January Term in the Republic of Georgia

This course will not be offered in 2009.

Study a New Democracy in the Making

Historical & Cultural Georgia
Georgia is an ancient country that sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Given its geographical position, Georgia is a multinational myriad of cultural influences. Georgian traditions of poetry, dance and hospitality have always attracted European poets and writers. Tolstoy, Pushkin, and Alexander Dumas have all written about their adventures in Georgia.

After more than 100 years in the Russian Empire and another 70 in the USSR, Georgia regained its independence in 1991. It is now a member of the UN, the WTO, and the Council of Europe. Since 1991, Georgia has struggled to build a new society, a market economy, and democratic governance. The current President, Misha Saakashvili, is a 36-year-old US-educated lawyer, who was elected in January 2004 for a 5-year term.

Tbilisi
The host city of Tbilisi was founded more than 1500 years ago, and today boasts a population nearing 1.5 million. It has all the modern conveniences, from ATMs and restaurants to jazz clubs and concert halls. Georgian food is a particular delight, with multiple influences from the Middle East and Europe. Tbilisi is a safe city and transport is easy by subway and bus. There will nevertheless be proper security briefings for students.

The Program
The January Term Program was launched in 1996. Along with Williams College and Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke established a student exchange with Tbilisi State University, the premier higher educational institution in Georgia. A professor from one of the three US colleges will accompany students. The program is designed for students in all disciplines. There is no language requirement.

Curriculum & Activities
The program consists of a 3-week trip to Georgia, during which students stay with Georgian families in the capital of Tbilisi. Students spend 2 weeks in an internship of their choosing.

Past Internships:

• Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Hospitals and other social services
• Art Museums
• NGOs (refugees, training unemployed women to start a business)

In addition to the internship, students will attend 3 lectures on aspects of Georgian history and culture led by local professors.

Previous Lectures Offered:

• "History of the Georgian Language"
• "Democracy Building in Georgia"
• "Georgian Relations with Russia"

There will be visits to the Parliament to meet with local politicians, and excursions outside the capital to historical and archeological sites. Many students have enjoyed skiing in the Caucasus Mountains, as well. We will be hosted in Tbilisi by our local representative. This is a 2 credit course and students will be expected to write a report on their internship experience when they return to Mount Holyoke College.

Language
In Georgia, the main language is Georgian, a difficult language with its own alphabet. Russian is also spoken by the older generation. However, many young people in Georgia understand and speak English, and your families and internships will be chosen to ensure that you have someone with whom you can communicate in English. There will be opportunities to take classes in Georgian or Russian during your stay.

Costs, Travel Dates, Application
The program fee for 2006 was $1,800, covering airfare, accommodations, all meals except lunch, and field trips. The fee for 2007 will be set in the fall of 2006. Financial aid is available.

Students will depart at the beginning of January and return near the end of the month (exact dates depend on flights). The group leaves from JFK in New York City (students arrange independent travel to JFK) and flies through Vienna or Istanbul. The latter provides an opportunity to explore Istanbul for the day.

Valid passports are the students’ responsibility, and visas from the Georgian Embassy in Washington D.C. will be required.

All students will be insured by AIG Assist, which in medical emergencies will evacuate students to adequate hospital facilities.

Application forms are available from Professor Stephen Jones in the Department of Russian and Eurasian Studies (104 Skinner Hall). Prof. Jones conducts the program at MHC and is available to answer questions (sfjones@mtholyoke.edu, or call x2428).

Students accepted to the program must make a firm commitment by November 1st whether to participate.

Contact Information
Prof. Jones
sfjones@mtholyoke.edu
x2428