Greek Language and Culture International School in Santorini
Overview
After 28 years of teaching Greek as a foreign language, in Ikaria Island, Lesvos Island and Athens, we are in Santorini. Since 2014 the Hellenic Culture Centre has been organizing the International Greek Language and Culture School in Santorini, this beautiful island with its emotive and evocative atmosphere. Our school is based in Megalochori, a traditional village with bright Cycladic colours.
Our students are a vivid group of people coming from all over the world who speak and express themselves in Greek. They sing, they dance and they participate in the cultural life of the island urged by a deep motive for knowledge, respect and love for the Greek language and culture. The spirit of Greek tradition and the restlessness of modern Greece will come to life with sounds and words expressing universal and timeless values as conceived by the Greek feeling.
THE COURSES
- In 2024 we will offer only private tailor-made courses together with all relevant cultural activities(+ 8 hours of cultural activities every week). If there are other participants in the same level, we can arrange a small group.
Fees cover:
1,5 hour lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are on your own in the class
- 2 hours lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are two students in the class
- 3 hour lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are three students in the class
- 4 hour lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are four to twelve students in the class
- You will be informed about the number of students in your class one month before the start of your course.
- The training fee includes a different interactive outdoor activity programme which is organised nearly every day. Click here for the Activities menu.
- 2-hour Private, tailor-made Greek Language Crash Course. For visitors of Santorini who wish to have a first contact with the magic of Greek.
- Activities Menu for external visitors and friends. A tailor-made programme of cultural activities which offers an introduction to the rich local history and traditions of the Aegean. In Greek and English. Students of the EVERYDAY Modern Greek Language Programmes can choose any activity for free. Scheduled activities take place according to the number of persons interested. Click here for more information.
*The intensive Greek Language programmes can be extended upon request
Activities
A programme of cultural activities which offers an introduction to the rich local history and traditions of the Aegean. In Greek and English. This programme is free for the students of the Greek Language and Culture Programme (20 hours/ week).
You can also select one or more activities from the Menu below as a tailor-made private programme.
This crash course is an entertaining way to start learning Greek. It introduces the basic vocabulary of everyday communication. You will also discover the Greek alphabet and words of Greek root in other languages. Learn how to greet people, introduce yourself and, most importantly, order a drink in a ‘kafeneio’ or ‘taverna’. The teacher starts with greetings and introducing oneself in Greek, and then teaches the alphabet and some useful words of everyday communication. She/he uses flashcards in order to make the lesson fun and effective. At the end gives as a present to every learner a card with her/ his own name in Greek. The ‘Zorba dance’ is well-known, but in Greece, you’ll discover many other traditional dances, especially when you visit different festivals. The lesson begins with a presentation, and videos, on the most popular dances, their history, and their role in people’s everyday lives. Then we learn a few dance steps ourselves. Learning through singing is effective and fun! It helps us to practice our Greek accents, and also to express ourselves and overcome language barriers. After the presentation on Greek musical genres, we learn to sing some songs. For non-Greek speakers, we provide versions in Latin script, as well as translations into English and other languages. A walk through the vineyards of Megalochori takes us to a local farm outside the village. There we meet a local farmer who shares the secrets of the Santorini soil on which he grows some of the island’s delicious products. In ancient times, pottery manufacture was vital to the local economy. Rediscover that creative past and mould your own masterpiece, with the help of award-winning artisan potter Andreas Makaris. The inspirational atmosphere of the potter’s studio will leave you relaxed and invigorated. It’s our pleasure to show you a Santorini winery. We visit either Venetsanos, the island’s first winery, or Santo Wines, the biggest winery in the Cyclades, which belongs to the Santorini cooperative. You will sample three wines, and discover the unique aromas of the island’s viticulture. It is an evening of sensory delight. Our walk takes us through the traditional village of Megalochori, one of Santorini’s most beautiful. We learn about its history and culture and talk to local people for an authentic insight into village life. The walk ends at the caldera, with its breath-taking view of the sunset. Our route passes through Megalochori and the surrounding vineyards. In one direction lies Pyrgos, the highest village in Santorini, with its beautiful castle. The other way leads to Emporio, also with a medieval castle. These two atmospheric walks avoid the island’s busier roads and are safe for all.
NOTES
- Students of the Greek Language Programmes participate at no extra cost. Their friends and relatives can choose any activity at a 50% discount.
- Each activity lasts about 2- 2.5 hours. The activities usually start at 19:00 on week-days, but they can be also organized in the morning upon request. Some activities can be moved during Saturday.
- The fees for the activities include: transportation from the HCC in Megalochori, written informational material on the topic, interpretation into Greek-English, and instruction by an educator of the HCC team.
Levels A1-C2
Teaching materials and textbooks
KALEIDOSKOPIO A1 (to be published)
by Ifigenia Georgiadou, to be published by HELLENIC CULTURE CENTRE, is the textbook used for level A1. Students can purchase the book at a discount at the Hellenic Culture Centre or in various bookstores in Greece and abroad, when published .
The book is NOT necessary for the course since much of its content is uploaded on our platform.
Content
Required knowledge: Syllabus of level Α0, important verbs, nouns, adjectives, prepositions, and vocabulary of everyday language, introductions, greetings.
Topics/goal: Building vocabulary, more communicative situations and dialogues, more grammar (nouns, adjectives, plural, simple past, future and subjunctive of basic verbs). Textbook: KALEIDOSCOPIO A1 (to be published)
Topics – Communicative situations – Vocabulary
introducing myself – asking for information and explanations – describing the appearance of a person – in the tourist office – food – money – plans for the future – clothes – parts of the body – in the airport – giving instructions – describing a past event – expressions of time – the weather -the time- memos and notes – apologizing giving excuses.
Grammar – Language Focus
θα είμαι (I will be) – irregular verbs = πάω, ακούω, τρώω, φταίω, λέω – indefinite pronouns – systematization of the singular and plural endings of nouns (ος-ας-ης, -α, -η, -ο, -ι, -μα) and adjectives (ος-α/η-ο) – simple future of verbs (A conjugation and irregular) -personal and interrogative pronouns – Simple Past (-σα, -ξα -ψα-εψα ) and simple past of irregular and of two-syllables verbs (έμεινα) – Verbs of B2 conjugation (αργώ) – demonstrative pronouns – introduction to subjunctive (A, B1 , B2 conjugations) – adverbs of time – Passive Voice: Present tense of the verbs of first conjugation ( έρχομαι, κάθομαι, γίνομαι, βρίσκομαι, σκέφτομαι, σηκώνομαι, πλένομαι, χάνομαι) and κοιμάμαι, θυμάμαι, λυπάμαι, φοβάμαι.
Teaching materials and textbooks
KALEIDOSKOPIO A2 (to be published)
by Ifigenia Georgiadou, to be published by HELLENIC CULTURE CENTRE, is the textbook used for level A2. Students can purchase the book at a discount at the Hellenic Culture Centre or in various bookstores in Greece and abroad, when published .
The book is NOT necessary for the course since much of its content is uploaded on our platform.
Content
Required knowledge: Basic vocabulary and grammar (simple past, future, subjunctive). Ability to create and understand short sentences from everyday life.
Topics/goal: to enrich vocabulary, ability to express oneself in more complex situations (descriptions, narratives, feelings, plans for the future etc.).
Textbook: KALEIDOSCOPIO A2 (to be published)
Topics – Communicative situations -Vocabulary
Asking for something, asking for permission – celebrations – buying clothes – likes and dislikes – accepting/ refusing invitations- asking and giving advises – food – expressing feelings – family relationships – giving personal information – informal letter – vocabulary of places in the house, furniture – professions, places of work – describing memories – plans for the future – giving instructionscomparisons, adverbs ( of place, time, manner, quantity).Fairy tale, stories of well-known Greek personalities.
Grammar – Language Focus
Simple Past and future of two- syllable verbs of A conjugation, Simple Past and future of verbs of B conjugation (-ησα, -ασα, -εσα) – adverbs of place, manner, quantity – comparatives of adjectivespersonal pronouns – much (πολύς) = the adjective and the adverb – Genitive of nouns – Imperative of Active Voice (A, B1 conjugations, irregular verbs) – imperative with personal pronouns- diminutives = – άκι – connection of phrases by conjunctions – adjectives in -ός -ιά -ό – feminine nouns in -η/εις, -ος – neuter nouns in – ος – subjunctive of present and simple past tense of active voice , A-B conjugation – tenses = present perfect, past perfect, future perfect of A1 , B1 conjugations, active voice – Imperfect of A active voice -simple past and future of verbs έρχομαι, γίνομαι, κάθομαι – simple past of passive voice of A, B conjugation.
Teaching materials and textbooks
KALEIDOSKOPIO B1 by Ifigenia Georgiadou, published by HELLENIC CULTURE CENTRE, is the textbook used for level B1. Students can purchase the book at a discount at the Hellenic Culture Centre (20 euro instead of 23 euro) or in various bookstores in Greece and abroad.
The book is NOT necessary for the course since much of its content is uploaded on our platform.
Content
Required knowledge:
Syllabus of level Α2, basic vocabulary of everyday language. Topics/goal: teaching the passive voice, participles, special (irregular) nouns and adjectives, use of prepositions and conjunctions, conditionals, enrichment of vocabulary (family, work, free time, past activities, ecology, travel). Discussions, expressing views with arguments.
Topics – Communicative situation – Vocabulary
Description of a man/woman – vocabulary about marriage and relatives – expressing sorrow, disappointment, pessimism, fear – suggesting an action- formal letter to protest – agreeing / disagreeing – ask for information – expressing pleasure, preference, approval – vocabulary about entertainment, about music – vocabulary about work – curriculum vitae – description of past habit, ecology and nature, travel.
Grammar – Language Focus
Formation of feminine of adjectives – Vocative – irregular comparatives of adjectives and adverbs – adjectives in: ης-ιά-ί, ύς-ιά-ύ, ης-ης-ες, -ης-α-ικο – nouns = feminine in: η/εις, -ος neuter in: -ον , -ος – future simple and continuous of all conjugations -simple and continuous imperative of all conjugations, active voice and with 2 pronouns – past continuous A, B1, B2 of Active and Passive Voice – the stem of passive simple Past of A, B1 , B2 conjugations and of some irregular verbs -the final ν – Passive voice sentence structure – use of simple and continuous subjunctive – use of some conjunctions and adverbs, the relative pronoun ο οποίος /που – numerals (cardinals, ordinals) .
Teaching materials and textbooks
KALEIDOSKOPIO B2 (to be published)
by Ifigenia Georgiadou, to be published by HELLENIC CULTURE CENTRE, is the textbook used for level B2. Students can purchase the book at a discount at the Hellenic Culture Centre or in various bookstores in Greece and abroad, when published.
The book is NOT necessary for the course since much of its content is uploaded on our platform.
Content
Required knowledge: formation of verb tenses in active and passive voice, conjugation of adjectives and nouns in all the cases.
Topics /goal: completing the teaching of the basic grammar (using cases, tenses, irregular adjectives and nouns, compound verbs, pronouns, imperative), vocabulary enrichment (everyday language in big cities, idioms). Small texts from newspapers. Practicing the oral speech for giving information, expressing personal opinions and feelings. Textbook: KALEIDOSCOPIO B2 ( to be published) .
Topics – communicate situation – vocabulary
Vocabulary for the language and the history of Greek language – compare – describing monuments and situations -to agree / to disagree, sports – Europe today : vocabulary for social and political organizations – official letter of protest – basic vocabulary of economical and financial terminology – introduction in the press language, news bulletin. Well-being, technology.
Grammar – Language Focus
Comparative pronouns in ης-ης-ες, υς-ια-υ, ησ-ια-ι, ης-α-ικο – adjectives of numbering- feminine and neuter nouns in -ος – simple past and imperfect tense of the passive voice A-B1-B2. The use of simple and continuous subjunctive – adverbs in α και ως – augmentation of compound verbs –relative and possessive pronouns and adverbs -ancient adjectives in ων-ουσα-ον, υς-εία-ύ and πας, μέγας, πολύ –conditionals A-B-Γ, passive imperative of A-B and irregular imperative, active and passive participle.
Teaching materials and textbooks
KALEIDOSKOPIO C1 by Ifigenia Georgiadou, published by HELLENIC CULTURE CENTRE, is the textbook used for level C1. Students can purchase the book at a discount at the Hellenic Culture Centre (20 euro instead of 23 euro) or in various bookstores in Greece and abroad.
The book is NOT necessary for the course since much of its content is uploaded on our platform.
Content
Required knowledge: Syllabus of B2, reading comprehension of short newspaper articles.
Topics/ goal: to enrich vocabulary, (official letters, essays, idioms, proverbs, special vocabulary). Students work on and present projects they are interested in.
Topics – Communicative situations – Vocabulary
Marriage and Family, Gender issues, Politics, Work Environment, Education. Vocabulary on marriage and family relations, wishes, proverbs, on women in society- description of past habits- taking part in a round table discussion vocabulary about politics- giving a speech- narrating -vocabulary on work relations- application-reference letter- Curriculum vitae- official letter- description of a political system and its weaknesses- vocabulary built on the words πόλις, δήµος, κοινωνία description of an educational system and its weaknesses.
Grammar – Language Focus
Everyday language wrong forms: ότι, πώς, πού, ποια, ποιο – use of active and passive voice past continuous tense- conjunctions- idioms in imperative form- forms of simple Katharevousa- compound verbs of βάλλω- pronoun όσο and other relative pronouns- use of all pronouns- intonation rules -common mistakes in writing, grammar, expressions and syntax- all conditionals- syllable separation rules- composition of words with prepositions participles, especially passive participles pronunciation- ancient Greek words in use international words with Greek origin- idioms on work relations.
Teaching materials and textbooks
KALEIDOSKOPIO C2
by Ifigenia Georgiadou, published by HELLENIC CULTURE CENTRE, is the textbook used for level C2. Students can purchase the book at a discount at the Hellenic Culture Centre (20 euro instead of 23 euro) or in various bookstores in Greece and abroad.
The book is NOT necessary for the course since much of its content is uploaded on our platform.
Content
Required knowledge: Syllabus of level C1, reading comprehension of newspaper articles, acquaintance with structures and use of language. Topics/goal: to enrich vocabulary. Local idioms. Katharevousa and ancient Greek language. Students participate in discussions where they have to express themselves in a clear and persuasive way. Everyday /fast rhythm of speaking.
Topics – Communicative situations – Vocabulary
Health system: (medicine, national health system, diet) language focus: word production: prefixes- magnifying. Language and Communication ( history of Greek language, youth jargon, politicians jargon, katharevousa and dialects) – language focus: verbs in –ίζω- comparatives of adjectives, adverbs and participles- all irregular nouns- ancient forms of verbs in use The Greeks and the foreigners: language focus: compound nouns with ξένος, αυτο-, λαμβάνω, πυρ, εκ- internal augmentation in verbs- participles in ούμενος, ων-ουσα-ον, ων-ουσα-ουν, εις-εισα-εν, ας-ασα-αν, ωνωσα-ων- numerals Economy (economic and financial terminology)- Language focus: derivatives and compound forms of the words χρήμα, οικονομία- verbs in ώμαι-αμαι-εμαι -ουμαι – adjectives in ην-ην-εν, σε υς-εια-υ – verbal aspects- table of all adverbs- verbs derived from nouns and adjectives- conditionals and forms of expressing wish, possibility- numerals. Media-Language of the Press Language focus: use of the word τύπος – compounds of the verb λαμβάνω – adverbs in -ας, -ως- writing of participles and irregular participles- participle of ancient Present Perfect tense- forming the feminine type of nouns The Church and the State: relevant vocabulary from the Bible- language focus: verbs in -ίζω- ancient Greek language types in imperative form- verbs derived from verbs, nouns- internal augmentation of verbs- irregular verbs Modern Greek Arts: Language focus: expressions compound verbs and nouns- words derived from the word τέχνη – expressions with the verb κάνω- words from essays and from local idioms- passive voice simple past ancient form in –θην- adjectives in ων-ον.
Grading Tests
Click on the buttons below to download the test of your choice:
Fees
Timetable: Monday to Friday 9:00-13:30 or 11:30 to 16:30 (1,5-4 hours of language instruction/day)
plus Monday to Friday 18:00 to 19:30 (1,5-2 hours of cultural activities*/day)
| Levels | ONE WEEK GROUP COURSE (4-12 students) |
TWO WEEKS GROUP COURSE (4-12 students) |
THREE WEEKS GROUP COURSE (4-12 students) |
FOUR WEEKS GROUP COURSE (4-12 students) |
PRIVATE COURSE (1 student) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0-C2 | 370€ | 700€ | 1000€ | 1300€ | 45€ / hour (60 min) |
| Preparation Courses for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek |
370€ | 700€ | 1000€ | 1300€ | 45€ / hour (60 min) |
| Greek Literature for Advanced Students | 470€ | 800€ | 50€ / hour (60 min) |
||
| Special Courses | 470€ | 800€ | 1000€ | 1300€ | 50€ / hour (60 min) |
1) Fees include:
- All educational materials needed
- 4 hours of Greek Language lesson daily (Monday to Friday). Teaching will be conducted in Greek by communicative (direct) method. Other languages are used if necessary. The lesson includes development of all four language skills, communicative activities, language games, listening comprehension, presentations on Greek culture and students’ projects. Working language: Greek
- 1,5-2 hours of cultural activities daily (Monday to Friday). For more information see the Activities’ Menu.
- Certificate of attendance, Europass
- Coffee, tea, and biscuits provided daily during breaks
- Use of the Internet and the Centre’s small book library and video library
2) Fees do not include:
- Accommodation and meals
- Travel insurance. Students are urged to make arrangements for travel insurance
- Airplane or ferry tickets to/from Santorini
3) If you are registered for an Intensive Greek Language Programme and a group of at least 4 students is not formed at a suitable level, you will be offered EITHER to have fewer hours of lesson per day OR, alternatively, you can pay the extra fee for 4 hours of lesson per day according to the number of students in the group.
Fees cover:
1,5 hour lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are on your own in the class
2 hours lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are two students in the class
3 hour lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are three students in the class
4 hour lesson every day Mo-Fri if you are four to twelve students in the class
You will be informed about the number of students in your class one month before the start of your course.
4) The regular duration for the Greek Literature Programme is 2 weeks.
You can attend longer programmes at all levels.
Fees for the Intensive Group Programme (4-12 students in the same class): 2 weeks, Mo-Fr: 700 euro (Greek Literature: 800 euro), 3 weeks: 1000 euro, 4 weeks: 1300 euro.
5) Children participating in the course must be accompanied by an adult
6) 1 teaching hour = 60 minutes
7) Fees must be paid 30 days before the beginning of the course at the latest. Please check our cancelation policy.
Payments have to be made only after receiving a relevant confirmation letter from the HCC.
PRIVATE COURSES
Private tailor-made courses and educational programmes are offered throughout the year in Santorini and in Athens, any time of the day for all levels and Special Courses (Greek Language for Translators and Interpreters, Katharevousa – Formal Greek, Legal Terminology, Greek Literature, Greek for children).
Fees for private courses in Santorini Island & in Athens:
Language Levels Α0 – C2, Preparation for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek (all levels), Beginners’ Crash Course: 45 euro per hour
Special Language Programmes (Greek Language for Translators and Interpreters, Katharevousa -Formal Greek, Legal Terminology, Greek Literature, Greek for children): 50 euro per hour
Discounts and special offers are available in private courses, depending on the period.
Tutors
All language teachers at the Hellenic Culture Centre are certified and experienced in teaching Greek as a second/ foreign language to adults and adolescents. They also have training and experience in online teaching and they are native speakers of Greek.
You can see their CVs here.
Dates
Academic Year 2024
Summer 2024 – Face2Face – Every 2 weeks (you can also follow a one-week course as you will see in the table below) – This summer 2024 in Santorini we offer mainly Private, tailor-made Greek Language Courses together with everyday cultural activities.
Private courses also take place all year round in Santorini.
| Period | Start Date | End Date | Levels | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
01/07/2024 08/07/2023 |
06/07/2024 13/07/2024 |
A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2 | one-week or two-week course |
| 2 |
15/07/2024 22/07/2024 |
20/07/2024 27/07/2024 |
A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2 | one-week or two-week course |
| 3 | 29/07/2024
05/08/2024 |
03/08/2024
10/08/2024 |
A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2 | one-week or two-week course |
| 4 | 12/08/2024
21/08/2024 |
17/08/2024
24/08/2024 |
A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2 | one-week or two-week course |
Travel to Santorini
TRAVEL BY FERRY
The journey from Piraeus takes 6-8 hours and the tickets start from 37,50 ευρώ. During the summer period there are also fast ferries reaching Santorini in 4-5 hours. In the summer there are also ferries from and to Crete, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and most of the Cyclades.
TRAVEL BY PLANE
There are daily several flights from Athens to Santorini all year long. It is a 30 minutes trip. Prices depend on the period and they start from 15 euro. Check regularly for offers from the companies. In the summer there are also charter flights from more than 30 European cities.
USEFUL LINKS
Tel. (Santorini airport): +30 22860 28500
LOCATION
Santorini doesn’t need any special references. It has been ranked as one the ten most beautiful islands in the world, and its volcanic landscape takes your breath away.
Megalochori is located 7 km away from Fira, the capital of the island. It has kept its traditional colours and it is one of the few villages that have been declared “traditional settlements”. It is surrounded by vineyards and has many churches famous for their ornate bell towers, white Cycladic houses and narrow streets.
Megalochori is very closed to Pyrgos and Emporeio. All three villages are not very popular touristic sites, they are quiet and peaceful even in August and they offer many options for accommodation and food at lower prices.
You’ll find our school at the second entrance of Megalochori, right across the street from Geromanolis tavern.
Accommodation
Students and guests stay in hotels and guesthouses in Megalochori at special reduced rates. Contact us for accommodation list and special prices for our students.
Certification
Our Centre issues a Certificate of Attendance for the lessons held. The Hellenic Culture Centre is an officially recognized organization as a Lifelong Learning Centre and a language school by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religions (EOPPEP code number 2101782/ 2018 and 2308668/2018).
Working language
Greek is the working language in the Greek courses. At the beginners’ level we also use some times English or/and French. All teachers can speak at least one foreign language.
Cancellation Policy
1. Full refunds will be given up until the last day to register for the programme (1 month before the beginning of the course)
2. For late cancellations there will be no refund. However, the student is entitled to re-register within one year’s time. In that case, the student pays the extra cost, if any
3. When students are given refunds the bank charges are payable by them. In case the course is cancelled by the Centre, a full refund will be given to the student at no extra charge
4. For face-to-face lessons, you need to cancel your lesson at least 12 hours before by emailing the secretariat AND the teacher. For late cancellations, there will be no refund.
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