Yale Summer Session in Batumi / Russian in Georgia: Third-Year Russian I & II + Culture

Description

An intensive summer program abroad featuring language study at the third-year level of Russian. Language classes meet for three hours daily. Thematically, the course centers on Russian history from the murder of Paul I in 1801 to the Great Reforms of Alexander II and his murder in 1881. It involves a comprehensive review of the essential aspects of Russian grammar, extensive vocabulary building for social sciences and history, as well as practical vocabulary necessary for everyday conversations and activities in contemporary Russophone country. Readings in Russian literature and Russian media supplement the basic course materials. Students stay with local Russian-speaking families in the main resort city of Georgia on the Black Sea coast, known from Greek mythology as the land of Colchis where the Argonauts traveled for the Golden Fleece. In addition to rigorous language training, it features a rich cultural program that contextualizes Georgia’s historical and contemporary relationship with Russia past and present. Students experience the ancient and modern history of Georgia, its vibrant society, and stunning natural beauty.

Courses & Credits

RUSS S150-S151: Third-Year Russian I & II (3 credits, L5)

RUSS S244: Georgia, Russia, and the Caucasus in Literature, Cinema, and the Visual Arts (1 credit)

This culture course is an interdisciplinary exploration of Georgian and Russian cultural history through literature, cinema, and visual arts. Topics include Georgian and Russian cultures in their historical transformations and interrelations, representations of Georgia and the Caucasus in Russian literature, Georgian contributions to world literature and artistic culture, Russian-Georgian literary and visual avant-garde connections, the age of Stalin, and the politics and culture of Soviet and post-Soviet Georgia.

These courses are also supplemented by 20 hours of Georgian language instruction at the elementary level.

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Instructors

Constantine Muravnik, Sr Lector II in Russian, Yale University 

Constantine Muravnik teaches all levels of Russian language, including first- and second-year Intensive Russian, at Yale University. His research interests include second language acquisition and multimedia teaching materials, Nabokov’s art and thought, philosophical aspects of literature, and Russian poetry. He earned his bachelor's degree from Moscow State University and his MA and PhD from Yale.

Nikolai Firtich, Professor and Chair of Russian Studies, Vassar College

Nikolai Firtich was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he received a degree in fine arts. After moving to the US in 1983, Nikolai pursued the study of Russian Literature, earning a PhD from Yale in 2001. Since then, he has been a professor of Russian Studies at Vassar College where he teaches a variety of courses on many aspects of Russian culture, including literature, film, and visual arts.

The program staff in Georgia also includes two local student assistants who accompany the program participants on all tours, provide them with additional language practice, and assist with everyday matters in an unfamiliar country.

Class Times 

Language classes will take place Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. 

The culture class will take place on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Class times may be subject to change with notice from the instructors.

Classroom Location

All language and culture classes will be held at Euro-2000 School in Batumi, Georgia.

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It’s important to have a backup option as well in case of emergency.

Participants are strongly advised to bring a moderate amount (about $100 or so) of cash in unmarked US bills that they can easily exchange for Georgian Lari in many places, including the Batumi Airport, in case their ATM or credit cards do not initially work. Please note that participants likely will need more than $100 for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the entire duration of the program. Students are also strongly encouraged to alert their banks or credit card companies of their travel plans before arriving in Georgia to mitigate the chances of their cards being declined and flagged for fraud once in the country.

Participants should expect out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale, including but not limited to class materials, coffee, snacks, and transportation to and from the classroom.

Program Cost & Funding

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad costs are updated annually and include the administrative fee and program deposit, program fee, tuition, and international housing charge.  

Budget

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad updates program budgets in late January. Please note the year listed on the button below.

Summer 2025 Budget

Trips and Activities

On every Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, learning extends outside of the classroom. Participants can expect a variety of integrated activities and excursions that enhance the academic goals of the program. Trips and activities listed below are included as examples only and are subject to change. 

All required activities and excursion include transportation (when outside of the host city), entrance fees, and most meals. 

Possible program activities include field trips to important Georgian museums, and historical and natural sites that align with the readings and lectures of the culture class. Possible excursions include a three-night stay in Tbilisi, the country’s capital; a trip to Kutaisi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the capital of the ancient United Kingdom of Georgia; Gelati, an Orthodox monastery of the early 12th century and a religious, cultural, and academic center in West Georgia; the cave city Vardzia, the cultural center of South Georgia in the Golden Age of Queen Tamar and Shota Rustaveli; David-Gareja, a 12th century Christian Orthodox monastery and the cultural center of East Georgia; the Niko Pirosmani Museum in Sighnaghi in the heart of Kakheti, the main wine-region of Georgia; the Vladimir Mayakovsky Museum in Bagdati, his birthplace near Borjomi; the 9th-century city-fortress of Akhaltsikhe; a trip to the mountains of Svaneti, which are higher than the Alps; and a visit to the Museum of Joseph Stalin in his birthplace, the town of Gori.

Housing

All participants are required to live in program-provided housing while abroad and are not permitted to arrange housing independently. International housing is guaranteed from the first day of the program until the official end date.

While in Batumi, students will live in the best part of the city by the Black Sea with carefully selected Russophone host families who will provide breakfast and dinner daily. Living conditions will vary, but most apartments will be within walking distance from classes.

Homestays are an integral part of this program. The living arrangements provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about the host culture, increase language proficiency, and form meaningful connections in the community. Students admitted into the program are expected to spend time getting to know their homestay families and be mindful of the need to balance time spent at home with time exploring the city or going out with friends. If participants have any questions about living with a homestay family, they are encouraged to reach out to the program director.

Participants must depart housing on the last day of the program.

Meals

Host families will provide participants with breakfast and dinner each day, but participants will be responsible for all their lunches, except during special group meals. It is important (and polite) that participants let their host families know if they are not going to be home for one of the provided meals.

Gift Custom

A small gift makes a good impression on arrival. An inexpensive token from the participant's university or hometown, such as a magnet or a mug, is a nice gesture for the hosts.

Notes

Climate

June in Batumi is usually pleasantly warm and while some rain is possible, it rarely lasts long. The weather usually gets hot by July and stays hot or very hot through the end of the summer. The week participants will spend traveling around Georgia and in Tbilisi is likely to be very hot and dry. However, the weather will be cooler in the mountains.

Packing Considerations

1. Pack light! Participants will be able to do laundry and will likely return home with new items from the host country. Participants should expect the possibility of carrying their bags on several modes of transportation and up several flights of stairs alone.

2. Keep all essential items in a carry-on bag (e.g., passport and medications). 

Clothing

Students are advised to bring the following items:

• A light rain jacket with a hood
• A light/small umbrella in addition to a windbreaker for added comfort if it rains. Short rain showers are common in Batumi in June.
• Comfortable walking shoes, possibly more than one pair. Students are encouraged to bring hiking boots.
• A pair of slippers to wear at home (Georgians remove their shoes when entering a dwelling)
• A pair of flip-flops and a swimsuit for the beach
• A small “American” gift for your host family (e.g., a t-shirt, calendar, baseball cap, etc.)
• A few nice/casual outfits for going out. Georgians tend to dress up rather than down.
• Shorts and sandals since it’s likely to be hot
• A sweatshirt and a warmer jacket for traveling to the mountains
• For women only – one longer skirt (below knees) and a kerchief for touring churches,monasteries, and convents; in Orthodox practice, women aren't supposed to bare shoulders, wear pants, or be bareheaded in church.
• A bath or beach towel. Host families will provide towels, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if they have specific preferences regarding quality and comfort
• A laptop and charger

Electricity Adapters

Georgia/Europe-US plug adapter (one that is narrow enough or has prongs that are long enough for the recessed electrical outlets in Georgia).

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad