First Summer Language Intensive Program in Greece, May 8–24, 2025

“Not only educational, but unforgettable”—this is how students from Yale’s Modern Greek language classes described their recent trip to Greece. From May 8 to May 24, ten students traveled to Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, alongside Hellenic Studies Program Senior Lector Maria Kaliambou. There, they participated in an intensive language program while immersing themselves in the culture and daily life of the city.

As part of its mission to implement innovative strategies in language instruction, the Hellenic Studies Program launched this first summer intensive language program in collaboration with the School of Modern Greek Language at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This initiative builds on the Hellenic Studies Program’s earlier efforts to integrate language instruction with cultural immersion, including a 2010 educational trip to Greece, led by Kaliambou with support from MacMillan and a parent donor. The new summer program, offered free of charge to all participating students, was made possible through the generous support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Interested students who are enrolled in a Greek language course apply through the Hellenic Studies Program to participate.

Over the course of two weeks, students attended four hours of daily language instruction, which included work on mini- cultural projects. On the final day, students delivered presentations in Greek, reflecting on their experiences and demonstrating their language progress. As many students noted, learning Greek within its native environment provided a uniquely stimulating and transformative experience that deepened both their linguistic and cultural understanding.

The academic curriculum was enriched with two guest lectures by professors at Aristotle University on the topic of multilingualism. These lectures encouraged students to think critically about language in multicultural contexts, particularly in relation to their own experiences in the United States.

Complementing the language instruction was a rich and varied cultural program that covered history, archaeology, religion, social life, music, and the arts. Students explored the city and surrounding areas through guided tours of several museums—including the Folklore Museum and Archive of the Aristotle University, the Byzantine Culture Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki—gaining insight into the city’s deep multicultural heritage.

Program participants  also toured Thessaloniki’s old town, the bustling market area, and the elegant 19th-century mansions of the eastern district. A day trip to Vergina allowed students to visit the breathtaking Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai and the nearby town of Veria.

Yale students connected with peers from Aristotle University, sharing conversations and outings along the seaside promenade. They participated in cultural events such as the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, food festivals, and street celebrations—fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges and, of course, fun!

The program even made waves in the local media. Radio 104.9 FM Studio interviewed two students alongside Professor Kaliambou and Aristotle University’s Professor Despina Papadopoulou. Local TV channel TV100 also featured a segment in which all students gave interviews in Greek, explaining their motivations for learning the language and their impressions of Thessaloniki. Additionally, the program was spotlighted in a full-length article in the daily newspaper Kathimerini, where students shared their stories and reflections.

On the final day of the program, the group had the honor of meeting the mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, and engaging in a discussion about the city’s vision for the future.

Between grammar drills and lively conversations, museum visits and archaeological sites, seaside walks and sunset views, fresh coffee and delicious local meals—students experienced Greece in its full richness. The program offered a holistic, immersive learning experience that brought the Greek language and culture to life.

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