This summer, spend eight weeks in Tbilisi, Georgia studying the politics, culture, and history on Peace and Security in the South Caucasus (PSSC); gain new insight into the complex factors shaping current events; live with specially selected host families; and engage in dynamic discussions with local activists and experts committed to fostering peace throughout the region.
The South Caucasus have taken on unprecedented strategic and political importance for Russia, NATO, and the U.S. in recent years. While rich in natural resources, scenic beauty, and vibrant cultures, the region continues to be hampered by age-old conflicts and political instability. Based in Tbilisi, Georgia, this summer program explores cultural identity and nationalism, development strategies, the emergence of new political systems and parties, and ongoing efforts to foster peace throughout the region.
Learn about one of the world's most dynamic regions in real time.
Improve your knowledge of the political complexities and history of Georgia and the region.
Experience Tbilisi: where ancient tradition and modern innovation coexist in a bustling, cosmopolitan city.
Gain academic credit and global skills in international studies, culture, and communication.
Join a community of curious, adventurous students ready to travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan while based in Georgia.
Tbilisi, the captivating capital of Georgia, is a city where history, culture, and creativity meet at every corner. Nestled along the banks of the Kura River and surrounded by rolling hills, Tbilisi charms visitors with its winding cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and a skyline crowned by the ancient Narikala Fortress. The city’s blend of old and new is unmistakable, centuries-old churches stand beside modern architecture, while lively cafés and art spaces fill its restored districts. Known for its warm hospitality and rich cuisine, Tbilisi invites travelers to savor khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), flavorful khinkali (dumplings), and world-renowned Georgian wines. With its welcoming spirit, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views, Tbilisi is a city that stays with you long after you leave.
The academic program provides fifteen hours per week of in-class instruction. It consists of a major course exploring the politics of the South Caucasus, a minor course in society and culture and an introductory language course. All classes are conducted in English by expert faculty of Ilia State University with extensive experience teaching foreign students.
Optional language courses are offered (not for credit) and geared toward each student’s proficiency level; no prior language study is required for the program.
American Councils participants receive academic credit through Bryn Mawr College - American Councils school of record. Upon successful completion of the Peace & Security in the South Caucasus, Bryn Mawr College awards 8 undergraduate or 10 graduate hours of credit.
(4 credits) This course covers a survey of the major geopolitical and developmental challenges facing the South Caucasus, including the political history of the region, the separatist conflicts and regional security issues, the contours of democratization and domestic political contests in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the economic issues underlining these challenges. Participants will also gain familiarity with the major directions in the scholarly literature on these topics.
(4 credits) This course will provide an overview of the central issues in the societies and cultures of the three countries of the South Caucasus, including nationalism, identity, religion, gender and the arts. In addition, the course will offer the opportunity to study basic Georgian, Russian, Chechen, Armenian, or Azerbaijani based on the student’s preference.
Participants live with specially selected host families, who provide two meals per day, seven days a week. Participants reside in fully furnished, private rooms. In addition to invaluable logistical support, host families offer unique insight into daily life in Armenia; life in a warm, supportive environment; regular advice and assistance; and wide-ranging discussions of cultural nuances as participants adapt.
One day per week, students participate in a program of integrated cultural activities and site visits arranged by American Councils in consultation with facutly. Activities and excursions are designed to broaden participants’ understanding of classroom materials and host country culture by exposing them to a wide range of historical, religious, and architectural sites. Before each excursion, students gain an appreciation of the historical and cultural context for the planned outings, in which their instructors and local students often also participate.
Students will travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan as a part of the program. Weekly activities will consist of visiting museums, cooking classes, and walking tours of Tblisi.
Visit monuments and heritage sites to explore local history deeply.
Experience daily traditions through festivals, cooking classes, and authentic community interactions.
Delve into the regions history with museum visits.
Venture outside Tblisi to see iconic landscapes across Georgia.
Participants also travel to the neighboring countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan to put lessons into a cultural context. As part of the program, American Councils organizes transportation, accommodations in a hotel or hostel, most meals, and academic and cultural activities in Baku, Azerbaijan and Yerevan, Armenia. Each short trip is scheduled for three to four days in length.
Multiple sources of funding are available to support participants in paying for programs abroad. Participants are encouraged to apply for private scholarships, federal aid and grants, college/university scholarships, and American Councils fellowships and scholarships. American Councils fellowships and scholarships can be combined with other sources of aid to help cover the cost of programming.
Summer participants attend a two-day orientation program on site immediately upon arrival in Tblisi (where they are met at the airport by AC Staff). Orientation sessions cover health and safety, academic culture, host-family life, cultural adjustment, onsite support, and strategies for maximizing language learning.
While overseas, participants have access to in-country staff that provide around-the-clock emergency support. The local American Councils office, employing both expatriates and host-country nationals, arrange the academic program, cultural excursions, housing, in-country orientation, and medical care. During the program, the AC Study Abroad Team in Washington, D.C. stays in close contact via email and telephone with in-country program staff and provides updates as needed to study abroad offices, university partners, and family members.
Participants are enrolled in comprehensive overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. CISI provides medical coverage of up to $250,000 per accident or illness and full emergency medical evacuation, ensuring comprehensive protection overseas.
All participants are provided with a single-entry visa (if applicable) to Georgia for the duration of the academic program. In addition, American Councils will provide participants with single-entry to Azerbaijan for the scheduled short trip during the program. Aside from this, it is the student's responsibility to obtain any other visas required by their individual itineraries.
