These are some of the frequently asked questions associated with our learning Greek in Greece service which have cropped up over the years. If there is something here which is not already covered by this please let us know and will respond to you quickly.
How long do the Greek language courses run for?
We run Greek Language courses all year round, at two facilities. At the moment we have scheduled dates and slots which can be booked through our website. If there are any dates which you need to enquire about beyond the ones publicized on our website please get in touch with us. We usually respond to emails within 24-48 hours.
How do I go about registering for a Greek Language course?
You can register for courses at the Study in Greece section of our website. Courses vary in length from one week to an entire month. Once you find the course you want just click on the Register (Individual) button or the Register (Group) if you are registering a group and you can then create your details and register for the course.
Do I have to pay for my Greek language course in advance?
When you register for the Greek language course of your choice you will be given the option to pay the full amount or a deposit which is 10% of the entire sum. If you pay the entire amount confirmation of your booking will be sent to you via the system. If you pay a deposit, a reminder to pay the balance will be sent to you 21 days prior to the course closure date. Payments are processed for us by Amerland Enterprises.
What happens after I book my Greek language course?
Once your booking is made you will receive automatic confirmation of your course and date details from our system. Within two days you will also receive an email from one of our Greek language course managers who will give you further details of your course and enquire in advance about any specific needs you may have.
Can I book accommodation at the same time I book my Greek language course?
No. The system on our website is designed to book you in for Greek language course details. However, we work with some of the best hotels in Patras and are able to offer you discounted booking are four star hotels in Patras, Greece. When you are contacted by our Greek language manager you will be asked if you need any assistance booking accommodation, but you are welcome to express an interest when you book your language course in the comments section.
Do you offer any special travel deals?
At the moment we are able to offer special travel deals only upon request. If you need help with booking air travel to Greece please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
Do you offer airport pickups?
Yes. We can arrange for you to be met at the airport as an individual as well as a group and driven from Athens airport to your accommodation in Patras. Group rates (minimum five people) are 65 Euro per head. For individual pick up rates please contact us. We also arrange for you to be dropped-off at Athens airport travelling in your own mini-bus. Again, costs to travel from Patras to Athens airport are 65 Euro per head.
Do you offer group rates?
We do Our Greek language courses are amongst the most cost-effective Greek language courses in Greece, in the business. In addition we offer even lower rates for group bookings starting as low as five individuals. These are advertised at our Study in Greece page under the ‘Details’ tab for each available date.
How many hours of teaching do you offer per day?
You will have four hours of Greek language tuition per day with an experienced, bi-lingual Greek language teacher. Classes are all bi-lingual with Greek backed up fully with English explanations and a lot of emphasis is given on practice in a realistic setting.
Will we be using audio-visual aids?
Our Greek language classrooms make use of the latest technology, including multi-media tuition and interactive white boards (IWB) to help bring our Greek language lessons to life. A lot of the success we have and the fun element of the lessons comes from the fact that we are able to offer a fully immersive environment. You will often find yourself with your fellow students practising Greek in the morning which you then get the opportunity to use with Greeks that very same afternoon.
Are we solely class based?
The opportunity to study Greek in Greece comes with the chance to explore antiquities and experience the culture and its proud past, directly. Patras boasts a world class museum which opened in 2010 and it is surrounded by sites of antiquity including Corinth, Epidavros and Olympia, the home of the Olympic Games. There are organised excursions to all these places as adjuncts to your Greek language lessons. A trained tour guide will accompany you to each of these. Costs start from 80 Euro per head and, depending on the destination you will get the opportunity to spend some time exploring each site.
Will I have any time to myself?
The day is structured in such a way that you will have ample time to yourself to explore the city of Patras and strike further afield. Patras offers a thriving nightlife all year round, for those who want to while away the evening hours dancing while its many tavernas, restaurants and traditional eating places offer the opportunity for less active, leisurely pursuits.
Will I need a car?
There are cars you can rent in Patras but the city itself is best enjoyed via taxi. The distances involved are small and Taxis in Greece are inexpensive making it one of the easiest ways to get around. On top of that there is good public transport which can get you to the heart of the city in less than quarter of an hour from most destinations.
Do I need to already speak any Greek?
The classes are geared to help you gain a good knowledge of spoken Greek and to become proficient yourself at speaking Greek. Obviously, the more you know the more you will get out of it but having no knowledge of Greek at all is no barrier to having a fantastic time. As a matter of fact many of our current students who come to Greece to improve their Greek and experience Greek life, started out as complete beginners speaking no Greek whatsoever.
How many people will be in my class?
We limit class sizes to a maximum of 15 in order to ensure that everyone gets the most of the experience of learning Greek in one of the most scenic Greek cities.
Will everyone in my class be at the same level of Greek as I am?
In order to ensure you get the most out of your stay in Greece, learning Greek, we work hard to ensure that those attending class with you are well matched in terms of ability. Our Greek language tutors are excellent at maintaining class progress and ensuring that everyone learns according to their own ability.
Will I get a certificate?
Everyone attending our learn Greek in Greece language courses gets an attendance certificate.
Is there any classroom pressure?
The Greek language and culture classes we run are especially designed to be enjoyed as a cultural experience which allows you to understand Greek culture, both ancient and modern, and get to grips with the Greek language. The emphasis is in enriching your world and in providing an experience which is truly enjoyable. There is never any pressure within the classroom environment, or outside it and our expertly trained tutors work hard to make everything as easy as possible for you.
What are the cultural advantages of learning Greek in Greece?
Patras is a university town and our Language Centre has a good working relationship with the University. As a result we have direct access to expert linguists and historians which can bring the wonders of Greek language and culture to vivid life for you. From lecturers on antiquity to historians on Greek statues and the Greek arts, we arrange for you to experience it all.
What is the optimal length of stay to learn Greek?
There is no real answer to this. Many of our students use their holidays to spend one or two weeks, exploring ancient sites, visiting Greek antiquities, learning Greek and exploring the city of Patras and its many attractions. Some stay three weeks or more depending on the available time they have. We aim to help you make the most out of your stay irrespective of how long you stay.
Can I extend my stay in Greece, learning Greek after my booked time is up?
We try hard to help you no matter what. Subject to availability there may be opportunities for you to extend your stay beyond what you originally booked. In order to help you we need to know this as soon as possible so we can make all the necessary class and accommodation (if necessary) arrangements on your behalf.
Is there an age limit in your Greek language classes?
No. We try to match students in classes which best reflect their existing knowledge of Greek, their experience and their age group, but we have frequently got the best results from mixed-age classes where you get the opportunity to interact with people from many different walks of life.
What nationalities come to Greece to learn Greek?
We get people from all over the world but predominantly from Britain, Germany and the USA. The multinational mix of our classes is an added bonus. You get the opportunity to meet and interact with people from other parts of the world where the language of communication is English, and Greek, of course.
Do you have disability access in your language centre?
Each of our language centres is has wheelchair access and classrooms and corridors have been designed to allow mobility for wheelchair and mobile scooter users. In addition we will plan in advance any special requirements such as airport pick ups, suitable hotel accommodation and access to facilities on excursions to ancient sites.
Is there anything else I should know?
Did we mention the weather? With 340 sun-drenched days a year there is more than a good chance that you will enjoy great weather and soaring temperatures, even in winter. Patras is situated between the sea and the mountains and boasts great views of both as well as the ability to enjoy activities which range from sea sports to walks in the mountains, horse-riding and even skiing and snowboarding (in the mountains, in winter). On the coldest winter day city temperature rarely falls below 14 degrees centigrade. If you are unsure, however, about temperatures or clothes to pack during the dates you have booked with us, do not hesitate to contact us and we will gladly advise you.