The capital of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge and is dominated by the flat-topped hill of the Acropolis, site of the 2400 year-old Parthenon, one of the most famous classical monuments in the world.
Athens today is a modern city, with more than four million people and is by far the largest city in Greece, and one of Europe's most important tourist destinations. It is romantic as well, with busy streets and squares, shop windows a riot of colors, as well as little alleys in quiet, peaceful neighborhoods such as Plaka and Mets.
The old quarter of the town, Plaka, which spreads around the Acropolis, is picturesque with its famed flea market, small tavernas, craft shops and narrow winding alleys. The excavations of the Library of Hadrian can be observed from Pandrossou Street. The center of modern Athens, most notably the chic area of Kolonaki, has many designer boutiques, smart restaurants and international class hotels.
Close by lie the Theater of Dionysus and the restored Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a superb theater in which open air performances of the International Athens Festival are held from June to September.
The ruins of the civic, political and commercial center of the Ancient Agora can be visited, as can the reconstructed Hellenistic Stoa of Attalos, which houses the Agora Museum. Most artifacts are displayed in the National Archaeological Museum on Patission Street.
The metropolitan area, including the port at Piraeus, is the indisputable industrial and economic powerhouse of the country and the return of the Olympic Games in 2004 is prompting a flurry of new development. Major projects include the recently opened Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, the extension of the Athens metro system, the building of new sports venues and the upgrading of hotel accommodation.
In addition, ancient sites within the city center are to be linked by a traffic-free 'archaeological promenade' intended to enhance the urban environment for locals and visitors alike. The city also has a thriving nightlife, with most bars and clubs staying open until at least 0300.
Athens memory never fades. Wherever you stand, wherever you turn, the city's long and rich history will be right apparent, a wonderful place to discover and learn the language.
It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.
Athens International Airport is located 27km northeast of Athens city center.
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OMousío Ethnikó Arkheologikó (National Archaeological Museum)
Mousío Akropolis (Acropolis museum)
Agorá (public square and marketplace)
The Acropolis
Daphni Monastery
Eleusis (archaeological site)
Pláka (fun neighborhood)
Roman Market
Greek food and night life.
Archaeological Sites Events
Athens Festival (summer festival of
world-class music, dance)
Excursions by hydrofoil to the surrounding
Saronic Gulf islands
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Our school, which was established in 1975, is located in the city center, in an area called "Mets". Housed in a neo-classical building near to the "Marble Stadium", the white washed school has many bright classrooms, garden courtyard and a terrace, where you will find students relaxing between classes.
The school has a full program of activities and a variety of international students. The school cooperates closely with the Greek Ministry of Culture, the cultural sections of various embassies, the European Union, and other organizations.
The school offers eight Greek language course levels from beginners through advanced levels. The syllabus has been created to teach the language to adults of all nationalities, using textbooks (Ellinika Tora) and other tools.
All instructors at the school are language specialists who use methods whereby the individual learns Greek comfortably at all levels. The methods used emphasize spoken Greek, and include language games and exercises combined with textbooks and other materials. Instructors are Greek nationals who speak English and several other languages.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) set course lengths of 3 and 4 weeks.
Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. Maximum class size of 12 students, average 8, many classes take place in the afternoon.For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.
Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.
Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested. For more information please see Course Outline.
Participants in the language programs are encouraged to develop an interest in many aspects of Greek life and culture. Extra materials are used in all classes, and include folk songs, literature and articles from newspapers and periodicals.
After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.
Some of the typical cultural opportunities could include a visit to the old soap Soap Factory is a unique place in Athens, a complex of charming old buildings from the 19th century, surrounded by 4 acres of beautiful gardens and declared a historic site by the Greek Ministry of Culture, guest lectures, exhibits and theatre performances.
At the weekend many students arrange to take our optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive ($20-$40) as they are normally full day or weekend excursions with transport, sometimes meals and entrance fees included. Any excursions are optional and students can use public transport if they wish our school staff are more than willing to assist you in travel or excursion options.
NOTES: Private lessons and additional options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes in length and you will be studying with international students from around the world. Lessons run from Monday - Friday, you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take a placement test and orientation meeting. During class only the local language will be spoken, the emphasis is to speak and think in the new language, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. The school is closed on all public holidays. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Tourist class hotel: (private room) with breakfast daily.
The tourist hotel is located about 15 minutes walking distance from the school and close to
all amenities. Upgraded hotels are available upon request.
Athens Accommodation - Furnished Studio Apartments:
Accommodation can be arranged in furnished studio apartments during your time of study at our school in Athens. All the apartments are equipped with kitchenettes and private bathrooms, and are located in a residential area, walking distance from our school. Included in the apartment rental are two sets of bed linen, electricity and water.
NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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"I would highly recommend the Athens school. My teacher was excellent, and the atmosphere was beautiful. My contacts at Language Learning Abroad were very helpful. The school was very good. The classes were small and my teacher was excellent. Remember that it takes time to acclimate oneself to another culture, but it is always a good learning experience. The Language Learning Abroad staff were very kind and always answered my questions. The pre departure information was quite helpful."
Moskoula Harisiadis (age 19)
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