Eighteen students from universities across the United States have arrived in Yerevan to begin the Summer 2026 Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP), a partnership between American Councils for International Education and Yerevan State University (YSU).
Over the next eight weeks, participants will complete intensive Russian language coursework at YSU's Faculty of Russian Philology while immersing themselves in Armenia's history, culture, and everyday life. Through host family stays, cultural programming, and excursions across the country, students will have the opportunity to practice their language skills beyond the classroom while gaining a deeper understanding of the region.
The 2026 cohort includes students from institutions across the United States pursuing degrees in fields such as political science, international relations, and the social sciences. Many chose the program because of its unique combination of rigorous language instruction and regional studies.
For Jack Smith, a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the program aligns closely with his academic and career goals.
"I have always been interested in diplomacy and dream of working for the United Nations. Russian is an important language in the fields of national security and international relations, so I decided to study it."
Valery Vayserberg, also from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, was drawn to Armenia by her interest in the country's history.
"I will be taking a course this fall that includes Armenian history, so I wanted to experience the country firsthand while also improving my Russian."
Julian Gorn, a student at Oberlin College, said his family's linguistic background and longstanding interest in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe inspired him to participate. He also hopes to begin studying Armenian during his time in Yerevan.
Outside the classroom, students will visit some of Armenia's most significant historical and cultural landmarks, including Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Garni, and the Matenadaran. They will also attend theaters, museums, and cultural events with YSU students, creating opportunities to build friendships and use Russian in authentic, everyday settings.
"This is the fourth year the program has been hosted at Yerevan State University," said Anna Margaryan, Coordinator of the Russian Language and Area Studies Program at YSU. "Our goal is not only to improve students' language proficiency but also to help them gain international experience, become familiar with Armenian culture, and discover the region from a new perspective."
During the program's orientation, students were introduced to life at YSU and in Armenia, helping prepare them for the academic and cultural experience ahead.
Graham Hettlinger, Director of Higher Education Programs at American Councils for International Education, highlighted the value of immersive language learning and cultural exchange, noting that programs like RLASP equip students with the linguistic, intercultural, and regional knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
American Councils is proud to continue its partnership with Yerevan State University in providing students with an academically rigorous and culturally immersive study abroad experience. We wish the Summer 2026 RLASP cohort a successful and rewarding summer in Armenia.
This story is based on a feature published by Yerevan State University and is shared with permission.