Table of Contents
- Intensive Greek Courses – Online, In-Person & Hybrid
- Superintensive Greek Courses – Online, In-Person & Hybrid
- Seasonal Intensive Greek Programs – 4-Week Fast-Track Greek Courses (Spring · Autumn · Winter)
- How We Assess Greek Language Progress
- How to Make Progress Between Two Weekly Greek Classes
- What Happens in an Intensive Greek Class?
- How Learning Progresses During an 8-Month Intensive Greek Course
- 🚀 Start & End Dates (Intensive Greek Courses)
- Intensive Greek Courses – Frequently Asked Questions
Intensive Greek Courses – Online, In-Person & Hybrid
Structured 8-month Greek course with October and February starting options, designed for steady progress through two CEFR levels.
February Start: 1 February – 31 May, continuing 1 October – 31 January
B1–B2: €90/month · €720 total
C1–C2: €90/month · €720 total
The Intensive Greek Courses are designed for learners who aim to develop Greek language skills within a clearly structured and structured eight-month learning framework. The program addresses the needs of international students, professionals, and long-term residents who require consistent progress combined with linguistic accuracy and cultural awareness.
Courses are available in in-person, online, and hybrid formats, allowing learners to choose the mode that best fits their schedule and location. Face-to-face Greek courses take place in Thessaloniki, ensuring direct interaction, guided practice, and continuous engagement with the language in a real educational environment. All formats follow the same academic standards and learning objectives.
Why Learn Greek Today?
Greek is a key language for communication, integration, and professional activity in Greece. Learning Greek supports everyday interaction, access to local services, academic participation, and professional collaboration. For international learners, Greek language competence significantly enhances autonomy and social inclusion.
Beyond practical communication, Greek provides direct access to contemporary Greek culture, public life, and professional networks. As Greece continues to attract students, professionals, and digital nomads, Greek language skills remain a strong asset for long-term engagement and stability.
Key Information About the Courses
The Intensive Greek Courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are offered at all levels from A1 to C2. The intensive format includes increased weekly contact hours, structured progression, and continuous guided practice.
Learners with previous Greek knowledge may be assessed to help identify a suitable level; complete beginners can begin at A1 without a mandatory placement test. The program emphasizes communicative competence, grammatical accuracy, vocabulary development, and practical language use in real contexts.
Our Teaching Methodology
Our Intensive Greek lessons connect clear CEFR learning objectives with practical communication. New vocabulary and grammar are introduced in context, then revisited in guided dialogues, listening tasks, reading activities and short written responses. Teacher feedback helps learners recognise both what they can already communicate and what needs further practice.
We use experiential learning (βιωματική μάθηση): students work with realistic situations such as making arrangements, asking for information or describing experiences. Activities are adapted to the group's level and encourage participation without implying identical activities in every class.
Babylonia Language Lab – Free Supplementary Greek Practice
All students enrolled in Philoxenia Greek Language School have free access to the Babylonia Language Lab, a digital platform designed to support language learning beyond the classroom. Through interactive exercises and self-paced activities, students can practise Greek grammar, expand their vocabulary, strengthen reading and listening comprehension, and review previously studied material.
For students attending our 8-month Intensive Greek Courses, the platform provides valuable opportunities to consolidate new knowledge between weekly lessons. Regular independent practice helps reinforce classroom learning, build confidence and maintain steady progress throughout the academic programme.
Explore the Babylonia Language Lab.
Detailed Syllabus
Our eight-month syllabus develops listening, speaking, reading and writing alongside vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. At A1–A2, examples include introductions, daily routines, basic transactions and simple descriptions. At B1–B2, tasks can involve explaining experiences, comparing options, presenting reasons and responding to less predictable situations. At C1–C2, students work with more demanding texts, nuanced expression and appropriate register.
The precise texts and tasks depend on each group's CEFR level. Throughout the course, cultural context supports practical communication rather than functioning as a separate, guaranteed programme of outings.
Modes of Attendance: In-Person, Online or Hybrid
We offer in-person, live online and hybrid attendance in the groups where these options are available. All follow the relevant Intensive curriculum; the actual format and timetable are confirmed with the group. In-person lessons take place in Thessaloniki, while live online participation allows students to attend from elsewhere.
Who the Courses Are Designed For
Our eight-month Intensive pathway is designed for adults who want a structured Greek-learning routine alongside work, university study or daily life. It welcomes complete beginners and more experienced learners, subject to a suitable available group. The aim is steady curriculum progression with opportunities to apply Greek in meaningful situations.
Learning Environment, City Interaction & Experiential Practice
The intensive Greek courses are designed as an integrated learning experience that combines structured instruction with continuous interaction. Face-to-face courses take place in Thessaloniki, allowing learning to remain closely connected to the city’s social and cultural environment. Classroom sessions are supported by guided activities that encourage immediate use of Greek in meaningful contexts, reinforcing language acquisition through experiential learning (βιωματική μάθηση).
Teaching focuses on interactivity and active engagement. Learners participate in communicative tasks, collaborative exercises, and real-life simulations that reflect how Greek is used in everyday situations. This interactive approach strengthens listening comprehension, spontaneous speaking, and adaptive language use, enabling learners to respond naturally and confidently in diverse communicative settings.
The city and its cultural rhythms form an integral part of the learning process. Through in-person Greek courses in Thessaloniki, learners become familiar with language as it functions across social interactions, public spaces, and cultural contexts. Exposure to different registers, expressions, and communication styles supports deeper understanding and long-term retention, helping learners develop a practical and culturally aware command of Greek rather than isolated theoretical knowledge.
Intensive Greek Courses in Thessaloniki
Our in-person Intensive groups learn Greek in Thessaloniki, where routine interactions provide opportunities to put classroom language into use. Students may practise the language they are studying in settings such as shops, cafés and public services. These everyday opportunities complement our structured lessons; they are not a promise of scheduled city excursions in every long-term group.
Learners engage with the Greek language on a daily basis, accelerating comprehension, production, and confidence in real-life communication. The curriculum is aligned with the CEFR Greek levels A1–C2, ensuring transparent progression and internationally recognizable standards.
What Defines an Intensive Greek Language Program
Our Intensive programme is a sustained eight-month pathway with two teaching days per week. It is distinct from the shorter, higher-weekly-load Superintensive programme: the Intensive format gives learners more calendar time to revisit what they study between lessons while following a structured CEFR curriculum.
Classroom practice is strengthened through independent revision and meaningful use of Greek outside class. This supports continuity without promising a fixed rate of progress.
Who the Intensive Greek Courses Are For
Our Intensive groups welcome adult learners with different reasons to study Greek: relocation, work, university study, everyday communication, family connections or long-term life in Greece. The same weekly format can suit people who need a sustainable routine alongside other commitments.
Complete A1 beginners do not need an automatic placement test. Learners with previous study may take our Greek placement test to help identify a suitable group.
Learning Outcomes & Progress
Progress is best described through what learners can actually understand and communicate, not through course attendance alone. CEFR-aligned tasks can show whether a learner can follow information, ask questions, express an opinion, read level-appropriate material and produce a coherent response. Listening, speaking, reading and writing may develop at different rates.
The complete eight-month curriculum covers two consecutive CEFR levels. This describes the syllabus, not a guaranteed proficiency level, examination result or identical rate of progress for every student. Feedback and consistent practice help learners identify areas requiring reinforcement.
Delivery Formats & Flexibility
Our available Intensive groups may be attended in person, live online or in hybrid mode. Group availability, the practical arrangement of hybrid participation and any change of attendance mode must be confirmed with us in advance. Live online attendance is part of the same Intensive course structure, not a separate independently scheduled programme.
Thessaloniki as a Learning Environment
In Thessaloniki, students can connect the expressions they encounter in lessons with everyday conversations, signs and public information. For example, a learner might practise reading a menu or asking for directions at A1, while an intermediate learner might explain a problem or compare alternatives. These are suggested independent applications, not compulsory organised outings.
The Intensive Greek Courses in Thessaloniki provide a structured, structured pathway to Greek language proficiency. Combining structured learning, CEFR alignment, flexible delivery, and strong local context, the program delivers reliable outcomes for learners who value efficiency, clarity, and academic rigor.
Available Levels (A1–C2) & Certifications
The Intensive Greek Courses are offered across all proficiency stages, from beginner to advanced, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This structure ensures clear progression, transparent learning objectives, and internationally recognized standards.
What You Will Learn – Overview of CEFR Levels (A1–C2)
A1 – Beginner
Learners develop the ability to understand and use basic Greek expressions related to everyday needs. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation, fundamental grammar structures, and essential vocabulary for simple communication.
A2 – Elementary
At this level, learners expand their ability to communicate in routine situations. They improve comprehension, sentence formation, and vocabulary usage related to daily life, work, and social interaction.
B1 – Intermediate
Learners gain greater independence in communication. The focus shifts to expressing opinions, describing experiences, and understanding the main points of clear spoken and written Greek in familiar contexts.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
This level strengthens fluency and accuracy. Learners are able to interact confidently with native speakers, understand complex texts, and use Greek effectively in professional or academic environments.
C1 – Advanced
Learners develop a high level of linguistic control and flexibility. They can understand demanding texts, express ideas fluently, and adapt their language to different registers and contexts.
C2 – Proficiency
At the highest level, learners achieve near-native competence. They can comprehend virtually everything they hear or read and express themselves precisely and naturally in all communicative situations.
With intensive formats, preparation for each CEFR level is designed to be completed within a clearly defined timeframe. Learners are informed in advance about examination schedules and certification options relevant to their level.
Did You Know?
- Greek is one of the oldest continuously used languages in Europe, with a documented history spanning thousands of years.
- Modern Greek vocabulary reflects influences from history, trade, and cultural exchange, making it rich and expressive.
- Everyday Greek communication relies heavily on context, tone, and social interaction.
- Thessaloniki is considered one of Greece’s most vibrant cultural and academic cities, offering constant exposure to authentic language use.
- Understanding cultural norms significantly improves communicative effectiveness in Greek.
Why Choose Our Language Center?
At Philoxenia Greek Language School, our Intensive pathway combines a clear two-cycle CEFR syllabus, live teacher-led instruction and communication-focused tasks. Learners can attend an available in-person, online or hybrid group, with the specific timetable and mode confirmed for that group.
Our in-person location in central Thessaloniki creates opportunities to use Greek outside class; enrolled students also have free access to Babylonia Language Lab for supplementary independent practice. Required textbooks are purchased separately.
Course Schedule
Our Intensive course meets on two days each week, with two academic teaching hours per session. The full eight-month cycle includes 128 teaching hours and is organised into two four-month study cycles. Confirmed class days and times depend on level and group formation; published intake periods do not guarantee that a particular group will operate.
Special Offers & Tuition Information
Our Intensive tuition rates depend on the CEFR track and are displayed in the Course Facts panel above. Full-payment and other promotional discounts, where applicable, are explained in the offers section below. See our payment methods for payment instructions.
Enrollment Process & Contact Information
If you are interested in joining Intensive Greek Courses in Thessaloniki, you can begin by submitting the registration form. A placement assessment may be recommended for learners with previous Greek study; it is not a mandatory first step for complete A1 beginners.
Registration can be completed:
- online through the enrollment form,
- in person at the language center in Thessaloniki, or
- by contacting the administration team directly.
After submitting an application, learners are contacted personally to receive detailed information regarding course availability, schedules, and enrollment options. The academic team is available to provide guidance and support throughout the registration process, helping each learner choose the most suitable program.
Teacher feedback and performance on level-appropriate activities can help learners identify whether they need more listening practice, additional grammar support or more opportunities to speak. Progress should be interpreted across skills rather than reduced to a single claim of automatic level completion.
Understanding Your Strengths and Areas for Improvement
CEFR descriptors describe things a learner can do with the language. For example, an A1 learner may be able to exchange simple personal information, while higher-level learners work toward longer explanations, argumentation and more nuanced interaction. Such examples illustrate progress; they do not imply a particular fixed testing procedure for every group.
CEFR Can-Do Descriptors and Practical Language Tasks
Greek-language progress can be considered through CEFR-aligned communicative abilities, such as understanding information, responding to questions and expressing ideas in familiar or increasingly complex contexts. A student's strengths may differ across skills.
How We Assess Greek Language Progress
All enrolled Philoxenia students have free access to Babylonia Language Lab for supplementary activities. It can support revision between sessions but does not replace live instruction or guarantee a particular level outcome.
Using Babylonia Language Lab Alongside Classroom Learning
Rather than memorising isolated words only, learners can use new expressions in short sentences, record their own responses and return to them over several days. Listening to level-appropriate Greek and attempting a brief real-life exchange can extend the lesson beyond the classroom.
Reviewing and Applying New Greek Vocabulary
Consistent practice between the two weekly class meetings helps connect new material with long-term language use. A practical routine can include reviewing lesson notes, retrieving vocabulary from memory, speaking aloud and revisiting material that was difficult.
How to Make Progress Between Two Weekly Greek Classes
Students develop receptive and productive skills together through listening and reading, spoken interaction and writing. Group activities can create space for exchanging information, asking for clarification and cooperating on a task, with teacher guidance appropriate to the level.
Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in Group Lessons
A lesson might introduce vocabulary for arranging an appointment, practise the relevant verb forms, and then use a dialogue or short role-play to apply them. Another task might involve reading a notice and asking follow-up questions. These are illustrative teaching tasks, not a fixed weekly activity list.
From Grammar and Vocabulary to Real Communication
Lessons combine explanations, guided practice and opportunities to use Greek meaningfully. The specific materials and activities depend on the group level and the lesson objectives.
What Happens in an Intensive Greek Class?
Covering a CEFR level's syllabus does not itself certify that a student has attained that level. Real progress depends on starting knowledge, participation, independent study and performance in level-appropriate tasks.
Curriculum Coverage and Individual Proficiency
In the second cycle, students extend the grammar, vocabulary and communicative tasks introduced earlier. The two-cycle curriculum is a structured learning pathway, not a promise that everyone will demonstrate the same CEFR attainment at the same time.
Building on Your Skills During the Second Cycle
Students work through the syllabus of their first CEFR level, with activities suited to their starting point. For beginners, that can mean understanding simple questions and producing short responses; higher-level groups focus on more demanding communication at the relevant stage.
The First Four-Month Learning Cycle
Our Intensive curriculum spans two four-month cycles that together cover two consecutive CEFR levels. The first cycle builds the foundation for the next, while revision and practice between classes help learners consolidate the language they have studied.
How Learning Progresses During an 8-Month Intensive Greek Course
Program Structure & Weekly Schedule
The Intensive Greek Courses follow a sustainable weekly rhythm designed to support steady and consistent progress alongside work or academic commitments. Classes take place two days per week, with two hours per session, resulting in four hours of instruction per week. This structure allows learners to develop language skills gradually while maintaining continuity and academic focus.
The full program spans eight months, corresponding to a total of 128 instructional hours, ensuring sufficient exposure for meaningful progress at each level. Tuition starts from €80 per month, making the program accessible while maintaining academic quality. Courses are available across all CEFR levels from A1 to C2, and learners with previous Greek study may take a placement test to support appropriate level matching; complete beginners do not need one automatically.
| Level | Sessions per Week | Duration (Months) | Total Hours | Levels / Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1–A2 | 4 academic hours (2 sessions) | 8 | 128 | A1 · A2 |
| B1–B2 | 4 academic hours (2 sessions) | 8 | 128 | B1 · B2 |
| C1–C2 | 4 academic hours (2 sessions) | 8 | 128 | C1 · C2 |
🔁 Upon completion of the first course cycle, students may seamlessly continue to subsequent course levels, ensuring continuity in their learning path and progressive language development.
Intensive Courses (2 sessions per week)
📅 Duration: 8 months
🕓 Frequency: 2 sessions per week × 2 academic hours
⏱ Total Instruction Time: 128 teaching hours
🏫 Attendance Mode: In-person or Online (Zoom – fully interactive)
🔗 Application Form: Submit your application here
💶 Tuition Fee: A1–A2 €80/month (€640 total); B1–B2 and C1–C2 €90/month (€720 total).
💳 Payment Options: View our Payment Methods for available payment options and instructions.
⚡ Intensive foreign language courses are designed for learners who aim to prepare more efficiently for examinations or achieve measurable progress within a shorter timeframe.
The increased course intensity ensures continuous exposure to the language, systematic practice, and accelerated development across all core language skills.
🚀 Start & End Dates (Intensive Greek Courses)
Start date: 1 October
End date: 31 May
This program runs across two 4-month cycles:
- Cycle 1 (1 October – 31 January): completion of one full language level
- Cycle 2 (1 February – 31 May): completion of one additional language level
By completing the full 8-month track, students typically progress through two CEFR levels in total.
🎁 OFFERS & DISCOUNTS | PHILOXENIA
Greek Language Courses at Philoxenia are accompanied by flexible tuition options and preferential discounts, designed to support effective academic planning and long-term commitment. Discounts are available for full upfront payment as well as for enrollment in more than one program. The pricing policy is fully transparent, with a clear correlation between cost and educational value and no hidden fees. Detailed information is provided by the academic administration after submission of the application.
Take advantage of our special offers and begin your Greek courses with added value:
💰 Prepayment Discount (25%)
Secure the most advantageous tuition rate with a 25% discount on the total course fee by paying in full upfront (covering all eight installments / the full eight-month cycle).
💰 Prepayment Discount (15%)
Benefit from a 15% discount on the total course fee with full upfront payment covering four installments (four-month cycle).
🌍 Multilingual Advantage (15%)
Learning never stops. Receive a 15% discount when enrolling in a third foreign language or in one of our specialized language programs.
👥 “Bring a Friend” Program (10%)
Share the Philoxenia learning experience. Earn a 10% discount for each friend you recommend who completes a new enrollment in our courses.
Discounts apply to a limited number of available places and may be combined with our flexible study formats (in-person, online, or distance learning).
💶 Enrollment is completed with the payment of the first installment.
See the available payment methods here.
Intensive Greek Courses · Student Questions
Intensive Greek Courses – Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers to questions about learning Greek, choosing a course, placement, participation and certification.
Is Greek difficult to learn for English speakers?
Greek uses a different alphabet and has grammatical features that may feel unfamiliar at first, including noun cases and verb forms. However, spelling and pronunciation follow learnable patterns, and communication can develop through regular listening and speaking practice. A structured course helps learners approach these elements in a practical sequence rather than trying to master everything at once.
How long does it take to learn Greek well enough for everyday conversations?
There is no single timetable: the answer depends on your starting level, consistency, opportunities to speak Greek, and the kinds of conversations you need. Simple everyday exchanges generally come before independent discussion of unfamiliar topics. A CEFR-based course gives you a pathway, while regular practice outside lessons helps turn classroom knowledge into usable communication.
Is an intensive Greek course better than a superintensive course?
Neither is universally better. An intensive course suits learners who want sustained progress alongside work or study, while a superintensive format concentrates more contact hours into a shorter period and demands a higher weekly commitment. Choose according to the time you can realistically devote to attendance, revision and speaking practice, not only the speed you hope to achieve.
Should I take group Greek lessons or private Greek lessons?
Group lessons offer interaction with classmates, shared speaking activities and a consistent learning sequence. Private lessons may be more suitable when you need a personalised timetable, targeted support or preparation for a specific professional task. Some learners combine group study with additional private lessons to address individual gaps; any private lessons are arranged and charged separately.
Do I need to know the Greek alphabet before joining an A1 course?
No prior mastery of the Greek alphabet is normally required for a complete beginner entering A1. Learning to recognise letters and common sounds beforehand can make the opening lessons more comfortable, but knowing a few words or phrases does not automatically mean that you should skip A1.
I studied Greek years ago. Should I restart at A1 or continue at a higher level?
That depends on what you can currently understand and use, rather than how long you studied in the past. If you have meaningful prior study, take the Greek placement test; the school can then review your results and recommend an appropriate group. Complete beginners do not need to take a placement test automatically.
Can I join an intensive Greek group after the course has already started?
Potentially, yes. Joining an existing group can be considered when a place remains available and your current Greek matches the material the group is studying. You are not charged for group lessons held before your entry. If you need to catch up first, separately paid private lessons may help you cover missed material before joining, subject to teacher availability.
What happens if my level does not match the group after the first lessons?
Tell the academic team as soon as the mismatch becomes apparent. The school can review your placement against the group’s current content and discuss a more suitable route, subject to available groups. A placement result is a guide to finding the right learning environment, not a guarantee that every student will experience exactly the same pace.
Can I learn Greek online as effectively as in a classroom?
Live online classes can support strong progress when students participate actively, complete follow-up practice and have a suitable environment for listening and speaking. In-person classes add opportunities for spontaneous interaction and everyday exposure in Greece. The best choice depends on your circumstances and the practice you can maintain consistently between lessons.
Can I switch between online and in-person attendance during the course?
The course has in-person, online and hybrid attendance options, but an individual switch must be checked against how the relevant group is organised. Contact the school before changing your attendance mode so that technical access and continuity can be confirmed; do not assume that every group can accommodate an immediate switch.
How much Greek should I practise between classes?
Brief, frequent practice is usually more useful than relying only on classroom contact. Review the current lesson, rehearse key phrases aloud, listen to short recordings and try using Greek in a real exchange. The teacher can suggest a realistic amount of additional work according to your level and other commitments.
What if I miss an intensive Greek lesson because of work or travel?
Let the school know as early as possible and ask how to follow the material covered in your group. Missed group sessions should not be assumed to be individually rescheduled. Where extra support is needed, separately arranged private lessons may be an option; availability and fees must be confirmed before booking.
Will an intensive Greek course prepare me for the Ellinomatheia examination?
CEFR-aligned language study develops the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills needed for official Greek certification, but examination readiness also depends on your starting level and preparation for the particular exam tasks. The placement assessment can help identify your starting point. The official Certificate of Attainment in Greek examination is administered by authorised bodies, not by Philoxenia.
Does finishing the course automatically give me an official Greek language certificate?
No. Philoxenia can issue a Certificate of Course Completion after successful completion of the course cycle, which is different from the official Certificate of Attainment in Greek. Official certification requires the relevant examination through an authorised examination body.
Can I use a Philoxenia enrolment document for a Greek student visa?
After completing registration and paying the full tuition for the selected course cycle, Philoxenia can issue a Certificate of Pre-Enrollment and an official payment receipt. Whether these documents are acceptable for a visa is decided by the relevant Greek embassy or consular authority; admission to the course does not guarantee visa approval.
Are textbooks included in the course tuition?
No. Textbooks are not included in the course tuition and must be purchased separately by students. Philoxenia provides information about the required textbook for the relevant course level.
Can I combine Greek lessons with full-time work or university studies?
Many learners can fit a sustained course around other commitments, but consistency is crucial. Before enrolling, compare your weekly work or university obligations with the group’s confirmed timetable and leave time for revision. Exact class days and times depend on group formation and must be confirmed by the school.
What should I do after finishing one intensive course cycle?
Your next step depends on your demonstrated proficiency and learning goal. You can discuss the next CEFR stage, a certification-focused pathway or targeted private lessons with the school. Continuing to use Greek through reading, listening and conversations between cycles helps maintain what you have learned.
What if my reading and writing skills are stronger than my speaking skills?
Different Greek skills can develop at different rates. If you read comfortably but hesitate when speaking, tell us about that difference so the group level can be considered alongside your communicative needs.
Level-appropriate interaction and targeted independent speaking practice can help you strengthen the skills that need more attention. A placement assessment may be useful when you have substantial previous Greek study.
Can I repeat a CEFR level if I need more practice before moving forward?
Repeating a level may be considered if further consolidation is needed, but it depends on whether a suitable group is available. Completing the syllabus does not guarantee that every learner is ready to advance at the same pace.
We can discuss your current abilities and the available course pathways before you decide on your next step.
