the biggest challenges facing democracy today. Through workshops, debates, panels, and keynotes, participants see democracy in action and gain firsthand insight into the ideas and practices shaping its future worldwide.

• Field visits and cultural programming
  Participants will explore Athens through site visits and cultural programming, connecting the city’s historical legacy with contemporary democratic life. The program may also include a day trip to nearby sites such as Delphi, Corinth or Epidaurus. 

• Conversations with Canadian civic leaders
  Students will meet with Canadian civil society leaders and practitioners to explore how global conversations on democracy connect with civic work in Canada. The program includes a reception hosted by the Embassy of Canada, offering a unique opportunity to engage with diplomats and discuss Canadian perspectives on civic engagement and international collaboration.

draft SCHEDULE

Who Should Apply?

The program is intended for TMU undergraduate students who are interested in topics such as:

• Democracy and governance

• Political philosophy 

• Civic engagement

• Public policy

• Political participation

• Global affairs

Students from a wide range of disciplines are welcome.

Participants should be in clear academic standing and be able to attend the full week of programming.

Why Athens?

Athens is widely recognized as the historical birthplace of democracy, making it a powerful setting to explore the challenges and future of democratic governance.

The program is hosted by the Demos Center at The American College of Greece, an internationally recognized hub for democracy education and civic dialogue. Through its workshops and programming, students engage with scholars and practitioners working on democratic participation, civic innovation, and public leadership.

Students also participate in the Athens Democracy Forum, an internationally renowned event organized by the Democracy & Culture Foundation in association with The New York Times. Each year, the Forum convenes global leaders, policymakers, journalists, academics, and civil society representatives to debate the most pressing challenges facing democracies worldwide.

Together, these experiences allow students to engage directly with both the historical foundations of democracy and the global conversations shaping its future.

How to Apply

Applications for the Athens Democracy Forum Youth Leaders Program are now open!

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, May 8th

Please complete the application form by the deadline to be considered for the program. The form includes short written responses and basic background information.

Selected students will be notified following the review process and provided with next steps, including information on funding support, travel preparation, and program logistics.

If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQ section above or contact Ashley at adenny@torontomu.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE ATHENS DEMOCRACY FORUM?

The Athens Democracy Forum (ADF) is an annual international gathering that brings together policymakers, journalists, scholars, civil society leaders, and young leaders to address the most urgent questions facing democracies today. The Forum examines how democratic systems can evolve to meet modern challenges — from safeguarding human rights and civic engagement to harnessing technology for democratic renewal. Rooted in Athens’ legacy as the birthplace of democracy, ADF combines high-level discussion with practical, action-oriented workshops, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with global leaders and innovators shaping the future of democratic life.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

The program is open to TMU undergraduate students from any discipline who are in clear academic standing at the time of participation.

Students must:

• Be 18 years of age or older by September 26, 2026

• Be able to travel internationally to the EU for the full duration of the program

• Hold a valid passport

• Be enrolled as a full-time TMU undergraduate student in Fall 2026

Please note: Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all entry and visa requirements for travel to the European Union. Non-Canadian citizens should carefully review their specific visa requirements, as processing times may vary.

WHERE WILL STUDENTS STAY?

Students will be housed in a hotel in central Athens, close to the conference venues. 

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?

The program lasts one week, from Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, October 4, including arrival, orientation, participation in the Forum, workshops, and group reflection and a day trip excursion. 

WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED?

The estimated total cost of the program is $4,000 per student. Upon acceptance, students will be required to pay a $250 deposit to secure their participation. 

Program costs include:

• Flights and airport transfer

• Double room accommodation 

• Meals

• Program participation and conference fees, and 

• Tours, excursions and related activities

The Faculty of Arts SASSH fund and the Global Learning Award program offer very generous financial support for conferences and international program participation. The program staff will support students’ funding applications.

The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring this program is open to all. Students are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of financial circumstances.

HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM?  

Selection is based on a holistic review of applications.

The selection committee considers:

• Quality of written responses

• Demonstrated interest in democracy, civic engagement, or public affairs

• Academic engagement and readiness to participate in an intensive international program

• Ability to contribute meaningfully to an interdisciplinary and international cohort

The goal is to assemble a diverse group of students with a range of perspectives, academic backgrounds, and lived experiences.

DO I NEED TO STUDY POLITICAL SCIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?

No. Students from many disciplines are encouraged to apply. The program focuses on democratic participation and civic life, which intersect with fields such as philosophy, law, economics, journalism, public policy, technology, and international relations.

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE SELECTED IN TOTAL?

Approximately 20 TMU students will be selected to participate in the program. They will join an international cohort of roughly 50–60 students from partner universities around the world, who will come together for the student symposium and associated programming in Athens. 

WILL I MEET STUDENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES?

Yes. Participants join an international student cohort that includes students from institutions within the Global Liberal Arts Alliance and other partner universities.

HOW DOES PARTICIPATION AFFECT COURSEWORK AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?

Participation in the Athens Democracy Forum Youth Leaders Program is designed to be compatible with regular academic studies.

Students are expected to attend the program in full during the scheduled week (Sept 26 – Oct 4, 2026).

We will provide a formal letter of participation that students may share with their instructors. However, students are responsible for contacting their instructors in advance as soon as possible and making arrangements for any missed coursework or class time.

The program itself does not include formal academic assignments or graded deliverables from TMU courses. However, some students may be able to connect their experience to course reflections or assignments, depending on instructor approval.

The program is structured as an experiential learning opportunity rather than a credit-bearing academic course requirement. We encourage students to reflect on how the experience may connect to their academic interests and upcoming coursework.