[Discussion] Intensive Armenian Language and Culture Program, University of Venice

[sule tarakcioglu]

University of Venice (Italy)
Padus-Araxes Summer Program for Intensive Instruction in Armenian 
Language and Culture
August 2004

Our annual intensive summer course in Armenian Language and Culture will
take place from August 2nd to the 20th this year.  In existence for 
almost twenty years now, our course attracts students from the four 
corners of the globe, of all different levels and with a variety of 
interests.

We offer several course levels, and accommodate all types of students, 
from the absolute novice to the advanced student of literature. Classes 
last four to five hours each day, and are held five days a week. 
Classroom instruction is complemented by cultural activities, including 
musical instruction by the renowned Kotchnak ensemble based out of Paris.

In the past, we have arranged for our groups to attend concerts in the
Byzantine Church located on the island of Torcello; organized tours to 
the island of the Armenian monastery of San Lazzaro (Surb Ghazar) just 
off of Venice; encouraged students to see operas at the outdoor 
amphiteatre at Verona (a relatively short train ride away); held group 
dinners in the garden complemented by plays and talent shows; and 
encouraged students to attend the traditional Mass of the Assumption of 
Mary (the 'Blessing of the Grapes') at the monastery of San Lazzaro -- 
really, something to be experienced!

Our program offers excellent instruction in Armenian language by 
scholars from Armenia, Syria, Turkey, Greece and France.  We also offer 
courses on Armenian History, conducted by historians from Italy, Armenia 
and the United States.

Our multi-faceted program will surely provide you with a wonderfully 
rich cultural and intellectual experience.  We pride ourselves on the 
fact that so many of our students return again and again, such that they 
might meet up with old friends, make new ones, and drink more from the 
infinite wells of knowledge offered by the city of Venice, herself.

Accommodations are very comfortable and we house our students (of all 
ages) in dormitories of the University of Venice.  We have been using 
l'Abazia dormitory for over four years now and students have marveled at 
its loveliness.  The garden offers a wonderful space for communicating, 
eating and drinking and, of course, dancing and singing!

The kitchen of l'Abazia is clean and provides enough space for us all to
cook and enjoy cooking together!  The dormitory also has several washing
machines and space to dry clothes, as well.  l'Abazia is located 
centrally, with a market just around the corner, loads of restaurants 
and bars within three minutes walking distance and only a short 
vaporetto ride away from the building in which our classes are held at 
the university.

Meals are not included in the prices we quote.  Markets are available 
all over Venice and provide a cheap and enjoyable option.  Students tend 
to have their coffee and croissant at home or in a cafe en route to 
school, and then usually will eat lunch in the university cafeteria 
which offers a simple but balanced meal for under 6 Euros.  Dinner can 
be cooked at the dorm or, of course, eaten either in the same cafeteria 
or in one of Venice's wonderful restaurants.

The tuition for 2004 is 630 Euros or its equivalent in other currency. 
Of this amount Euros should be sent as a REGISTRATION FEE upon 
acceptance by March 31st. After this date the amount of the registration 
fee increases to 500 Euros.  The total amount is to be settled upon 
arrival, in one of the main Western currencies.  This is a BASIC 
CONDITION FOR ACCESS TO THE LODGEMENT.  Money, once paid, WILL NOT BE 
REFUNDED for any reason.  A 10% DISCOUNT is offered to those who have 
already attended the course twice as well as to one of their close 
relatives (parents, brothers, husband/wife).

Residenza Abazia.  The costs for living in the dormitory from July 31st 
to August 22nd is: 800 Euros for a single room, 600 Euros for a double 
room.  Any per diem calculation is not permitted within this time period.

Our application is available online at www.padus-araxes.com.

For INFORMATION, fax +39.041.2414448 or send an email to
<daniela@padus-araxes.com. For urgent information you can CALL at
+39.041.2414448 on Monday and Thursday morning from 9.30 am to 12.30 
pm., or at +39.347.4562981 at 8-10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 
(ITALIAN TIME).