One of the most meaningful ways to experience out of class activities in Athens is outside the classroom — around a shared table, with good food, relaxed conversation, and real human connection. These out of class activities help our students practice Greek naturally while discovering everyday life in Athens. For our evening students, we recently enjoyed exactly that: an exciting group dinner at Οξό Νου (Oxo Nou), a beloved Cretan mezedopoleio in Exarchia, well known and truly loved by locals.
Out of Class Activities in Athens: An International Group, United by Greek 🇬🇷🌍
This evening perfectly reflected the international character of Athens itself. Around the table were students from different parts of the world:
- Maria from Belgium
- Ben from London
- Melissa from Belgium
- Natasha from Australia
- Maria from Brazil
All of them are learning Greek for everyday life, work, and social integration. The group includes A1 and A2 level students — two groups that have grown together over time. One group has been learning Greek together since last March, the other since October, and by now they are not just classmates but friends.
This sense of familiarity and trust is something we actively encourage, because language learning thrives when people feel connected.
Cretan Cuisine Essentials: A Key Part of Out of Class Activities in Athens 🫒🍷
Choosing a Cretan restaurant was no coincidence. Cretan cuisine is at the heart of the Greek Mediterranean diet, known for its simplicity, quality ingredients, and deep connection to sharing.
At Oxo Nou, our students were introduced to classic mezedes, such as:
- Dakos with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and graviera cheese
- Slow-cooked meat dishes full of flavour
- Seasonal vegetables, legumes, and fresh herbs
- Good wine and raki — always meant to be shared
In Greece, food is never rushed. It’s about slow eating, tasting, talking, laughing, and discussing everything from daily life to culture, work, and personal stories. This is exactly what happened that evening.
Mezedopoleia in Athens: A Very Greek Out of Class Activity 🏺
Going out to a mezedopoleio is a very Greek habit and an essential part of life in Athens. You don’t order one dish per person; you order many dishes for the table. Everyone shares, everyone comments, everyone participates.
This creates the perfect environment for practicing Greek naturally:
- Ordering food in Greek
- Using everyday expressions
- Listening to different accents and levels
- Speaking without pressure
At our school, we love to teach the Greek way — not only grammar and vocabulary, but also how Greeks communicate: calmly, openly, and with time.
Learning Greek Beyond the Classroom Through Out of Class Activities 🗣️✨
During dinners like this, Greek becomes a common code. Even when students come from different countries and backgrounds, Greek is what connects them — the shared language they are building together in their new city.
Living in Athens as a foreigner is an intense and beautiful experience. Moments like these — sitting at a table, sharing food, stories, and laughter — make students feel part of the city and part of a community.
Why Out of Class Activities in Athens Matter ❤️
Out-of-class activities are an essential part of our teaching philosophy because they:
- Help students use Greek in real-life situations
- Build confidence and fluency naturally
- Create friendships and support networks
- Show what it really means to live in Athens
Learning Greek is not only about lessons — it’s about life. And sometimes, the best lesson starts with a shared table in a small restaurant in Exarchia.
Αυτός είναι ο ελληνικός τρόπος.