“Odlar Yurdu Azerbaijan ”
Language Course Summer University

AEGEE-Europe's local antenna AEGEE-Baki carried out intended Language Course Summer University “Odlar Yurdu Azerbaijan ” in 9-23 July, 2007. Students from the 15 European countries, such as Spain , Slovenia , Poland , Ukraine , Hungary , Germany , Great Britain , Sweden , Russia and etc were participated in this two weeks project. Participants' ages were 21-26 and consisted of six females and nine males. The foreign students were accommodated at the apartment arranged by AEGEE-Baki.
On July 10 the teaching of Azerbaijan language was began. The comprehensive information about Language Course Summer University was spread to the community by the participation of mass media on the opening day. Even short interviews were taken from some foreign students. During the Summer University the students were taught the alphabet of Azerbaijan language, special word phrases, the commonly used words in our daily life (for example, initial acquaintance, ask after somebody's health, necessary word phrases during shopping). It could be noted that our students were successful using necessary language knowledge especially during shopping.

The lessons were held on the basis of manual intended especially for foreigners presented by the Khazar University . Courses conducted daily between 10:00-16:00 at the State Economical University . At the end of course was taken exams and given them Diplomas due to the attendance of Language Course organized by the AEGEE-Baki. The results of taken exams (65-90%) exceeded our expectations and this was a glad encouragement for us and a sign in making good progress.
For participants were arranged travels and trips to the sightseeing of Baku (Inner City, Shirvanshahs Palace , Maiden Tower , Karavansaray, Martyr's Alley, Honorary Alley, The Green Theatre, Carpet Museum , Ramana Castle , Ateshgah, etc) after the lessons on the basis of drafted program.
Besides it, travels were organized to the nice places of Azerbaijan like Sheki and Lenkoran. In order to propagate our history were also arranged trips to Gobustan, Palchig Vulkani (Mud Volcano) and Yanar Dagh (Volcano). Even one of the students mentioned Gobustan and Mud Volcano like the most immense places which had ever seen.

One of the most memorable moments of the project was the birthday celebration of two participants with the accompanying of our national music and cuisine examples. That day they were taught Yalli and Flirt (Naz etme) dances. It might be noted that Yalli became the most lovable dance of the European students. Also, the participants were taken to the concert with the purpose of acquaintance with our unique music Mugham.
One of interesting moments was European Nights. Meanwhile every representative from the countries demonstrated their culture, national cuisine, music, dances and clothes on certain days. Some made supper, some represented famous drinks.

In the beginning of the Summer University the foreign students' thoughts were hesitative on Azerbaijan culture and everyday life. On the first lesson day they discussed expectations and fears and in the result it was known that they have a great interest to our country, religion, tradition, culture and everyday lives of people. The most faced difficulties at first days were the traffic in Baku , but later this wasn't a serious problem.
In the result of this two weeks project, besides new acquaintances and friendships were built new relations with different AEGEE antennas. Except it, new skilful and perspective members accepted to the AEGEE-Baki membership. The project was an important event as a dialogue and comprehension between countries, also a part of integration process to the Europe . In the result of this project, at first time was held the Summer University on teaching of Azerbaijan language and this first step increased and strengthened the rapid development of AEGEE-Baki, becoming popular among students and its role in the field of youth work.