Efficient Greek language courses in Greece, island Ikaria
We offer Greek language courses in Greece, on the Greek island of Ikaria, for those you would like to learn Greek in Greece, in an immersive Greek language program and for this reason are looking for:
Small & homogeneous classes
Our classes are even smaller, from 1 to maximum 4 students per class. The small number of student / class help us to adjust the curriculum according to the students’ needs, and not the opposite. It also help us to form homogeneous Greek language classes.
Intensive course
We offer 2 real hours of tuition / day in a 6 days week (we also give lessons on Saturdays). In total we offer 12 real hours in a 6 days week, in small classes up to 4 students. Students take homework on listening and speaking exercises for an additional 2 hours per day. In our classes, the very small number of students in each class (1-4) together with the experience of the teacher, guarantee that all students will have plenty of time to practice speaking Greek in the classroom. While they still have enough time in the day to rest and prepare for the next lesson. Note that most schools advertise 4 “teaching hours”/ day = 20 hours / week. However a “teaching hour” last only for 45 minutes, so what a student really “buys” at the end is 15 real hours/ week (3 hours of 45 min/ day) in a class with much more than 4 students!
Efficiency & immersion
Homogeneous and very small classes make the lessons more intensive and efficient. Students talk a lot in the class, but the lesson doesn’t stop after classes. Students participate in activities like conversation classes, dance lessons, lectures, hiking tours, etc, where they can keep learning and talking in Greek
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.
Since 1995 we have offered Greek language courses in Greece, on the Greek island of Ikaria, for students of all language levels. Many interpreters and translators, diplomats, classicists, university students and teachers have participated in our Greek language courses during all these years. However, the atmosphere in the lessons is very friendly. Students learn through a multitude of language games and activities. Learn Greek in Greece, take one of our Greek language courses!
Accommodation
Each of our guests has his own private room in the Ikarian Center guesthouse. You do not share your room with other guests you do not know beforehand. You can share your room, sometimes at no extra cost, with a friend traveling with you, regardless of whether or not the friend is participating in our courses or activities. All rooms are heated, equipped with private bathroom and kitchenette and can accommodate up to two people. The center’s guest house is located right next to the course/work area, in a quiet mountain location, not far from the sea. We are located in a magical part of the island, 1.5 Km away from the settlement of Arethousa and 3 Km from the seaside Karavostamos, in direct contact with the natural environment. The view of the sea and the mountain as well as the starry sky on clear nights is enchanting. You will experience the calm and relaxation that direct contact with nature gives to a person’s daily 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.
Hiking and olive picking
The Center is built in a location ideal for walks and hikes. From April to September our courses are combined with optional afternoon walks and hikes every Thursday and Saturday, on easy or moderately difficult trails. In the last week of October and throughout November, the students can pick the olives with us in the small olive grove of the Center.
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. From 15:00 – 18:00 (16:30 – 18:30 during summer) students can go to the beach, for food or shopping. In the evening, students participate in various activities (traditional dance classes, slide shows, conversation classes, cooking, etc.) Simple meals (lunch and dinner) are served every Monday to Friday.
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. 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 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 no extra cost, but you will need to rent a car for local transport. 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)
Schedule, cost and enrollment
Choose one of the following courses, depending on your level. If you want help choosing a course, contact us to have a short online meeting so we can assess your skills together and choose the right course. Note that 1) more than one class is created in each course. So our classes are as homogeneous as possible. 2) The maximum number of students per class is 4 students. This way we achieve even greater homogenization in the classes, also the teacher has the possibility to focus on the needs of each individual student.
Lessons are held almost all times of the year. At Easter there is a special 2 week course. All courses are combined with optional hiking tours, 2 afternoons / week. You can also combine Greek lessons with olive picking in October and November each year. In the winter we give long term courses, lasting for several weeks, for all levels.
Long term courses in winter
The winter courses will take place in the winter of 2025, for 8 or 9 weeks, from the end of January to the end of March 2005. Students of all levels may register. Students must enroll for at least 8 weeks and the courses take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (4 days / week) for 1.5 hours (90 minutes)/day.
Cost: €406 / week (includes accommodation)
Browse the calendar for availability up to April 2025.
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Greek for absolute beginners
For students who cannot write and read short texts nor can they present themselves in Greek.
Cost: €910 for a week. 700€/week for more than one week (includes accommodation, transport and simple meals)
Browse the calendar for availability up to December 2025.
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Basic Greek
For students who can at least read, write and present themselves in Greek, but have great difficulties communicating in everyday situations and describing something that happened in the past or will do in the future.
Cost: €700 / week (includes accommodation, transport and simple meals)
Browse the calendar for availability up to December 2025.
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More Greek
For students who can at least communicate in everyday situations and describe with relative ease something they did in the past or will do in the future.
Cost: €700 / week (includes accommodation, transport and simple meals)
Browse the calendar for availability up to December 2025.
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