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 additionally participate in rehearsals and other production meetings related to the performance of Medea.
- 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 the midday students are free to relax, work on homework, and explore Selianitika.
- Weekly lectures in English on various aspects of Greek culture, optional reading groups, and other activities will be offered.
- The course will also include an out-of-town weekend trip to Epidaurus and Nafplio.
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.
GRAMMAR
- 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.
- 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.
GREEK PREPARATION
You will get more out of Living Greek in Greece if you arrive with a good foundation in Greek grammar and a broad, active vocabulary. Below are some great resources for gaining the skills you need to enjoy the literature we will be reading.
- 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.
- In preparation for reading Medea, you may find helpful the digital flashcard set prepared by Geoffery Steadman (here), which includes all words that appear 8 or more times in the text.
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 – Valuable for its English- Greek section.
- S.C. Woodhouse’s English-Greek Dictionary – The largest, most extensive English-Greek Dictionary. Available for free online through University of Chicago here. A downloadable PDF is also available here.
EDITIONS
You will be provided a paper copy of the abridged performance script on site. For reading Euripides’ Medea in seminar, please bring a paper copy of one (or both) of the following editions:
- Geoffery Steadman (2015), Euripides’ Medea: Greek Text with Facing Vocabulary and Commentary ($14.95 on Amazon). N.B. Having facing-page vocabulary in a paper edition allows you to enjoy reading at ease, whether on the beach or in a hammock. If you instead opt for Mastronarde (below), you can still obtain a PDF of Steadman for free, here.
- Donald Mastronarde (2002), Euripides: Medea ($34 new on Amazon, used and Kindle available). N.B. This Green and Yellow commentary provides fuller context for understanding and appreciating Euripides’ poetry. It also includes a thorough overview of Greek meter, which will be incorporated into our theatrical production.
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.
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! :)
If you're interested in reaching out to course participants before or during the program, please join our Living Greek in Greece 2023 Facebook group.
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 in Selianitika. To book a room shared with another participant, make arrangements using the Facebook group.
There is also housing available at the Hellenikon Idyllion itself in shared dorm facilities and private apartments scattered throughout the garden.
Dorm-Style Accommodation
The most economical solution for housing during Living Greek in Greece is to stay in shared, dorm-style apartments in the Idyllion Garden. All apartments have bathrooms and kitchens, or kitchen access and are shared between 3-6 participants, matched by age and gender. These accommodations are rustic: bungalows have limited access to wifi, cell phone service, and air conditioning, and are situated in a garden setting, which can be hot, and include ants and mosquitos. They are most suitable for students on a budget, and/or hardy travelers who don’t require luxury accommodations. The cost for dorm-style housing is $600 and is payable directly to the Institute together with the balance payment.
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 Euros for the duration of the stay. If you are interested in booking one of these apartments, please indicate this on your enrollment form, and we will help you make arrangements.
Weekend Trip
On the weekend of August 5-6th, the program will travel to Nafplio and 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 double or triple hotel rooms.
If you have any specific housing needs, 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 Monday, July 31st. The final day of academic programming is Friday, August 11th, and the free shuttle back to Athens from Selianitika will not leave until midday on the 12th. Students who plan to take this shuttle should schedule their departure on the 13th, and plan to spend a night in Athens.
Free Institute Shuttle
On July 31st and August 12th, the Institute will operate a free shuttle service to and from the Attalos Hotel in Athens, which is accessible by metro from the airport. Please note that only one shuttle is provided each way. The shuttle will depart at approximately 2pm Greek time. Participants may wish to book a room at the Attalos on the night before (July 30th) or after (August 12th) the program to take advantage of this shuttle.
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, 2023. 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.
PAYMENT, FORMS, AND POLICIES
POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Once paid, the $500 deposit is non-refundable. Participants who withdraw from the program after the balance deadline 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 prior to final trip payment, please visit this link. Please contact Travel Guard at 866-385-4839 with any questions.
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.
COVID-19 POLICY
Please familiarize yourself with Paideia’s COVID-19 Policy for Travel Programs. You will need to sign a waiver agreeing to comply with this policy during enrollment.
FORMS
ENROLLMENT FORM
Please enroll in Living Greek in Greece by clicking the button below. Please fill out the enrollment form by April 1st, 2023.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Please fill out the form below with your arrival and departure information by May 1st, 2023. A week before the trip begins, we will send you more information about our arrival day procedure
PAYMENT
PAYMENT DEADLINES
Deposit ($500) and enrollment form: April 1st, 2023
Remaining Balance ($2000, or $2600 if opting for dorm-style housing at the Idyllion): May 1st, 2023
PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD OR ACH TRANSFER
Please pay the deposit and balance below by the deadlines indicated above. Please note that payment by credit card includes a 3% convenience fee.