* INTESOL Greece News - Intesoller's Reunion Trip *
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Testimonials

I recently finished a course with INTESOL Greece and wanted to add a few comments on my experience. The guidance and teaching from Mihaela was amazing. I went in expecting a lot of work and found that but at no point was I overwhelmed thanks to the expert training I was given. Being able to teach actual Greek students during the course was a fantastic experience. The entire course, the training and location were ideal and overall a life changing experience.
Thank you very much.
- Matthew Buxton – graduated February 2006

The course was better than I expected. Course content very thorough. Trainer awesome, knowledgeable, helpful. Always on hand and glad to help. Accommodation perfect, could not have asked for better!
- Terry Engel - graduated September 2005

Amazing! Couldn't have wished for a more relaxed welcoming atmosphere. Everything is in one place: school, rooms, pool, pool bar. So important on such an intensive course. Our trainer was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all aspects of ESOL teaching. Always calm and able to answer any questions put to her Support was excellent even when our trainer was very busy she would stop and help. Never made us feel like we couldn’t knock on her door. Mihaela and Victor were the perfect hosts. I will highly recommend both the course and the hotel to anyone interested in a TESOL course.
- Paul Williamson - graduated September 2005

I expected an intensive course, and there’s a lot of ground covered in four weeks, but I was surprised by the quality and the holistic/human course delivery. The trainer was very generous. Provided a model of how to create an environment for growth and learning. Generously shared knowledge and skills. Offered support, time, respected individual styles. Always there, always present, always herself. The accommodation was perfect. Good to have a quiet space and all the hotel spaces for meeting and chatting. There is nothing I read before coming on the course that prepared me for the potential for personal growth that Mihaela made possible. Maybe you could find the words cos’ I can’t. Thank you for being here.
-Beryl Lee - graduated July 2005

Tutor was exceptional! Extremely knowledgeable and able to convey material in a simple manner. Extremely patient as well. Course content was diverse. The range of topics covered was perfect. From what to teach, how to teach, to what we do when we leave here. Excellent. I don’t feel lost. Everyone (teacher and director) were excellent and understanding of what students need. Emotionally as well. Not once felt unguided. Don’t change. You are all such wonderful people!
-Heather Washtak - graduated July 2005

Thank you SO much for being such a good host. Heather felt like she was with her second family. I have been at peace in my heart knowing she is with good people such as all of you. Please do not leave Crete until I am able to visit you all! That is my latest goal-to visit Crete and Victor and Mihaela. With Heather’s support I am sure we can make it happen. And if your travels ever take you to the United States and to the state of Ohio, you will find a small suburb near Toledo and Detroit Michigan called Maumee (Maw mee). That is where you will find a family ready to welcome you at any time. I might even fix you that yummy American potato salad !!! (reference to Heather’s use of this recipe for her authentic materials lesson). Thank you so much for being the friend that you are and may God bless you.
- Heather Washtak - graduated July 2005

INTESOL-Greece is fantastic! It's the experience of a lifetime! The location, accommodation, classes, staff - everything is simply wonderful! At home in the U.S. I am a high school history teacher so I have taken my share of education classes. But our trainer, Mihaela, is the best instructor I have ever had! She organizes the material in a clear and logical way and brings such energy to the classroom that you can't help but be excited about your progress. We were never at a loss for guidance, creative ideas or support - on ALL levels. Obtaining a TESOL certificate has opened so many doors for me and I can't wait to put it to work while exploring our world at the same time! I recommend this course to everyone - without a doubt!
-Stephanie Mitchell - graduated July 2005

How to get here

There are numerous ways of getting to Crete. Here is some general information you may find helpful. Upon request we can also assist you by offering more specific travel details to ensure your journey to Crete as comfortable as possible.

Most countries have charter flights in the peak season to Chania although some may have more frequent flights to Heraklion as this is the main airport on Crete. There is a regular hourly bus service from Heraklion to the centre of Chania where the school is located at a cost of around 11 euros.

If you fly directly into Chania airport, you will be met upon your arrival by a member of our staff and taken to your accommodation.
If you choose to fly into Heraklion airport and take the bus to Chania, we will meet you at the bus terminal in Chania and take you to your accommodation, which is nearby.

Another way to get to Chania, Crete, is to book a flight directly into Chania airport (by transfer from Athens airport), where you will be met upon your arrival by a member of our staff and taken to your accommodation.

Another alternative is to book a flight into E. Venizelos International Airport of Athens a couple of days before the course start date (always on a Monday). We will do our best to arrange cheap accommodation for you in Athens . From Athens you have two options:

take the ferry from Pireus which will take you to Souda (4 km away from Hania). We can arrange to meet you at Souda ferry port and take you to your accommodation.
book a flight directly to Chania airport, where you will be met and taken to your accommodation.

Whatever your travel plans are, contact us through e-mail or telephone so that we can assist you throughout your journey and make sure that you arrive here safely.

Flights to and from Crete (domestic)

Within Greece , all flights are a short hop, so you might think there would be little to choose between airlines. Basically there are two airlines that you can use:

Most people think that, in terms of quality and service, Aegean Airlines is the best. However, Olympic Airlines, the national carrier, shows clear signs of efforts in this direction. Both airlines provide many flights from Athens to Chania or Heraklion, especially during the summer. Flights are very short; it takes about 50 minutes to fly from Athens to Chania or Heraklion.

For details about schedules please visit the airlines web sites.

Charter flights information (international)

There are many charter flights from April to October, fewer in the winter. Charter flights to Chania from most European countries operate in this peak period.

Charter flights are available to Crete from most European countries; in some cases these can be obtained from local travel agents and online via various websites in each country.

Ferry connections to and from Crete

Chania has also daily ferry boat connections to Piraeus from the harbour of Souda . So, one way to come to Chania is to fly (or drive) to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens . Athens airport is a bit far from the port, but you can use the public transportation. Taxis are very expensive.

Piraeus to Crete sailings take about 9 hours on standard ferries ( ANEK Lines ), 6 hours on the high-speed ferries of Hellenic Seaways (to Chania). Hellenic Seaways has recently introduced a new high-speed line that leaves Piraeus at 4 pm and arrives in Souda ferry port at around 8 pm.

For all the ferries, you can buy tickets in advance from Paleologos Shipping Agency via their website. You can also buy tickets online by visiting the web sites of the shipping companies. Information on schedules can also be obtained from Greek you have several alternatives for your accommodation for the Piraeus to Crete trip: Travel Pages.

Please note that the ferries sail when the weather is considered suitable and stable conditions are predicted. If the weather is bad, sailings will be cancelled (not often - but there are a few such days every year, especially during the winter), and you should be accommodated on the next available sailing.

(more info)