YEREVAN — With growing popularity of unique global experiences and adventurous gap year programs, young adults can delve deeply into a foreign culture while discovering who they are and what they want to be. The study abroad programs of just a decade ago have expanded locations from the traditional European and Latin American capital cities to less traveled, unique destinations around the globe. The world is a much larger place for today’s college students, as never before have there been so many options. All the more reason for the Republic of Armenia to attract its share of diasporan students who are looking for an educational opportunity of a lifetime—which they now can find right in the capital city of Yerevan in their Homeland!
Currently there are two summer study abroad programs actively recruiting for students interested in studying in Armenia for summer 2016. Both offer high quality, accredited classes plus offer the added benefits of cultural, historical and language immersion opportunities for the Armenian student who wants to learn more about their heritage and roots.
Birthright Armenia has collaborative agreements with both programs, namely the Southwestern Law School and the American University of Armenia (AUA), to enhance the learning experience as well as lend support to the programs’ participants. Qualifying students of Armenian heritage, who combine volunteer service with their studies, would benefit from Birthright Armenia’s wide array of services, including homestays and travel stipends. Learn more by visiting: http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/international/summer/armeniasummer/birthrightarmenia
The first is newly established by Southwestern Law School Yerevan Summer Abroad Program in Yerevan. This ABA-approved 4-week program, hosted at the American University of Armenia, will run from June 20 to July 15, with two courses focused on human rights and two courses focused on international trade and business. The program is open to Southwestern and other law students, who can choose two courses and earn four units toward their JD degree. Also, Southwestern will be offering a 2-week Pre-Law Course, also hosted at AUA, for undergraduates and professionals headed into law school in the U.S. or exploring the idea. The Pre-Law Course, meeting from June 23- July 7, will offer a great opportunity for those who’d like to mix travel with getting an early start toward law school success. Registration may be permitted until May 1st if space is available. Learn more by visiting: http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/international/summer/armeniasummer
The second study abroad program option is Summer Program 2016 at the American University of Armenia, a private, independent university located in Yerevan offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, and affiliated with the University of California. Participants may earn credits for transfer back to their home university by choosing from a range of courses including: Introduction to Environmental Sciences, Global Perspectives and Site Stories, the Archaeological Field School, and a joint AUA-UCLA course offering Armenian Language and Culture.
In addition to the great opportunities on campus, Summer Program 2016 participants complement their educational experience outside the classroom with the Discover Armenia Educational Tours that takes student to a wide array of modern and ancient sites Armenia has to offer. The Birthright Armenia – AUA collaboration would open up additional opportunities for applicants of Armenian heritage interested in extending their stay beyond the study program as a volunteer. Visit http://admissions.aua.am/study-abroad-summer-programs/ for information about the Summer Program, fees, and more and http://admissions.aua.am/summer-program-2016/ for detailed course descriptions and instructor biographies. Application deadline is April 15th for the summer semester, and June 1st for the study abroad fall semester at AUA.
