What inspired you to travel abroad?
I like the idea of a foreign holiday, where I spend some time learning and studying the language. I was able to combine a holiday with learning, which for me was ideal. I would certainly try the same format again, even if it was to learn a different language.
I like to do many things when on holiday, or abroad, including the usual touristy things. But being able to combine all this with an opportunity to improve my language skills is important to me. Other people will have different inspirations when thinking about going abroad.
Why did you choose the Alexandria Institute?
I was already taking an online Greek conversation class with the Alexandria Institute. The class was very enjoyable, and I learned that the Institute also offered courses in Greece. I travelled with my wife, and although we were at different levels in learning Greek, there were classes that suited both of us.
The classes were very good, led by friendly teachers who were also very good at teaching. Since I already had done online classes with the Alexandria Institute, this was not a surprise to me.
What was your favorite part about Greece?
The island of Chios had far more to offer than I expected. It is (I believe) the sixth largest island in the Mediterranean. I was expecting only a couple of nice beaches. In fact, there is so much to see! There are all sorts of beautiful beaches, amazing towns and villages to explore, and a bustling main city. And we were only able to explore half of the island.
There is still so much more to discover. There is a history and background to Chios, in particular with harvesting the Masticha gum, that makes it a really interesting place to visit.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Many things, including the support of the staff. But what was extraordinary was visiting the stunning three towns of Pyrgi, Olimpi, and Mesta. All three are stunning, and for me completely unexpected.
Wherever we went, wherever we decided to explore, there was always a beach nearby! The towns are located close together. It is possible to see them all in a day, but it is probably better to spend more time exploring them. Each of them is worth an individual visit.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
We stayed on site, so we had accommodation in the same place the lessons were held. The couple who owned and ran the house + apartments did everything they could to make our stay as pleasant as possible. This included helping to hire a car, and showing us the best places to go. It was possible to walk to a lovely beach, and they helped us find the best shortcut.
The staff from the Alexandria Institute also did everything they could. First, the lessons were excellent, given by first-class teachers. Secondly, they did their very best (in times of COVID) to arrange evening activities. This included group meals out in excellent restaurants, and "nights in" where we watched films in Greek, together with food and wine. I know they would have done more, but they also were very clear in following the safety protocols, and so some things we will have to do next time!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I don't think there is anything really. The format was exactly as I expected, and really exactly what I wanted. Perhaps we could have explored more of the island, but I really do expect to go back, and this is now something for me to look forward to.
I could also have spent more time exploring Chios, which we really only discovered towards the end of our stay. But these are minor points.
Other than this, if I was to do exactly the same thing again, I would be very happy!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
We would get up around 8:00, and go to the main house. We had breakfast, provided by the owners, and chatted with the other guests. The breakfast was great, and we usually were able to save something for a snack at lunchtime.
Lessons started at 09:00, and we would sit outside in the shade and spend until 12:00 talking in Greek. Numbers varied during our stay, but usually, there were around five participants in the course.
We had the afternoon to ourselves, which we spent either at the local beach or exploring the island. In the evenings we would normally go to a restaurant, either by ourselves or with others from the group.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I have already mentioned visiting the three amazing towns. I would also include a visit to the Mastiha Museum. Masticha is the local gum, with many purposes, unique to Chios, and a source of wealth for the island. It might sound dull, but the museum was really interesting and showed the historical life of Chios very well. We came away with lots of gum, pastilles, toothpaste, and other items with Masticha.
As usual with Greece, it is always fun talking to the locals (especially if you can try in Greek). We found the restaurants really friendly and welcoming - but this is not a surprise for Greece.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We had a small studio. The accommodation had a bedroom and an open-plan living room / diner. The kitchen was well-stocked, and the place was simple and clean. You don't need any more than that. We also had a veranda overlooking the fields, where we could sit outside and read.
There are a number of guest rooms and chalets here. The best part was the beautiful flowers everywhere. It suits the character of the island and I would be happy to stay there again.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Let's be clear, this was a holiday with a language school, not a gap year or anything like that. So I am not going to say that there has been a deep and meaningful impact on my life. I still have online Greek lessons with the Alexandria Institute, and it is nice to be in touch with them every week.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I hope to go back. The Institute also offers occasional lectures online, and therefore there are further opportunities to learn about Greece and Greek culture.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
There is nothing to "warn" future participants about. The program is simple. There are language lessons in the morning, some group activities in the evening, and otherwise, you are free to do what you want. If you have no interest in learning or improving your Greek, then this program wouldn't be for you, but I think that is fairly obvious.
If I have to mention one thing, it is simply that to get the best out of Chios, you probably should rent a car. Car rentals are not particularly expensive and can be arranged when you are there.
Would you recommend the Alexandria Institute to others? Why?
Yes I would, I certainly plan to go again because it provides exactly what I expected on a beautiful island (it is also offered in Paros and Athens, also beautiful locations). Everyone is very helpful and friendly, and frankly, it was just fun!
The Alexandria Institute provided really professional teachers who are lovely people. It was great to socialise with them outside of the lessons.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I am sure everyone will have their own reasons for travelling abroad and will get their own benefits. I like to get to know other people, whether they are tourists, travellers, or locals. I have not spent much time travelling, but I have now lived abroad for eleven years in two separate locations.
The biggest benefit has been to be able to travel and get to know different countries in the same way as my own. I’ve also had opportunities to meet many different people, talk in their own language, and realise how similar we are - with the occasional cultural difference.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I have preferred to live abroad. I currently live in Germany, and I have also lived in Greece. When living abroad, I get the opportunity to get to know different places and people. Both Greece and Germany are stunningly beautiful countries. And people are not so different, wherever you go.
