Persian Language Summer School
10 weeks (or 6-9 weeks), from Jun 20, 2027 to Aug 27, 2027

The Armenian School of Languages and Cultures – ASPIRANTUM is organizing a Persian language summer school in Yerevan, Armenia. The program starts on June 20, June 27, or July 4, and you can stay up to 10 weeks until August 27, 2027. Shorter options of 6, 7, 8, or 9 weeks are also available. We offer beginner, elementary, and intermediate (up to upper-intermediate) level Persian language classes, ensuring that students of different backgrounds can progress effectively. To get more information and apply, please refer to the details below.

Participation Fees | Early Application Discount

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 Persian language summer and winter school alumni are available here: https://aspirantum.com/testimonials

2027 Persian Language Summer School in Yerevan, Armenia

Intensive Persian Language Study with ASPIRANTUM

Spend 6–10 weeks in Yerevan and make substantial progress in Persian through an intensive academic program combining Modern Persian, colloquial Persian, reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, and grammar.
ASPIRANTUM’s 2027 Persian Language Summer School is designed for students, researchers, academics, professionals, and independent learners who want to develop their Persian in a focused and supportive environment.
Participants may choose a 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, or 10-week program, with starting dates on:
June 20, 2027
June 27, 2027
July 4, 2027

The full 10-week program runs until August 27, 2027.

Program length and contact hours

10 weeks: 200 contact hours
9 weeks: 180 contact hours
8 weeks: 160 contact hours
7 weeks: 140 contact hours
6 weeks: 120 contact hours
One contact hour equals 50 minutes of instruction.

What You Will Learn

The program is designed to help participants make measurable progress across all major Persian-language skills.
By combining intensive classroom instruction with regular assignments, discussions, authentic materials, and cultural activities, students work toward greater confidence in both written and spoken Persian.
Depending on your starting level, you will develop your ability to:

• communicate more confidently in everyday Persian;
• understand spoken Persian in conversations, videos, news, and other authentic materials;
• read Persian prose, poetry, news, and contemporary texts;
• improve your command of Persian grammar;
• expand your active and passive vocabulary;
• write increasingly complex sentences and texts;
• understand differences between formal, literary, and colloquial Persian;
• discuss a wide variety of academic, cultural, social, and everyday topics.

For students completing the full 10-week program, the curriculum is designed to introduce approximately 1,500 new Persian words and expressions, including vocabulary from both literary Persian and everyday spoken language.

An Intensive Persian Program: 4 Classes Every Weekday

Students attend four Persian-language classes per day, Monday through Friday.

Depending on the group, classes are normally scheduled either in the morning or in the afternoon.

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.

In addition to regular classes, the summer school includes selected lectures, cultural activities, trips, and opportunities to continue using Persian outside the formal classroom setting.

What Happens in the Classroom?

ASPIRANTUM’s Persian classes combine several language-learning components every day.

Speaking

Students actively use Persian through conversations, discussions, presentations, role-playing activities, and classroom interaction.

The goal is not simply to know Persian grammar, but to become increasingly comfortable using Persian spontaneously.

Listening

Students work with authentic and adapted audio and video materials, including conversations, interviews, songs, films, news reports, and short videos related to Iranian culture and everyday life.

Teachers help students develop strategies for understanding natural spoken Persian.

Reading

Students read and discuss a broad range of materials, depending on their level, including:

• contemporary prose;
• poetry;
• news;
• political and social texts;
• dialogues and everyday conversations;
• texts by prominent Persian authors.

Students learn not only to understand the texts but also to discuss their vocabulary, grammar, meaning, and cultural context.

Writing

Regular written assignments help students strengthen their grammar and vocabulary and become more comfortable expressing increasingly complex ideas in Persian.

Homework is assigned throughout the program so that students continue practicing outside class.

Grammar

Grammar is taught systematically and reinforced through reading, speaking, listening, and writing.

Where useful, instructors also introduce connections between Modern Persian and Classical Persian.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary development is an important part of every class.

Students learn both formal and colloquial vocabulary and repeatedly encounter new words through readings, discussions, assignments, and authentic materials.

Detailed Persian Language Syllabi

Students receive a detailed syllabus outlining the material covered during the program.

You can also review sample ASPIRANTUM Persian curricula before applying:

Intermediate Persian syllabus:
https://aspirantum.com/curriculum/persian-intermediate-syllabus

Upper Elementary Persian syllabus:
https://aspirantum.com/curriculum/upper-elementary-persian-syllabus

Who Can Participate?

The 2027 Persian Language Summer School is open to participants 18 years of age and older.

The program is particularly suitable for:

• undergraduate and graduate students;
• doctoral students and researchers;
• university professors;
• professionals whose work involves Iran or the Persian-speaking world;
• heritage learners;
• independent learners;
• anyone who wants to make serious progress in Persian through an intensive summer program.

You do not need to be affiliated with a university to participate.

Persian Language Levels

ASPIRANTUM plans to offer instruction from beginner through intermediate/upper-intermediate level, depending on enrollment.

Groups normally consist of 2–10 participants and will not exceed 12 students.

Students are placed according to their existing knowledge of Persian.

Beginner — A0–A1

This level is suitable for students with little or no previous knowledge of Persian.

You will:

• begin with the Persian alphabet;
• learn to read and write basic words and sentences;
• acquire essential everyday vocabulary;
• learn basic sentence structures;
• introduce yourself and exchange simple personal information;
• understand familiar words and simple instructions when spoken clearly.

Elementary / Upper Elementary — A1–A2

At this level, you can already understand and use some basic Persian.

You will work toward being able to:

• understand common everyday expressions;
• read and write short texts;
• communicate in routine situations;
• discuss familiar topics such as family, daily activities, studies, and personal interests;
• understand short and relatively simple spoken materials.

Lower Intermediate — around A2

At this level, you already have a foundation in Persian and can communicate in familiar situations.

You will develop your ability to:

• understand frequently used expressions;
• participate in everyday conversations;
• describe your background, surroundings, interests, and experiences;
• understand the main ideas of straightforward texts;
• write connected sentences and short texts.

Intermediate — A2–B1 and above

This level is intended for students who can already communicate in Persian and want to develop greater fluency and accuracy.

You will work toward being able to:

• understand the main points of clear spoken Persian;
• participate more confidently in conversations;
• express opinions, experiences, and arguments;
• read longer and increasingly complex texts;
• write connected paragraphs and essays;
• understand more natural spoken Persian;
• expand your knowledge of idiomatic and colloquial expressions.

Exact placement is determined before the beginning of the program.

Small Groups and Individual Attention

ASPIRANTUM deliberately keeps its Persian-language groups small.
In recent years, groups have generally consisted of 2–10 participants, allowing instructors to work closely with individual students while maintaining the benefits of group interaction.
Depending on the number and levels of participants in 2027, the summer school may operate one, two, or three separate Persian groups.

In previous years:
2019 — 2 groups
2021 — 2 groups
2022 — 2 groups
2023 — 1 group
2024 — 2 groups
2025 — 3 groups
2026 — 2 groups

Our instructors have extensive experience working with students at different levels and adapting classroom activities so that every participant can continue progressing.

Placement and Assessment

Before the summer school begins, confirmed participants complete a placement process.

This normally includes:

• a written Persian-language assessment; and
• an individual video conversation with an instructor.

The purpose is to understand each participant’s current level and place students in the most appropriate group.
Students also receive regular feedback throughout the program.
Short assessments may be organized during the summer school, and participants complete a final assessment to evaluate their progress by the end of the program.

More Than a Language Course

ASPIRANTUM’s summer schools are designed as intensive language-and-culture programs, not simply classroom courses.

Students spend several weeks together in Yerevan, creating an international community of people who share an interest in Persian language, Iran, Armenia, the Caucasus, and the broader region.

Alongside intensive language instruction, ASPIRANTUM organizes a cultural program that may include excursions, museum visits, lectures, workshops, group dinners, and other activities in Yerevan and elsewhere in Armenia.

Many of these activities are included in the participation fee.

The cultural program gives participants an opportunity to experience Armenia while studying Persian intensively and meeting students and scholars from different countries and academic backgrounds.

Dates

The main 2027 Persian Language Summer School begins on June 20, 2027 and continues through August 27, 2027.

Participants may choose programs lasting between 6 and 10 weeks and may begin on:

• June 20
• June 27
• July 4

Your exact end date will depend on the duration and starting date you select in the application form.

Participation Fees

Regular fees

10 weeks / 200 hours — $7,990
9 weeks / 180 hours — $7,690
8 weeks / 160 hours — $6,990
7 weeks / 140 hours — $6,690
6 weeks / 120 hours — $5,990

You will receive a $390 refund after the summer school ends if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Attend at least 95% of all classes.
• Attend all cultural/academic events, trips, and banquets organized by ASPIRANTUM.
• Participate in a video testimonial recording.
• Submit a written testimonial.

Early Application Discount — Until December 15, 2026

Apply and complete your payment by December 15, 2026 to receive the lowest 2027 participation fee:

10 weeks — $6,990
9 weeks — $6,690
8 weeks — $5,990
7 weeks — $5,690
6 weeks — $4,990

That is a $1,000 saving compared with the regular participation fee.

You will receive a $390 refund after the summer school ends if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Attend at least 95% of all classes.
• Attend all cultural/academic events, trips, and banquets organized by ASPIRANTUM.
• Participate in a video testimonial recording.
• Submit a written testimonial.

Second Early Application Discount — Until February 15, 2027

Apply and complete your payment by February 15, 2027:

10 weeks — $7,490
9 weeks — $7,190
8 weeks — $6,490
7 weeks — $6,190
6 weeks — $5,490

That is a $500 saving compared with the regular participation fee.

You will receive a $390 refund after the summer school ends if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Attend at least 95% of all classes.
• Attend all cultural/academic events, trips, and banquets organized by ASPIRANTUM.
• Participate in a video testimonial recording.
• Submit a written testimonial.

What Is Included in the Participation Fee?

The participation fee includes:

• all Persian-language classes;
• course materials and reading/writing materials;
• coffee breaks during classes;
• welcome and farewell events;
• cultural activities organized by ASPIRANTUM;
• transportation during included cultural excursions;
• meals during selected cultural trips;
• selected dinners and events with guest speakers.

What Is Not Included?

Participants are responsible for:

• accommodation;
• breakfast, lunch, and regular dinners;
• airfare and other travel to and from Armenia;
• personal transportation within Armenia unless part of an included ASPIRANTUM activity;
• visa expenses, if applicable;
• travel and health insurance;
• personal expenses;
• expenses of accompanying family members or friends.

Application Deadline

The regular application deadline for the 2027 Persian Language Summer School is:

May 15, 2027

Applications submitted or payments completed after May 15 may still be considered if places remain available, but the participation fee will increase by $900.

Because ASPIRANTUM keeps its groups small, applicants are encouraged to apply earlier rather than wait for the final deadline.

Payment Deadline

Confirmed participants should complete payment of their participation fee by May 21, 2027, unless an earlier payment deadline applies to an early-discount offer.

Why Study Persian with ASPIRANTUM?

ASPIRANTUM has been organizing intensive language summer schools since 2014.

Our goal is simple: to create an environment where motivated students can dedicate several weeks almost entirely to language learning and make the kind of progress that is difficult to achieve through occasional classes during the academic year.

Students choose ASPIRANTUM because of:

• 120–200 hours of intensive Persian instruction;
• small class sizes;
• experienced Persian-language instructors;
• a strong emphasis on both spoken and written Persian;
• systematic grammar and vocabulary development;
• authentic Persian texts, audio, and video materials;
• individual placement and regular feedback;
• an international community of students and researchers;
• a rich cultural program in Armenia;
• the opportunity to dedicate 6–10 weeks almost entirely to Persian.

Whether you are learning Persian for university study, research, professional work, travel, personal interest, or future advanced study, ASPIRANTUM’s summer school offers an opportunity to make Persian the center of your daily life for several intensive weeks.

Apply for the 2027 Persian Language Summer School

Choose your preferred starting date and program duration in the application form below.

Application deadline: May 15, 2027

Early-discount deadline: December 15, 2026

We look forward to welcoming you to Yerevan for the 2027 ASPIRANTUM Persian Language Summer School.

Trips and Cultural Activities in Armenia organized by ASPIRANTUM for the summer school participants

City Center Walking Tour 
Saturday, June 19, 2027 — 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 20, 2027 — 13:00 (1 PM)
Meeting point: King Pap street 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 20, 2027
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 - Ejmiatsin • Yezidi Temple • Mausoleum of Kara Koyunlu Emirs
Sunday, July 10, 2027 — 13:00 (1 PM)
Meeting point: King Pap street 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.

Trip - Summit of Aragats • Amberd Fortress • Kari Lake • Yezidi Tent • Lunch
Saturday, July 17, 2027 — 9:00 (9 AM)
Meeting point: King Pap street 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.

Mid-Term Celebration & Certificate Evening
Friday, July 23, 2027 — 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 7, 2027 — 09:00 AM
Meeting point: King Pap street 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 13, 2027 — 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 14, 2027 — 09:00 AM
Meeting point: King Pap street 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.

Credits 
Students seeking US academic credit are advised to apply through our partner organization, SRAS, via the following link: https://sras.org/persian

Accommodation in Yerevan
- Previously, our summer and winter school participants have found great accommodation deals through Airbnb. Airbnb works perfectly in Yerevan, and it is very easy to search and find a proper place. ASPIRANTUM staff is always ready to guide you and help to find the best accommodation through Airbnb. Please also check our detailed guide about how to find accommodation in Yerevan. 

Scholarships
- Several scholarships are available to participate in ASPIRANTUM’s Persian language summer school. For details on scholarships, please check our "scholarships" section.
Each summer school participant may find other sources of financial aid from their own University/School/Community or other relevant foundations.

- Letter of Invitation
ASPIRANTUM will offer applicants an official invitation letter to support scholarship and travel grant applications.

For questions and inquiries, please contact [email protected] or WhatsApp Dr. Khachik Gevorgyan at +37491557978

To apply, please fill in the application form below.