How to survive the holidays with your Greek in-laws

A 4-week live course for partners or relatives of Greeks who want to ace family gatherings over the holidays.

You know how every holiday you look forward to holding a conversation with your Greek family but in the end you end up only saying “καλά”, “ευχαριστώ” and “λίγη τυρόπιτα”?

And how sometimes during the holidays you start feeling stressed and even isolated at points? Do you often feel that your personality doesn’t show through your Greek because of language barriers?

Being in an intercultural marriage myself, and still a beginner in my husband’s native language, I’ve experienced this way too many times! And through my personal experiences and discussions with you over the years, I came up with solutions to help you improve your speaking  and communication skills and become a master of small talk in Greek!  

Become a master of small talk in Greek!

  • Learn how to ask engaging questions to better connect with your Greek family and friends

  • Learn tips and tricks to win your Greek in-laws’ hearts

  • Gain speaking confidence

  • Turn every awkward silence to a Greek κουβέντα (chat)

  • Turn your stressful holiday to a pleasant, relaxing holiday that doesn’t feel like a “chore”

This course will prepare you to ace the family gatherings!

“I look forward to our group discussions which have given me the opportunity to speak Greek with others at my level without worrying about making mistakes. In fact, it has inspired me to study more so I can explain my point of view to the other participants. The topics are always interesting, even if I’m not knowledgeable about a certain area, I still feel as though I can contribute to the discussion by asking questions of the other participants. It’s quite fun to meet and talk with like-minded people from all over the world who are interested in Greece and in learning Greek.”

—Anna Zarifi, UK

“Before working with Sofia, I felt very insecure in speaking, but with her, I learned to express myself correctly, thanks to the constant and challenging exercise. Sofia helped me overcome my difficulties by creating a pleasant and fruitful environment, with plenty of interesting and challenging materials. She addressed my struggles through carefully prepared lessons.”

—Francesca Mazza, ITALY

Course starts on November 28th 2023

  • Where?

    Virtual Classroom on Zoom

  • When?

    Tuesdays at 18:00 - 19:00 CET

  • How?

    The course is held in a mini-group of 4-5 students.

This course includes practical tips, communication tricks, new vocabulary, grammar and cultural insights.

Sneak peek into the course units:

  1. You’re left alone with a relative who can’t speak a word of English. What do you do?

  2. Adjectives! Or how to compliment every single member of your partner’s family. 

  3. When in doubt, default to these 4 discussion topics!

  4. The basic components of the family dinner & holiday traditions.

  5. How to agree and disagree with ease.

  6. What to ask before they get the chance to ask YOU something you don’t understand

  7. A list of questions for your Greek mother in law.

  • You are a partner or relative of a Greek or a descendant of Greek emigrants.

  • You have already completed an beginner’s level course.

  • You can simply describe your day-to-day life, your immediate environment, your future plans, and some past events.

  • You’re around A2-B1 level.

    Not sure about your level? Contact me!

This course is for you, if:

  • You’re a beginner or advanced learner.

  • You don’t have the time to complete the assigned homework.

This course is not for you, if:

Let’s get you ready for this holiday season! 

Submit your application here.

FAQs

  • You’ll need about 1-1.5 hours weekly to review the materials and complete the homework. This course is perfect for busy learners!

  • Granted that your classmates agree, you'll receive the lesson’s recording and any additional materials.

  • If after the first meeting, you realize that the course doesn’t meet your expectations, I’ll be happy to reimburse you.

  • Don't hesitate to contact me at sofia@thepolymniaproject.com. I'd be happy to discuss further any aspect of the course.