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

Join ASPIRANTUM for an immersive Russian language summer school in Yerevan, Armenia! ☀️ Our flexible 2026 program offers start dates on June 21, June 28, or July 5. You can customize your experience by choosing a duration of 6 to 10 weeks, with all sessions concluding by August 28, 2026. Explore the details below to apply for a summer of language and discovery.

See the photos of our programs on ASPIRANTUM's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aspirantumcom/

See the videos about our programs and video testimonials on ASPIRANTUM's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@aspirantum

The testimonials of ASPIRANTUM Russian language summer and winter school alumni are available here: https://aspirantum.com/testimonials

Immerse Yourself in Russian: Summer School in Yerevan 2026

Join ASPIRANTUM for an unforgettable summer of language and culture in Yerevan, Armenia! Our intensive Russian summer school is designed to rapidly advance your written and oral skills, deepen your understanding of Russian texts, and build your confidence in colloquial conversation. With flexible start dates and durations, you can design the perfect summer learning experience.

Build Your Perfect Summer Program

Our 2026 summer school is built for flexibility. Choose the duration and start date that best fits your schedule.

Flexible Durations: 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks
Flexible Start Dates: Begin your program on June 21, June 28, or July 5, 2026.
Total In-Class Instruction: 120 - 200 hours

Program Workload by Duration

A Typical Day

Each day consists of four hours of intensive classroom instruction (Monday through Friday), supplemented by engaging after-class activities. Classes are held in either a morning or afternoon session.

Our Dynamic Curriculum

Our multi-faceted approach ensures you develop all key language skills:

Grammar: Solidify your understanding of core grammatical concepts in modern Russian.
Vocabulary: Master 500-1,000 new words, covering both academic and everyday language.
Listening: Sharpen your comprehension by engaging with Russian songs, films, news, and cultural videos.
Speaking: Build confidence and fluency through daily role-plays, discussions, and structured conversations.
Writing: Reinforce your learning with practical daily writing assignments and homework.
Reading: Analyze and discuss a wide range of texts, from prominent Russian authors and poetry to current political news.

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for participants aged 18 and older. We cater primarily to students with upper-elementary to intermediate levels of Russian. To ensure personalized attention, groups are kept small, typically with 2-8 students (max 10).

Beginner and advanced level classes may be available upon special request. Please inquire for details.

Key Dates & Program Fees

Important Deadlines

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Final Payment Deadline: May 5, 2026

Participation Fee

If you apply or make the payment after May 5, the participation fee will increase by $900.

What Your Fee Includes:

All reading and writing materials
Coffee and refreshments during breaks
Welcome and farewell parties
Four guided cultural trips (transportation & meals included)
Special dinners with guest speakers

What Is Not Included:

Accommodation & daily meals
Visa fees, insurance, and travel costs
Personal expenses within Armenia

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.

Accommodation & Homestays

Accommodation Support: We are happy to help you find the perfect place to stay. Airbnb is a popular and effective option in Yerevan, and our staff can provide guidance.

Homestay Option: For a fully immersive experience, we can arrange a homestay with a local Russian-speaking family for $250 per week. Please notify us by January 30 to secure this option.

Letter of Invitation: We will provide an official invitation letter to support your scholarship and travel grant applications.

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your language journey! To apply, please complete the application form below.

In the application form, please be sure to specify your preferred start date and program duration.

For questions, please contact Dr. Khachik Gevorgyan:

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +374-91-557978

TESTIMONIALS OF 2023 RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SUMMER SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS

Ecem Saricayir, PhD Student, Cornell University, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/ecem-saricayir--russian-language-4-weeks-summer-school-2023

Willem de Mol van Otterloo, Student, Cambridge University, UK - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/willem-de-mol-van-otterloo--russian-language-6-weeks-summer-school-2023

Chika Nweke, Khan Academy, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/chika-nweke--russian-language-8-weeks-summer-school-2023

Catherine Pasternack, Student, UCLA, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/catherine-pasternack--russian-language-4-weeks-summer-school-2023

Xiaochuan Yu, MA in Development Studies, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Switzerland - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/xiaochuan-yu--russian-language-8-weeks-summer-school-2023

Eleanor Inglin, Student, University of Birmingham, UK - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/eleanor-inglin--russian-language-4-weeks-summer-school-2023

Katarzyna Swierad-Redwood, PhD Student, University of Notre Dame, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/katarzyna-swierad-redwood--russian-language-8-weeks-summer-school-2023

Annabel Baldwinson, Student, Australian National University, Australia - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/annabel-baldwinson--russian-language-4-weeks-summer-school-2023

TESTIMONIALS OF 2024 RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SUMMER SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS

Auriane Benabou, PhD Student, Comparative Literature Department, New York University, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/auriane-benabou--russian-language-5-weeks-summer-school-2024

Graham Weaver, PhD Student, New York University, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/graham-weaver--russian-language-6-weeks-summer-school-2024

Maria Wooden, BA Student, Bucknell University, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/maria-wooden--russian-language-6-weeks-summer-school-2024

Nathaniel Hill, PhD Student, Government and Politics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, USA - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/nathaniel-hill--russian-language-5-weeks-summer-school-2024

Dýrleif Birna Sveinsdóttir, BA Student, Faculty of Languages and Cultures, University of Iceland, Iceland - https://aspirantum.com/testimonials/dyrleif-birna-sveinsdottir--russian-language-8-weeks-summer-school-2024

To apply, please fill out the application form below.