Download Semester Abroad Brochure (.pdf) - Armenian Studies ...

California State University, Fresno / Yerevan State 

University 

Semester Abroad Program: Yerevan, Armenia 

Fall 2007

Semester Abroad Program: Yerevan, Armenia - Fall 2006 

Table of Contents 

Semester Abroad Program: Yerevan, Armenia ...........................................................................3 

Introduction............................................................................................................................3 

Eligibility ...............................................................................................................................3 

Credits....................................................................................................................................3 

Course Summary....................................................................................................................3 

Course Descriptions................................................................................................................4 

Community Service................................................................................................................5 

Estimated Cost .......................................................................................................................6 

Accommodations....................................................................................................................7 

Insurance................................................................................................................................7 

Application Process................................................................................................................7 

Schedule.................................................................................................................................9 

Questions ...............................................................................................................................9 

Birthright Armenia ...................................................................................................................10 

Mission ................................................................................................................................10 

Vision...................................................................................................................................10 

Guiding Principles................................................................................................................10 

Means...................................................................................................................................11 

Eligibility Criteria*...............................................................................................................11 

Forums/Workshops...............................................................................................................11 

Excursions............................................................................................................................12 

Birthright Armenia Travel Fellowship Qualification Requirements.......................................12 

Application Process..............................................................................................................12 

Travel Stipend Reimbursement.............................................................................................12 

Additional Information.........................................................................................................12 

Application Form: California State University, Fresno 

Armenia Semester Abroad Program – Fall, 2007 ..................................................................13 

California State University, Fresno – Armenia Semester Abroad Program Fall 2006 Page 2 of 13


I. Semester Abroad Program: Yerevan, Armenia 

Introduction 

Experience a semester abroad in Yerevan, Armenia. This one semester program is designed to 

introduce students to Armenian language, history, art, and contemporary events. The 

International Programs Office at CSUF, with support from the Armenian Studies Program, will 

coordinate the academic course-work and administer the application process. The program is run 

in conjunction with Yerevan State University. 

Yerevan State University was founded on May 16 th 1919. There are over 110 departments 

serving approximately 9,500 undergraduates, including 300 students from abroad. The 

languages of instruction are English, Armenian and Russian. The California State University, 

Fresno Semester Abroad Program is designed for English-speaking students. 

Eligibility 

The program is open to all college juniors and seniors and graduate students who have 

maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA. 

Credits 

During the semester abroad, students will be registered through the Division of Continuing and 

Global Education at Fresno State and qualify for 15 units of Fresno State credit. Upon 

satisfactory completion of the coursework, the Fresno State course credit and grade equivalency 

of each course taken in Yerevan will be assigned to the student’s Fresno State transcript. 

Students should check with their college or university to determine the transferability of these 

credits to their institution. 

Course Summary 

Courses, based on curriculum used by the Armenian Studies Program at California State 

University, Fresno, will be taught be faculty from Yerevan State University. The Armenian 

Studies Program will coordinate the academic course-work and administer the application 

process. The Armenian Studies Program offers a full range of courses leading to a minor in 

Armenian Studies. For the CSUF Semester Abroad Program, students are required to take four 

courses: Armenian language (intensive beginning, intermediate), Armenian history, Armenian 

Arts, and Topics in Armenia Today. In addition, an independent study consisting of a semesterlong, 

supervised, community service project is also required. 

Course Title* 

Credits Hours 

Armenian Language (intensive beginning, intermediate) 4 60/semester 

Armenian History 3 45/semester 

Arts of Armenia 3 45/semester 

Topics in Armenia Today 3 45/semester 

Independent Study (Community Service Project) 2 6/wk 



Course Descriptions 

Course Title: Armenian Language (includes Elementary and Intermediate levels) 

Course #: Arm 1 Credits:4 Course Units: 4 Semester Hours: 60 

Course Description: 

An intensive course in conversational and written Eastern Armenian designed for students with 

little or no previous knowledge of Eastern Armenian. Introduction of basic grammar and 

conversation then review of grammar and emphasis on conversation and reading. The 

intermediate level continues with Armenian grammar and focuses on conversation as well as 

reading of short stories and articles with an emphasis on improving oral and written expression. 

Instructors: Lucine Grigorian, PhD & Anahit Adilkhanian, professor 

Course Title: The Arts of Armenia 

Course #: Arm S20 Credits:3 Course Units: 3 Semester Hours: 45 


This course will serve as an introduction to Armenian architecture, painting, sculpture, and 

ceramics. Topics will include: the history and development of Armenian painting, and 

architecture with a special concentration on the art of manuscript illumination and the origins of 

Christian art. Included is a survey of monuments from the fourth to the seventeenth centuries. 

Lectures are supplemented with slides. 

Instructor: Levon Chugaszian, PhD 

Course Title: Topics in Armenian Studies 

Course #: Arm S120T Credits:3 Course Units: 3 Semester Hours: 45 


This course will cover specialized topics in Armenian history, art, and culture, which are not 

normally covered in other Armenian Studies courses. Topics include the Diaspora, the Armenian 

Apostolic Church and the economy of the Republic of Armenia. 

Instructors: Manuk Herginian, PhD & Tom Samuelian, PhD 



Course Title: Intro to Armenian Studies (History of Armenia) 

Course #: Arm S 10 Credits:3 Course Units: 3 Semester Hours: 45 


This course discusses the political history of Armenia and the Armenians from the prehistoric to 

the modern times. The historical events will be considered from Armenia's point of view as well 

as from that of neighboring civilizations and countries (Assyria, Iran, Rome, and Byzantium), 

peoples (Arabs, Seljuk Turks, and Mongols) and events such as the Crusades. In addition, 

Armenia's relations with the Persian, Turkish, and Russian empires, the "Armenian Question," 

the Genocide, the Armenian Republic, Soviet Armenia, and the present Republic of Armenia 

will also be discussed. 

Instructor: Haykak Arshamian, PhD 

Community Service 

An independent study consisting of a semester-long supervised, community service project 

counting for two credits is also required. 



Estimated Cost 

Tuition per semester will be USD 2,625 for 15 units, transcript to be issued by Fresno State 

upon successful completion of the courses. Students should also plan on spending money of 

USD 200/month and room and board in the range of USD 300 per month. Housing options 

include a conveniently located University dormitory in the center of Yerevan (approximately 

USD 300/month) or home stay (bed & breakfast) with an Armenian families’ house 

(approximately USD 200/month). Additional expenses include: passport, visa, insurance, 

personal expenses and travel expenses to Armenia. 

Expense Cost Unit 

Tuition USD 2,625 Per semester 

Room 

USD 200 (if homestay*) 

USD 300 (if dormitory) 

Per month 

Board USD 250 Per month 

Travel Expenses 

(in Yerevan) 

Personal 

expenses** 

Health 

Insurance** 

Passport** 

Visa*** 

Roundtrip 

Airfare**** 

USD 50 

Vary 

Vary 

See: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html 

for details 

The Fresno State International Programs Office will assist students in 

obtaining visas for travel to Armenia. 

Vary 

Per month 

Duration of 

stay 

Duration of 

stay 

Valid for 10 

years 

Vary 

NA 

* - Room: Homestay will be covered by Birthright Armenia for qualified participants. 

** - Personal expenses, Health Insurance and Passport: costs are to be covered by the participant. 

*** - Students are responsible for visa expenses to enter the Republic of Armenia. Birthright Armenia participants 

will have the cost of visa extensions (if necessary) covered by Birthright Armenia. 

**** - Roundtrip airfare will be reimbursed for Birthright Armenia participants who successfully meet the required 

program criteria. 



Accommodations 

Students have the option of either being housed in the Yerevan State University Guest House or 

living with host families which can be arranged by the Birthright Armenia office. 

Insurance 

California State University, Fresno 

Scholarship 

Qualifies students may receive scholarships from the Office of International Programs or the 

Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State. 

Application Process 

The participant should begin by requesting a written application directly from Fresno State. 

Applications will be accepted beginning January 1, 2007 through April 10, 2007. Please note 

that a minimum of five students must be accepted in the program for the Fall 2007 Semester 

Abroad Program to take place. 

Required Information: 

• Name 

• Address 

• City 

• State 

• Zip 

• Telephone 

• Email 

• Date of Birth 

• One passport sized color photo 

• Official college transcript 

• One page essay: 

Why you would like to participate in the program? 

What has prepared you for study in such a program? 

Why you are qualified to participate in the program? 

• Names and telephone numbers of two references (not related to the 

applicant) 

Applications and all other requested application materials should be sent to: 

International Programs Office 


5300 North Campus Drive M/S FF83 

Fresno, CA 93740-8019 

Phone: (559) 278-6452; Fax: (559) 278-4203 

Applicants should also email Birthright Armenia (info@birthrightarmenia.org) expressing their 

interest in the program. 



After acceptance into the Study Abroad program, participants of Armenian heritage 

(minimum of one grandparent) should apply for the Birthright Armenia Travel Fellowship 

program (see Section II for additional details). 



Schedule 

Questions 

Applicants must arrive in Armenia by August 25 th , 2007 

Orientation: August 27 th - August 31 st (Monday-Friday), 2007 

Classes: September 3 rd – November 30 th , 2007 

Exams: December 3 rd – 7 th , 2007 

Holiday: September 21, 2007 (Independence Day) 


Office telephone: 559-278-6452 

Email: bille@csufresno.edu 

Website: http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/SemesterAbroad/information.htm 



II. Birthright Armenia 

Mission 

To strengthen ties between the homeland and diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity 

to be a part of Armenia’s daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through study 

and community service, while developing life-long personal ties and a renewed sense of 

Armenian identity. 

Vision 

Birthright Armenia envisions a powerful, broad-based network of organizations and individuals 

committed to making service to and experiences in Armenia an essential rite of passage afforded 

to all young Armenians across the world. 

Birthright Armenia envisions: 

• A significant percentage of Diasporan youth having personal ties to Armenia, a better 

understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and political issues and needs there, and 

globally participating in Armenia’s development. 

• Energized and inspired Armenian homeland youth, committed to remaining in Armenia, 

as a result of a better understanding of their critical role in nation building and a stronger 

connection to their Diasporan counterparts. 

• The development of future leaders of the Diaspora with a better understanding of and 

strong ties with the homeland, promoting the importance of participation in Armenia’s 

development within their local communities worldwide. 

Guiding Principles 

To realize our vision and mission, we follow key guiding principles that include: 

1. Birthright Armenia believes that it is every Armenian’s birthright to experience Armenia 

with each person provided an equal opportunity to exercise this birthright through a set of multifaceted 

experiences in their homeland. 

2. Birthright Armenia believes that immersion type programs, especially of longer duration, 

foster a greater sense of commitment and result in a deeper spiritual, cultural and intellectual 

understanding of Armenian identity, people and issues. 

3. Birthright Armenia believes that young adults in the 20-32 year old age bracket are the most 

impressionable, and are open to a journey of self-discovery of their Armenian identity. 

4. Birthright Armenia is committed to creating and providing the tools and opportunities that 

insure every young Diapsoran traveling to Armenia can acquire at least basic communication 

skills to ensure that their experiences in Armenia will be more meaningful, productive, and 

personal. 

5. Birthright Armenia believes immersion type programs, ones with a focus on encouraging 

interaction with and participation of locals, is a key to creating a sustainable bridge between the 



Diaspora and Armenia. 

6. Birthright Armenia believes that programs that focus on Armenia and those that focus on 

the Diaspora are not mutually exclusive. Programs offering such experiences in Armenia will 

serve as a feeding ground for future leaders of Diasporan communities. It is with strong ties to 

the homeland and a renewed sense of identity and responsibility that young adults will be 

energized to take on leadership positions within the Diaspora. 

7. Birthright Armenia believes that a commitment to a longer term stay in Armenia will go 

beyond personal development and will serve as a unique, career enhancing experience on the 

road of professional development. 

8. Birthright Armenia believes it can best maximize its impact by serving as a clearinghouse 

that supports and complements existing organizations and institutions, rather than duplicating 

infrastructures already in place. 

9. Birthright Armenia is committed to encompassing the most forward thinking approaches, 

and incorporating a continual self-evaluation process as integral parts of insuring that we 

maintain a high level of quality. 

10. Birthright Armenia believes by increasing the influx of Diasporan youth into Armenia 

through longer term stays, there will be a multiplier effect through consumption based economic 

development, which is a critical component for the short and long term stability of our 

developing nation. 

Means 

Travel fellowships for diasporan Armenians, who complete a qualified experience in community 

service and study in Yerevan State University, Armenia. Travel fellowships include: 

• Round-trip airfare reimbursement 

• Free orientation, forums, networking events, and in-country excursions 

• Free career and personal counseling 

• Free stay with host family 

• Free alumni events and website 

Eligibility Criteria* 

To be eligible for a Birthright Armenia travel fellowship participants must: 

• be of Armenian heritage (at least one grandparent) 

• be between the ages of 20 to 32 

• have graduated from high school 

• have not previously been sponsored by Birthright Armenia 

* - Former citizens of Armenia are only eligible if they can prove by official documentation that 

they left Armenia before the age of 12. 

Once students have applied to and been accepted by the Fresno State study abroad program, they 

can apply to Birthright Armenia for a travel fellowship (roundtrip airfare reimbursement). The 

reimbursement will be paid following fulfillment of the qualifying requirements (see below). 

Forums/Workshops 



Different aspects of economic, political and cultural development in Armenia are discussed 

during forums and workshops. 

Excursions 

Organized excursions to the Yerevan area as well as the ten marzes (regions) of Armenia and 

Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) will be incorporated into the academic studies program. 

Birthright Armenia Travel Fellowship Qualification Requirements 

1. Study Abroad Certificate, which confirms that the participant has competed 13 credits in 

Armenian Studies at Yerevan State University. 

2. Community Service Certificate, which confirms that the participant has completed a 

minimum 10-15 hours per week of volunteer work during the semester program (2 credits). 

3. Continuing Involvement Proposal. Each participant must submit a short 1-2 page proposal 

before departure from Armenia describing how he/she promises to stay involved in projects 

related to Armenia. 

Application Process 

After acceptance into the Study Abroad program, participants should apply for the Birthright 

program and present their applications before the May 1 st , 2007 deadline. 

The online Birthright Armenia application can be found at: 

http://www.birthrightarmenia.org/opportunities/step.php 

Travel Stipend Reimbursement 

Once the students complete their studies, community service and submit the appropriate 

documentation they will receive their travel stipend. The travel fellowship covers reimbursement 

of roundtrip economy class airfare at the average price for that period upon successful 

completion of the program and BR/DH requirements. 

Additional Information 

The information above as well as additional information on the Birthright Armenia program can 

be found at http://www.birthrightarmenia.org 

Questions regarding the Birthright Armenia program can be sent to: info@birthrightarmenia.org 



Application Form: California State University, Fresno 

Armenia Semester Abroad Program – Fall, 2007 

Last Name 

First Name 

Address: 

Street Apt City 

ATTACH 

PASSPORT 

PHOTO 

HERE 

State 

Zip 

Telephone Email Date of Birth 

References 

Reference Name 

Telephone 

In addition please include: 

1. Official college transcript 

2. One page essay: 

• Why you would like to participate in the Armenia Study Abroad Program? 

• What has prepared you for study in such a program? 

• Why you are qualified to participate in the program? 

Applications and all other requested materials should be sent to: 



5300 North Campus Drive M/S FF83 

Fresno, CA 93740-8019 

An email should also be sent to Birthright Armenia (info@birthrightarmenia.org) 

expressing your interest in the program

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