Language Courses in Greece

Advantages of language courses in Greece

• University costs. Annual language courses at a university cost 785 USD, which is very cheap compared to similar programs in other countries. For example, you will pay about 1,000 USD for only a semester in Israel.
• Program variety. Greek can be taught both at universities and private schools. There are long-term and short-term intensive programs, Business Greek, language exam preparation, and elective courses (such as literature, history, mythology, and ancient Greek).
• Accommodation. Popular Greek language schools provide dorm rooms or host family accommodation to their students. Nonetheless, if you decide against the offered housing options, you will not overpay much. An apartment in Greece can be rented for 324 USD per month.
• Relaxation. It is hard to get bored in Greece. Here, you will always find something to do: mountain biking or mountaineering in Crete, trekking in Andros, windsurfing in Rhodes, boat trips in Ithaca, yachting in the Ionian Islands, diving, rafting, and much more.

Disadvantages of language courses in Greece

• Language school costs. Private language centers include many additional activities in their program — which also drives up prices. On average, a standard course will cost you about 324 USD per week.
• Difficult language. Articles, cases, several types of verb conjugations, and special reading rules (5-6 different letters are used for some of the same sounds) — all of this complicates the study of Greek.
• Climate. The thermometer mark in July-August reaches +40°C… in the shade. Therefore, you should choose the right time to visit Greece if you are sensitive to high temperatures.

Cost of language courses in Greece

Types of language courses in Greece

In Greece, there are both general (Regular, Standard, Intensive, and Private) and unique courses with extracurricular options.

• Soft Skills Greek. These courses are suitable for those who primarily want to develop Greek communication skills. Reading, writing, and grammar are given less attention here.
• Mixed Greek Locations. Some schools cooperate with each other and allow students to spend a few months in one city, then continue learning the language in a new school and city.
• Preparation for Certificate of Attainment in Greek — preparation programs for the Greek language exam, which is required for admission to Greek universities. The program length depends on the school. At some schools, these are short three-week courses, while others offer semester-long programs.
• Greek Language Through Literature. In this course, students get to know famous Greek writers and analyze their works, thus developing their reading and speaking skills.
• Business Greek — professional Greek lessons for entrepreneurs and office workers.

University courses

Programs at Greek universities are general courses lasting from 3 weeks to a year, which are accessible to anyone. Generally, students who do not have a high enough level to begin their bachelor’s or master’s studies enroll in such programs. However, plain lovers of Greek are also welcome. Universities also offer intensive summer courses lasting 3-4 weeks.

Features of admission to Greek language schools

Enrollment in Greek language courses is the same as in other countries — a foreigner chooses a school and program, fills out an application, and pays the registration and tuition fees. Next, the school sends an invitation for a Greek visa.

Admission to university courses is similar. But when filling out an application, you must attach the following documents:

• Passport copy
• Entry visa^[1]
• Copies of previous education documents (with translations into English or Greek)
• Tuition and registration payment receipt

On the first day of school, students take a language test. Some centers and universities offer to pass it online before arriving in Greece. Students are divided into groups according to the results.

Taking Greek language courses

Hospitable Greece offers numerous opportunities to learn the language and immerse yourself in the ancient culture. Students can choose a convenient manner and place of study — at Greek university centers or private language schools.

The former offer long-term courses lasting from one semester to an academic year, along with short-term summer programs. Such courses are offered by the most popular Greek universities, such as Aristotle University of Thessaloniki or the Kapodistrian University of Athens. Programs include not only the study of the language, but also preparation for the Greek as a foreign language exam. The exam is conducted at the same universitiesAristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Kapodistrian University of Athens. Upon completion of the course, students receive ECTS credits.

At Greek language schools, there are many more options: from intensive courses lasting 1-2 weeks to Business and Ancient Greek. Such courses are suitable for students of all levels and available throughout the year. Classes usually start every Monday, while Beginner courses have a separate schedule.

A feature of Greek courses is small groups, in which the number of students rarely exceeds 7-8 people. This allows the teacher to pay undivided attention to each student.

Accommodation options in Greece

Additional expenses

Sometimes, you have to pay extra for study materials, though they are included in the course cost at most schools.

Cost of UniPage services

Visa for language courses in Greece

For courses that last less than 3 months, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. To do this, you need to fill out a questionnaire and submit it to the visa center or Greek embassy.

Required documents:

• Visa application form
• Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the trip)
• Photo
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Civil passport copy
• Medical insurance
• Enrollment confirmation
• Proof of financial solvency

To take a language course lasting more than 90 days, you need to apply for a national category D visa. Long-term visa applications are considered by the Greek Consulate from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Documents for a national visa:

• Visa application form
• Enrollment confirmation
• Consular fee payment
• Two photos
• Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the trip)
• Certified absence of a criminal record
• Housing reservation in Greece
• Medical certificate (proof that the applicant is not sick with diseases dangerous to others)
• Medical insurance
• Proof of financial solvency

If the student is under the age of 18, they must present a letter of consent from their parents or legal guardian.

Most popular language schools in Greece

The Lamda Project

The Lamda Project is a language school in Athens. The prices here are high — 356 USD for a week of Standard Intensive courses. However, after lessons, students attend workshops on Greek culture, go to festivals and attractions, learn traditional Greek dances, and try national dishes. All this is included in the program cost.

Standard Greek lessons can be supplemented with classes on mythology and Greek literature. If you are going to study at a Greek university, then the Lamda Project offers a preparation course for the language exam. The Mixed Greek Locations is for those who do not want to spend their entire trip in Athens. As part of the program, you get to study on the island of Tinos for several weeks.

The Lamda Project provides its students with three accommodation options: hostels, host families, or mini-apartments.

School of Modern Greek Language, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

The School of Greek at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers standard language courses. They last 3-5 months, but there are also annual programs.

This university is one of the centers that organize language exams. Therefore, if your goal is to enter a bachelor's or master's program in Greece, then here you can attain a B2 language level within a year and pass the test.

Best cities to learn Greek

Athens

• This is the oldest city in Europe. The first settlement on the territory of Athens appeared about 7000 years ago. Since then, the city has grown and reached its peak in the fifth century BC.
• An interesting legend is associated with the city. Poseidon and Athena fought for the right to be the patron of the city. The god of the seas gave the inhabitants a source of salt water, and the goddess of wisdom provided an olive tree. The Hellenes considered Athena’s gift to be better and named the city after her.
• The majestic Acropolis rises above Athens. In antiquityThe Acropolis was built in the fifth century BC, this site was the center of religious and political city life — the kings lived here and the denizens worshiped the Greek gods.
• Athens was never the capital of Ancient Greece. In fact, even a country with that name did not exist. From the 3rd-2nd millennium to the 2nd-1st century BC, the city-states of the Greek tribes grew and prospered in this territory. Ancient Athens was one of the most influential and powerful settlements, though it became the capital of Greece only in 1834.
• A visit to Athens is not limited to just walking through the ancient ruins. In the city center, a huge National Garden park is spread over 16 hectares, local restaurants serve traditional dishes — moussaka, saganaki, and souvlaki — and fresh vegetables and olives are sold in the central market.
• The Athens subway is a museum. During construction, ancient streets of the city were found here. For 6 years, archaeologists dug up houses, pavements, wells, cemeteries, sanctuaries, and other artifacts. As such, passengers can observe the findings at many subway stations.

  PeripheryAdministrative unit	Attica
  Attractions	Acropolis of Athens, Theater of Dionysus, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Hephaestus, Panathinaikos Stadium, Hadrian's Library, First Cemetery of Athens
  Monthly expenses (excluding rent)	775 USD

Thessaloniki

• Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It bears the name of a Macedonian princess, sister of Alexander the Great.
• Just 80 kilometers from the city is the famous home of the Greek gods — Olympus.
• Brothers Cyril and Methodius, the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet, were born in Thessaloniki. Based on the Glagolitic and Greek alphabet, their students came up with the Cyrillic alphabet, which is still used by most Slavic peoples.
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president and founder of the modern Turkish Republic, was born in Thessaloniki. Now, the house in which he grew up is a museum and consulate of Turkey.