Χαῖρε, !
Congratulations! You have been accepted to participate in Living Greek in Greece. We are very much looking forward to helping you develop your knowledge of Attic Greek, and to spending some time getting to know you in the Garden of the Muses in Selianitika this summer.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
SYLLABUS AND CURRICULUM
Living Greek in Greece’s curriculum includes morning and afternoon class sessions, which combine reading and discussion with active language pedagogy. These sessions are conducted in Attic Greek. This year, students will read The Frogs by Aristophanes, and will have the option to be part of a theatrical production of the play in ancient Greek.
- Classes generally meet each weekday from 9:00 - 11:00am and 5:00 - 6:30pm. Free conversation sessions are sometimes offered in the evenings after 6:30pm.
- During midday students are free to relax, work on homework, and explore Selianitika.
- Additional offerings include lectures in English on various aspects of Greek culture, optional reading groups, and other immersive activities.
- The course will also include an out-of-town weekend trip to Epidaurus.
More precise information on curriculum and schedule will be communicated to participants closer to the start of the program.
BOOKS AND RESOURCES
In addition to the course packet provided onsite, we ask that all participants bring a good grammar and dictionary, as well as the selected editions of the course texts. Note that wifi is unreliable in Selianitika; it is best to download or make sure that all book resources are available offline.
EDITIONS
For reading The Frogs in seminar, we will provide the required texts and commentary in a packet. Optional: For access to the full text and commentary, we recommend the following edition:
- Dover, K. (1997), Aristophanes Frogs, Student Edition. Oxford. Available on Amazon for $60. [Note: Oxford Classical Commentaries are also available online through many university libraries – check your catalogue.]
The digital materials for the course can be viewed here.
GRAMMARS
- James Morwood’s Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek – Slender, paperback, and very accessible. Admittedly missing some topics, but extremely useful for quick reference and review of most topics.
- Herbert Weir Smythe’s Greek Grammar – The standard Greek grammar used in American universities today. It is thorough and exhaustive, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. A free, downloadable PDF is also available here.
DICTIONARIES
All participants should bring a good Ancient Greek dictionary, whether paper or digital. You are also encouraged to download (before arrival) Woodhouse’s English-Greek dictionary, listed below.
- Liddell and Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon – There are three versions of this standard Greek dictionary, the “little Liddell,” the “middle Liddell,” and the “big Liddell” (a.k.a the “Great Scott.”) The bigger the Liddell, the more examples of usage of a given word by the Greek authors provided. The full dictionary is now available for free via Logeion, which also exists as an app.
- James Morwood’s Pocket Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary – Also valuable for its English→Greek section.
- S.C. Woodhouse’s English-Greek Dictionary (out of print) – The largest, most extensive English→Greek Dictionary. A free downloadable PDF is available here. It is also accessible through an online portal here.
GREEK PREPARATION
You will get more out of Living Greek in Greece if you arrive with a solid foundation in Greek grammar and a broad, active vocabulary. Below are some recommended resources that will make your reading of literature more enjoyable.
- Participants who feel a need to review their grammar and forms should peruse the aforementioned Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek by James Morwood before the program starts. This is a concise and straightforward review of Greek grammar.
- A broad vocabulary is essential for enjoying Greek literature. The Core Greek Vocabulary List, available through Dickinson College, is an excellent resource for learning the words that most frequently occur in Greek literature. Challenge yourself to know as many of these words as possible English → Greek before the program starts. If you like flash cards, they are available as a Quizlet set here.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR TIME IN GREECE
CLOTHING: WHAT TO PACK
The atmosphere at the Hellenikon Idyllion is relaxed and informal, and Greece is hot in August. We recommend a good hat, plenty of sunscreen, and a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses. Sunscreen is very expensive in Greece; it’s best to bring enough from home.
Cool summer clothing is essential. The Idyllion is located on a calm, rocky beach; come prepared with a bathing suit, a beach towel,and sunglasses. Linens are provided, but please bring your own bath towel. Also be sure to bring a backpack or daypack, as there will be a weekend trip.
If you are interested in being part of the theatrical production in any capacity (on or off stage), please also bring one black outfit that you are comfortable moving in, keeping in mind that the theater will not be airconditioned.
STAYING IN TOUCH
Cell Phones: Since participants are together for the duration of the course, purchasing a Greek cell phone is usually unnecessary. Cell service, even with a Greek SIM card, can be unreliable in Selianitika.
Internet: The main building at the Hellenikon Idyllion has a Wi-Fi connection, but it can be unstable. Participants may also access wireless internet at several cafés along the beach. Generally, Wi-Fi in Selianitika is unreliable and slow; plan on disconnecting a bit! :)
In case of emergency, a Paideia staff member can be reached 24 hours a day at +39 351 399 1291. For anything else, please email [email protected], and we will respond within 24 hours. The cell phone numbers of Paideia staff in Greece will be made available to participants closer to the start of the trip, which you can call for day-to-day concerns.
We invite all admitted students to log in to their Paideia Institute accounts to access the Living Greek in Greece 2026 enrolled students page, where students can view the student roster and access important forms and information.
If you're interested in reaching out to course participants before or during the program, please join the program’s WhatsApp group, linked here.
HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND INSURANCE
Medical care in Greece is first-rate and the Paideia Institute has a physician on call 24 hours a day for the duration of the course. All participants must have their own health insurance covering them internationally during the full duration of their time in Greece.
If you are taking medication, be sure to bring enough for your entire stay. There is a pharmacy in Selianitika, but not all drugs are readily accessible without a prescription, and it is better to bring one’s own supplies.
If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to participate, we strongly urge you to share that condition with us ahead of time. This way, in the event of a medical issue, we can more quickly and efficiently arrange for your care. All such information will be held in the strictest confidence.
CLASS SETTING
Living Greek in Greece takes place at the Hellenikon Idyllion, a cultural center located in a verdant garden about 5 meters from a rocky beach. Classes are held outdoors in the garden.
HOUSING
Students must arrange their own housing in Selianitika. For hotel accommodation, we recommend the Kanelli Beach Hotel and Hotel Plaz in Selianitika. If you wish to room with other participants, you can join the LGiG 2026 WhatsApp group to contact other admitted students before the start of the program by visiting this link.
There is also housing available at the Hellenikon Idyllion itself in private apartments scattered throughout the garden. If you are interested in sharing an apartment with another student at the Idyllion, we may be able to help arrange shared housing, pending roommate and apartment availability. To make this request, please email us at [email protected].
Private Apartments
There are also several private apartments available in the Idyllion garden. These apartments range in size from small studios to larger two bedroom apartments, and some can accommodate families. The cost of the accommodations ranges from $1000-$2000 for the duration of the stay. If you are interested in booking one of these apartments, please email us at [email protected], and we will help you make arrangements.
There are also a number of apartment options available in Selianitika, if you prefer to stay off site. Below are the accommodations that we recommend in Selianitika, and their approximate costs.
- Jimmy’s Apartments, located in Selianitika 251 00, Greece, 500 meters from the Hellenikon Idyllion. Approximate cost is $140 per night in July and $100 per night in August, and can accommodate up to four people per unit.
- Nikolatos Apartments, located in Longos 250 09, Greece, 180 meters from the Hellenikon Idyllion. Approximate cost is $90 per night, and can accommodate up to two people per unit.
- Meraki Villas, one villa located in Selianitika 251 00, Greece, 500 meters from the Hellenikon Idyllion (approximately 15 minute walk to Idyllion garden). Approximate cost is $90-105 per night, and can accommodate up to four people.
- Nymphes Villa Apartments, located in Selianitika 251 00, Greece, 450 meters from the Hellenikon Idyllion (approximately 15 minute walk to Idyllion garden), and 30-50 meters from the sea. Approximate cost is $90-$140 per night, and includes rooms and studio apartments for 1-2 people. To book, email Mirko at [email protected] or contact him directly via Whatsapp +30 699 671 1987.
Weekend Trip
On the weekend of July 31st - August 2nd, the program will travel to Epidaurus. Housing, food, and transportation for the weekend trip are included in the price of tuition. During the weekend trip, participants will be housed in shared twin or triple hotel rooms.
If you have any specific housing needs, let us know well in advance and we will do our best to take care of you. Please write to [email protected] with any requests.
FOOD
A welcome and farewell dinner are included in the price of tuition. Otherwise, participants are expected to shop and cook for themselves, or eat in local restaurants. All housing within the Idyllion has kitchen access, and there is a grocery store in town.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Participants in this program can either make their way to and from Selianitika independently, or they can make use of a free group shuttle arranged by the Institute (details below).
Living Greek in Greece begins with a welcome dinner the evening of Sunday, July 26th. The final day of academic programming is Friday, August 7th, and the free shuttle back to Athens from Selianitika will not leave until midday on the 8th. Students who plan to take this shuttle should schedule their flight departure on August 9th, and plan to spend a night in Athens.
Free Institute Shuttle
On July 26th and August 8th, the Institute will operate a free shuttle service between Athens and Selianitika. The meeting point in Athens for the shuttle is Plateia Agion Asomaton on Sunday, July 26th at 2:00pm, and is accessible by metro from the airport (a google maps link to the meeting point is here). Please note that only one shuttle is provided each way. The shuttle will depart at approximately 2pm Greek time from Plateia Agion Asomaton. Participants may wish to book a room at the Jason Inn on the night before (July 25th) or after (August 8th) the program to take advantage of this shuttle. The Jason Inn is located on Agion Asomaton Sq. and in close proximity to the shuttle meeting point for pickup and drop off.
By Bus and Taxi from Athens
To get to Selianitika from Athens International Airport, take a taxi or public transit to the Athens Central Kifissos Bus Station (~20 mins / ~40 Euros), then take a bus from Athens to Aigio (~2.5 hours / ~20 Euros) and then take a taxi from Aigio to Selianitka (~10mins / ~10 Euros).
IMPORTANT: Please do not book non-refundable travel before the deposit deadline of April 1st, 2026. We will confirm on April 2nd whether enough students have enrolled to run the program.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Citizens do not need to apply for a visa to participate in this program, though they will need a passport. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, you should begin the application process as soon as possible, as it can be a lengthy process. Students who are not U.S. citizens may need a visa. To determine your visa requirements, please refer to the nearest Greek Consulate's website.
POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Once paid, the $500 deposit is non-refundable. Participants who withdraw from the program after the balance deadline (May 1st) will be given a credit for the amount of the balance (but not the deposit). There is no refund for students who withdraw after the start of the program.
Travel insurance may help protect your investment in this program in the event that something prevents you from coming. A Student Travel Protection Plan is available for this program through Travel Guard. For coverage information and to purchase this insurance, please visit this link. Please contact Travel Guard at 866-385-4839 with any questions.
There are no refunds in the event that a traveler is unable to travel due to insufficient documentation, such as lack of passport, including lack of passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip, and lack of visa, or due to last minute health issues. For these issues, Paideia recommends travel insurance.
CODE OF CONDUCT
All program participants agree to abide by the Paideia Institute’s Code of Conduct. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including removal from activities or, in serious cases, early dismissal from the program.
PAYMENT
PAYMENT DEADLINES
Deposit ($500) and enrollment form: April 1st, 2026
Remaining Balance ($2000): May 1st, 2026
PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD OR ACH TRANSFER
Please pay the deposit and balance by the deadlines indicated above. Please note that payment by credit card includes a 3% convenience fee.