Program Reviews

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

It was a very good programme where the lessons where not only language lessons but they did also included very interesting insights to the Ancient and modern history of the Country. Also, we did several trips after the lessons with the group which included visits to archeological sites, museums and a small town close to Athens in front of the sea with very good taverns! I believe if you are interested not only on the language but to learn about Greece and their amazing culture it is a very nice programme!

Been to more than one of the places organised by the Alexandria Institute, I choosed Chios . The location, a beautiful old Italian Villa in the middle of an orangery, where we spend our study, outside under a pergola.
Mornings dedicated to lessons, afternoons discovering the island of Chios, museums and beaches.
Evenings to share a typical Greek table.
The teachers are the most competent and willing to encourage the variety of students from all over the world, keeping the interest on studying Greek language.
I would definitely wish anyone curious to learn Greek culture and more to join this dynamic Alexandria Institute.

Translated by Go Overseas:

It has been three and a half years since I discovered the courses with the Alexandria Institute, that I rejoice in them and remain faithful to them. The first year, other than ordering in a tavern, I didn't speak a word of Greek!
And so, I found myself in Chios with a little concern: Would I be up to it? How were the lessons going to go? Who would all these people be? And there, I lived and participated in a wonderful human experience: the teachers in Chios are super competent, adorable and attentive. Classes are held in a beautiful garden, the area in which we live (for those who wish) is a little paradise and the owners are lovers. We can therefore learn and progress in learning this magnificent language in a relaxed, but professional atmosphere. Enjoy your vacation quietly but also enjoy moments of sharing with other students from all over the world! : excursions, taverns, cinema in the garden, discussions in the evening over a drink… other opportunities to learn. And in these sad times of Covid, keep a link through Skype lessons, and a connection with the world through the bonds of friendships that are created between the students. As I often say to describe this so original and rich experience to my astonished friends or colleagues: I'm going for my Erasmus!

Original Review:

Voilà trois ans et demi que j’ai découvert les cours avec l’Institut Alexandria, que je m’en réjouis et y reste fidèle. La première année, à part commander dans une taverne, je ne parlais pas un mot de grec !
Et donc, je me suis retrouvée à Chios avec un peu d’inquiétude : Serais-je à la hauteur ? Comment allaient se passer les cours ? Qui seraient tous ces gens ? Et là, j’ai vécu et participé à une merveilleuse expérience humaine : les professeurs à Chios sont super compétents, adorables et attentifs. Les cours se tiennent dans un magnifique jardin, le domaine dans lequel nous habitons (pour ceux qui le souhaitent) est un petit paradis et les propriétaires sont des amours. On peut donc apprendre et progresser dans l’apprentissage de cette langue magnifique dans une ambiance détendue, mais professionnelle. Jouir de ses vacances tranquillement mais aussi profiter de moments de partage avec les autres étudiants venus du monde entier ! : excursions, tavernes, cinéma dans le jardin, discussions le soir autour d’un verre… d’autres occasions d’apprendre. Et par ces temps tristes de Covid, garder un lien grâce aux cours par Skype, et une connexion avec le monde par les liens d’amitiés qui se créent entre les élèves. Comme je dis souvent pour décrire cette expérience si originale et riche à mes amis ou collègues étonnés : Je pars faire mon Erasmus!

I went to the Paros summer course 3 times. Each and every time had been a great learning experience. Andreas, head of the Alexandria Institute, is there to help you with everything you need. The lessons are all made by teachers that have all a professional background and years of exertise which create a profound stimulating process whilst having fun... and being in Paros!
Oh Paros... is a big, but not too big island, extremely wonderful. Arkas Inn, the hotel where the courses take place is comfy, friendly and with a breathtaking view!

From the outset, we were made to feel very welcome in Chios, both in the school and the accommodation. Chios is a beautiful island and the setting of the school just perfect for a relaxed learning experience Andreas was our teacher and he accommodated our wish for less formal lessons, we had a lot of fun during our sessions and learnt so much about the culture, music and literature of Greece. His teaching was exemplary and we had a lot of fun along the way. The organised trips were interesting and we learnt about the island and the magical mastic trees.

I started my language studies at Alexandria Institute with online tutoring at an intermediate level. My professor incorporated conversation and grammar in each lesson as we covered a number of social and cultural topics. He always made it fun and personal. After a series of 10 lessons, I was able to take a 1-week course in Athens at the Institute. I booked my own lodging within walking distance of the institute and got to know the local neighborhoods as I walked to and from the Institute. Further, all of the wonder of Athens was accessible by metro!
My professor was able to schedule classes for me within my time frame and made it possible for me to take 2 weeks-worth of classes in the 1 week that I was able to be there.
A highlight for me, in addition to the lessons and personal interactions with another student and the other teachers, was to be hosted and treated to a fabulous meal at his parents' home!
I have continued my online lessons since and have worked with other professors when scheduling conflicts arose. They were also delightful. (The team is very flexible to work with scheduling, especially given the time differences they encounter with international students!)
During Covid shut-downs the team worked very hard to make conversation classes and culture/history lectures available online for their students to continue their learning. I was able to participate in only 1 of the conversation series, but, the teacher did a good job of eliciting participation from each student to encourage conversation on various topics. I was very interested, and so, was glad I was also able to join in for the lecture by a PhD professor on Homer and his connection to the island of Chios.
This is a great program. I am only disappointed that I have not been able to join any of their classes on the islands!