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Our Language School is fully Licensed-Registered-ISO 9001, with certified teachers.
The Linguistic Lab – Language & Beyond!
The Linguistic Lab (LL) initially started out as an English Language School by Labis Filis, a graduate of Indiana University in Economics & Business management.
Upon his return home to the beautiful coastal area of Xylokastro-Greece the locals would bring their kids to Labis for help with their English language studies.
After his army service, he officially established The Linguistic Lab in 1989 which soon became a very successful endeavor with 3 area brunches.
Licensed – ISO 9001 – Registered, with personal care, native English-speaking certified teachers, inspiring classroom settings equipped with today’s technology, and involved in the community, LL has gained a special niche over the plethora of large language chains. Highly respected in its surroundings, the school runs year-round and incorporates a curriculum from Kindergarten to Proficiency levels.
To further enhance the school’s mission (and due to Greece’s lack of an actual student exchange program), Labis launched the Home-Stay Program where English-speaking students stay with selected host families whose kids want to practice their English – a successful win-win awareness exchange!
A spirit of progress and personal growth, Labis also sponsors awareness & outreach in the community by engaging guest-speakers on pertinent educational issues for both parents and kids (from children’s psychology to environmental practices, etc.). It suffices to say that The Linguistic Lab practices a positive awareness education that is beyond language.
In retrospect, LL added the Greek Language & Culture Program fulfilling our Omogeneia’s inquiries – Greeks abroad who want [their kids] to enhance their Greek language and culture. With the school setting and the home-stay program running, we are honored to accommodate this special inquiry. The Omogeneia program is available year-round in either Home-stay or Group-guided arrangements (non-Greeks welcome). Easter in rural Greece is a spiritual & cultural wonder! This program is a heart-warming experience on both sides!
Further, in lieu of parents’ inquiries, LL is now hosting an Adults Program for anyone wanting a local interaction in their travels, enhancing their experience and knowledge. This program is available year-round, only for groups. We are proud to celebrate the Greek language & culture with you personally!
We have appropriately named our “beyond language” programs: ARISTONAUTS – different by design!
By mission, it’s not just a tour. It’s a vacation, it’s an education, it’s hands-on interactions, in a celebration of Greek language and culture – exploring the helix of time to develop knowledge–wisdom–truth. All programs include ground-transportations, accommodations, meals, site-tours, plus a multitude of things to do. All programs incorporate either language lessons by the option, available to anyone. See pertinent pages for details. With Greece’s financial crisis there has never been a better time to visit. Come, explore with us – BE AN ARISTONAUT!!!
OFFER: FOR EACH 10 PARTICIPANTS, ONE IS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE!
The nationality and age mix at The Linguistic Lab varies over different time periods, courses and levels.
does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
Xylokastro is a small town, centrally located at the north shores of Peloponnese, with the Corinthian Gulf in front and the mountain lines behind it.
This ancient site of the Aristonauts* is today a serene rural area with farming, fishing and yet a very energizing Greek lifestyle. Pleasant villages are situated one after another along the beach in front of some beautiful mountain ranges on either side of the Corinthian Gulf.
Conveniently close to several land-marked historical sites, it offers a vast variety of things to do, engaging all your senses!
We are only 75 miles south of Athens, home of the Parthenon.
Acrocorinthos, the fortress of Archaic, Classical and medieval times, is only 25 miles away.
Delphi, considered to be the center of the world in ancient times and home of the famous Oracle of Delphi, is only 60 miles from us.
Kalavrita, (40 miles) where the uprising against the 400 year Turkish rule started as well as Mycenae (45 miles) whose mythological founder was Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, are even nearer.
The most famous for its acoustics and well preserved ancient theater in Greece, Epidaurus, is only 55 miles away, while Nemea, where Panhellenic Games were held every 2 years, is 45 miles away.
Nafplion, mythologically founded by Nafplios, son of Poseidon, who took part in the Argonaut Campaign, is 45 miles away too.
Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Spirit was born so long ago, is 125 miles away.
With such beauty and glory surrounding the area, is it any wonder why the people here believe they live in Paradise?
Very well prepared classes, individualization of the education process. The teachers were open, competent and very friendly. I received educational materials on an ongoing basis. The school building has an excellent location - it is in the center of the town.
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We are so happy to have you in one of our programs. We hope to see you again in the future!
Labis
My short time in Xylokastro was spent with Labis Filis. He explained the history of the school as well as his experiences as a teacher. Labis also showed my friend and I each location.
Show details » Read more...The Linguistic Lab is a very personal oriented, flexible and hospitable school. I could choose between different options. My wishes were taken seriously and fulfilled in the most beautiful way. With honest effort, a lot of experience and commitment the school makes Greece and its high culture accessible to strangers.
I was the only student of a young, radiant and charming teacher. She was motivating, spreading good energy and enhanced me to make a big step forward in my knowledge. The targets were well organized and her explanations clear. Learning was fun, without too much effort. At the end of a lesson a practical exercise: e.g. buying necessary medicine in the pharmacy or specialties on the market, photo shooting …etc..
Because I have problems with air conditioning, our lessons could take place in the little garden in a wooden Pavilion. If we needed a knife to cut some fruit or if I had forgotten my water bottle – no problem, the school was always ready to help.
Xylokastro is a small seaside resort, with a stone beach, gentle waves and very clean water. From a picturesque harbor starts a long promenade along the shore until a forest and further … Bike paths and many restaurants, coffee houses, ice cream parlors, bars etc.
There are playgrounds for children, different sport facilities like biking (with possibility to rent), football, tennis, beach volleyball, etc.
You will find souvenirs, fashion jewelry, clothes, usual supermarkets, once a week a folk market – Greek fruit and vegetables are especially tasty!
Highlight were two excursions on my choice to a) Kalavryta and b) Nafplion, to which the director of the Linguistic Lab, Mr. Labis Filis, invited and drove in his private car! The English speaking girl of my host family could join us, Mr. Filis invited generously. Explanations, interesting comments and the provided background story led to a good exchange. At the second trip Mr. Filis’ two sons joined us. I liked their company very much.
Due to my experience in language learning, I wanted to live with a Greek family. Finding them was kind of a challenge for Mr. Filis. But finally solution was found. I was staying with a couple, who could not have been better: easy going, tolerant and warm hearted! They prepared wonderful Greek food. They had two lovely daughters, 6 and 12 years old, 3 big rescued dogs, and 3 cats, and were also willing to take an old lady like me as guest. Soon I was part of the family.
For years my happiest holiday!
Adrienne,
We really feel very lucky to have you for two weeks.
We all are going to miss you.
Incredibly sweet, polite, discreet, compassionate, patient and with a huge smile.
I spent with «The Linguistic Lab (LL)» memorable three weeks in October 2013. The school is very conveniently located in the center of Xylokastro and the sea nearby. Headmaster LABIS FILIS, a friendly and attentive person, supported me from the beginning and we became friends. He selected for me excellent teachers. They specially designed my individual tuition plan for adult to improve my English in the short time period. They helped me along the whole course, correcting all the errors, thus allowing me to acquire the level of my proficient speaking skills. I studied English in classes until lunch, and in my spare time the LL organized for me interesting excursions to various unforgettable places, to the mountains, ancient sites. LL also provides a cultural program. It was truly remarkable! I have learnt a lot from this course and also met some interesting people. I had a lot of fun! I would like to express my gratitude to the excellent tutors: mss. Aggeliki, Angela, Louise, they are qualified, experienced, patient and affable persons! I became more confident and fluent in speaking English. My listening and speaking skills have definitely improved and I felt myself like in a big family!
Show details » Read more...I was taking a beginner course in the beautiful Greek language during 2 weeks in 2018!
Got a very nice and good female teacher and a very flexible schedule.
As it was very hot that summer it was a good thing to divide my schooldays so
I could be able to “think” and relax in the middle of the week!
The classroom was nice and with air conditioner. To be able to get some little to
eat and drink during the little brake was a good thing!
To have a goodbye-lunch was a very nice initiative to be invited to because
I couldn’t take part of the party the evening before my last day due to transportation problem!
I will certainly come back to this school when I wish to learn some more!
It will not be during summertime as it was too hot to think sometimes!!!
We really hope to see you again soon! We really thank you and we are happy you enjoyed it!
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Xylokastro. These homes are often between 10 - 20 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
The Linguistic Lab provides some assistance with hotel or hostel reservations or you can reserve a room on your own. Learn more about hostel housing
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. The school is also not authorized to issue documents to support your visa application. If you need a visa, you have to apply for a visitor or tourist visa on your own.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Xylokastro based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Xylokastro is a small town, centrally located at the north shores of Peloponnese, with the Corinthian Gulf in front and the mountain lines behind it.
This ancient site of the Aristonauts* is today a serene rural area with farming, fishing and yet a very energizing Greek lifestyle. Pleasant villages are situated one after another along the beach in front of some beautiful mountain ranges on either side of the Corinthian Gulf.
Conveniently close to several land-marked historical sites, it offers a vast variety of things to do, engaging all your senses!
We are only 75 miles south of Athens, home of the Parthenon.
Acrocorinthos, the fortress of Archaic, Classical and medieval times, is only 25 miles away.
Delphi, considered to be the center of the world in ancient times and home of the famous Oracle of Delphi, is only 60 miles from us.
Kalavrita, (40 miles) where the uprising against the 400 year Turkish rule started as well as Mycenae (45 miles) whose mythological founder was Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, are even nearer.
The most famous for its acoustics and well preserved ancient theater in Greece, Epidaurus, is only 55 miles away, while Nemea, where Panhellenic Games were held every 2 years, is 45 miles away.
Nafplion, mythologically founded by Nafplios, son of Poseidon, who took part in the Argonaut Campaign, is 45 miles away too.
Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Spirit was born so long ago, is 125 miles away.
With such beauty and glory surrounding the area, is it any wonder why the people here believe they live in Paradise?
Have questions? Get answers from The Linguistic Lab staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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