Comments for Ikarian Centre - Greek language courses

Comment on Comments & forum by Kaja Ebbing

Kaja Ebbing — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:36:43 +0000

I have been learning greek for quite some years now and have always wanted to go on a summer school where you can take an intensive language class, however most such classes last for a month or two which can be hard to combine with work or other plans. Luckily I got to know about the greek language course in Ikaria through some people in my greek class in Norway. Some of them had been to Ikaria many times and were praising the place and the teaching method. I decided to go on a two weeks course and as you can imagine I had really high expectations.

I was not disappointed – it is the best language class I have ever been to. The teachers are very good, the classes are small, and the teaching method is excellent. It is a good mix between grammar, vocabulary, listening excercice and language games in order to get us to practice our new words. If you want to practice your speeking skills, I highly recommend you take this course. Personally I really like the funny games we play in order to remember the words. I cannot remember having laughed till I cried at any other greek class I have been to.

Living at the centre gives you lots and lots of oportunity to practice your greek, both in class as well as before and after. And the course is so much more than the classes. Nearly every day there is an additional programme which means you will get the chance to learn how to cook greek food, learn about an interesting topic, learn greek songs, watch movies, and go hiking to mention a few. Another good thing about living at the centre is that you really get to know the other students. Spending so much time with other greek and grammar enthusiasts was a joy!

As you probably have understood I had two wonderful weeks and my expectations were more than met. I will definately go back to Ikaria in the future, and hope to see some of you there.

Comment on Protected: Stay with a family in Thessaloniki by joankant22

joankant22 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:15:01 +0000

Comment on Comments & forum by Alex

Alex — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:50:18 +0000

I can fully recommend studying Greek at the Ikarian Centre. Ikaria is a great place to spend time. The centre is in a rural location in the mountains, not too far from the town, Evdilos, and the seaside. The scenery is amazing and there is lots to see on the island – several excursions were organised. The food is also very good.
I found the courses very constructive. The courses at the Ikarian Centre are very much focused on on both oral and written production. Lessons partly involved the learning and revising of grammar, but were mainly based on texts. We would first learn the necessary vocabulary for the topic in question and then listen to the text on headphones and answer questions. The next lesson would then involve speaking freely about the topic, or writing a text.
I had been learning Greek for two years for work purposes so had a good grounding in grammar and (passive) vocabulary. The main benefit, for me, of the language course was that the organisation of the courses allowed me to practise my Greek and gain confidence in both speaking and writing Greek. Owing to the location, it was also easy to speak Greek outside the centre, as the island has relatively few tourists.
You will also find the staff at the Ikarian Centre very welcoming. I would recommend that students stay at the centre to avoid commuting, as the accommodation is highly satisfactory.

Comment on Protected: Stay with a family in Thessaloniki by neria

neria — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:41:01 +0000

Comment on Protected: Stay with a family in Thessaloniki by armandos

armandos — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:59:43 +0000

Comment on Comments & forum by Andrea

Andrea — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:04:37 +0000

I have been studying modern greek for almost 4 years at the Hellenic centre in London- http://www.helleniccentre.org/greekcourses.htm. I enjoyed this so much, I wanted to advance my greek by doing a more intensive course in Greece for two weeks- at the same time getting away from it all on what was reputed to be a left wing, slow-to-respond island.
The Ikarian Centre was great. In a most beautiful location with extraordinary tranquility, but at the same time lots of daily excitement from negotiating the narrow, dirt, switchback roads to and from the Centre, along the mountain, meeting a few goats or a local farmer who had decided to have a chat to his neighbour in the middle of the road. Fortunately one of our group volunteered to drive for our daily outings- thanks so much to the fab. Tim. The local taverna- I Plaka- became a favourite though other tavernas for lunch or dinner were easy to find, cheap, delicious and allowed us to practice our greek. Anna’s was truly sensational and such a warm welcome. The local population were consistently helpful and encouraging. The sea was not far, we sampled lots of nice, and a few great, beaches – gorgeous water.

What about the actual greek course? The lessons were excellent- we had three really good teachers who shared out the 3-5 hour sessions. We also had discussions about greek politics, the health system- two of us were doctors- a cooking lesson, dancing with a local dance school- who very kindly accommodated us, a hike down a gorge(see photo) singing at sunset with the most fabulous view(see photo). It was all really fun, in a fantastic setting, with nice people and…my greek improved a lot – though there is still great scope! I was really sad to leave.

Photos from Andrea:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150233503432459.344230.170201777458&l=e004d8279a

Comment on Protected: Stay with a family in Thessaloniki by Nikos Chondrogiannis

Nikos Chondrogiannis — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:34:24 +0000

Comment on Protected: Stay with a family in Thessaloniki by olgadakou

olgadakou — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:52:00 +0000