Maria: bringing Greek language and culture to life

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She grew up on the move and found her roots in teaching

Maria Martello Orfanit was born in Ioannina and spent her childhood moving around Greece, from Patras to Rhodes, then Corfu, and finally settled in Thessaloniki. This constant change of scenery shaped her adaptable personality and sparked her fascination with different places, people, and traditions – an interest she would later channel into her teaching.

Although she studied Biology at the University of Ioannina, Maria couldn’t ignore the call to teach. Inspired by her mother, who was also an educator, Maria discovered early on that she had a knack for sharing knowledge with others. Whether it was helping her mother mark papers or exploring grammar books on her own, she always felt drawn to the world of language.

From biology to the classroom

Studying Biology might seem like a far stretch from teaching Greek, but Maria sees it differently. Her scientific background helped her develop analytical skills and a patient approach to problem-solving – two qualities she believes are vital in guiding students through the complexities of a new language.

Maria’s path to the classroom also came with a sense of responsibility. She remembers the exact moment she decided to become a teacher: watching her mother reassure nervous pupils with calming words and simple exercises. That sense of gentle guidance and creativity still influences Maria’s approach today.

Embracing a fun and interactive teaching style

At the heart of Maria’s lessons is the principle that language learning should be enjoyable. She treats every session as a lively, collaborative experience, incorporating real-life conversations, everyday vocabulary, and plenty of interactive activities. In her view, students should learn not only the words, but also the nuance and rhythm of the language in a relaxed environment.

For Maria, each class is an opportunity to spark curiosity. She tailors her approach to each student’s individual goals – whether it’s building confidence for everyday conversations, surprising Greek-speaking family members, or simply discovering the depth of a rich and historic language.

Cherishing every student’s journey

One of Maria’s most memorable experiences involves a student who wanted to learn Greek secretly so he could surprise his family at a holiday dinner. For weeks, they practiced greetings, ordered hypothetical meals in Greek, and polished his accent. Witnessing his dedication reminded Maria why she loves guiding students toward personal, meaningful goals.

Beyond language mechanics, Maria takes pride in boosting learners’ confidence, celebrating every time a student masters a tricky phrase or cracks a joke in Greek. It’s these small milestones that make the journey satisfying for both teacher and student.

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Life beyond teaching – pets, fairs, and fairytales

Away from the virtual classroom, Maria’s life is filled with playful chaos thanks to her three pets: a dog, a cat, and a tomcat – all coexisting in surprising harmony. She also loves attending Greece’s summer festivals, where live music, dancing, and shared meals bring people together from all walks of life.

When she’s not dancing to traditional tunes, Maria indulges in her love for reading – especially children’s fairytales. She admits it might be a quirky hobby, but believes these timeless stories spark a sense of wonder and keep her imagination alive.

Whether she’s crafting fun conversations for her students or enjoying a lively Greek summer festival, Maria carries her enthusiasm for language and culture everywhere she goes. Her warm approach and personal teaching style remind us that learning is more than a skill – it’s an experience that connects us to one another.