A Language of Identity, History, and Cultural Continuity

Armenian is one of the world’s oldest continuously used languages and a central expression of Armenian identity, culture, and historical continuity. Studying Armenian offers not only linguistic skills, but also insight into a society where language has played a defining role in preserving culture across centuries of political change and diaspora.

In this program, you will study Armenian in an intensive, small-group setting designed to build speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Instruction is paired with guided practice and cultural engagement, allowing you to move beyond the classroom and begin using the language in meaningful and structured contexts. The program is open to all levels, including beginners and heritage speakers, and is taught in Eastern Armenian, the standard used in Armenia.

Based in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital and cultural center, the program places you at the heart of Armenian language and society. Here, you will encounter the language not only in instruction, but in daily life, public space, and cultural expression.

Language in Context

In Armenia, language is closely tied to identity, history, and continuity. The Armenian alphabet, created in the 5th century by Mesrop Mashtots, enabled the development of a distinct literary and religious tradition and has long served as a marker of cultural independence.

Today, Armenian continues to connect communities across the global diaspora while remaining central to daily life in Armenia itself. Studying the language in Yerevan allows you to engage directly with this living tradition—encountering Armenian as it is spoken, written, and expressed in contemporary society, while also gaining access to its historical and cultural depth.

This program complements SRAS’s broader regional approach by focusing on language as a core expression of identity and cultural continuity.

Program Details

LANG 101/102/290/390/490 Armenian Language Study

You will develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through intensive, small-group instruction. Coursework emphasizes practical communication, supported by guided exercises and engagement with Armenian-language cultural materials.

Instruction is in Eastern Armenian, the standard used in Armenia; heritage speakers of Western Armenian are welcome and supported in adapting to its forms and usage.

Contact us for course syllabi.

Cultural and Experiential Learning

The cultural program in Yerevan supports your language study by introducing Armenia’s history, traditions, and contemporary society.

Activities combine cultural exploration with contextual learning and may include:

  • City tour of Yerevan
  • Day trip to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery
  • Excursions to Mount Aragats, Amberd Fortress, and Kari Lake
  • Visits to Ejmiatsin and regional heritage sites
  • Cooking and art masterclasses
  • Private museum visits
  • Wine and brandy tastings

Optional extended travel to southern Armenia may include visits to Khor Virap, Areni, Tatev, Meghri, and other culturally significant sites.

Partner School

ASPIRANTUM School of Languages and Cultures was founded in 2014 to provide intensive language instruction in Armenian, Persian, and Russian. Participants from around the world enjoy highly skilled and motivating instructors, a rich cultural program, and opportunities to meet local experts.

Transcripts and Credit Transfer

The School of Record for this program is Stetson University (Florida, USA).

Credit transfer to your home institution is usually possible. Additionally, a US School of Record means that your program is supported by and documented by an accredited US university. The School of Record will issue an American transcript, making credit transfer relatively routine.

Housing is not included in the base cost of this program, allowing students flexibility in choosing accommodations that suit their preferences and budget.

Options may include homestays, shared apartments, or hotels arranged through SRAS. Students are connected prior to arrival to facilitate shared housing arrangements where desired.

Yerevan is Armenia’s capital and cultural center, shaped by centuries of history and a strong sense of national identity. The city reflects a blend of Armenian, Soviet, and contemporary influences, with a vibrant cultural scene that includes museums, theaters, cafés, and public spaces.

The Armenian alphabet—created in the 5th century by Mesrop Mashtots—is visible throughout the city and remains a powerful symbol of cultural continuity. Developed to translate religious texts and preserve Armenian language and literature, it played a central role in sustaining identity through periods of foreign rule and dispersion.

Today, Yerevan offers a welcoming and accessible environment for study. Affordable and walkable, it provides easy access to both urban cultural life and the historical and natural landscapes that define Armenia.

Budget

Budget Breakdown (summer 4 week)
Budget Breakdown (summer 6 week)
Budget Breakdown (summer 8 week)

SRAS Guide to Living in Yerevan  (w/ weekly living expenses, etc.)

Scholarships and Grants:

  • Federal aid can help pay for your program if your university pre-approves credit transfer and agrees to manage payment. Check with SRAS and your university for details.
  • All Scholarships and Grants that we know of that can be applied to our programs are listed on our site.
  • SRAS Program Grants are stackable! 
  • SRAS Ambassadors can write while abroad or educate students at home after their return – and earn stipends!
  • SRAS Online Research Internships award partial scholarships for study abroad.

  1. Complete our application (press the “Apply Now” button to create your SRAS account — you will be able to return to the application later).
  2. Alert your home university (if you are currently a student).
    Some universities have deadlines for study abroad that are much earlier than SRAS deadlines -— so involve your home university’s study abroad office in the process as early as possible! They can help ensure that all goes smoothly with credit transfer and financial aid, and perhaps point you to additional funding sources.
  3. See our Planning Guide for more important information about academics, health and safety, and more.

If you are still unsure this is the right program for you, please join an SRAS Info Session or schedule an SRAS advising session to discuss how we can help fulfill your goals and needs!