Experience the South Caucasus’s legendary hospitality, vibrant culture, and ancient history while developing a new understanding of the social, religious, and geopolitical forces that both unite and divide this vital region. Based in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, you’ll study the cultures, belief systems, and social influences that shape the South Caucasus today while learning Russian (no previous study required), living with a local family, and engaging with your university peers. In addition to exploring Yerevan’s ancient monasteries, colorful bazars, and exciting arts scene, you’ll travel to Tbilisi, Georgia for an extended stay.
This newly designed program offers graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to combine Russian language study with courses (taught in English) on the historical, religious, economic, and political forces shaping the South Caucus today. Students examine both the causes of conflict and the foundations for potential lasting peace in this complex region, with particular focus on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In addition to Russian language, students receive academic semester credit in such fields as international studies, political since, and history. No prior study of Russian is required for the program.
All Russian-language courses are conducted in small groups by faculty who are specially trained to teach Russian to foreign students. In some instances, students may join participants in the Russian Language and Areas Studies Program language-track for these classes. All content courses are taught by YSU faculty with native English-language proficiency.
Students travel to Tbilisi, Georgia for an extended weekend as part of the program.
Learn about one of the world's most dynamic regions in real time.
Improve your Russian language levels and cross-cultural communication abilities.
Experience Yerevan: 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 explore the multilayered nuances of contemporary Armenian society.
Known as the “Pink City” for the volcanic tuff stone that gives its architecture a distinctive hue, Yerevan is a dynamic, welcoming European metropolis where East meets West and the ancient blends with the modern. With a population of just over one million, the city features a vibrant night life that includes world-class jazz, electronic dance, and experimental music, as well as bustling (and affordable) restaurants and cafés. The Cascade, an architectural wonder consisting of tiered gardens, museum, galleries, and cafes, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. As the capital city of the world’s first Christian country, Yerevan and its surroundings are also home to history’s oldest and most impressive churches and monasteries.
Bordering Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, Armenia provides a unique vantage point from which to experience the complex intersection of religious faiths, nationalities, ethnicities, and ideologies that have shaped the South Caucasus for much of the modern age. This dynamic mix of traditions, beliefs, and allegiances will play an increasingly vital role in the region’s future.
(4 credits) This course provides a historical survey of the region beginning in the early 20th century, with particular attention to the world wars, the holocaust, the Armenian genocide, the Warsaw Pact, the collapse of the USSR, regional conflicts (particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict), the war in Ukraine, immigration, and the current security situation. Students will examine such questions as: What trends can be identified in the regional politics of the Caucasus over the past century? How might identifying those trends help to avoid future crises? What are the major obstacle to peace and stability in the region today? How has Russia’s influence in the region altered since World War Two? How has Iran’s position affected the region and how it likely to factor in the future? How will the diminishing role of the U.S. in NATO effect the region? Will conflicts grow larger and more dangerous in the future? How can diplomacy help foster peace and stability? (4 semester credits) This course provides a historical survey of the region beginning in the early 20th century, with particular attention to the world wars, the holocaust, the Armenian genocide, the Warsaw Pact, the collapse of the USSR, regional conflicts (particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict), the war in Ukraine, immigration, and the current security situation. Students will examine such questions as: What trends can be identified in the regional politics of the Caucasus over the past century? How might identifying those trends help to avoid future crises? What are the major obstacle to peace and stability in the region today? How has Russia’s influence in the region altered since World War Two? How has Iran’s position affected the region and how it likely to factor in the future? How will the diminishing role of the U.S. in NATO effect the region? Will conflicts grow larger and more dangerous in the future? How can diplomacy help foster peace and stability?
(4 credits ) The course examines the major intellectual and artistic movements shaping the region in the 20th and 21st centuries with particular attention to film, art, literature, and music. How have the region’s artists and thinkers responded to the major social and political events of recent history? How have artists and intellectual sought to foster peace and overcome conflict? How have they sharpened disputes? What role do they play today in the region’s development? How have they responded to the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, the growth of autocracy in Georgia, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, immigration, and the rise of rightwing parties in Western Europe? How have the region’s artists and intellectuals influenced thought and global culture more broadly?
(4 credits) This course is designed to provide students a greater understanding of contemporary society in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, with particular attention to politics, religion, economics, education, and mass media. What are the major issues in each of these societies today? What pressures does the average “person on the street” have to face? Which trends are promoting stability and growth? Which may lead to greater upheaval? The course includes a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia in addition to regular excursions and cultural activities in and around Yerevan.
(4 credits) Students complete five hours per week of in-class Russian language study in small groups. Russian language classes are designed to produce measurable gains in speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills through high energy, student-centered instruction and communicative teaching strategies. Students are placed in small groups according to language proficiency.
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 YSU faculty. 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.
Weekly excursions typically include: Matenadaran, an institute of ancient manuscripts in Yerevan; Noravank, Geghard, and Khor Virap, among the most ancient monasteries in Armenia; Garni, the country’s last remaining pagan temple, dating back to the 1st century AD; Jermuk hot springs and waterfall, a popular health resort; the Soviet Club, an interactive museum of artifacts from Soviet life in Armenia; the Sergei Parajanov Museum, dedicated to the life of the great Armenian/Soviet filmmaker and thinker; and vineyards surrounding Yerevan, where students participate in a guided tour exploring the rich history and culture of winemaking in Armenia.
Each semester, the Resident Director also leads an extended excursion outside Yerevan so that participants may explore new regions and cities. Groups typically visit Gyumri, formerly known as Alexandropol, the largest city during the Russian empire period and one of the few municipalities still featuring classical and modern Armenian architecture. Other destinations include Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest body of water (covering 5% of the country) and one of its most scenic natural areas.
The Resident Director also leads the group on an extended trip to Tbilisi, Georgia.
Visit museums, monuments, and heritage sites to explore local history deeply.
Experience daily traditions through festivals, performances, and authentic community interactions.
A group trip to Armenia's northern neighbor that will include sightseeing and cultural programming.
Travel beyond host cities to discover unique regional landscapes and culture.
To provide further assistance with acculturation and additional opportunities to develop language skills, students are matched with peer conversation partners. Program faculty interview and select conversation partners from students enrolled at Yerevan State University. Conversation partners formally meet with students twice per week. In addition to academic support, conversation partners take a personal interest in their American colleagues, often inviting them to their homes and introducing them to their friends and family. Many students report that their conversation partners provide invaluable opportunities for them to find new social networks. The development of such friendships is a key component of successful acculturation and language development. Students also typically develop new friendships through a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, culture clubs, discussion clubs, musical instrument lessons, choirs, and volunteer service in the host community.
Founded in 1919, Yerevan State University (YSU) is Armenia’s premier institution of higher education and one of the oldest universities in the region. With over 20,000 students and programs across more than 90 fields, YSU is ranked among the top universities globally by QS World University Rankings. The main campus sits just minutes from Yerevan’s historic center—close to cafes, museums, and metro connections.
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.
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation before the program begins. Sessions cover health and safety, academic culture, host-family life, culture shock, and strategies for maximizing language learning. Students meet resident directors, peers, and alumni, with lodging and meals provided. Upon arrival, participants attend an in-country orientation led by program staff.
While abroad, participants have access to full-time in-country staff who offer academic, administrative, and personal support, as well as 24/7 emergency assistance. The AC Study Abroad team in Washington, D.C. stays in close contact with students, host institutions, and families throughout the program.
All participants are covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. CISI provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage per accident or illness and full emergency medical evacuation coverage.
American Councils provides visa support for participants for the duration of the program in the host country, if applicable. Students are responsible for obtaining any additional visas required by their travel plans. Visa instructions and forms are provided after acceptance.
