ASP Initiates Armenia Semester
Abroad Program for Spring 2005

Photo: Rick Laczavics
STAFF REPORT

The Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Fresno announces the establishment of an exciting new program: the 2005 Armenia Semester Abroad Program.

This unique Program provides an opportunity for students thoughout North America to 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 semester schedule is composed of five mandatory courses: Armenian language (4
units); Armenian art and architecture (3 units); Armenia today (3 units); Armenian studies (3 units); Independent study (2 units).
Courses, based on curriculum used by the Armenian Studies Program
at California State University, Fresno, will be taught by faculty from Yerevan State University.

The academic committee in charge of curriculum is composed of Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at Fresno State, Dr. Tom Samuelian of Arlex International, and Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State.

The Spring semester begins February14 and runs through May 14, 2005. There is a mandatory oneweek orientation prior to the beginning of classes. Full information on the program is available at the following web site: http://armenianstudies.csufres
n o . e d u / S e m e s t e r A b r o a d / information.htm. Eligibility: The program is open to all college juniors, seniors and graduate students who have maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Fees: Fees for the program are $2,250 per person (for 15 units of
courses) and an additional fee of approximately $160 for health insurance. Room and board, air-fare, and transportation and any additional costs are the responsibility of the student. (The Program will assist in finding accommodations in Yerevan).

Deadline: Students are required to fill in the application form and return it to the Armenian Studies Program by December 1, 2004 for study abroad in Armenia in the Spring semester 2005.

Required information for application: Official college transcript; one page essay on why you would like to participate in the Armenia Study Abroad Program, what has prepared you for study in such a Program, and why you are qualified to participate; one passport sized color photo; names and telephone numbers of two references (non-related). In addition please submit Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Telephone number, Email address, and Date of Birth. (Please clearly print all information and make sure that the telephone number and email address are current). Send the application form and all requested material to: Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Armenian Studies Program, 5245 N Backer Ave. PB4,Fresno, CA 93740-800

If you have any questions contact Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian: office telephone, 559-278-4930 or by email at barlowd@csufresno.edu

Travel fellowship: Travel fellowships are available to qualified applicants who are accepted into the Fresno State 2005 Armenia Semester Abroad Program through BirthRight Armenia/Depi Hayk (BR/DH). (See the Birthright Armenia website for details). 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. Applications for the travel fellowships are due by January 15, 2005. The application form is posted on the www.birthrightarmenia.org/opps_application.html.