Language
Professors
Get to know the teachers of our Center.
Chrysa Makridou
Spanish Language Professor
Head of Studies
¡Hola! Teaching the Spanish language is a multifaceted joy because it is an exciting language loved by all Greeks and beyond. The history, art, and culture of the number one language in speakers worldwide is an endless source of information and exploration.
At Acade Cultural, we make the lesson unique, and interactive, with videos, sounds, and scents from Andalusia to the northern tip of Mexico. I am fortunate to have been teaching the Spanish language for the past 15 years, graduating from the School of Spanish Language and Culture of the Hellenic Open University and the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, completing my postgraduate studies with a degree in Education and Communication. I am also an accredited examiner at the Instituto Cervantes in Athens.
Maria K.
Arabic Language Professor
Born in Syria, I teach the Arabic language at the tutoring center. I have studied Theology at the Balamand University in Lebanon and hold a Master's degree. I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Theology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Sociology. The theoretical and historical aspects of my research in Arabic, English, and Greek focus on the role and position of women in the Orthodox Church and other churches, as well as in the contemporary world and the laws of discrimination in Syria. Additionally, I write for several Syrian, Lebanese, and Greek online newspapers.
Aris G.
Japanese Language Professor
I teach all my students that the Japanese language is not "Difficult". It is EXTREMELY unique, special, and charming. Therefore, I believe that the learning process itself should be unique, special, and will definitely captivate you! A key feature of my lectures is that learning is done through my unique system and materials. Following the pillars of basic learning, I incorporate entertaining elements such as favorite movies, anime, and manga for a better understanding of the concepts we encounter, through their appearance in real-life situations and not in the impersonal environment of most commercial books aimed at the general public. Additionally, due to my studies, I have full training in the use of modern technologies, allowing me to constantly leverage them for the benefit of my students. In this way, not only do they master the Japanese language more easily, but also many techniques and methods of approaching and addressing a problem that will certainly prove useful in their lives.
Why I chose teaching (motivations, goals)
My love for the Japanese language began in my teenage years. A little mystery of Ideograms and a little charming tone of the language gradually led to my involvement, which eventually became an important part of my daily life. When I started studying, I decided to develop my skills, as Japan as a country could offer me many professional opportunities due to the subject of my studies (EE Polytechnic). At this point, I started teaching and eventually realized how much I truly love the language how much satisfaction I derive from transmitting it, and the joy of my students. So I decided to follow my real passion and engage in teaching Japanese as my main profession.
Eleni T.
Italian Language Professor
Ciao a tutti! I am Eleni and I teach the Italian language with great teaching experience, but above all with boundless love, dedication, and enthusiasm. For me, the Italian language is a way of life and thinking and is an integral part of my life. The experience of my stay in Italy was decisive. I am characterized by organization, a methodical approach, a love for Italian culture and civilization, as well as absolute dedication to the goals of each student individually. I am looking forward to traveling together with the most beautiful language in the world. Andiamo!
Olga K.
Greek Language Professor
I love the Greek language, which is why I chose to study Philology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and continue with a postgraduate degree in Applied Linguistics, focusing on teaching Greek as a second/foreign language. I have collaborated with NGOs facilitating the integration of refugees into our country. Daily contact with people from various countries who want to learn our language constantly drives me to seek new teaching methods. I speak five languages myself, which helps me as a teacher to identify students' difficulties. Through my classes, I always aim for students to learn not only the language but also the culture of Greece through various audiovisual materials. This year, I teach the language to more than ten students at the foreign language center.
Hara
Portuguese Language Professor
I love the Greek language, which is why I chose to study at the Philosophy School of AUTh and continue my postgraduate studies in teaching Greek to foreigners. I have collaborated with NGOs and international organizations helping refugees integrate into our country. Daily contact with people of various languages who wish to learn our language motivates me to seek new ways of learning and teaching through textbooks and audiovisual materials. This year, I teach the language to more than ten students at the language center.
Margarita Vafiadou
French and English Language Professor
Head of Studies
I believe that language serves as more than just a means of communication; it fosters connections and preserves cultural identity. I am deeply passionate about the power of language to bridge cultures and foster understanding With a solid academic foundation from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in French Literature and Foreign Language Teaching , my passion for French and English has driven me to teach at all levels since 2004, including tutoring centers, private, and public schools. My firsthand experience immersing myself in the French lifestyle during my time in Strasbourg in 2001-2002 has been invaluable in shaping my teaching approach. Moreover, as a certified examiner for prestigious French language exams such as DELF, DALF, and SORBONNE since 2007, I bring a wealth of experience to ACADE CULTURAL, where I fulfill my lifelong dream of nurturing students' language skills and cultural appreciation.
Rima G.
Arabic Language Professor
At the Arabic department of the tutoring center, I collaborate as a native speaker. I hold a Ph.D. from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with teaching experience in Arabic language at the School of Theology, Department of Islamic Studies, from 2019 until early 2023, and with 6 years of experience in teaching Arabic to foreigners in Damascus, where I also pursued some of my academic studies. I offer my extensive experience in preparing for Arabic proficiency exams. I teach both classical and colloquial Arabic.
Maria D.
Japanese Language Professor
I have been teaching Japanese with love for the past ten years at Acade Cultural. The communication with my students, as well as their successes in the N5, N4, N3, and N2 exams, motivate me to continue. That's why I visit Japan every year for a month. I believe that the culture and civilization of this country are unique, so I teach my students the history and customs of the Japanese language.
Hamed R.
Persian Language Professor
I teach the Persian language, which is also my mother tongue. I am a lecturer of Persian language and literature in the Department of Theology at AUTh (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), and I hold two master's degrees along with a specialized certification in teaching Persian as a foreign language from the Institute of Education and Research 'Saadi'. With extensive experience in teaching, I speak 10 languages (French, Italian, English, Greek, Arabic, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, Portuguese, and German) and have worked as an Intercultural Mediator for Doctors Without Borders and the humanitarian organization INTERSOS. I am an interpreter, translator, and writer. I believe that language is not just a communication tool. For me, language is the most important part of a people's identity. Everything else can be replaced except language. If I feel Persian today, it's because I read and understand the poems of classical Persian poets, not just because I have a document showing which country I was born in. I believe this applies to others as well. It has always been a dream for me to present this fantastic language to others, for those who have not enjoyed the musicality and magic of the language that has produced such a great production of poetic works in its history, especially Greece, which has a culture as old as ours, where the people appreciate the originality of history, philosophy, and literature. I have never enjoyed a job like the one I'm doing now; then I am proud and happy.
Arsenis S.
Italian Language Professor
I was born and raised in Thessaloniki. I am a graduate of the Theater Department of the School of Fine Arts of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a postgraduate of the Department of Italian Language and Literature of the Faculty of Philosophy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In the past, I have worked as a theater theorist, while in recent years my love for the Italian language and culture has led me to teaching Italian.
Dimitris D.
Norwegian Language Professor
After a long stay in the distinct country of Norway, I returned to Greece and decided to exclusively focus on teaching the language. Norwegian is a mix of languages that makes it both easy and highly sought after in recent years. I teach the language at universities and collaborate with digital schools where students from all over the world attend. I believe that in a few years, Norwegian will have a prominent position in the world of contemporary competitive languages on both a professional and cultural level.
Ahmed A. S.
Arabic Language Professor
Arabic is a unique language! Not only because it is written "backward" as the Greeks say, but also because it is a journey into a new world and culture different from the Greek one. Despite being "affected" by recent political events, this language continues to encounter the special preference of Greeks for learning it. I have been teaching the language for over ten years through the grammar of Panos Kourgiotis, and the preparation that takes place every year at the language center leads to success in the exams of the University of Nablus every year. I teach all levels of the Arabic language, and this year, Group 1 is preparing for one of the most demanding diplomas.
Dimitris K.
Japanese Language Professor
I am a certified Japanese language instructor with years of experience in teaching. I have taught in private tutoring centers, provided private lessons, and taught at the Department of Language and Intercultural Studies at the University of Thessaly.
Certifications Held:
Waseda University – Japanese Pronunciation for Communication (2016)
Tokyo Institute of Technology – Modern Japanese Architecture: From Meiji Restoration to Today (2016)
Harvard
University – Visualizing Japan (1850s-1930s): Westernization, Protest, Modernity (2016)
The University of Tokyo – Visualizing Postwar Tokyo, Part 1 (2016)
Alexandra G.
Swedish Language Professor
I was born and raised in Lamia. I studied translation and interpretation in Athens, while also starting to learn Swedish. In 2003, I went to Sweden for the first time, where I participated in the European Voluntary Service program YOUTH and ended up staying until 2014. I attended courses in pedagogy, language, and psychology at Umeå University and worked with people with special needs, as well as teaching Greek and Swedish in Umeå schools. I have been teaching Swedish since 2008 and have taught students of all ages, from kindergarten to adults.
Irene A.
Dutch Language Professor
I was born in Corfu to a Greek father and a Dutch mother. Growing up in a bilingual environment from a young age, I showed an interest in foreign languages. I am a graduate of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpretation at the Ionian University, specializing in Translation and Conference Interpreting with German and English as working languages. During my studies, I spent a year at the University of Leipzig (Germany) and the University of Surrey (UK). I teach English, German, and Dutch, and I also work as an official translator and interpreter. Additionally, I am an examiner for Dutch Language certifications from the Cnavt organization. Besides learning foreign languages, I am involved in theater, music, and capoeira.
Evie K.
Russian Language Professor
I teach Russian language to adults in tertiary education, language centers, and programs of the Municipality of Thessaloniki. I hold a degree in Russian language and literature from Democritus University of Thrace and a postgraduate diploma in linguistics from Hellenic Open University. Additionally, I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Mediterranean Studies. I am the author of the book "Learn Russian on Your Own," published by Hellenic Editions, Athens 2014. My teaching experiences include teaching Greek to foreigners and providing Russian lessons in a corporate environment (medical-touristic terminology). I am particularly flexible in adapting teaching methods according to the needs of my students while ensuring to create a pleasant and supportive learning environment.
Rania L.
Turkish Language Professor
My first encounter with Turkish came during my studies at the University of Macedonia in the Department of Balkan, Eastern, and Slavic Studies in 2013, where I chose it as my main language. The more I engaged with the language, the more I discovered its magic and my eagerness to learn and immerse myself in all aspects of it. What started as an obligation turned into impatience and a desire to acquire additional qualifications, which I did, obtaining the C1.2 certificate in 2023. Even in my free time, I engage with the language, trying to enrich my knowledge of Turkish etymology and literature.
Eleni O.
German Language Professor
Graduate of German Philology from AUTh and with years of residence in Berlin, I have been teaching the German language for the past 15 years. I love the German language and teach all levels mainly through hybrid methods (online and in-person simultaneously). I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Athens and my goal is to bring the German language to students of different nationalities worldwide through online learning.
Hybrid Educational Programs
Acade Cultural, responding to the trends of the modern era, has designed and offers comprehensive distance learning programs suitable for adult learners who are unable to follow the flow of teaching in the classrooms of our center.
Live lessons
The live lessons take place in groups, in the classrooms of Acade Cultural.
Online Courses
Online courses are conducted online using modern technological tools, with the only requirement for participants to have a computer (desktop/laptop) with a microphone and a satisfactory internet connection.
What language should I choose?
With almost 200 countries and thousands of languages spoken among them, saying a simple 👋 "Hello" is one of the most basic and important in each of them. If this is enough for you, then you can see some examples below.
If what you are looking for is something more, then contact us and we will be more than happy to "travel" together to new worlds with different cultures.
Διάβασε στο Blog μας
Ενημερώσου για τα νέα του Φροντιστηρίου μας, για νέα προγράμματα και μαθήματα
No posts were found for provided query parameters.