Greek Language Courses
Description
Through this initiative, Odyssea delivers structured Greek language courses to third-country nationals across mainland Greece, enhancing their social integration and access to employment opportunities. The 80-hour courses are designed to address varying proficiency levels and are implemented in accommodation facilities, ensuring accessibility for diverse beneficiary groups. The approach is learner-centred and focuses on practical language skills that support participants in daily communication, access to services, and interaction within professional and social environments. Odyssea delivers the courses in partnership with the Hellenic Open University, as one of IOM’s providers under Action 16688 of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in cooperation with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Duration: Jun 25 – Jun 26
Strategic Partners
69
beneficiaries supported so far
3
regions across Greece
80
hours of instruction per course
Problem
Beneficiaries of international and temporary protection, third-country nationals legally residing in Greece and asylum seekers face a language barrier that blocks access to work, services and daily life. Without functional Greek and knowledge of sector-specific terminology and labour rights, they cannot progress into traineeships or vocational training, and remain cut off from the labour market and from the communities they live in. Many are housed in accommodation facilities in regional areas where structured language provision is limited.
Solution
Odyssea delivers 80-hour Greek language courses that are mandatory for beneficiaries to progress to the next phases of the project, paid traineeships and vocational training in agriculture, construction and technical fields, tourism, assistance to vulnerable groups and female-dominated occupations. Courses are designed around varying proficiency levels and are implemented directly in accommodation facilities so that access is not a barrier. The approach is learner-centred and practical, covering the acquisition of Greek language skills, intercultural competencies with emphasis on Greek culture, European identity and shared values, sector-specific terminology for high-demand professions, and knowledge of labour rights. Participants leave with functional Greek for daily life and work, readiness for traineeships or vocational training in priority sectors, and stronger links to the labour market and local services.
Services
- Greek language courses: 80 hours of instruction adapted to varying proficiency levels
- Intercultural competencies: Greek culture, European identity and shared values
- Sector-specific terminology: tourism, agriculture, construction and technical fields, and women’s employment
- Labour rights training: practical knowledge to support labour market integration
- Delivery regions: Peloponnese, Western Greece and Western Macedonia
Outcome
- 69 beneficiaries supported by Odyssea so far
- 3 regions across Greece where the programme is delivered
