Greek language – culture school in Thessaloniki

We play, laugh and learn Greek in the most incredible and funny ways! We learn Greek through innovative language teaching methods while we are getting ready for our holidays in Greece!

What do you know about the Byzantine Empire? Did you know that Thessaloniki was part of the Byzantine Empire for 1.100 years and became its second most important city?Can you imagine how many secrets are hidden in these 1.100 years?Who were the Byzantines?How was their life? What did their houses look like? What were their jobs?What did they eat? What were they wearing? We discover together all these aspects of the Byzantine Empire while learning how to utilize the necessary vocabulary and come into contact with grammar and syntax issues. Thanks a lot to our amazing colleagues Dot2dot !

Is there a better way to say goodbye 2019? We explored the gastronomic wealth of Greece through an interactive cooking class along with a distinguished chef. We discussed about the Greek Christmas customs, the traditions and the recipes from all over the world! We learned how to use the necessary vocabulary as we came into contact with grammar and syntax issues. We cooked a stuffed turkey and we had a delicious lunch all together! That’s our Greek language and culture school! That’s the way we learn Greek! Find us in Thessaloniki! Be part of our school!Thanks a lot to our lovely colleagues Ammon Express and Le Palace Art Hotel! Χρόνια πολλά και καλή χρονιά!

“Moussakas” is maybe one of the most famous Greek dishes and one of the most tasty mediterranean flavours. We cook together and we discover at the same time the language that is hidden in our recipes!

While having a walk to “Ano Poli” with Peek at Greek and Dot2dot you also have the opportunity to discover the history of the district, come in touch with the music of “Rebetiko” and the musician Vassillis Tsitsanis, meet the Balkan architec and enjoy an amazing view. And aaaaall these by learning Greek!

Walking with Dot2dot through the history of Thessaloniki, discussing all the secrets of our city is always a pleasure for students and teachers too! The Arch of Galerius, better known as the Kamara, is located at the junction of Egnatia and Gounari street further up Navarinou Square. The quadruple arch was part of the large building complex which included the Galerius Palace, the Hippodrome and the Rotunda. It was built at the end of the 3rd century or early 4th to honour the victories of the Emperor Galerius against the Persians in Asia Minor and Syria. We learn together the Greek history and the Greek language! Be part of our school!

Visiting Rotonda it’s not just another cultural activity. It’s a journey through the multicultural past. It’s always a chance to teach Greek. It’s a cool and enjoyable stop when you drift into the city during the summer, as well The Rotunda, built in the early 4th century, is an ancient impressive roman monument inscribed in the World Heritage List of Unesco. Maybe it was first constructed as a mausoleum for the Emperor Galerius, who had his seat at Thessaloniki at the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th. It was part of the impressive building complex which included the Galerius Palace (Navarinou Square), the Hippodrome, the Arch of Galerius (Kamara) and other buildings in Thessaloniki. In the end of the 4th century, the Emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395), was baptised as Christian in Thessaloniki and converted the mausoleum into a Christian church. During the Turkish occupation, it was turned into a mosque and the minaret, which stands in front of it, was built (1591). Τhe name Rotunda prevailed due to the cylindrical shape of the monument. We learn together the Greek history and the Greek language! Be part of our school!

We love to discover the gastronomic culture of Greece trying several tastes, smelling different herbs, learning new recipes! We learn the language that is hidden behind! We have a lot of fun! Thank you Ammon Express

For the seventh year, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, in cooperation with the Thessaloniki Lifelong Learning Center and the SLYMS (Socio-cultural Youth Learning in Mobility Societies) research program, organizes the Multilingual Festival. The 7th Multilingual Festival will take place from 13 to 20 May 2019 and involves around 100 organizations in more than 200 actions. Peek at Greek participates in the 7th Multilingual Festival by organizing the art exhibition ” Words, clicks and brushes: My Thessaloniki “, which will be in the City Hall foyer from 17th to 19th of May. The exhibition includes works (paintings, photographs, sketches) of pupils and students of our school during the school period 2018-2019. Through this action, Peek at Greek students are able to share their impressions from the city of Thessaloniki, their thoughts and experiences (in their short or extended stay). The captions, descriptions and titles of the works will be both in Greek and the native language of the participants.

We discovered the gastronomic wealth of Greece through an interactive cooking lesson along with a distinguished chef. One of the most interesting activities during a trip, is to discover and in extend be a part of the gastronomic culture of the place you are visiting. Thessaloniki stands out as a crossroad of tastes, a gastronomic metropolis. We enjoyed a totally authentic cooking and cultural experience by preparing along with the chef and his team greek handmade delicacies. We prepared traditional tzatziki as a team and we learned to prepare the well-knowned dolmadakia yalantzi with herbs by having active part during the cooking process only to taste our creations later on. Thank to our colleagues Ammon Express!

In Greece, red Easter eggs are traditionally dyed on Holy Thursday, but they can be done on any day leading up to Easter Sunday. They are the first food eaten after the strict fasting of Lent in some families, while others enjoy them after dinner when everyone is gathered around the table to play the red egg game. The red color symbolizes the blood and sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the egg symbolizes rebirth. The red egg game (“tsougrisma”) is a tradition of Greek Easter. Each player holds a red egg, and one taps the end of her or his egg lightly against the end of the other player’s egg. When one egg’s end is cracked, the person with the unbroken egg uses the same end of the egg to try to crack the other end of the opponent’s egg. While you cracking the eggs, one person says, “Christos Anesti” (Christ has risen!), while the other person says, “Alithos Anesti” (Indeed he has risen!). The player who successfully cracks both ends of their opponent’s egg is declared the winner and, it is said, will have good luck during the year. Here you can find a Red Easter Eggs recipe! Happy Easter and good luck! For the recipe click here

At “Peek at Greek” we believe that learning a language is a journey. We learn Greek while traveling. We travel while learning Greek. We “get to know” Greece in all its seasons. We “get to know” the Greek culture, the traditions and the beauties of our country. We get out of the typical classroom and we discover the language that is hidden in every corner of the country, inside the songs, the movies and the local recipes. We communicate with the locals, come in contact with the nature, discover the Greek products and the everyday life of the simple people. This year we organize 3 trips in cooperation with 3 amazing guest houses: 10-18 of July: Amorgos island  9-15 of September: Rovies- Evia (Guesthouse “Eleonas”) 23-29 of September: Elafotopos–Zagori (Zagoroxoria) (Guesthouse ”Rokka”) Contact us for any further information! * Each of the above journeys involves a limited number of participants.

8-15 June 2019 & 12-19 October 2019 Learn Greek in a farm! In cooperation with the guesthouse Eumelia we learn greek while traveling! Combined with agritourism, wine and gastronomy activities learning Greek becomes fun and easy. Each activity is matched with a module language class that examines it holistically, learning the history and cultural aspects. Farm to table cooking class, olive oil tasting, winetasting, Greek dances and feasts, combined with a live classless language course that dives deep into the Greek psyche. Join this unique experience, learning the language, the land, history, the people and of course its food. Language Holidays in Greece! For more information: https://www.eumelia.com/event/language-holidays-greece-jun-8-2019/ https://www.eumelia.com/event/learn-greek-vacation-oct-12-2019/

Peek at Greek in cooperation with «FindinGreece» organizes a unique summerscool! We learn Greek while traveling. We “get to know” the summer in Greece. We discover the Cycladic culture, the Amorgian traditions and the beauties of the island. We explore the language that is hidden between songs, movies and amorgian recipes. We communicate with locals, hike, swim in crystal clear waters, come in contact with the nature and the Cycladic art, talk about herbs, learn to dance and enjoy the island life! We’re “sailing” on the 10th of July, will you miss it? For more information contact us! Registrations are open until 1st of June! Our program includes: – 20h  introductory Greek language and culture class – 1 traditional Greek dance class – 1 cooking class – 1 hiking trip with a guide around Aigiali and the traditional villages nearby – 1 guided tour to Lagada with the aim of coming in contact with the local products Accommodation: Accommodation of 8 nights in local studios (2-bed rooms) in the beautiful Ormos of Aigiali, inside the traditional community and only a few meters from the sea. Price: 749 euro/person Registrations are open until 1 of June! * The price includes the Greek courses, the accommodation (8 nights) and the cultural/ outdoor activities. ** The price does not include the transportation, the meals and the transportation within the island. *** The program may be changed or modified due to the weather conditions or unforeseen last minute difficulties. **** Each educational unit is appropriately adapted to the outdoor cultural activities and includes useful vocabulary and grammar skills, listening, writing, speaking and reading exercises, word games and role playing games.

The Greek language is taught outside the classroom framework in an experiential manner. Combined with agritourism, wine and gastronomy activities learning Greek becomes fun and easy. Each activity is matched with a module language class that examines it holistically, learning the history and cultural aspects. Farm to table cooking class, olive oil tasting, wine tasting, Greek dances and feasts, combined with a live classless language course that dives deep into the Greek psyche. Join this unique experience, learning the language, the land, history, the people and of course its food. Eumelia organic agrotourism farm & guesthouse, June 8-15, 2019 and October 12-19, 2019 https://www.eumelia.com/event/language-holidays-greece-jun-8-2019/?fbclid=IwAR0H0xBtMqChW7Sn4xKFrNky0ufKigYG8CUmdN5XwSbhSu7XUj_pJfvcAOA

Our school took a delightful walk through the amazing district of “Exohes” in Thessaloniki, the first cosmopolitan suburb of the city. Walking, discussing and admiring, our way of learning greek! Thank you Dot2dot for another great tour! Get to know us better! Become part of our school!

Walking through the old traditional markets of Thessaloniki, the best chance to blend in with the locals and feel Thsessaloniki’s beat. Perhaps one of the most authentic experiences could get in Thessaloniki!

At “Peek at Greek” you can learn Greek the way you want it. You can adjust the lessons to your interests and your personal needs. You have the ability to create your own dialogues. You can select the activities, the guided tours and the special trips that you will combine your lessons with. Discover the Greek culture, come in contact with other cultures, socialize and have fun! Get to know us better! Become a part of our school!

At “Peek at Greek” you have the chance to test your language skills for free, so you can accurately find out your proficiency level! In this school we employ specialized proficiency test which accurately define proficiency levels and detect difficulties in specific language skills. Participation in proficiency testing is free. Thus, you can continue the Greek language learning process from the point you ceased it, while you avoid being taught phenomena that you are already familiar with. Don’t waste any time! Call us now to make an appointment! The proficiency testing can take place daily from Monday to Friday upon agreement and will last approximately one hour.  

Our Summer School in Zagori has just been completed and we are looking forward to the next one! We traveled in the beautiful village of Elafotopos, we were hosted in the wonderful “Rokka” and we got to know the summer in mountainous Greece. We got a small taste of the culture of Epirus, the Zagorian traditions and the rare beauties of the villages of Zagori. We discovered the language that is hidden inside the everyday life of the people of the Greek mountains, the songs, and the Zagorian recipes. We got in touch with the locals, we made new friends, heard unique stories, and came in contact with the nature and the Zagorian customs. We took 20 introductory hours of Greek language and culture lessons, tailored to the needs of the relevant outdoor activities and the interests of our students. We got to know the everyday life of the people that they hosted us, we helped them in their daily activities and gained unique experiences. We hiked on fantastic routes, we followed the process of butter production, we tried unforgettable tastes, we learned how to cook “alevropita” and we improved our cooking skills with some interesting cooking tips. We learned how to weave in loom and made our little souvenirs discovering the ancient art of felt. We went rafting and swam in Voidomatis’ waters. We learned to dance, to sing and we got to know how people in Epirus celebrate. Of course, we cannot thank the people of rokka enough (http://rokkazagori.gr/rokka-zagori/) for the time they spent with us, the excellent hospitality and the unique care. As we love to say “we learn Greek while traveling, we travel while learning Greek.” Discover more through our website! Become a part of our school!

Next station Lakonia! We learn Greek while traveling. We “get to know” the summer in Greece. We discover the culture of Southern Greece, and the rare beauties of Lakonia. We explore the language that is hidden inside the songs, the traditions and the local recipes. We communicate with the locals, we hike, we come in contact with the nature, we taste olive oil and wine, we talk about the herbs and the region’s organic products. We get familiar with process of harvest, read and relax. We are leaving on the 24th of  September, will you join us? For more information contact us! Registrations are open until the 30th of August! Our programm includes: – 20h Greek language and culture lessons – 1 olive oil tasting seminar – 1 wine tasting seminar – 1 cooking course (including one special meal) – 1 natural soap making seminar * At the same time: Every one of you has access to all the other activities offered by the guesthouse that will host us. Accommodation: The guest house “Eumelia” is located in the heart of the organic estate, amidst centuries-old olive trees, herb fields, gardens with vegetables and fruits. The farm is located about 2 km from the village of Gouves, in a traditional rural area, surrounded by the mountains of Taygetos and Parnonas, about 13 km from the beautiful Lakonikoc bay that forms a picturesque waterfront. The “Eumeleia” is a wonderful and peaceful place, a retreat with many interesting activities for visitors. The facilities are designed with environmentally friendly building materials, ecological technology, and great emphasis on recycling.   For more information: www.eumelia.com

Our school took a delightful walk around the traditional settlement of Upper Town.  The Upper Town will make you feel as if time stood still; you’ll immediately be stricken by its unique style, so different from that of the rest of Thessaloniki that will travel you back to the city’s Byzantine past. Thank you Dot2dot for the great tour!

Eating, drinking, walking and discussing. Our way of learning!

Are you participating in the Erasmus program in the city of Thessaloniki? Take advantage of learning Greek in Greece and enroll in our Greek language & culture courses! You will have the opportunity to assess and improve your language skills in the language you use to study, work or volunteer in Greece. We aim at beginners, intermediate or advanced learners and we offer personalized tuition specially designed for your learning pace. Private and group courses are available! Special discounts for Erasmus students! Learn Greek in Greece and make the most of your Erasmus experience!

Rokka Guesthouse hosts our Greek language and culture courses in Elafotopos (Zagorochoria, Epirus). We will get acquainted with the area, the nature, the everyday life of the locals and of course with Greek language! Our day will start with a traditional breakfast, made with fresh ingredients from the guest house’s garden and we will get ready for a day full of activities. We will have the opportunity to visit the stables of the guesthouse, to participate in agricultural activities and learn how cheese, butter and yogurt are made. Lena, the owner of the Guesthouse, opens the door of her lab and teaches us the secrets of weaving and felt. We will taste traditional delicacies and we will learn to knead, make pies and tasty jams. We will learn Greek through workshops that combine courses with outdoor or traditional activities and we will have the chance to discuss with locals and get a taste of the famous Greek hospitality. The area is ideal for nature activities (hiking, horseback riding, rafting), but also for relaxation overlooking the majestic valley of the plains.   Communicate with us to register and feel free to ask anything you need to know about our activities! We look forward to meeting you in a tour in Greek language and culture!

Eumelia Guesthouse hosts our Greek language and culture lessons in Gouves (Lakonia)! The idea behind the agrotourism, ecotourism farm and guesthouse is to create a sustainable farming area and accommodation in southern Greece with the use of homeodynamic & biodynamic agriculture. During your holiday language lessons, you can take beautiful walks around the organic farm and pick fruits directly from the fruit trees, hop on a mountain bike and visit the surrounding hills and farms, pick herbs and harvest and press grapes to make wine. During your rural holiday, you can participate in local cuisine cooking and wine tasting courses, natural soap making workshop, learn to bake and make marmalades. Communicate with us to register and feel free to ask anything Greek you need to know about our activities! We look forward to meeting you in a tour in Greek language and culture!

Viglatoras, a traditional Guesthouse in the green village of Sarhos (Heraklion, Crete) hosts our Greek language and culture lessons! We will learn Greek at the foothills of mountain Psiloritis. We will have the opportunity to pick fruit and vegetables of the farm, to get familiar with the traditional cuisine, as well as with the traditional weaving technique. Heraklion is ideal for history and culture lovers. It is also a unique choice for nature lovers. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its unique destinations!   Communicate with us to register and feel free to ask anything Greek you need to know about our activities! We look forward to meeting you in a tour in Greek language and culture!