We have returned home in Canada! Here is a final message from our program manager, Stephanie:

Hello everyone!

As all students are currently writing their exams, I am reflecting on the past month and can’t believe how fast the time has passed.  There is so much to say about this incredible group of students that it is hard to sum up in one blog post.  

It feels like just yesterday that we were all meeting as strangers for the first time at Pearson Airport embarking on an adventure that would transform us into a close-knit family. But we’ve come a long way since then. So much has happened in so little time.

To start, we visited the Acropolis of Athens.  In Syros, we enjoyed our seaside life at Dolphin Bay in Galissa.  In Santorini we captured breathtaking photos in the iconic, white-washed streets of Fira and Oia.  Finally, in Crete we got to explore the island’s capital Heraklion, and witness the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Every moment has been incredible!

Beyond site seeing and academics, this has been an incredible opportunity for growth and learning for all your children.   They’ve made new friends, experienced the thrill of independence by travelling without parents, and completed an entire high school credit along the way. To take on this journey at a young age, far from home, requires immense courage and resilience, and I see that in each one of our students. 

It’s been in an honor to lead this group over the past three weeks.  I loved being able to explore my favorite place in the world with everyone, and I hope your children are inspired to return to Greece one day and to discover new places in the near future!

I am inspired by all the students on this program. It’s seeing their enthusiasm, curiosity and making new friendships that make me continue coming back each year.  I know all our staff feel the same.  Speaking of our staff, what an amazing group of leaders.  Mr. Szczesniak has been teaching this course for over 15 years and is a seasoned veteran who takes pride in his teaching and makes certain that his students always feel supported.  Mr. Reddon and Ms. Straitton are the ultimate dream team English department, always brainstorming how they can make their classes engaging and effective. McKay, our Activities Coordinator, planned so many activities that kept our students active.  Her dedication and genuine care for all the students is unmatched.

As I conclude I wish all your children the very best in their future endeavors.  They are a fantastic group and I have no doubt that they will continue to do great things.

That’s all from me. I hope everyone enjoys the second half of their summer!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Zourntos

Program Manager

Today was the final day of our program. As much as we are sad to be going home soon, our students experienced an incredibly memorable and reflective final day on the program!

In the morning, the students dedicated some time to studying before heading to the final exam location. Their hard work and dedication all month long truly paid off, and the success of their final exams was evident. It was a proud moment for everyone, seeing the culmination of their efforts.

After the exams, the celebration began. We spent the evening reflecting on and celebrating the fantastic experiences we shared over the past month.

The final banquet was a highlight of the trip. We enjoyed a delicious dinner together, filled with laughter and reminiscing. A few heartfelt speeches were made, capturing the essence of our journey and the bonds we’ve formed. One of the evening’s highlights was the paper plate awards, where each student received a unique and fun award celebrating their individuality and contributions to the group.

We also watched a slideshow showcasing all the memories from the month, bringing smiles and a few tears as we looked back on the incredible moments we shared.

Afterwards, we danced the night away, creating one last joyful memory to carry with us. It was a perfect end to an unforgettable experience, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and a heart full of cherished memories.

We have arrived back in Athens!

Yesterday, the students spent the day in Haraklion exploring the town, working on their culminating assignments, and relaxing before heading to the ferry later in the evening. It was a perfect mix of leisure and productivity, giving everyone a chance to unwind and prepare for the journey ahead.

Once we arrived on the ferry, we checked into our rooms and had a lovely dinner in the dining room, overlooking the water as we started to cruise along the stunning coastline. 

The students spent some time hanging out on the ferry, enjoying each other’s company and the unique experience of travelling by sea. As the night progressed, they headed to their rooms for a good night’s rest.

Early the next morning, we woke up and disembarked the boat, eager to start the next leg of our adventure. We headed back to the London Hotel in Galissas Bay, a beautiful coastal hotel that offers the perfect setting for our final days in Greece.

Over the next few days, we will be preparing for and writing the final exam, and celebrating the end of a wonderful program. This time will be a mix of hard work and joyful reflection, as we look back on all the incredible experiences we’ve shared and look forward to the future.

Today, we spent an incredible day at News Beach Café, and it was absolutely beautiful. The beach, surrounded by rolling hills and situated near the airport, offered a unique backdrop as we watched planes fly over us throughout the day.

We immersed ourselves in various beach activities, starting with a lively game of volleyball. The sound of waves crashing, the clear sky, and the warm sun made for the perfect beach day. For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the café, soaking in the stunning views of the beach right next to us.

In the afternoon, we took to the water and conquered the waves together, trying our hand at body surfing. The thrill of riding the waves was exhilarating, and everyone had a fantastic time splashing and laughing in the sea.

After a full day at the beach, we returned to our hotel for dinner and then enjoyed some free time exploring Heraklion. The combination of relaxation, adventure, and camaraderie made for another unforgettable day on the island of Crete.

Tomorrow, we are heading to our overnight ferry, ready to embark on our journey back to Athens. We’re looking forward to the final leg of our adventure and the exciting experiences that await us in the capital city.

 

Today, as part of our cooking excursion, we embarked on a scenic two-hour drive to the charming village of Nippos, a beautiful mountain town nestled in the heart of Crete. Along the way, we were treated to breathtaking views of Crete’s majestic mountains and stunning beaches.

Upon arriving in the peaceful town of Nippos, we headed to the local taverna, where we were warmly welcomed by the owners who would be guiding us through our cooking class. The taverna, situated amidst the mountains, offered gorgeous views that provided a perfect backdrop for our culinary adventure.

We spent about five hours preparing and enjoying a variety of traditional Mediterranean dishes, including stuffed vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, cheese pie, and more. The experience was filled with cooking, conversing, laughing, and ultimately, savouring the delicious meals we had created.

After our delightful cooking session, we hit the road back to Heraklion, feeling satisfied and enriched by the wonderful day spent in Nippos. This memorable experience added a unique flavour to our time in Crete, and we can’t wait to continue our adventures!

After a busy weekend at the beach, exploring Santorini, and travelling to the island of Crete, our students and teachers settled back into class on Monday morning.

The students had a full day of classes in Heraklion today, packed with presentations, tests, and engaging discussions. Their hard work and dedication are truly paying off, and it’s impressive to see their progress. We’re now in the homestretch of classes this week before heading to Athens, where we will complete our final classes and exams.

In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious spread at the dinner buffet in our hotel. Afterwards, everyone had some free time to explore the vibrant city of Heraklion, discovering its lively atmosphere and charming streets.

Tomorrow, we are excited to head off to our cooking excursion in the village of Nippos. We can’t wait to learn some authentic Cretan recipes and share our culinary adventures with you!

Today was a very busy day in Santorini!

This morning, some students headed off to the Volcano and Hot Springs tour excursion. To start the day, we rode the cable car as a group down to the old port of Fira, where we boarded an old pirate ship to sail out to the hot springs. We spent some time jumping off the boat and swimming in the warm water. Afterwards, we trekked up the volcano. The views from the summit were absolutely breathtaking. We had such a great experience!

For those who were not on the excursion, they headed to The Lost Atlantis Experience here in Santorini. The museum offered a highly interactive experience, and the students had a fantastic time exploring the exhibits and learning about the myth of Atlantis.

Afterwards, the students met for class in the park near our hotel. Even on a busy day, the students are putting in great effort towards their classwork. It’s impressive to see their dedication and enthusiasm for learning, no matter the setting.

In the evening, we headed to dinner, followed by free time. Some students chose to watch Mama Mia at the beautiful Kamari outdoor cinema, adding a delightful end to their day. Others decided to explore the local shops and enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.

We had such a wonderful day! Santorini continues to amaze us with its beauty and charm. We’re excited to see what tomorrow brings!