Living Greek in Greece

Living Greek in Greece

Hymn to Apollo

July 27, 2025 - August 9, 2025

Course Description

Living Greek in Greece is an intensive Ancient Greek language and literature experience set in the Peloponnese. Through a variety of curricular offerings ranging from grammar-review games to free-form seminars on advanced texts, participants learn to understand and appreciate ancient Greek with the fluency one expects of a living language. To the extent possible, the language of instruction in all class sessions is Attic Greek.

In addition to the daily language curriculum, the program includes optional lectures and workshops related to Greek literature, history and culture. The program also features a trip to important sites in Greece that are relevant to the year’s theme or text.

In 2025 the central reading for Living Greek in Greece will be The Homeric Hymn to Apollo, paired with a visit to the ancient sites of Delphi and Mount Helicon. 

Prerequisites

Participants should know the basics of Greek grammar. This usually means one year of college Ancient Greek. No experience speaking Greek is required, but experienced Greek speakers are also encouraged to apply. Paideia alumni and Nexus members are particularly encouraged to apply.

Participants must be 18 years or older. Students under the age of 18 and students who have not yet graduated from high school should consider Living Greek in Greece High School.

Classrooms

Classes at Living Greek in Greece are held at the Hellenikon Idyllion, a hotel and Hellenic cultural center located in the charming seaside village of Selianitika on the north coast of the Peloponnese. Classes take place outdoors in a lush garden, just a few meters from the beach.

Teachers

Photos

 

Tuition and Fees

The tuition for Living Greek in Greece is $2500. This includes instruction and transportation, two group meals, and housing during the weekend trip to Delphi. It does not include housing in Selianitika. The Institute will also operate a free shuttle to and from Athens on arrival and departure day. Participants should bring their own edition of the program’s main text.

Housing and Other Costs

Participants must arrange their own housing in Selianitika (housing during the weekend trip will be provided by the Institute). The Paideia Institute has negotiated discounted group rates with trusted housing providers in hotel and apartment style accommodations. Approximate rates for each type of lodging for the duration of the program are listed below. Contact information for housing providers and group discount codes will be provided upon acceptance. Upon enrollment, participants will also be able to contact each other to arrange shared housing if desired.

Estimated costs of housing at suggested hotels are below (subject to availability):

  • Off-site apartments shared with other participants in Selianitika: $550
  • Hotel room shared with another participant in Selianitika: $500
  • Single Hotel Room in Selianitika: $1000
  • Private Apartment at the Idyllion (limited availability): $1500

Airfare, transportation to and from the airport, daily expenses for meals, and spending money are not included in the cost of tuition. The cost of life in Greece can vary greatly depending on one’s tastes, but at the very least we recommend that participants budget €20/day for food. Please consider the exchange rate when planning your budget.

Scholarships

The Paideia Institute is able to offer a number of full and partial scholarships to participants with demonstrated financial need. Please visit our scholarships page to learn more. Scholarship applications must be received by March 1, 2025.

Request an Application

Please submit your completed application by March 1, 2025. Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a rolling basis while space is available.

Request an application

 

What People Are Saying

“Living Greek in Greece is a great program and meets students where they are at. It is a win-win environment for all the students.  It is fun learning from the enthusiastic teachers and meeting fellow learners with other interests.  You will meet actors, singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, and polyglots.  It is a unique space with a unique history.  It is a bit like stepping back in time.” -John Faubion ‘24

"The Paideia Institute is unique not only in its approach to language instruction, but also by virtue of the startling expertise and talent harnessed by its staff. What a treat it was to spend two weeks with high-level classicists and fluent speakers of ancient Greek, all of whom were delighted to help me make the most of my learning experience. Looking back, I am almost perplexed by the fact that, more than the program’s rich curriculum and its near-fantastic setting, it is Paideia’s didactic talent that stands out in my mind. I feel particularly lucky to have been a part of a learning program focused on a dramatic performance. While living ancient Greek is enriching on its own, living a heightened version of life in ancient Greek made for an even more intense learning experience. Committing pages of Greek text to memory was one of those tasks that seemed utterly unimaginable at first – and, once completed, made me see myself in a new light. I am excited to, in the future, approach ancient tragedy with an appreciation that is both more informed and more personal than it was before." -Daphne Busek '22 and '23

"The immersive approach, expert faculty, beautiful setting and wonderful food combined to make this the perfect summer getaway for any avid hellenist." - David Greenwald '22 and '23

"My experience this summer with Paideia was incredible, educationally and interpersonally. My Greek improved by leaps and bounds, especially in small group sessions with my instructor. I am very grateful not only to have this spoken Greek experience, but to have it in Greece itself and with so many wonderful and knowledgeable people. " - Danny O. '22

"Living Greek in Greece provides a context for ancient Greek language learning that is not elsewhere replicated. While using spoken pedagogy in modern-day Greece, the world-class teachers nevertheless see the program as a means to unlocking the niche of classical history, poetry and philosophy. " - Will '22