RUS 197/297/497, UKR 197 Cultural Immersion in Post-Soviet Armenia

RUS 197/297/497, UKR 197 Cultural Immersion in Post-Soviet Armenia
RUS 197/297/497, UKR 197 Cultural Immersion in Post-Soviet Armenia

This one-credit embedded course in Armenia offers a one-week immersion into both ancient and contemporary Armenian culture. The program includes a tour of Yerevan, the Armenian capital, and its surroundings, as well as visits to museums, historical sites, monasteries, and a charity organization.

Students will also participate in a movie screening, an introduction to Armenian cuisine, and have opportunities to interact with local students. The course is organized and supported by the School of Russian and Asian Studies (SRAS), which has been a leader in innovative programming in the post-Soviet space for over 20 years. Students will earn one credit at the level of the residential course in which they are enrolled.

Program Dates: March 7 – March 17, 2025 (March 7 is the departure date, program starts on March 8)  

Pre-requisites/Eligibility: This program is open to students taking any of the following courses in the spring 2025 semester: RUS 2, RUS 100, RUS 200, RUS 141, RUS 144, RUS 402, RUS 406, RUS 496, UKR 2, or UKR 100.   

This program is open to students taking any of the following courses in the spring 2025 semester: RUS 2, RUS 100, RUS 200, RUS 141, RUS 144, RUS 402, RUS 406, RUS 496, UKR 2, or UKR 100.

Students who commit to the program will be manually enrolled in one of the following 1-credit embedded travel courses: RUS 197; RUS 297; RUS 497; or UKR 197.

Students should review their academic term plans to determine any financial implications, especially if you plan to take over the maximum 19 credits in a semester. Students can anticipate actual charges using the University’s updated Tuition Calculator.

  • Embedded Program Fee: Maximum of $1,590
  • Airfare: Students will purchase their own roundtrip airfare with guidance from the faculty leader (estimated to be $1,100-1,200). Students will travel together on the same flight so students should not book their flights separately.
  • In-Country Costs: Please consult with your faculty leader(s) about the amount of money to bring to cover the costs of meals and any additional spending money. 

Note: The Embedded Program Fee will be billed to participants’ PSU Bursar accounts in January, and payment will be due January 22nd.

  • The Embedded Program Fee for this program includes: accommodations; transportation to/from airport to hotel in Armenia; transportation and fees related to program activities in Armenia; some meals; emergency and administrative support.
  • The Embedded Program Fee for this program does NOT include: airfare, most meals, spending money, course/credit tuition or fees, passport and visa fees (if applicable)

Note: This group will be traveling together to and from the U.S. airport, and flying together on a group flight to and from the U.S. More information will come from your faculty leaders; please do not book separately.  

To officially commit to the program, thoroughly read and submit the Official Financial Commitment Form by Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Students must fill out this form in order to be registered for the 1-credit embedded travel course (RUS 197, RUS 297, RUS 497, or UKR 197). Interested students with questions may email Dr. Irina Mikaelian at ixm12@psu.edu.

Note: If you are taking the required prerequisite course online or asynchronously, you must contact the faculty leader, Dr. Irina Mikaelian ixm12@psu.edu, for additional information before submitting the Official Financial Commitment Form to commit to the program.  

There are several official avenues for embedded program funding within the University. The primary ways are through Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding and Penn State Global, but students can also explore funding opportunities through their academic department, the Student Engagement Network or Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring.

Learn more about funding for embedded programs

Get career ready!

Embedded programs help students to gain key skills that employers are most looking for in college graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Below are 1–2 major competencies students can start to develop by participating in this program.

Critical Thinking

Immerse yourself in Armenia’s culture and history to better understand the country’s contemporary political and economic situation, such as by participating in special topic lectures and visiting key cultural sites.

Communication

Learn to communicate across cultures and languages by attending a social event where you will interact with Armenian peers.

Want to hear more? Meet with a Liberal Arts career coach in the Career Enrichment Network to discuss your experience and identify even more ways that this program can enhance your personal and professional development!

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