HELIOS+ | Greek Language Courses 

Supporting integration of Third Country Citizens through Greek language learning, everyday communication and practical social skills. 

About the Project 

Within the framework of HELIOS+ – Comprehensive Actions for the Integration of Third Country Nationals in the Labour Market, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum and co-funded by the European Union, the Consortium IDEA – TECHNOPOLIS – PERGAMINI – CONSUL designs and delivers Greek language courses for refugees, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international or temporary protection. The project was launched in December 2025 and is expected to run until December 2028 (depending on the Region of implementation). 

The programme supports participants in developing the language, social and intercultural competences required for everyday communication, social inclusion and access to the Greek labour market. 

As Lead Partner of the Consortium, IDEA oversees the overall coordination, management and implementation of the language training activities. 

The Consortium runs the project already in Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece and is about to launch it across the Regions of Western Macedonia and South Aegean  with the aim of providing Greek language training to more than 1,000 beneficiaries in total. 

Linguistic and cultural background of beneficiaries spans six different types:  

• Arabic 

• Ukrainian 

• English  

• French 

• Farsi 

• Somali 

Funder & Reference Details 

Programme: HELIOS+ Comprehensive Actions for the Integration of Third Country Nationals in the Labour Market 

Official project website: https://greece.iom.int/helios 

Service: Language and Communication Skills 

Implementing Organisation: International Organization for Migration (IOM) 

Institutional Cooperation: Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum 

Funding: Co-funded by the European Union 

Delivery Consortium: IDEA – TECHNOPOLIS – PERGAMINI – CONSUL 

Lead Partner: IDEA 

Project Reference: 0129/LTASERV/2025_PT 

Project Status: 05/12/25 – ongoing 

Objectives & Focus Areas 

The HELIOS+ Greek Language Courses aim to: 

• support participants in reaching Greek language proficiency, from Beginners level up to B2 level;  

• facilitate participation in language certification examinations conducted by the Centre for the Greek Language;  

Through the courses, participants are expected to: 

• develop participants’ Greek language proficiency and practical communication skills; 

• support autonomous communication in everyday life;  

• strengthen social and intercultural competences;  

• facilitate participants’ social inclusion in Greece;  

• support access to and integration into the Greek labour market;  

• provide flexible learning opportunities tailored to beneficiaries’ educational needs and language profiles. 

Language Training & Educational Approach 

The project covers five language proficiency levels, ranging from an introductory literacy level (A0), proceeding to A1, A2, Β1 and concluding to B2, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

The A0 level is specifically designed for beneficiaries with low or no literacy skills, while the subsequent levels progressively develop communication, vocabulary and grammar skills. 

The curricula and educational materials have been designed and developed by the School of Modern Greek Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) in collaboration with the Consortium, following contemporary approaches to teaching Greek as a Second Language. Under the scientific coordination by Professor Despina Papadopoulou, teacher training is also conducted by the Centre of Education and Lifelong Learning of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. All teachers are certified by EOPPEP and they are enrolled in the Consortium’s Registry. 

Greek Language Training is delivered through in-person and online learning, allowing the project to respond flexibly to the diverse educational needs, family and geographical status of beneficiaries. 

Activities & Outputs 

All activities and outputs refer to the obligatory participation in the Greek Language courses per CEFR level and the subsequent examinations conducted by Centre for the Greek Language. 

Project Progress* 

*Updated September 2026 

Since February 2026, three introductory-level courses of 250 training hours each have been successfully completed, with a total of 37 enrolled beneficiaries: 

• 01-PEL-01A0 | Peloponnese Region | In person | 10 beneficiaries 

• 01-PEL-02A0 | Peloponnese Region | Online | 16 beneficiaries 

• 01-WG-01A0 | Western Greece Region | Online | 11 beneficiaries 

The following A1-level courses are currently being implemented: 

• 01-PEL-01A1 | Peloponnese Region | Online | 21 beneficiaries 

• 01-WG-01A1 | Western Greece Region | Online | 13 beneficiaries 

Additional courses are planned in the Peloponnese and South Aegean Regions, further expanding access to quality Greek language education and supporting the social, cultural and labour market integration of beneficiaries. 

Gallery* 

* The publication of all photographs is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the applicable legislation on the protection of personal data. 

Photo 1 – In-person Greek language training session, Level A0, Corinth, March 2026 

Photo 2 – In person Greek Language exams, Level A0, Corinth, May 2026 

Photo 3 – Students of the HELIOS+ Greek Language Courses and their certification in completing Level A0, May 2026 

Photo 4 – Online Greek Language Training session, Level A1 

IDEA Project Team 

Related Updates 

Μαθήματα Ελληνικών στο #HELIOS+ 

Φωτογραφίες από τις εξετάσεις πιστοποίησης Επιπέδου Α0 | IDEA training 

Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Ελληνικής Γλώσσας 

Interested in teaching Greek in the HELIOS+ with IDEA? 

For open teaching positions in the Regions of Peloponnese, Western Greece, Western Macedonia and South Aegean, read more information here. 

Contact person: 

For further information about the Helios+ project and the Consortium IDEA – TECHNOPOLIS – PERGAMINI – CONSUL, please contact our Helpdesk Officer, Mrs Rania Bournaka:  

+30 2315202229 

rania-helpdesk@ideatraining.gr