INTERNATIONAL
SUMMER SCHOOL
BLACK SEA AND CAUCASUS:
DIVERSITY, CONFLICTS & NETWORKS
ILIAUNI International Summer School in BLACK SEA AND CAUCASUS: DIVERSITY, CONFLICTS, AND NETWORKS is designed to gather students from around the world for a fantastic international seasonal experience centered in Tbilisi, the main campus of Ilia State University, along with trips to regions of Georgia. A 4-week ILIAUNI International Summer School runs from June 29 to July 26, 2026.
During the program, you will have an opportunity to learn or improve a foreign language of your choice (Georgian, Ukrainian, or Russian); engage with ILIAUNI recognized faculty selected from different fields of studies. The faculty will also include invited and guest of honor speakers and practitioners (Harvard University – the Davis Center, U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia). You will gain new knowledge and expand your network of fellow students and faculty, and broaden your understanding of the Black Sea and the Caucasus Region countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine. The program includes cultural and social events including field trips to historical and cultural sites in Tbilisi and the different parts of Georgia as well.
EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS IN GEORGIA!
The aim of the summer school is to examine the Black Sea and the Caucasus region in its cultural, political, and economic dimensions. Centered on Georgia, where both the maritime and mountainous landscapes and cultures meet, but treating other countries of the region from a comparative viewpoint, the school will give a broad outline of the topic but offer in-depth studies on focal issues which throw light on recent conflicts and time-old cooperative patterns, intersections between culture and political processes, security environment and economic development.
To achieve this, the course on Black Sea and Caucasus: Diversity, Conflicts and Networks covers four distinctive but interrelated themes:
THEME 1: NATURE AND CULTURE
| THEME 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND THE SECURITY DYNAMICS IN THE CAUCASUS AND THE BLACK SEA REGION
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THEME 3: STATE, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN BLACK SEA AND CAUCASUS REGION
| THEME 4: ECONOMY OF BLACK AND CASPIAN SEA COUNTRIES
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The summer school provides opportunity to select from 3 regional languages - Georgian, Ukrainian, or Russian. Each language training offers courses of two levels, beginners (A1) and more advanced (A2/B1). Students with prior knowledge will be placed to relevant level.
The program offers academic experiences and opportunities focused on learning a foreign (regional) language through an intensive language learning environment and cross-cultural component during location-specific trips to iconic historical and cultural sites in Tbilisi and throughout Georgia while attending the study program.

Georgia is a country at the crossroads of the East and West, where Europe meets Asia. This is a place with unique and welcoming culture, ancient artistic and historic heritage, delightful cuisine and wine.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and the great metropolis of Caucasus, with over 1 million population, is a truly fascinating, multi-cultural city where traditions meet modern lifestyle.
Georgia ranks 18th in the list of safest countries in the world according to Numbeo in 2023, whereas Tbilisi has been one of the safest cities in the world for the last 10 years, regularly ranked in top 50 globally in safety index charts.
The program includes cultural and social events including field trips to historical and cultural sites in Tbilisi and the different parts of Georgia:
Tbilisi City Tour (Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani, Meidan Bazaar, Metekhi Cathedral, Tbilisi Cable Car) |
Trip to Stepanstminda (Georgian Military Road, Gergeti Church, Kazbegi Residence, Gveleti Waterfall, The Darial Gorge) |
Trip to Kakheti (Alaverdi Cathedral, Tsinandali Estate, and Palace, City of Sighnaghi, Wine Route) |
Trip to Batumi (Vani Archeological Museum, Nobel Museum, Botanical Garden, Boat Trip in Black Sea from Batumi to Poti, Kolkheti National Park) |
Trip to Mtskheta (Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, Gori, Uplistsikhe) |
Field and museum trips include: Tbilisi Botanical Garden, Tbilisi Ethnographic Museum, Georgian National Museum, etc. |

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CONTACT US
International Relations Office / International Students and Program Marketing Office
Address: 45 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, Room T107 / T 106
☏ 995 322 220009 – 367 / 385 summer@iliauni.edu.ge