Philhellenes getting to grips with Modern Greek
Modern Greek courses are readily available abroad, either at universities or in collaboration with the Greek Education Ministry. The participants do not fit any particular profile. They include people of Greek extraction who want to connect with Greece, others who are interested in a neighboring country, and still others for the connection with a loved one. Most, however, have chosen to take classes after their first visit to Greece. «I was captivated by the colors of Alonnisos,» said Georgia, 34, from Italy. «I like the Greeks’ openness and sociability,» commented Veronique, 40, from France. «I realized I could make friends in Greece,» said Gerhard, 48, from Austria. According to their tutors, they become more outgoing once they start speaking Greek.
