Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program: Area Studies Track
The Caucasus Today: Security, Conflict, and Culture
Discover one of the world’s most fascinating crossroads where Europe meets Asia, empires meet independence, and ancient cultures meet modern change.
Base yourself in Yerevan, Armenia, a city older than Rome and alive with creativity, music, and color. From here, you’ll explore the rich cultures, religions, and politics that shape the South Caucasus, a region that’s as complex as it is beautiful. Learn Russian (no experience required), live with a welcoming host family, and experience first-hand how this region continues to define the balance between conflict and cooperation, tradition and transformation.
Between classes, you’ll wander through open-air markets, visit ancient monasteries carved into cliffs, and share stories over coffee in Yerevan’s lively cafes. You’ll also travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, a stunning capital of winding streets, art, and dialogue which offers a second window into the Caucasus experience.
Program Features
Offered in
Yerevan, Armenia.
Available during
Fall, Spring, and Academic Year terms.
15 hours per week of courses on the
historical, religious, economic, and political forces shaping the South Caucasus today taught in English; 5 hours per week of in-class
Russian language study in small groups. Classes are taught by faculty at Yerevan State University.
Russian language
conversation partners for two hours per week.
Housing with
carefully-selected, experienced host families who provide two meals per day.
Weekly excursions led by U.S. resident directors to local sites of historical and cultural significance, such as theatres, museums, and national parks. Examples of past excursions 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;
- Soviet Club, an interactive museum of artifacts from Soviet life in Armenia;
- Sergei Parajanov Museum, dedicated to the life of the great Armenian/Soviet filmmaker and thinker;
- Vineyards surrounding Yerevan, where students participate in a guided tour exploring the rich history and culture of winemaking in Armenia.
Regional field studies excursions outside the host city, led by U.S. resident directors to locations such as Gyumri, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan. In addition, the resident director leads students on an
extended trip to Tbilisi, Georgia during the semester to further broaden their experience of the Caucasus.
Participants earn
15-16 U.S. academic credits per semester in history, political science, international studies, and Russian language through Bryn Mawr College.
Comprehensive health, accident, and evacuation insurance for all participants abroad.
Financial Aid
Financial aid from American Councils is available for RLASP. Please visit our
Financial Aid page to learn more about available scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.7 GPA
At least 18 years old by application deadline
Application Deadlines
Fall and Academic Year programs:
March 15
Spring programs:
October 15
Interested in learning more?
Complete program information, including an online application, is available on the
RLASP Area Studies - The Caucasus Today website.
Check out our
Facebook and
Instagram for photos and stories from program participants!
Questions?
Contact American Councils at
outbound@americancouncils.org.
