Upon the completion of the Summer Programme, participants in the Advanced Level class had the opportunity to visit Ioannina Municipal Radio and be hosted on the radio programme of Mr. Haris Daflos.

During their visit, the students shared their experiences and impressions of this year’s stay in Ioannina through a series of short interviews. Their words highlighted not only their love for the Greek language and the learning process, but also the deep connection they have developed with the place and its people.

“It is the fifth time I am here. I can’t go a whole year without coming back to Ioannina,” one of the participants said, while another student remarked: “I found a refuge here, a family, a group of friends.”

The natural beauty and landscape of Epirus featured prominently in their reflections. The mountains, the lake, the rivers and the rain, as well as the opportunity to be close to both the mountains and the sea, have become an important part of their experience. Particular mention was made of Dodoni, where several participants return every year to attend Greek theater, as well as outdoor activities such as rafting on the Aoos River.

At the same time, the participants spoke enthusiastically about the quality of teaching and the atmosphere of the programme, describing it as a place where “love and friendship” prevail. The Greek language naturally remained at the heart of their experience: “Greek is difficult, but it is worth the effort.” The speed of spoken Greek and its prosody were mentioned among the particular challenges they face as learners.

For many participants, returning to Ioannina every summer has now become much more than an educational journey. It is an experience connected with the language, nature, the environment and the people. As one participant characteristically said: “I come back every summer because it is a kind of therapy.”

The visit to Ioannina Municipal Radio provided a fitting conclusion to yet another Summer Programme, leaving behind moments of learning, communication and friendship—and, above all, the anticipation of meeting again next summer.

Listen to the full audio recording of the programme and the participants’ interviews in the attached file.