1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

I actually learnt 2 languages; one was the English one that is useful for pretty much everything in modern life. The other was the Italian language that became my biggest love and was the reason I chose to become an Italian teacher, so actually yes! It has been the biggest decision of my life so far.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

My summer lessons! I truly enjoyed working with Dona during summer in a small teaching group and it really helped me prepare for the Lower Certificate class I took during the next winter.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

I wasn't quite aware at the time but as an adult and now a teacher myself I think they were very helpful and creative. And from what I see on social media the activities now are so much more evolved and I would definitely want my (future) kids to learn a new language through experiencing that kind of lessons!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Of course! Especially if you are talking about music and movies. Things that we love to do are the best way to learn.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Never give up trying as long as it's about learning something new and especially a foreign language, because you never know if it will eventually change your life someday.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

I wouldn't change anything, actually I think this school is one of the best I've seen as a student and it led me to my dream in the end. So thank you!

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

After I graduated and I started working I realised the significance of the English language. Especially now because I work for a Chinese company and the only language that helps everybody communicate is English. So I believe you did an excellent job and used unique methods that helped everybody to succeed.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

The best memories during my studies at KARAKOUSI were the group work that we used to do. The best of all was London!!!!

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

As far as I am concerned, they helped me a lot to understand the topics better and more easily. Lots of times I used same methods when it comes to training my staff. Such as brainstorming, team-building activities, etc.!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

I think that those activities help a lot as you learn better and more when you actively participate.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

My advice is hard work and to love what you do in order to do it correct. Also you have to be 100% focused. You need to have goals in your lives and guts to make them come true.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

I think the duration of the courses. In Greece it takes approximately 8 years to reach a lower level certificate.

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

Knowing English is an extremely helpful - if not, mandatory - skill throughout our lives in the 21st Century. From communicating with clients, to travelling abroad, one should know the language. I was lucky enough to have this skill learned whilst having a good time and a few laughs with my classmates and my teachers at your English school.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

I remember when our teacher - Mrs Rania - knew exactly how to ''make'' us learn the language via communication with each other, which built up our team-working skills. Also, I remember feeling comfortable at your space, which allowed me to feel like myself and not have any stress.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

It was fun!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

I think so. They are an important part of learning while having fun and bonding with your classmates, creating new experiences and new friends.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

To have fun during learning - it’s the only way to feel comfortable with a new language and make it part of you.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

You provide a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable in. What I love in particular is the presence of the ''mother-figure'' and the availability that you show for your students. That you are there for them, especially the shy kids such as myself. I wouldn't want it any other way.

English has always been a pre-requisite for the jobs where I’ve worked. In the Tourism and Culture sector? I would never be so effective in talking and serving visitors from around the world, nor would I have had so many opportunities to socialize and make friends from America, Australia and Europe. In the Business sector? Either in productive, commercial or multinational logistics companies, the English language is the key to land a job in the offices I worked in. Fluency in English has always been a ‘must have’ requirement in order to deal with suppliers and clients, even with your supervisor or boss, who may be of different ethnicity. My Master’s degree was from an English University, so our academic work, articles and literature was in English.

I’m so grateful to this language school, for helping me become fluent and love English so much! It’s partly thanks to their methods and their genuine interest in our language skills development, that we now have different professional opportunities and plans for the future. In my path as an English teacher? My teachers from Karakousi Language School are an inspiration!!! Their passion for what they do is obvious, especially in extra-curricular activities! It’s what I remember always with a smile! We had so much fun, (although while struggling to speak), during some speaking activity, commenting or explaining some mystery movie scene (with Mel Gibson!) to our pair-classmate! We usually had to work on real life situations and topics we were actually interested in.

After so many years, they don’t stop surprising me and influencing me deeply, when working on my personal lesson planning. Antonia is the person I often turn to for advice! Dear Covid! You were just another challenge for these passionate teachers! They keep staying engaged and embracing new methods and tech-tools, making the learning-trip so exciting and effective!

 Yes, learning English cannot be always easy. But, with Antonia and her team, there will hardly be a single boring day!

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

The English language was a pre-requisite for my job, both during the interviews and while actually working. That includes written (being able to write formal emails, make reports) and spoken English. It was also quite useful during my studies where we had lots of projects and presentations.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

Some of my favourite memories are watching movies during the lessons with English subtitles and then answering questions or the songs where we had to fill in the gaps.

3. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Certainly, as they allow us to use English in real life and not only learn them in theory.

4. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Love English as that will make learning more enjoyable. And read lots of books in English. It helps in every single aspect!.

5. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

Nothing, I enjoyed everything during our time together.

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

It was very simple for me to communicate with other people and present my exercises in English, because of the unique type of speaking tasks that we were constantly using in class.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

Obviously the activities and the friendly atmosphere!

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

It was the best time during the lesson and the most interesting one, too.

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Definitely as they make the students experience different real-life situations and they learn to express themselves in this said language.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Just enjoy the experience in Karakousi Language School, so you can be 100% sure that you will definitely learn English.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

More interactive activities with students from other countries.

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

The job that was done in your private institute was excellent for me. It gave me lots of things to know and experience too. Keep up the good work :)

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

Our trip to London back in 2002.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

I always admired the fact that (far from your ages) there were extra multiple activities for us, as students, to do. Very productive and all of them embodying the philosophy of Karakousi's Language School: keep learning through different ways!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Of course. As a teacher personally, teaching Greek as a second/foreign language, I came to the conclusion that THESE are the ones that help, especially fresh students to feel eager to learn and study willingly while doing  all the homework stuff :)

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Nowadays with so many resources, you should be able to learn faster the English language and through different point of views!

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

Sorry that I don't have a suggestion as I was totally satisfied! Glad that I can see you now and then in my homeland. Thank you!!

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

Yes-and my studies as well considering that I studied (and now am working) in England.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

The interactive natures of the lessons; these mini games we used to play actually helped me a lot to remember stuff after the class plus it was actually really fun! Especially the games revolving around songs and lyrics.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

They were quite interesting - I fondly remember the topics in essays we had to do, that were actually stimulating enough to have me sit down and think in a creative way, which was a nice break from my other coursework I had in school!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

It really depends on the person, but I think group activities are definitely a must; this way, students can learn from one another and this is what sticks with you in the end. Also since they usually take place outside the school classes, you are a bit more informal and free and therefore more creative and creativity is definitely something that's missing from education nowadays.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Don't focus on learning stuff by heart for the sake of passing a module, instead try to learn for yourself.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

It was quite a while ago, but the fact that I have only good memories must surely mean something :)

Anything to add...?

I believe what I wrote above covers everything. What I'd like to add is that thanks to you I have learnt not only English but how I can practise without having to just revisit vocabulary books/dictionaries (eg Read lyrics from songs, watch movies/series without subtitles-even video games were a good practise!). While learning is important, I believe that equally if not more important is to discover the best way that works for you when learning something. It's not all about just learning a book by heart.

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

"Karakousi Language School", was the place where I had all of my English and German language lessons. Without any exaggeration, everything I learned proved to be absolutely essential for my future career, since both languages have helped me enormously throughout my Bachelor as well as Master's studies. What is more, classes at "Karakousi Language School" have definitely sparked my interest in the field of translation, thus providing me with the opportunity to become involved with such a demanding yet fascinating industry.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

My years at "Karakousi Language School" have a special place in my heart. Not only did the school provide me with all the necessary skills and knowledge, but I also remember feeling most welcome and appreciated every single time I crossed its threshold. Every year was different and challenging, which gave me the opportunity to evolve not only as a student but as a person too. For me it has been much more than an English school.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

Whenever I think of myself back then, I cannot help but feel blessed. I have experienced so many unforgettable moments at this school! From movies, songs, games and art projects to bowling nights, farm visits, ski trips, London trips and many more, every idea was perfectly organized and so full of fun and adventure!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

While what we call a "typical" language lesson is important, I can see now that all the extra-curricular activities and projects we did were an absolute must. They offered us the chance to use the language in real context and test our knowledge in a productive way, boosted our confidence and strengthened the bonds between us all the while creating beautiful memories.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

I had the chance to witness that the school has not only kept all the good qualities it had back when I was a student, but it has also improved its practices and facilities. The only advice I could give to its current and future students is to relish their time in it, because they are definitely going to miss it.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

Maybe I should have kept on with my German studies to stay longer! Apart from this my time at "Karakousi Language School" was a journey I will never forget and I will always cherish!

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

I am so happy that I learnt it with you! English is extremely necessary for my studies since for all my assignments I need to review bibliography written in English. I am sure it will be necessary for my career too, as I want to work abroad.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

My favourite memory during studying English is the trip to London which was a dream come true for me and something that most certainly I won't ever forget! Also, I loved all the fun interactive ways of learning our teacher used in class such as complete the lyrics to songs, have movie nights and play scavenger hunt around the village.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

They are so many to write down. In short, they were so much fun and they are the most joyful memories I have. I believe that the fact I had so much fun learning English through all these projects and games is the reason why I still love English so much.

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Talking from my personal experience, they are certainly a must because through these you truly learn a language and adopt the country's culture.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

I advise them to reap the benefits from all these projects the KARAKOUSI Language School has to offer and to take part in every extra-curricular activity they organize.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

I would prefer not to have classes at noon. I so wanted to have my siesta then. I can't think of anything else.

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

Oh, definitely! Since I live and work in London, one might say English is... quite essential. Phrasal verbs and random expressions which I had learned with Mrs. Rania and Mrs. Antonia always pop up in my mind in my everyday life. I have even been complimented by British colleagues for my vocabulary, so thanks for that guys! But it wasn't only a pre-requisite for the job I am working at now; my Master's degree had quite high standards in order for me to get accepted and be able to effectively communicate with colleagues from all around the world.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

Back then, we didn't exactly have the means of today. No tablets or smart phones, limited access to the internet. Our only sources were our books, a whiteboard and our imagination. One of my fondest memories was when we went to watch a movie with Mrs Rania at a local cinema and trying not to look at the subtitles; not as easy as it sounds, but really useful. Another one was with Mrs. Antonia when I was preparing for my ECPE Speaking exam. You see I am a quite shy person and she was trying her best to urge me speak up a bit more. So, when I was stuck and didn't know what to say, she would take the lead answering and describing and I could only stare at her and nod or just mumble something like: "I agree..." At the end she would add: "Am I saying it well, Niko?" That was it... It was like something triggered in me and from that day I felt much more comfortable voicing my thoughts. Funny, but it worked....

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

Hmm, apart from the movie described in question 2, personally I didn't get the chance to collaborate with my classmates on other projects/activities. It might have been the trends of how teaching was done back then, too much school homework or a combination. I mostly had private (or semi-private) tutoring after completing my FCE exam.

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Yes! It's going to be so much more fun! And having the time of your life will make it so much easier for what you learn to sink in and become yours. It may not have been an old technique, but it works..

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

A foreign language is not just another certificate you "have to collect". It's a whole new world unfolding in front of you to explore and connect with like-minded or opposite-minded people. It can even change your personality (and it will at some extend). Try to travel, see and feel how other people live and exchange experiences. Do not limit yourself within the small borders of the country you were born in. You are the future, the whole world is in your hands!.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

Antonia, I would have wanted to TRAVEL TO LONDON WITH YOU AND THE CLASS!

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

I enjoyed learning English at my old English school, the teachers were great and this experience overall definitely enabled me to work abroad as I do currently.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

I loved the fact that speaking English at class was mandatory, I realized after some time that I was thinking in English. When this was requested from our teacher, it seemed a bit overwhelming to us but after that year had ended, I noticed a great improvement on the way I thought in English language. I remember we used to do that during school with my classmates too and it was so much fun to try to find the correct word when you didn’t know it!.

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

I think the most valuable outcome of these projects was the bonding it created between us. That gives you the confidence to not be afraid to make mistakes and keep improving your skills. I also recall that was my first connection with computers too, we used to play games, tried to type fast in English and got the chance to chat with native speakers.

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

I believe it definitely makes it more interesting for the students. Students learn so many new subjects at the same time, so the teachers should make it interesting too and go off the beaten track.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

I would advise to not pass up opportunities to learn new languages; English in particular is a language that everyone should be able to communicate in.

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

I must say that it was a great experience and whenever I think about these times, I have a smile on my face, so thank you very much. If something could be different, I would like more oral exercises, once a student feels the confidence to speak a foreign language, I think the way to success has been achieved.

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

I think that KARAKOUSI Language school really helped me to feel comfortable using the English language whether it concerned speaking, reading or writing.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

The London trip!

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

Again!!! The london trip was Amazing!!!

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

Of course. It made learning a lot more fun!.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Trust them! They know what they're teaching you and how it can be done properly!

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

Nothing! It was great!

1. What did you think of our English school and the job we did after you got a job? Was the language you learnt with us a pre-requisite for your job?

The truth is that since I am still a student I haven’t needed to use my English for a job. However, while I was researching different foreign bibliography for my assignments my knowledge of it was a lifesaver. In addition, I came to appreciate all these times we had to prepare and make speeches and presentations in public in English, as I learnt from an early stage to “face” the public.

2. What are your favourite memories from during your studying with us?

It was really everything we did in class! Everything was out of the ordinary teaching style you would expect. And they were so many.... trips, projects, games, presentations, competitions, celebrations and anything else Ms Dona would come up with. I have to say that for students like myself who kept learning English as a chore, all the above mentioned activities made my learning moments interesting and pleasant!

3. What did you think of the extra-activities/projects we worked on back then, now that you are an adult?

As I already said they made my learning experience more interesting and joyful. I could also add that it was an alternative way to bring us closer to the language we were learning. What I mean is that we learnt apart from doing our homework, how to use English in day-to-day realistic activities plus to have fun at the same time. Personally, this tactic brought me out of my comfort zone, which I later in my life realized it was a gift and I pushed myself to dare be out of my comfort zone more often.

4. Do you think extra-curricular activities or projects are a must when learning a language?

I believe that all these extras give a different depth when learning a foreign language, as the interaction with this language happens in more areas and in a more fundamental way. In my book, I still believe that the typical teaching of grammar and vocabulary is still necessary; however with all these different activities teaching can be embellished and lots of times it definitely sparks the interest of the students. This  is something that I believe is the hardest part for every teacher to accomplish.

5. What advice do you have for our current/future students?

Everything will be fine, as long as they are diligent and follow the school's program. They don't need to worry about anything else. Of course, they should try and take advantage of everything that happens there for as long as it lasts!

6. What would you have wanted to be different during your time with us?

I don't think I would change anything. I gained a lot, accomplished a lot and I had lots of fun. I don't believe I really needed anything different.