Hello! My name is Sophia.

I am a linguist, a professional language educator, and the founder of the Greek Online Academy. I am passionate about language teaching pedagogy and the design of language programs based on the principles of linguistics and the findings of second language research. I have been teaching Modern Greek to non-native speakers online and in-person in Athens and Cyprus since 2012. I love working with language learners and I am motivated and energized by their goals. Apart from teaching, I love traveling, experiencing the digital nomadic lifestyle, getting to know new people and new cultures, and reading psychology books.

I hold a bachelor's degree in "Modern Greek Language and Literature" at the University of Athens and a master's degree in "Teaching Modern Greek as a Second or Foreign Language". I have recently completed my Ph.D. focused on oral interaction in Greek as a Second Language Classrooms. I have attended seminars and conferences related to foreign language teaching where I have also presented and published my own work on teaching techniques and practices in Greek as a Second Language.

During my postgraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work at the modern Greek language teaching center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. After I completed my studies, I worked with various audiences in private schools, embassies, and programs for immigrants in Greece. I am now a part-time Greek Language Instructor for foreigners at the School of Modern Greek of the University of Cyprus and I also give online lessons via ZOOM.

My teaching approach is basically communicative and interactive, but I also use traditional methods as well when needed. My main goal is to help my students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills by teaching them vocabulary and grammar in various communicative contexts. During my doctoral studies, I investigated how communicative teaching and oral interaction impact learning, and thereafter, I adjusted my methods and teaching material accordingly. I use various teaching materials, and I have also developed my own based on my teaching experience and my academic background. My instructional material includes activities, flashcards, online games, videos, and songs, and it is always adjusted to your level and learning style and interests. I also design and offer courses for specific purposes (e.g., Greek for travelers, Greek for doctors, etc.). You can always contact me if you need more information.

My students are mostly adult foreign learners of Greek, but I also teach kids. I am currently developing my own material specially designed for kids to teach them both the Greek language and culture. My method for kids is mainly content-based, which means that I teach language through subjects such as mythology and fairytales.