Aristonaftes Tourist Program

My short time in Xylokastro was spent with Labis Filis. He explained the history of the school as well as his experiences as a teacher. Labis also showed my friend and I each location.

The Linguistic Lab is a very personal oriented, flexible and hospitable school. I could choose between different options. My wishes were taken seriously and fulfilled in the most beautiful way. With honest effort, a lot of experience and commitment the school makes Greece and its high culture accessible to strangers.

I was the only student of a young, radiant and charming teacher. She was motivating, spreading good energy and enhanced me to make a big step forward in my knowledge. The targets were well organized and her explanations clear. Learning was fun, without too much effort. At the end of a lesson a practical exercise: e.g. buying necessary medicine in the pharmacy or specialties on the market, photo shooting …etc..

Because I have problems with air conditioning, our lessons could take place in the little garden in a wooden Pavilion. If we needed a knife to cut some fruit or if I had forgotten my water bottle – no problem, the school was always ready to help.

Xylokastro is a small seaside resort, with a stone beach, gentle waves and very clean water. From a picturesque harbor starts a long promenade along the shore until a forest and further … Bike paths and many restaurants, coffee houses, ice cream parlors, bars etc.

There are playgrounds for children, different sport facilities like biking (with possibility to rent), football, tennis, beach volleyball, etc.
You will find souvenirs, fashion jewelry, clothes, usual supermarkets, once a week a folk market – Greek fruit and vegetables are especially tasty!

Highlight were two excursions on my choice to a) Kalavryta and b) Nafplion, to which the director of the Linguistic Lab, Mr. Labis Filis, invited and drove in his private car! The English speaking girl of my host family could join us, Mr. Filis invited generously. Explanations, interesting comments and the provided background story led to a good exchange. At the second trip Mr. Filis’ two sons joined us. I liked their company very much.

Due to my experience in language learning, I wanted to live with a Greek family. Finding them was kind of a challenge for Mr. Filis. But finally solution was found. I was staying with a couple, who could not have been better: easy going, tolerant and warm hearted! They prepared wonderful Greek food. They had two lovely daughters, 6 and 12 years old, 3 big rescued dogs, and 3 cats, and were also willing to take an old lady like me as guest. Soon I was part of the family.

For years my happiest holiday!

  I spent with «The Linguistic Lab (LL)» memorable three weeks in October 2013. The school is very conveniently located in the center of Xylokastro and the sea nearby. Headmaster LABIS FILIS, a friendly and attentive person, supported me from the beginning and we became friends. He selected for me excellent teachers. They specially designed my individual tuition plan for adult to improve my English in the short time period. They helped me along the whole course, correcting all the errors, thus allowing me to acquire the level of my proficient speaking skills. I studied English in classes until lunch, and in my spare time the LL organized for me interesting excursions to various unforgettable places, to the mountains, ancient sites. LL also provides a cultural program. It was truly remarkable! I have learnt a lot from this course and also met some interesting people. I had a lot of fun! I would like to express my gratitude to the excellent tutors: mss. Aggeliki, Angela, Louise, they are qualified, experienced, patient and affable persons! I became more confident and fluent in speaking English.  My listening and speaking skills have definitely improved and I felt myself like in a big family!

I was taking a beginner course in the beautiful Greek language during 2 weeks in 2018!
Got a very nice and good female teacher and a very flexible schedule.
As it was very hot that summer it was a good thing to divide my schooldays so
I could be able to “think” and relax in the middle of the week!
The classroom was nice and with air conditioner. To be able to get some little to
eat and drink during the little brake was a good thing!
To have a goodbye-lunch was a very nice initiative to be invited to because
I couldn’t take part of the party the evening before my last day due to transportation problem!
I will certainly come back to this school when I wish to learn some more!
It will not be during summertime as it was too hot to think sometimes!!!