Efficient Greek language courses in Greece, island Ikaria

For more than 30 years, since 1995, we have been offering Greek language courses for adults on the Greek island of Ikaria. The Greek courses are aimed at students of all levels and are offered almost all year round. Many interpreters and translators, diplomats, classicists, students and teachers have participated in the Greek language courses we organize over the years. However, the atmosphere in the courses is very friendly. Students learn through a variety of language games and activities. Learn Greek in Greece by participating in one of our courses!

Activities

The activities organized after class hours for all students unite the students of all classes in one group: Hikes and walks on the paths of the area, lessons in traditional dances that are danced in the festivals of the island, evenings of Greek music, cooking evenings, discussion classes, lectures and slides shows, film screenings and activities that happen spontaneously (such as going to eat together at the tavern) create a pleasant and creative atmosphere and “immerse” the students deeper in the Greek language and the life of the island.

Greek language lessons and outdoor activities

• Mountain hikes: The Center is built in an ideal location for walks and hikes on the mountains. You can walk on easy or moderate difficulty trails in the area with the help of maps and instructions that we will give you or you can participate in a course that combines hikes with Greek language classes.
• Olive picking: At the end of October and throughout November, students can pick olives with us in the Center’s small olive grove.

Accommodation

Each of our guests has his / her own private 20m2 room in our guesthouse, next to the classrooms. You do not share a room with someone you do not know. All rooms have heating, are equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. The guesthouse is located in a quiet mountainous location, in direct contact with nature, not far from the sea. The view of the sea and the mountain but also the starry sky on clear nights is enchanting. You will experience the peace and relaxation that direct contact with nature gives to a person’s everyday life. The common areas of the facilities help contact with other residents, as well as isolation, thus supporting the development of a healthy sociability among the guests

Cost & lessons

The cost includes: Tuition (6 lessons of 120 minutes from Monday to Saturday, 12 real hours* in total), course materials, participation in activities, accommodation in a private double occupancy room, with private bathroom and kitchenette, simple meals from Monday to Saturday, local transportation to the surrounding villages and beaches, pick-up from the airport and port of Agios Kirikos every Sunday, pick-up from the port of Evdilos any day of the week. You do not share your room with someone you do not know, but you can share your room with a fellow traveler who is not participating in the lessons at a small additional cost. Breakfast is not served at the center, but you can prepare your own breakfast using the kitchenette in your room.

*Language schools advertise “teaching hours”. Each “teaching hour” lasts 45 minutes. So in another school 20 (teaching) hours / week (4 “teaching hours / day) is 15 hours / 5-day week, in classes with more than 4 students. We offer 12 hours in a 6-day week (we give lessons on Saturday) in classes from 1 to 4 students

Frequently asked questions

What is the teachers’ experience?

We give Greek language lessons on the island of Ikaria non stop for the last 30 years. The first lessons took place during summer 1995. We have a wide experience on teaching Greek as a foreign language.

What is your teaching method?

Grammar and vocabulary are taught through the use of games, texts and other materials written and provided by the Centre. All skills are practiced in our lessons (writing, reading, speaking and listening), however we do focus in oral speech. The small class size (1-4 students / class) ensures that every student will have enough time to speak in the class. Our program focuses on learning the language and NOT on the tourist experience. In every lesson students will be assigned homework for the next day. As most of the locals do not speak only Greek, and since the teachers continue speaking Greek outside of the classroom, students must be prepared to hear and speak a lot of Greek. See more about our teaching method.

When do you give lessons and how does the daily schedule look like?

Classes are held in the morning and last two hours (120 minutes) in the zone between 8:30 – 15:30. On Mondays lessons are taking place in late afternoon – evening. Students have enough time to participate in the lesson, study and do their homework. Simple meals (lunch and dinner) are served every Monday to Friday. 14:00 is lunch time, where everybody eat together. From 15:00 – 18:00 (16:30 – 18:30 during summer) students can go to the beach, or shopping. In the evening, students participate in various activities (traditional dance classes, slide shows, conversation classes, cooking, etc.)

When do I have to arrive and leave?

You can have your room from Sunday to Sunday. If you arrive on Monday you will not miss the first lesson, as Monday lessons are held in the afternoon or evening. You can come a day after classes start or leave before classes end, but there is no discount on tuition and accommodation costs.

How can I get to Ikaria?

You can reach Ikaria from Athens or Thessaloniki by air (www.ageanair.com or www.skyexpress.gr). Ikaria can also be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Mykonos or Samos. There are many direct flights to Mykonos and Samos from many European airports. For more information visit our page how to get to Ikaria

Do you orginize port / airport pick – up?

We will transport you to and from the port of Evdilos any day and time. From the airport or port of Agios Kirikos we can transfer you for free on Sunday. On the other days of the week you have to take a taxi (€50 for a 1-hour journey)

Do you offer meals and breakfast?

Simple meals are provided from Monday to Friday (Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri during the long term winter courses). We do not offer breakfast, however you can always use the kitchenette in your room or the shared kitchen to prepare your breakfast.

I follow a special diet (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.). Can I have food according to my diet?

Our menu does not cater for special diets, but if you are vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, you will survive by perhaps adding a few items to your diet for a few days. Someone on a very special diet should take care of his own food. You can prepare simple meals according to your diet in the kitchen corner of your room.

Can I have my own room? I don’t want to share my room with others.

Each student has his own room. You will not share your room with others.

Can I share my room with a friend traveling with me?

If you are traveling with a friend who is not participating in the classes, you can share your room with him at a small extra cost. If you are traveling with another student, you can share your room with them at no extra cost (the total accommodation is only charged to one of the two students sharing the same room)