Alexandria Institute - Greek Language & Culture school

Alexandria Institute

Why choose Alexandria Institute?

Discover the roots of the Western civilization by attending our Greek Language & Culture courses! Join us in Athens, as well as in the islands of Paros, Chios, Lesvos and in Samos island.

Reviews

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Clara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You are going to learn and have fun!!

Since the first summer study trip in Greece i've appreciated how the school is well organized and how well prepared, professional and kind Andreas and all the ather teachers are.
It's not easy to begin studyng a new language when you are 60, especially a language like Greek!!
Andreas knows how to captivate us and how to help us to go through our difficulties. Whenever he realizes we are tired he cheers us up by telling a joke where we can learn new wordsor idioms; some times he takes us for a walk in the village, were we can chat with the inhabitants.
He supports us in using what we have learned every day in class during our time outside.
It is indeed a great and exciting experience. The hospitality and kindness of Greeks are indeed a great help for feeling involved and willing to partecipate more and more in the evryday life of the village.
We spent some afternoons visiting archeological sites or museums, and even there Andreas is great as teaching and sharing the passione and love he has for his country and Greak history.
All Greek courses give you the opportunity to meet students from other countries, which is not only a great chance to practice Greek, but also to interact with different cultures.
I feel so grateful to Andreas and all the other teachers I've met during these yars!
Furthemore online classes are a great opportunity to keep learning and practicing during winter time or a lockdown, in order to not forget what we have learned during the summer in Greece or winter courses in Athens, fantastic!!!
Clara

What was your funniest moment?
when we went all together to listen to greek music and dance
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Ignacio
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience and Fun!

It was a very good programme where the lessons where not only language lessons but they did also included very interesting insights to the Ancient and modern history of the Country. Also, we did several trips after the lessons with the group which included visits to archeological sites, museums and a small town close to Athens in front of the sea with very good taverns! I believe if you are interested not only on the language but to learn about Greece and their amazing culture it is a very nice programme!

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Christine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Chios

Been to more than one of the places organised by the Alexandria Institute, I choosed Chios . The location, a beautiful old Italian Villa in the middle of an orangery, where we spend our study, outside under a pergola.
Mornings dedicated to lessons, afternoons discovering the island of Chios, museums and beaches.
Evenings to share a typical Greek table.
The teachers are the most competent and willing to encourage the variety of students from all over the world, keeping the interest on studying Greek language.
I would definitely wish anyone curious to learn Greek culture and more to join this dynamic Alexandria Institute.

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TISSIER
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cours de Grec à Chios Alexandria Institute

Translated by Go Overseas:

It has been three and a half years since I discovered the courses with the Alexandria Institute, that I rejoice in them and remain faithful to them. The first year, other than ordering in a tavern, I didn't speak a word of Greek!
And so, I found myself in Chios with a little concern: Would I be up to it? How were the lessons going to go? Who would all these people be? And there, I lived and participated in a wonderful human experience: the teachers in Chios are super competent, adorable and attentive. Classes are held in a beautiful garden, the area in which we live (for those who wish) is a little paradise and the owners are lovers. We can therefore learn and progress in learning this magnificent language in a relaxed, but professional atmosphere. Enjoy your vacation quietly but also enjoy moments of sharing with other students from all over the world! : excursions, taverns, cinema in the garden, discussions in the evening over a drink… other opportunities to learn. And in these sad times of Covid, keep a link through Skype lessons, and a connection with the world through the bonds of friendships that are created between the students. As I often say to describe this so original and rich experience to my astonished friends or colleagues: I'm going for my Erasmus!

Original Review:

Voilà trois ans et demi que j’ai découvert les cours avec l’Institut Alexandria, que je m’en réjouis et y reste fidèle. La première année, à part commander dans une taverne, je ne parlais pas un mot de grec !
Et donc, je me suis retrouvée à Chios avec un peu d’inquiétude : Serais-je à la hauteur ? Comment allaient se passer les cours ? Qui seraient tous ces gens ? Et là, j’ai vécu et participé à une merveilleuse expérience humaine : les professeurs à Chios sont super compétents, adorables et attentifs. Les cours se tiennent dans un magnifique jardin, le domaine dans lequel nous habitons (pour ceux qui le souhaitent) est un petit paradis et les propriétaires sont des amours. On peut donc apprendre et progresser dans l’apprentissage de cette langue magnifique dans une ambiance détendue, mais professionnelle. Jouir de ses vacances tranquillement mais aussi profiter de moments de partage avec les autres étudiants venus du monde entier ! : excursions, tavernes, cinéma dans le jardin, discussions le soir autour d’un verre… d’autres occasions d’apprendre. Et par ces temps tristes de Covid, garder un lien grâce aux cours par Skype, et une connexion avec le monde par les liens d’amitiés qui se créent entre les élèves. Comme je dis souvent pour décrire cette expérience si originale et riche à mes amis ou collègues étonnés : Je pars faire mon Erasmus!

What was your funniest moment?
So many moments of sharing that I don't know which one to choose. Greek films at night in the garden, sharing souvlakis, seem to me to be a good example.
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Mauro
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing! How to learn a lot while watching the aegean sea? Aleandria Institute!

I went to the Paros summer course 3 times. Each and every time had been a great learning experience. Andreas, head of the Alexandria Institute, is there to help you with everything you need. The lessons are all made by teachers that have all a professional background and years of exertise which create a profound stimulating process whilst having fun... and being in Paros!
Oh Paros... is a big, but not too big island, extremely wonderful. Arkas Inn, the hotel where the courses take place is comfy, friendly and with a breathtaking view!

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Barbara Bargman

Barbara is a retired Uk social worker/work force development officer. Just over four years ago she moved to join her partner in the Greek emerald island Thassos. Wanting to get to know more about her new world and culture led her to leaning the Greek language.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I was impressed by the schools description when looking these up on the internet. There was something about the way they described their approach to leaning that appealed to me and I was not disappointed. I also liked the fact that it included the Greek culture and literature, I felt that was important in understanding where I was living.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The school provided an assessment of our learning prior to the school commencing, I attended this course with my partner. There was a good description of the accommodation available.

We had to organize our own transport to Chios and we chose a ferry from Kavala rather than flying. Unfortunately due to bad weather we arrived a day late rather than a day earlier. This meant we missed the welcome session and first morning but were soon put at our ease by the teachers.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would advise others to be clear in their own minds what they want to gain from their learning and to be honest about this from the outset. The teachers are there to help and guide you and I found in Chios that thir approach to facilitating learning was flexible and exemplary. I had had very hit and miss lessons prior to the course and knew I had lots of gaps.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The average day on the Chios course consisted of morning lessons, with a sociable coffee break where the different levels met up. In the afternoon there were opportunities for excursions to places of interest, with the opportunity of learning more about the Greek culture. The highlight of these for me was a visit to the mastic tree museum. Some evenings there was the opportunity of visiting local Tavernas with the other students and on the last evening a certificate was presented during dinner, a fun evening.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Going to a different Greek island was for me an exciting experience. I think though if I was traveling on my own, the chaos of arriving at a ferry port could be daunting. My advice would be to do a bit of research before about times, find out names and numbers of taxi drivers and book transfers in advance.

What do I need to take on this trip?

Well I took the wrong shoes, Chios is a beautiful island but the paths are not smooth, flat sensible footwear is advisable, my pretty heals never saw the light of day! Dress is casual but don’t forget your swimwear, the sea is gorgeous and afterwards eating in the Tavernas is a relaxing way to enjoy yourself, it is a good idea to have a phrase book and menu translator with you and most of all be prepared to enjoy yourself.