The courses in Ikaria are held in the Ikarian Centre’s headquarters near the picturesque village of Arethousa, in a remote rural area on the slope of Mount Atheras, 3 Km (45 min on foot) away from the sea. The groups are very small (2 – 6 participants, until 12 participants in the summer courses), the lessons are keyed to the personal needs of each student, and they are intended for:

• Adult Greek language students of all levels (from absolute beginners to advanced)
• Students and young people who would like to start or improve their skills in the Greek language
• Interpreters and translators,
• Teachers of ancient or modern Greek.

The curriculum is divided into 7 levels, according to the instructions of the European language portfolio: absolute beginners, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. Each course lasts for 2 weeks and includes 30 hours of tutoring, 10hours of workshop and 10 hours of lectures, films, conversation classes, cooking lessons and other activities. 10 additional hours of private tutoring (1 additional hour per day) may be offered to those who wish a more intensive course. All activities focus on learning through entertainment, and on helping students practice their Greek and to better get to know Greece and the Greeks.

In Arethousa students will have the opportunity to taste traditional Greek hospitality and they will discover the real face of modern Greece, in a world unspoiled by tourism. In addition the students will have the opportunity to live close to their teachers and the people of the village, and to meet and speak with them in Greek even after the lessons. In this way, students have many opportunities to practice the language and learn more about Greece and its people.

In addition the students may have the opportunity to participate in conversation meetings (tandem meetings) with Greeks who learn the student’s language. These Greeks are hosted also in the Centre’s campus and live near to our students.

The environment of Arethousa is ideal for concentration and study. The Center’s facilities include a small library, fast Internet and wi-fi. Although the Centre’s location is remote, students have the opportunity to explore the island using a car which is provided by the Center. More information about the life in the Centre here

In short, the courses are ideal for the Greek language students looking for:

• A remote area in a beautiful natural environment, ideal for studying.
• Easy access, at the same time, to modern facilities like fast Internet (dsl), use of a car for exploring the island, use of a fully-equipped kitchen, and a library and reading room.
• A place for hiking, bird watching as well as swimming in the sea.
• Participation in various activities after the lessons.
• Daily communication with their teachers and other Greeks after the lessons. Most of the students and all the teachers stay at Centre, in rooms that are fully furnished, with bathrooms and kitchenettes. This allows for even more social contact and cultural exchange.