In the summer of 2024, Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) formed a partnership with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), offering Sac State students and Sacramento community members the opportunity to learn Greek taught by faculty in Athens, Greece.

With one year of the program officially in the books, students are expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to learn how to speak and write the modern Greek language. 

As an online course, the student population varied, with high school and college students learning alongside spouses of Greek speakers, children or grandchildren of Greek parents or grandparents, and people who wanted to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Greek language.

“I feel that I have made significant progress in improving my competence in the Greek language. I am much more aware of grammatical rules and what they mean. I present myself better orally. My reading and writing skills are dramatically better than they were before the class,” Katerina said about the program. “The class met all my expectations and more.”

Linda echoed Katerina’s remarks, adding that there were so many memorable moments during their classes that it’s difficult to name just one that stood out.

“The Greek Language course enriched my life and my language skills in so many ways,” Linda said while relaying a story about speaking Greek to a local shop owner. “People adore the fact that you are even attempting to speak Greek to them and so greatly appreciate when you are listening to them with obvious enjoyment when they are speaking to you.”

CCE’s Modern Greek Language program is offered in the fall and spring, consisting of two courses (GREK 6A and 6B). 

“The small size of the class and the teaching emphasis on everyday knowledge, such as family background and living experiences, meant that the students came to know and enjoy each other, as one student said, like a family,” Katerina said. “Class members were very supportive of other members. They appreciated each other’s skills and rejoiced in each other’s successes.”

NKUA Professor Dr. Anastassia Mangana said her experience with the first year showed that it was possible to learn Greek, engage with Greek culture, and get a taste of everyday life in Greece all through Zoom.

“This learning experience deepens their understanding of the structure of human language and leads to the realization of the innate linguistic knowledge they already possess,” Dr. Anastassia Mangana said. “More importantly, students become part of a vibrant and supportive community that promotes collaboration, mutual respect, and empathy. They cultivate valuable skills and intercultural awareness within an inclusive and supportive environment that ‘feels like home’.”

Learn more about the Modern Greek Language program at CCE here.