The Alexandria Institute program is a fantastic way to study Greek. It offers solid grammatical information interwoven with stories and songs that bring the language to life. Andreas’ knowledge of local Chios history and the larger span of Greek history is vast and he gives generously of his wisdom. Emmi offered us many insights into everyday life in Greece and introduced us to the words that make up the interactions we can expect to have with others as we live and travel in Greece. Together they demonstrate exceptional skills as highly trained teachers, able to adapt the lessons to meet the needs of each student. All of this was part of a schedule that took us out of the classroom into the beauty of Chios where we experienced the best the island has to offer. Swimming, delicious traditional food and visits to historic sites enriched the program. And best of all, everything was seasoned with laugher and merriment. As a professional teacher I recommend these programs as some of the best I have experienced and I hope to continue my studies with Alexandria Institute in the future!
Margrit from Switzerland, Andros language course
2 Wochen Sprachunterricht im Paradies , gibt es etwas schöneres? Sprache lernen, griechische Gastfreundschaft geniessen, Kultur vor Ort kennen lernen und interessanten Menschen begegnen. Vielen Dank für eure tolle Arbeit. Mägi
Ευχαριστώ, Αντρέα! Not only for the language course, but also for the historical anecdotes, the cultural excursions, the mythological stories and the etymological digressions: είσαι πολυμαθής! Although we were sometimes driving you «τρελός» you stayed «σιγά σιγά»! Ιόρι
Τα μαθήματα: λεπτομερειακά και αστεία. Η Χίος: Όμορφη! Το φαγητό: νόστιμο!
P.S.: My greek is far from perfect, but I am improving, and having fun while doing it!
I didn’t think that coming back for a second time and participate to the course in Chios again would be such a good idea! Chios is such a beautiful island with not so many tourists and nature is wild. The Modern Greek lessons, held in the morning, are suited to the students needs and understanding. Having two teachers, who made a really good team, gave us two different views on the Greek language. Andreas has a lot of knowledge on Ancient Greek, mythology and knows much on Chios and its history. Emmi gave us a little view on usual expressions of everyday life and we did have some cooking tips.And lets not forget about the traditional (and sometimes unexpected) food, a beautiful wild beaches and charming villages.
This is a unique opportunity to study Greek in a somewhat non-conventional setting. Here, in the location that classes were held, at Voulamandis House, you sleep, study, and get to know other in an orange grove! On most Greek islands, you are constantly surrounded by t-shirt sellers, donut vendors and the smell of souvlaki and sun-tan lotion. Here, you experience the countryside in Campos, a unique and romantic setting. The excursions with Andreas, our teacher, were fantastic. Be sure and go when these excursions are offered. Overall, this is an opportunity to enjoy a quieter island that has much to offer. Excellent beaches too.
I wanted to start by saying that I have been on many trips and a few language courses but none of them would ever hold a candle to the experience this camp gave me. I had an absolutely wonderful time! Yes the lessons are fun, but there is so much more that this camp offers. You go to beautiful beaches, eat great food, meet new people from all over the world, all while learning Greek at the same time. Truly, this is a wonderful experience to be here.
Δάσκαλέ μου. So thank you, I loved your lessons, you’ve been a fabulous guide that introduced me to a fabulous language and its immense culture. Ευχαριστώ for being so patient; and συγνώμη for being such a lazy, undisciplined and disruptive student. But remember: a teacher is measured by how much his/her student can talk. And on this solo trip of mine I did talk. And in GREEK!!! And I met wonderful people, their culture, their treasure. Keep in mind: «Teach me and I’ll forget; Show me and I may not remember; Involve me and I’ll understand.»
This is what a good teacher does... and you did it. Ευχαριστώ!
Thank you very much for your open way of teaching, the excellent way of inspiring everybody with your knowledge and your humor, the “ουζάκια μαζί”, the beautiful spots you took us to, the magnificent food you provided and, of course, the... verbs ;) ! Ευχαριστώ πάρα, πάρα πολύ!!
First of all, I want to thank you very much for the very nice time I had in Chios. You are not only a very good teacher but also a very good host and Cicerone. You have shown us the most characteristic, typical and interesting things of the island, in a very attractive way moreover. About the lessons, I liked them a lot, I learned many new things that I didn’t know before and the use you make of music, jokes, mini videos, etc. is very useful and amazing. Humour is very important to live and to learn new things. Now I will continue with my lessons in Spain, but everything will be different since I will always remember you and your lessons, and these days in Chios while studying, speaking, reading Greek. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet in the future, I will look your web page regularly and if I can, maybe I will attend one of your courses next year. Until then, thank you very much again. A great pleasure to have met you.
Thank you so much for your time and patience with my very inadequate Greek. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and I have learned quite a lot even if it did not seem so to you! I would like to return next year when perhaps I will be able to keep up. I really appreciated our excursions around the island, with all the swimming, eating and drinking along with the culture. It was a pleasure to visit such beautiful places in such good company, and it was good to broaden my experience of Chios beyond my focus on Emporio. Voulamandis House is a wonderfully friendly and welcoming place to stay, and an ideal choice to hold the course. I will remember our classes in the courtyard under the vines.
Noëlle from England, Greek language course in Chios
I didn’t know what to expect from this linguistic course but I certainly have not been disappointed! You have organised everything so nicely. We learned, ate, drunk, sang, swam, walked and a lot more all in good spirits. As a language teacher myself I really enjoyed the well organised set up and the natural, friendly atmosphere. The well-planned yet so relaxing excursions immerged us not just in the beautiful sea but in the culture of this rich island of Chios.Thank you for sharing it all with us and be so patient! Ευχαριστώ πολυ.
