Armenian Language Summer School
10 weeks (or 6-9 weeks), from Jun 21, 2026 to Aug 28, 2026

Yerevan, Armenia

Applications for this course are closed, check out upcoming courses.

For inquiries please contact [email protected]

Join the Armenian School of Languages and Cultures - ASPIRANTUM for our Armenian Language Summer School in Yerevan. The program begins on June 21 and runs through August 28, 2026. You can choose to study for the full 10 weeks, or select a shorter duration of 6, 7, 8, or 9 weeks to fit your schedule. For a deeper cultural and linguistic experience, homestays with Armenian-speaking families are available.

The 2026 Armenian Language Summer School is designed to significantly enhance participants’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Eastern Armenian. The program also offers intensive training in reading and interpreting Armenian texts from various historical periods, deepening students’ understanding of colloquial Armenian as used in everyday conversation.

You can choose to study for 6 to 10 weeks starting from June 21, 2026, by selecting your preferred duration in the application form below.

Program Options and Workload (1 hour = 50 minutes):
10 weeks: 200 in-class hours + 100 hours of independent work → Total: 300 hours
9 weeks: 180 in-class hours + 90 hours of independent work → Total: 270 hours
8 weeks: 160 in-class hours + 80 hours of independent work → Total: 240 hours
7 weeks: 140 in-class hours + 70 hours of independent work → Total: 210 hours
6 weeks: 120 in-class hours + 60 hours of independent work → Total: 180 hours

The 10-week Armenian Language Summer School offers an intensive program with 200 academic hours of classroom instruction throughout 50 weekdays (Monday to Friday).

Each day includes 4 hours of Armenian language classes, along with optional after-class lectures and additional training sessions to deepen students’ understanding and fluency.

Daily Schedule (Morning or Noon Start Options):
09:00 / 13:00 – 9:50 / 13:50 – Armenian Language Class
09:50 / 13:50 – 10:00 / 14:00 – Coffee Break
10:00 / 14:00 – 10:50 / 14:50 – Armenian Language Class
10:50 / 14:50 – 11:00 / 15:00 – Coffee Break
11:00 / 15:00 – 11:50 / 15:50 – Armenian Language Class
11:50 / 15:50 – 12:00 / 16:00 – Coffee Break
12:00 / 16:00 – 12:50 / 17:50 – Armenian Language Class (Final Session)

Daily Components of the Armenian Language Summer School
Throughout the summer program, participants will engage in a well-rounded curriculum that targets all key language skills. Each day, the following components will be covered:

Grammar: Core grammatical structures of modern Eastern Armenian will be taught and practiced daily to build a strong foundation.
Vocabulary: Over the course of 5 to 10 weeks, students are expected to learn 700 to 2,000 new Armenian words, focusing on both academic and everyday language.
Listening: Participants will improve their listening skills through Armenian songs, films, news segments, and short videos on engaging, humorous, and culturally relevant topics.
Speaking: Daily role-plays, dialogues, and discussions will help students practice speaking in real-life contexts and gain fluency in everyday conversation.
Writing: Students will complete daily writing exercises and homework assignments, reinforcing grammar, vocabulary, and composition skills.
Reading: Each day includes the reading and analysis of literary texts, political articles, poetry, dialogues, and current news. The readings feature works by prominent Armenian authors as well as contemporary materials relevant to daily life in Armenia.

This comprehensive approach ensures that participants make consistent progress in all areas of language acquisition, while gaining deep cultural insight.

Levels & Group Structure
The 2026 Armenian Language Summer School is open to participants 18 years and older.

The program will consist of 1 or 2 small groups, each with a maximum of 10 students. Over the past 8 years, ASPIRANTUM’s Armenian classes have typically included 2 to 5 participants per group, allowing for personalized attention and an interactive learning environment.

This summer school is best suited for learners with upper-elementary, lower-intermediate, or intermediate proficiency in Armenian. However, beginner and advanced level classes may also be arranged upon request.

Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Armenian Language Summer School (6–10 weeks) is May 21, 2026.
To apply, please complete the application form below.

Early Bird Discounts
Apply and pay by March 15, 2026
(See discounted fees below.)

Regular Participation Fees
You may choose a program length of 6 to 10 weeks in the application form.

10 weeks – $6690
9 weeks – $6190
8 weeks – $5690
7 weeks – $5190
6 weeks – $4690

Discounted Participation Fees

If you apply and pay by March 15, 2026:

10 weeks – $6190
9 weeks – $5690
8 weeks – $5190
7 weeks – $4690
6 weeks – $4190

What the Fee Includes
All reading and writing materials
Coffee breaks during classes
Welcome and farewell parties
Transportation and meals during cultural trips
Selected dinners with guest speakers

We will not cover accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, visa costs, insurance, travel costs to Armenia, from Armenia, and in Armenia, or any costs of accompanying friends or family members.

To apply, please fill in the application form below.

Registered participants should send 100% of the participation fee before May 30, 2026, online or via a wire bank transfer.

Trips and Cultural Activities in Armenia organized by ASPIRANTUM for the summer school participants

City Center Walking Tour 
Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Exact time TBA
A short introductory walk through Yerevan’s city center to help students get oriented with supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and the ASPIRANTUM venues. The tour will be guided by ASPIRANTUM’s director.
This optional walk is for students who are already in Yerevan on that day.

Trip - Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery Cultural Excursion
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 13:00 (1 PM)
Meeting point: Amiryan 1, in front of the Marriott Hotel
Cost: This trip is fully included in the program participation fee
Students will visit the iconic Garni Temple, the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the region, set against dramatic mountain landscapes. They will then continue to the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, carved into the rock and echoing with centuries of history and sacred music.


First day celebration dinner
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
After the trip, students will gather at Yerevan Tavern on Teryan Street to enjoy a warm Armenian evening with great food, live music, and traditional dances. It will be a relaxed and festive way to end the day together, get to know one another, begin forming friendships with fellow students, and connect more closely with the instructors.


Trip - Summit of Aragats • Amberd Fortress • Kari Lake • Yezidi Tent • Lunch
Saturday, July 11, 2026 — 9:00 (9 AM)
Meeting point: Amiryan 1, in front of the Marriott Hotel
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
During this trip, students will travel to the highlands of Aragats Mountain and visit the stunning Kari Lake. Along the way, they will meet Yezidi shepherds and see their traditional herding life in the mountains. We will stop at a Yezidi family’s tent to enjoy fresh bread and cheese, and sometimes there is even the chance to help with sheep milking. Afterward, we will visit the historic Amberd Fortress and have lunch nearby. On our return, we will stop at the Armenian Alphabet Alley and Saghmosavank Monastery, beautifully overlooking the deep Kasakh River gorge.


Trip - Ejmiatsin • Yezidi Temple • Mausoleum of Kara Koyunlu Emirs
Sunday, July 19, 2026 — 13:00 (1 PM)
Meeting point: Amiryan 1, in front of the Marriott Hotel
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
Students will visit the Ejmiatsin Cathedral, the spiritual center of Armenian Christianity. The trip continues to the magnificent Yezidi Temple in Aknalich village. On the way back to Yerevan, we will also stop to see the tomb of a Turkmen Emir who ruled the region in the 15th century.


Mid-Term Celebration & Certificate Evening
Friday, July 24, 2026 — 19:00 (7 PM)
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
We will gather at Yerevan Tavern Riverside for our summer school mid-term celebration. Students completing their program will receive their certificates during this special evening. The event will feature live music, musical and theatrical performances, great food and drinks, and of course, dancing. A warm and festive night to celebrate our time together.


Trip - Khor Virap • Noravank • Areni Cave • Lunch
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 09:00 AM
Meeting point: Amiryan 1, in front of the Marriott Hotel
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
Students will visit Khor Virap monastery, where the closest view of Mount Ararat opens across the border. The trip continues to Noravank, a stunning monastery surrounded by dramatic red cliffs. We will then explore Areni-1 Cave, the archaeological site where the world’s oldest known winery (over 6,100 years old) was discovered, along with ancient wine-pressing equipment, storage vessels, and remarkably preserved cultural artifacts that reveal the deep roots of Armenian winemaking traditions.


Celebration & Certificate Evening
Friday, August 14, 2026 — 19:00 (7 PM)
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
We will meet at Beatles Pub to relax, talk, enjoy good music, and spend time together. A friendly and joyful evening to share memories and simply enjoy each other’s company during the summer school.

Trip - Lake Sevan • Lunch
Saturday, August 15, 2026 — 09:00 AM
Meeting point: Amiryan 1, in front of the Marriott Hotel
Return at 4:00 PM
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
Students will spend a relaxing day at Lake Sevan, enjoying the fresh mountain air, beautiful views, and the cool waters of Armenia’s largest and most iconic lake. A delicious local lunch will be served by the lakeshore before returning to Yerevan.


Khachkar Crafting Masterclass
Exact date and time TBA
Cost: $55
Students will join a hands-on khachkar crafting masterclass in a historic Yerevan studio founded in 1988. Guided by an experienced khachkar artist, participants will learn traditional Armenian stone-carving techniques and explore the cultural and spiritual significance of khachkars. By the end of the session, everyone will take home a small stone souvenir they crafted themselves — a unique reminder of Armenia’s artistic heritage.

Yerevan Brandy Factory — Armenian Brandy Tasting Tour
Exact date and time TBA
Cost: $45
Students will visit the legendary Yerevan Brandy Factory, home to Armenia’s world-renowned brandy tradition. During the guided tour, participants will explore the historic cellars, learn about the production process, and experience a curated brandy tasting featuring several distinguished varieties. A refined and memorable introduction to one of Armenia’s most iconic cultural treasures.

Cooking Event — Armenian & Persian Culinary Evening
Exact date and time TBA — Afternoon/Evening
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
Students will participate in a warm, hands-on cooking experience hosted in a local Armenian home. Together we will prepare traditional dishes such as dolma and barbecue, with the possibility of adding Persian flavors and recipes to enrich the cultural exchange.
Guided by local hosts, participants will learn cooking techniques, enjoy freshly prepared dishes, and spend a relaxed evening sharing food, conversation, and culture in a homely atmosphere.

Vernissage Visit with Teachers
Exact date and time TBA
Students will explore Yerevan’s famous Vernissage open-air market together with their instructors. This vibrant space offers handmade crafts, art, jewelry, carpets, antiques, and unique Armenian souvenirs. Participants can also bargain with local artists and vendors to find memorable items to take home.

Matenadaran Visit
Exact date and time TBA
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
Students will tour the Matenadaran, Armenia’s world-renowned institute of ancient manuscripts. During the visit, they will discover rare medieval texts, beautifully illuminated manuscripts, and centuries of Armenian literary and scholarly heritage preserved under one roof.

Visiting Yerevan Blue Mosque
Exact date and time TBA
Students will visit the historic Blue Mosque, the only active mosque in Armenia and a remarkable example of 18th-century Persian architecture. During the visit, they will explore its serene courtyard, beautiful tilework, and learn about the mosque’s cultural and historical significance in Yerevan’s diverse heritage.

Gafesjian Modern Art Museum — Evening Visit
Exact date and time TBA
Cost: This event is fully included in the program participation fee
An evening visit to the Gafesjian Center for the Arts, where students will explore Armenia’s most iconic contemporary art collections in the stunning Cascade complex. Guided by instructors, participants will enjoy a relaxed cultural outing with panoramic night views over Yerevan.

Credits 
Students seeking US academic credit are advised to apply through our partner organization, SRAS, via the following link: https://sras.org/armenian

Accommodation in Yerevan
- Previously, our summer and winter school participants have found great accommodation deals through Airbnb. Airbnb works perfectly in Yerevan, and it is very easy to search and find a proper place. ASPIRANTUM staff is always ready to guide you and help to find the best accommodation through Airbnb. Please also check our detailed guide about how to find accommodation in Yerevan

Homestay
- If you'd like to arrange a homestay with a Russian-speaking family, please inform us by January 30 and complete the payment by February 15. The cost for the homestay is $290 per week.

Scholarships
- Several scholarships are available to participate in ASPIRANTUM’s Persian language summer school. For details on scholarships, please check our "scholarships" section.
Each summer school participant may find other sources of financial aid from their own University/School/Community or other relevant foundations.

Letter of Invitation
ASPIRANTUM will offer applicants an official invitation letter to support scholarship and travel grant applications.

For questions and inquiries, please contact [email protected] or WhatsApp Dr. Khachik Gevorgyan at +374-91-557978

To apply, please fill in the application form below.

Testimonials

  • “ASPIRANTUM’s summer program is one of, if not the, best way to learn Armenian over the summer. The length of the program, the environment, and, most importantly, the quality of teaching made it a productive and educational experience.”
    Anna Mehrabyan
    Assistant Editor, Council on Foreign Relations, USA
  • “Aspirantum is not just a language program, it is a cultural immersion experience of the highest caliber. As a student, I entered the program expecting to simply refine and advance my command of the Armenian language. Instead, I was delighted to find the program's offerings to be far more comprehensive than I could have anticipated.”
    Jaxon Washburn
    PhD student, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, UCLA, USA
  • “I knew barely no Armenian when I arrived, the alphabet, a vague inkling of the grammar, some words, and by the time I left I was able to understand the logic of most texts I came across, and to become independent in my studies.”
    Miguel Monteiro
    MA student, University of Coimbra, Portugal
  • “My expectations were high, and yet I was pleasantly surprised. I left the course with a thorough understanding of the grammar, a fundamental vocabulary, and all the resources to build upon it myself.”
    Rasmus Thorsø Nielsen
    PhD student, Leiden University, The Netherlands
  • “As a multi-language learner, the Armenian language classes were the best of the classes I have taken so far. In class we learned vocabulary and grammar, and practiced each of speaking, listening, writing and reading. The class consisted of both learner at intermediate level of Armenian and learner at elementary level, and everyone realized progress in their Armenian.”
    Chihiro Taguchi
    Student, Department of Political Science, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
  • “The Armenian Studies Summer School was an experience I won't ever forget. I arrived in Armenia not really knowing anyone and not sure what to expect, but the Summer school staff, professors, and students made Armenia an experience I'll never forget.”
    Erin Blankenship
    Arabic Program Director, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, University of South Carolina, MA, Harvard University
  • “The summer school staff made Armenia an experience I'll never forget. I am very pleased with this experience and, if I have the opportunity, I'll return again to Yerevan to attend another language summer school with ASPIRANTUM.”
    Leonardo De Santis
    BA student, Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa, Italy
  • “My experience on the Armenian Studies Summer School 2016 was absolutely unforgettable. With a flexible lesson structure, lecture series and timetable I was able to tailor the course around my needs and interests, and came away with a thorough knowledge of the Armenian language as well as a much deeper understanding of the region’s ancient, medieval, and modern history and culture.”
    Nicholas Matheou
    PhD Candidate, University of Oxford, UK
  • “I warmly recommend all future students, whether they are beginners or advanced students (in small or bigger groups), to participate in the unique ASPIRANTUM summer school concept. The secret is the set-up of the course being fully immersed in the language and culture of Armenia. Thanks to this approach I overcame my barrier and started to communicate at simple level and picking up conversations.”
    Rene Bekius
    Researcher, Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • “The participation in the Summer School for Armenian Studies will be remembered as one of my most fruitful and pleasant study experiences. Intense and well organized program, high educational standards, good accommodation, kind and generous attitude, in short – ASPIRANTUM Summer School is highly recommended!”
    Yana Tchekhanovets
    Archaeologist, PhD candidate, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Teachers

Lia Lalayan profile image

Lia Lalayan

Instructor of Armenian Language

Lia delves into the intricate grammatical nuances of the Eastern Armenian language, uncovering its unique complexities and helping students appreciate its rich linguistic tapestry.

Lilit Khlopuzyan profile image

Lilit Khlopuzyan

Instructor of Armenian Language

Lilit teaches Armenian with individual needs of each student in mind.

Applications for this course are closed

For inquiries please contact [email protected]