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Greek Carnival
Greece’s Carnival season, known as “Apokries,” is a period which traditionally begins ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter and culminates on the weekend before “Clean Monday,” (Ash Monday) the first day of Lent, which is on March 7 this year. This weekend (5-6 March for this year) carnival celebrations in Greece reach their climax, a feast of fun celebrated all over the country with masquerades and parties. “Tsiknopemti” (which is tomorrow this year) is part of the traditional celebrations of Apókries. The celebration, normally translated as “Smelly Thursday”, “Charred Thursday”, or “Smoky Thursday”, centers on the consumption of large amounts of grilled and roasted meats. The Greek name Apokries means abstention from meat, because after that, the period of Easter Lent begins. The characteristic of Carnival is disguising and wearing costumes and masks that offer anonymity and freedom of expression. This festival dates back to Dionysos, the ancient Greek god of wine, fun and fertility. Even today, in certain local carnivals, like that of Tyrnavos, fertility and the phallus are celebrated, and related songs are sung. One of the biggest carnival that is organized in Greece is that of Patras. Other popular carnivals are that of Xanthi, Rethymno, Naoussa and Kozani. We enjoy teaching Greek, while discovering together the culture of our country, learning its history and chatting with locals, as we come into contact with the Greek heritage, nature, art and entertainment. Καλές Αποκριές!
Preparations for the opening have begun!
During this undoubtedly strange school year, we shared stories, experiences, sorrows, disappointments, funny and happy moments, and we managed to do that, despite the fact that we had to do it through a laptop screen. From Melbourne of Australia to Reno of Nevada and from Canada to Japan and Philippines. From Belfast, Zurich, Munich, Leeds, Madrid, Edinburgh, Zestafoni of Georgia, Athens and Thessaloniki we met wonderful people and became even more attached to those we already knew. Thank you very much for your interest and all your messages, but also for your understanding and willingness to adapt to an online learning environment for those who prefer live teaching. Preparations for the opening of our school have begun and we can’t wait to see you all again, following, of course, all the necessary protection measures. We are waiting for you with our fresh ideas to discover together the secrets of our language and culture! Book your summer courses now!!
Registrations are open!
As September has arrived, we are getting ready for a new, creative year with many surprises, taking of course all the necessary measures for the protection and safety of all of us. We can’t wait to share with you all of our new ideas, as language teaching is for us something more than just memorising rules and words. We are inviting you to a tour in the language and culture of our country. We enjoy teaching Greek, walking the streets of our country, learning its history, cooking and chatting with locals, as we come into contact with the Greek nature, art and entertainment. We discover together the language that is hidden in our songs, movies, tales and recipes. We come, therefore, out of the limits of the standard class and we learn Greek while traveling, hiking or while making historic walks. We use innovative language teaching methods that turn our lessons into an enjoyable activity and knowledge into a game. We use modern educational strategies and adapt our courses to the needs and interests of each student. We are addressing students of the Greek language, Greeks living abroad, interested in learning or reinforcing the Greek language, lovers of alternative tourism, people who are curious to come into contact with new customs, scents and flavours, families wishing to spend creative holidays in Greece. Our registrations are always open! Meet our team and find the right course for you, in group or individually. Become part of our school!
We play, laugh and learn Greek!
We play, laugh and learn Greek in the most incredible and fun ways! We learn Greek through innovative language teaching methods while getting ready for our holidays in Greece. We use imaginative methods that turn our lessons into an enjoyable activity and knowledge into a game. We use modern educational strategies and adapt our courses to the needs and interests of each student. We practice in every day dialogs, facilitating the daily communication and making your life in Greece easier. We learn how to book a hotel, how to buy tickets and use the means of transport. We learn how to order in a restaurant, ask for help or go for shopping. We discuss about the weather conditions, chat with the locals and come into contact with different sides of the Greek culture. We discover new customs, scents and flavours, while we are preparing together the perfect schedule for your holidays in Greece.
We are back again!
After two and a half months of physical absence, our school is ready to open again for its teachers and students, while taking of course all the necessary measures for the protection and safety of all of us. Hopefully, we will also be able to start our rich cultural activities soon. Thank you very much for your interest and all your messages, but also for your understanding and willingness to adapt to an online learning environment. We know that this might not be very convenient to everyone. We are back to our classes to do what we know better than anything else, teaching Greek in the most imaginative and innovative ways. We can’t wait to share with you all we know about our history, art and culture. We are ready to explore with you the language that is hidden inside our recipes, songs, films and tales, discussing every part of our tradition, while also getting to know parts of your own culture. As we love to say, language teaching is for us something more than just memorising rules and words. It is a journey in place and time that we choose to do with you. We are waiting for you with our fresh ideas and a lot of appetite to discover together the secrets of our language and our country. We missed you so much!
Until we meet again, take care!
As probably most of you already know, our school remains closed, just like the majority of the companies in Greece, due to the emergency measures taken against the coronavirus. Our cultural activities have stopped as well, due to the same reason. Thank you very much for your interest and all your messages. We are fine and healthy and we continue the work we love doing, but only via Skype. We miss a lot of moments from our work! The joy of teaching, the interaction with all of you, the possibility to discover new worlds, our walks through the streets of our city, the guided tours, the cooking classes, our language games, the chance to discuss with you all the topics we love, the joy of finding common interests with people from the other side of the ocean. Perhaps the thing we miss the most is just a simple mutlilingual “tsipouraki” after a demanding day! Despite the difficult conditions, we do not lose interest in our work and the appetite to explore new things with all of you. We still use our innovative methods that turn our lessons into an enjoyable activity and knowledge into a game. We use our modern educational strategies to our online lessons as well, and we keep adapting our courses to the needs and interests of each student. We practice in every day dialogs facilitating the daily communication, we are learning how to use the new vocabulary and we come into contact with grammar and syntax issues with our specialized and certified teachers. We get to know the Greek culture, art and traditions. We discuss, as always, about the language that is hidden in our songs, movies, tales and recipes and we organize new interesting projects, suitable for distance learning. We can’t wait to share all this experience with you! Until we meet again, be safe and take care! We hope that we will be able to see each other soon! We are always at your disposal online!
Registrations are open!
As autumn has arrived, we are getting ready for a new, creative year with many surprises. We can’t wait to share with you all of our new ideas, as language teaching is for us something more than just memorising rules and words. We are inviting you to a tour in the language and culture of our country. We enjoy teaching Greek, walking the streets of our country, learning its history, cooking and chatting with locals, as we come into contact with the Greek nature, art and entertainment. We discover together the language that is hidden in our songs, movies, tales and recipes. We come, therefore, out of the limits of the standard class and we learn Greek while traveling, hiking or while making a historic walk. Registrations are open!
Participation in the 7th Multilingual Festival of Thessaloniki
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.
The Christmas boat!
One of the most traditional symbols you can find these days in Greece, is a small boat decorated with lights. This small boat is rooted in the traditions of a country with a symbiotic relationship with the sea. In fact on the many Greek islands the Christmas boats remain one of the most popular ornaments of the holiday season. There are a lot of different legends that try to explain the tradition of the Christmas boat. One of them is related to Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), the Patron Saint of Sailors. This saint is celebrated on December 6, the day when many households start decorating their houses for Christmas. So, the boats are decorated in order to honor the saint, as well. It’s also true that Greece had large amount of sailors, fishermen and captains which became symbols of local identity. On the islands, the wives, mothers, and daughters of seamen used to spend the winter months with their heart and mind at sea. These were months of expectation, hope, and prayer for their safe return. The joy of seeing the boats coming back, made the women celebrate in relief. So, the boat, according to another legend, is a symbol to honor those men coming back home.
Test your language proficiency for free!!
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.
Registrations September 2018 Special offers
As the autumn has arrived, we, at Peek at Greek, are getting ready for a new, creative year with many surprises. Register now and take advantage of our special offers! For registrations until the 30th of September, we offer Greek language and culture lessons at a price of 5 Euros per hour (in small groups).
We had a great time and we will do it again! Peek at Greek goes again to Elafotopos (Zagori) 22-28 of October 2018
We learn Greek while traveling. We “get to know” the autumn in Greece. We discover the culture of Epirus, the Zagorian traditions and the beauties of the villages of Zagori. We explore the language that is hidden inside the everyday life of the people of the Greek mοuntains, the songs, and the the Zagorian recipes. We communicate with the locals, we hike, we learn how to weave and get introduced to the art of felt. We come in contact with the nature and the Zagorian customs, we talk about mushrooms, learn to dance and enjoy the life in Epirus! We’re leaving on the 22nd of October, will you join us? For more information contact us! Registrations are open until the 25th of September! Our program includes: – 20h Greek language and culture lessons – Get to know the everyday life of the people of the guest house/ daily activities 1 hiking trip 1 cooking class 1 weaving seminar/ the ancient art of felt 1 rafting class Get to know how people in Epirus celebrate * At the same time: everyone of you can have access to all the other activities offered by the guesthouse that will host us. Accommodation: The view of the courtyard at Sturo and the plain of Pedini is the first picture that welcomes us to Rocka. From there everything will start: getting to know the life in the village and its people. “Rokka” is not just another guest house in Zagori. It is the home of the people who live there and who gladly open their door and welcome us to share with us their everyday life. For more details: http://rokkazagori.gr/ Price: 520 euro (in a twin room) 580 euro (in a single room) * The price includes the Greek courses, the accommodation (6 nights+ breakfast) and the cultural/ outdoor activities. ** The price does not include the transportation, the rafting class and the meals.
Peek at Greek goes to Lakonia! 24 – 30 of September 2018
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
Peek at Greek goes to Elafotopos (Zagori) 9-16 of August 2018
We learn Greek while traveling. We “get to know” the summer in Greece. We discover the culture of Epirus, the Zagorian traditions and the beauties of the villages of Zagori. We explore the language that is hidden inside the everyday life of the people of the Greek mοuntains, the songs, and the Zagorian recipes. We communicate with the locals, we hike, we learn how to weave and get introduced to the art of felt. We come in contact with the nature and the Zagorian customs, we talk about mushrooms, learn to dance and enjoy the life in Epirus! We’re leaving on the 9th of August, will you join us? For more information contact us! Registrations are open until the 25th of July! Our program includes: – 20h Greek language and culture lessons – Get to know the everyday life of the people of the guest house / daily activities – 1 hiking trip – 1 cooking class – 1 weaving seminar/ the ancient art of felt – 1 rafting class – Get to know how people in Epirus celebrate * At the same time: Everyone of you can have access to all the other activities offered by the guesthouse that will host us. Accommodation: The view of the courtyard at Sturo and the plain of Pedini is the first picture that welcomes us to Rocka. From there everything will start: getting to know the life in the village and its people. “Rokka” is not just another guest house in Zagori. It is the home of the people who live there and who gladly open their door and welcome us to share with us their everyday life. For more details: http://rokkazagori.gr/ Price: 515 euro (in a twin room) 585 euro (in a single room) * The price includes the Greek courses, the accommodation (7 nights + breakfast) and the cultural / outdoor activities. ** The price does not include the transportation and the meals.
A unique Summer School in Amorgos! 10 – 18 July 2018
Peek at Greek in cooperation with «FindinGreece» organizes a unique summer school! 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 20 of June! Our program includes: – 20h introductory Greek language and culture class – 1 traditional Greek dance class (1h 30m) – 1 cooking class – 1 hiking trip with a guide (4h) – 1 visit to the distillery of essential oils produced by local herbs – 1 visit to a honey production facility Accomondation: The studios “Elichryson” are located in the beautiful Ormos of Aigiali, inside the traditional community and only a few meters from the sea. The rooms are bright and fully equipped offering a unique view! For more details: http://www.elichryson.com/index.htm Price: 689 euro/person * The price includes the Greek courses, the accommodation (8 nights) and the cultural/ outdoor activities. ** The price does not include the ferry tickets, the meals and the transportation within the island
Easter customs and traditions
Easter is one of the most important celebrations in Greece. Easter customs come from traditions that are lost in the depths of the centuries and give a distinct color to the way that Greece celebrates. Are you interested in discovering together the greek customs via the greek language?
Greek language & culture lessons for Erasmus students
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!
Greek language and culture lessons in Elafotopos (Zagorochoria)
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!
Greek language and culture courses in Gera’s Olive Grove Estate (Lesvos)
Gera’s Olive Grove Estate hosts our Greek language & culture courses! Engulfed by well-manicured gardens and a lush olive tree landscape stretching out to the shoreline, the Gera’s Olive Grove Estate, a convenient yet secluded venue, provides the perfect backdrop to host a great variety of events. Our students will have the opportunity to visit the two museums of industrial olive oil production found in Papados (Branas Museum) and Agia Paraskevi villages and they will have the chance to cook and make traditional recipes using olives or olive oil as a basic ingredient. There is the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural events (music nights) and outdoor activities (diving courses, climbing and riding lessons, sailing in the area of the bay, yoga and pilates, relaxation in a traditional Turkish bath), too. 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!
Greek language and culture courses in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is an unforgettable experience! It is a special, multicultural destination, full of surprises in the heart of Central Greece, Macedonia. The second largest Greek city has a magical way to offer wonderful moments to those who visit it, making your trip a unique experience! We will learn Greek and we will get familiar with the multicultural history of the city. We will discuss with locals and we will come in contact with Greek art and entertainment. The periods of the courses are: 13-26 June, 4-17 July, 25 July – 7 August, 22 August – 4 September και 12-25 September. You have the ability to participate in one, two or four week courses. In case you are in Thessaloniki for a few days and you wish to have a first contact with Greek language, contact us and we will organize flexible individual or group lessons. Register by 30 April and enjoy 10% discount on the tuition fee of the course! 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!
Greek language and culture courses in Gouves (Lakonia)
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!
Greek language and culture lessons in Sarhos (Heraklion, Crete)
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!
Greek language and culture courses in Rovies (Evia)
We learn Greek in Northern Evia! We come in contact with the Greek language, while exploring the nature and the traditions of the area! Eleonas Guesthouse will accommodate us in Rovies, in an estate full of olive trees and spectacular view of the area. We will have the opportunity to taste local delicacies, to follow forest paths, to dive in blue waters, just 500 m. away from the Guesthouse! The place is ideal for bird watching and photography! We will dance Greek dances, we will sing Greek songs and of course … we will learn Greek! We will have the opportunity to test our ability in weaving, but also in manufacturing handmade paper. We will explore Eleonas, we will participate in agricultural activities and we will admire the moon and the stars with a telescope. 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!