Alexandria Institute

I think it's a good place to learn. And there was the opportunity to get to know very educated people. I wish those days hadn't ended there. I met new fellowships from different countries Thank you for everything they gave us. My greetings to you

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

For the last few summers I followed a literature and culture course at Chios where I had a wonderful time. The lessons are very interesting and inspiring. We were reading and talking about famous poems, books, songs and the background of the authors and of the period they lived or they live. After the lessons we made some (optional) excursions to see other areas of the island and some historical spots. All of this in a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. The teachers are very friendly and helpful with everything during and after the lessons.

Great experience that allows improving the language knowledge while having pleasant time with people from all over the world having in the meantime the opportunity to know deeply the local culture. The Cycladic style hotel is very nice and comfortable. I had lessons, study and other cultural activities in a quiet and relaxing environment but I had also the opportunity to swim in the nearby beach not crowded. The hotel is located in a small fully equipped village, from which it is easy to reach all the most worthy places, even the nearby island of Antiparos to visit the archeological site. Thanks to the enthusiasm and the excellent knowledge of the teachers I could enjoy lessons and free time in a extraordinary way. I suggest this experience both to those who are at the first contact with the Greek language and culture and to those who want to deepen their knowledge.

As a beginner, but passionate of Greece, I started Greek Classes with Andreas and his team. The lessons where really well done, and I am willing to take again other classes, next summer. The accomodation, in Paros, was very good, with nice studios. A typical day is made of lessons (morning), lunch altogether, free afternoon (Paros has nice beaches), maybe with some study to do, and the evening at the taverna, visiting Paros, all together.

If I didn't have my own private lessons, probably I couldn't speak Greek as I wish. I started on my own, studying books and materials on the web, but then I realized it was time to get in touch with a mother tongue teacher to develop what I've learned till that time. You can have lessons whenever you prefer, agreeing with your teacher the schedule that best suits your lifestyle. You can read, listen radio or watch TV on your own every day, but the opportunity to speak with a mother tongue during the time of your lesson is something which makes you grow faster and better. My language lessons are my "cuddle" moments, the time in which I take care of me and of my hobbies.

Talking the language you are learning in small groups of people who are at your same level is something really exciting and helps to better develop your knowledge. You can compare your skills with the ones of the other participants, feeling motivated to perform always better. You can discuss of any possible theme, so that you are prepared to the real daily conversation you could afford in your life. You can prepare a little bit, studying the materials they send you before the lessons, or you can decide to manage it spontaneously when the lesson starts. No one is judging you, they are there just to share a nice conversation in a foreign language. Great way to spend our time at home being in touch with people from all over the world sharing the common language we are learning.

My language course in Paros was a very great experience, because it matched my deeply love for the island with my growing need to learn the local language. For a couple of weeks I could share my progress in understanding a new language with people coming from all over the world. I used much time as I could to stay with the teachers, which of course were Greek, trying to develop my skills even out from the normal lessons schedule. And to be on site was a great advantage to prove my knowledge talking directly with local people, discovering local habits and exploring the tastes of the kitchen. I would sincerely recommend such a course, as it combines learning with having fun: you use your morning hours to learn something exciting like a new language, and then in the afternoon/evening you can join the extra activities with the rest of the schoolmate and teachers, or visit the island on your own, enjoying the sea and the marvelous villages of a greek island.

I had lessons with Andreas, from Alexandria Institute, for many years since I always wanted to learn, and then improve, the modern greek language and culture. The level of the Greek lessons is very high, and everything is fine perfect. They have levels from beginners (A1 ) to very deep knowledge of Greek language (C2) In a typical day I attend from 9h to 13h Greek lessons, then free afternoon or activities, with some study. Then evening dinner all together. During the week-end, all together, we visit other places of Paros or other islands close to Paros. Paros Island offers several touristic and cultural opportunities, with a very interesting Archeological Museum.

I never thought about learning Greek until I randomly listened to some Greek music that sparked my interest in the language. I tried on my own at first with not big results, then I decided to get into lessons. I am from Italy and we have an Hellenic community in almost every city, some of them also offer Modern Greek classes, but of course everything stopped with 2020 pandemic, so I started to search for online courses. I heard about Alexandria Institute thanks to a live interview on Instagram, hosted by a blogger I follow and with the President of the institute as a guest. Later on I went on their website and found they offer also online private lessons on skype, which for me is really perfect: I work full time and have a busy life, and I can schedule the lessons accordingly to my tasks, and reschedule if needed. The teacher I was assigned to is really nice and friendly and I felt immediately at ease with her. She adapts the pace accordingly to what I can do, she always makes sure I'm ok with the teaching program, asking periodically if I would like to change anything. I really like the way she makes the learning path more exciting, adding extra readings, listening exercises with songs (as I really love music), and nice conversations about our everyday life. I'm really happy to have her as teacher, and as my first Athenian friend! No need to say that I obviously recommend Alexandria Institute to any of you who would like to learn Greek, just check their website to learn about the different courses they offer. Their summer course in Paros is on my wishlist!

The on-line courses from the Alexandria Institute are really excellent. The teachers are all excellent and the classes are well structured and always well prepared. It has been great to meet people from all over the world - Estonia, Israel, US, Macedonia, Germany - all interested in learning Greek like me.The classes have opened my eyes to Greek culture as well as to the language. I have learned so much about the literature and the music and it has really enriched my life.

I had several courses with Alexandria Institute on Chios, every time I was very happy with the organisation of the courses and with the ( optional) guided excursions afterwards. I very highly appreciate the way the teachers are always present to help us with everything the students might need. They are also very skilled in teaching students from all over the world and they speak several languages themselves which is very important for starters.

The program is offered in Paros, Athens and Chios. My wife and I attended the course in Chios in September 2020, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in learning Greek in a beautiful location. I honestly did not expect much from Chios (perhaps a couple of nice beaches), and I was astonished how lovely it is. There are beaches to suit every taste, (at least) three amazing old towns to visit and a bustling capital. You will need to hire a car to see the best of the island. The course in Chios is located in a beautiful spot, Voulamandis House, which also offers accommodation (we stayed there). The lessons are held outside, amongst the flowers. There was one class for higher-level learners, and another for lower level learners. The teachers are very knowledgeable and friendly - and good teachers! I learned a lot, and put it into practice in the afternoons, as we explored the island. I have rated the cultural activities slightly lower than everything else. Alexandria Institute did the best it could, but some activities simply were not possible due to Covid restrictions. This was a shame, but due to circumstances and not the school. We had fun together, either going out to restaurants or staying on site and watching films, etc in Greek. I hope to return to do another course.

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