Azbukum - Serbian Summer Language School

Danko Sipka sipkadan at hum.amu.edu.pl
Wed May 8 11:55:28 UTC 1996


AZBUKUM   -   Centre for Serbian Language and Culture , Yugoslavia

President of  AZBUKUM and contact person: Ms Natasa Milicevic
address:  Dragise Brasovana 18, 21000 Novi Sad, Yugoslavia
telefon/fax: 381 21 58 838


Dear Sirs or Madams,
        We are addressing you believing that you, your associates and a
wider circle of people around you, would be interested in our newly formed
and completely authorised project.
        For the first time in Serbia and Yugoslavia a group of experts in
Serbian language and culture, mostly university lecturers, has established
AZBUKUM, a centre for studying and exploring Serbian language as well as
general knowledge of Serbian culture.

        COURSE ORGANISATION

        The courses will be held during the summer, starting 1st July 1996,
each course lasting for four weeks, offering the possibility for extension
according to the needs, wishes and abilities of the students.
        The basic four weeks course fee includes different courses in
Serbian Language and culture of the Serbs, regular consultation with the
teacher, as well as various additional programmes which will enable better
understanding of regional traditions and customs.
        The first day will start with the diagnostic test to establish
your standard of Serbian. According to ability the student will be placed
into a group with other students whose language skills are similar to his
own. At the first two levels students are recommended to attend only
language lessons. From the Intermediate to Advanced levels the students
are able to understand and study topics in culture, too.
        Our programmes include 10 to 14 students, with a maximum of 15.
All lessons will be of 45 minutes' duration. The daily programme, from
Monday to Friday, with the entire amount of 20 lessons per week, will be
scheduled to enable you to maintain the essential balance between
concentration and relaxation to achieve the best results.
        In addition to the scheduled lessons, students will have regular
opportunities for one-to-one work with their teacher.

BASIC PROGRAMME

A   Serbian Language        B   The Culture of the Serbs
      Beginners                   Literature
      Lower-Intermediate          Art
      Intermediate                Ethnography with Religion
      Upper-Intermediate          History of the Serbs
      Advanced                    Introduction to Serbian Culture (in English)

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

        Language courses are based on intensive study of structure and
vocabulary, development of oral communication skills, listening and reading
comprehension, progressive practice in writing skills, and guided
conversation.
        Courses in culture include lectures ex cathedra as well as lessons
and debate on issues of topical interest, using a variety of materials and
hosted by exclusive lecturers, well-known writers, artists, etc.
        All programmes involve a great deal of film, video and documentary
materials, question and answer sessions as well as analysing current events
both from linguistic and from cultural points of view.

ACCOMMODATION FEES

code               type                         total per person for 4 weeks

                 HOST FAMILY
S1         Standard single, self-cathering                 150 DEM
S2         Standard Double, self-cathering                 100 DEM

                 STUDIOS
S3         Standard Double, self-contained                 175 DEM

                 HOTEL "VOJVODINA" in the very centre of Novi Sad
S4         Single/Double, bed & breakfast                   40 DEM *
S5         Single/Double, half board                        50 DEM *
S6         Single/Double, full board                        60 DEM *

                 HOTEL "PARK"  1 mile from the centre of Novi Sad
S7         Single/Double, bed & breakfast                   22 DEM *
S8         Single/Double, half board                        27 DEM *
S9         Single/Double, full board                        32 DEM *

                 HOTEL "BOEM" in Sremski Karlovci
S10        Double, bed & breakfast                          16 DEM *
S11        Three or four beds room, bed & breakfast         14 DEM *

    * per person per night

                 STUDENTS RESIDENCE
S12        Double room with toilet                          70 DEM


ACCOMMODATION FEE NOTES

- Accommodation Arrangement Fee of 30 DEM is not included into the offered
  price.
- Book on time to be sure of your firs choice of accommodation.
- One weeks notice must be given to the Centre for any change to
  accommodation either prior to or after arrival. A cancellation charge of
  1 week's accommodation will apply if this is not given.
- In arranging accommodation AZBUKUM is acting as the supplier's agent.

If you are interested in our programmes, please contact AZBUKUM. We will
send you our brochures, price lists and the application form. You can write
or send a fax to our address:

AZBUKUM , Centre for Serbian Language and Culture
21000 Novi Sad, Yugoslavia
telephone / fax :  381 21 58 838
      contact person: Ms Natasa Milicevic, President of AZBUKUM

Payments
    Europe -  Make payments in favour of MB Union Bank account 9362401 with
       DEUTSCHE BANK A.G. Taunusanlage 12, P.O.Box 10 06 01 Germany,
       beneficiary AZBUKUM 440-0136131
    Other continents - Make payments in favour of MB Union Bank account
        36014965 with CITIBANK N.A. 399 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10043,
        beneficiary AZBUKUM 440-0136131
Please state the details of payment (Deposit, School Fees, Accommodation).
Credit Cards are not accepted.

COURSE START DATES  are:
    1st July 1996    or    15th July 1996     or    29th July 1996

COURSE TYPES
        There are 10 different courses in Serbian Language and Culture of
the Serbs. Maximum lessons per week will be 20. or 80 lessons on the basis
of 4 weeks. We offer a possibility to attend and combine courses you are
interested in, according to the model given below. Maximum group size is
15 students.

course code:            couses:
      J1                        Serbian Language (Beginners)
      J2                        Serbian Language (Lower-Intermediate)
      J3                        Serbian Language (Intermediate)
      J4                        Serbian Language (Upper-Intermediate)
      J5                        Serbian Language (Advanced)
      K1                        Serbian Literature
      K2                        Serbian Art
      K3                        History of the Serbs
      K4                        Serbian Ethnology and Religion
      K5                        Introduction to the Serbian Culture*
*This course will be held in English.

Possible combinations are:

Serbian Language (J1-J5) - 80 lessons
Serbian Language (J1-J5) and a course in Serbian Culture (K1-K5)
    - 40+40 lessons
Serbian Culture (K1-K5) - 80 lessons
Two courses in Serbian Culture (K1-K5) - 40+40 lessons

COURSE FEES
The price of a 4 week course, in any combination, with a maximum of 80
lessons is:
1.  West European countries, China and South Korea   -    600 DEM
2.  East Eauropean countries                         -    500 DEM
3.  USA, Canada , Australia and other countries      -    900 DEM

COURSE FEE NOTES
What is included:
    placement test,
    student card,
    certificate of attendance,
    listening centre,
    computer centre,
    a one-day excursion and
    certain social activities.
What is not included:
    Personal and Health Insurance,
    bank charges,
    course books,
    travel expences,
    special excursions,
    and some other social activities such as cinemas, theatres, concerts, etc.

SURROUNDINGS AND ACCOMMODATION

        The whole teaching programme will take place in Sremski Karlovci,
an acient cultural centre in the North of Serbia, which has a tradition of
high education that dates back to the beginning of 18th century. The lectures
and other lessons will be held at the High School of Sremski Karlovci, the
first Serbian high school which has a wide range of audio, video and computer
equipment.
        Students will be accommodated in Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad, the
capital of Vojvodina Province which is only 20 minutes away from the school
by bus. Both towns are about 70 kilometers away from the capital of Serbia
and Yugoslavia, Belgrade.
        Both Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad lie on the greatest European
river, the Danube, and their specific position offers a wonderful setting
for the programme. They have the leisure facilities of an international
holiday resort. During the summer, there is a well known Summer Theatre
Festival at the Petrovaradin Fortress, and many other concerts, exibitions
and musical events all over Serbia and Montenegro. All of them of the
highest calibre. Therefore, we offer half-day, full-day, weekend and
extended tours to suit everyone's interests.
        In addition, we organise an extensive selection of sporting
activities where professional coaching could be arranged, too. Available
sports activities are swimming, fishing, tennis, football, volleyball,
horse-riding, fitness training, etc.
        We will encourage all our students to take part in social and
recreational activities within and outside our school, such as social
evenings, video shows, discoteques and clubs, parties and barbecues,
cultural events, floating discoes, folk dancing, etc.

SHORT  COURSE  DESCRIPTION

        For the first year of its existence AZBUKUM offers you ten different
courses regarding two main topics: Serbian Language and Culture of the
Serbs. We hope that these concise descriptions of the courses may help you
to decide which subject(-s) you are most interested in.

A)  SERBIAN LANGUAGE

Beginners' and Lower-Intermediate Level  (J1-J2)
        An introduction to essential grammatical structures and training in
the spoken language. Students will learn to understand and use basic
vocabulary in everyday situations.
        In particular, they will learn how to do the following adequately:
    * introduce themselves and say what they do
    * state needs, likes and dislikes
    * make requests, invitations, suggestions,appologies
    * obtain information
    * respond politely to invitations and offers
    * give and respond to simple instructions
    * understand vital public notices and announcements
    * understand and write simple messages
    * say and write what they did on a past occasion
    * say and write what they are going to do;

Intermediate Level (J3)
        Students will consolidate what they already know, increasing their
accuracy and fluency by polishing these skills:
    * speaking and writing about themselves
    * describing what they have seen
    * understanding everyday conversation at normal speed
    * taking part in conversation
    * expressing their opinion
    * reading and writing about everyday topics
    * writing simple letters
    * communicating on the telephone;

Extra course
        In case that there is a certain interest, AZBUKUM will be more than
pleased to organize an introductory  course concerning Serbian folklore.
Traditional dances, songs and clothes will be presented. Thus students will
have an outstanding opportunity to spend unforgettable moments dancing,
singing and having great time together. Previous experience is not required.
Those interested are advised to contact us regarding the matter after their
arrival.

Upper-Intermediate Level (J4)
        Building on a firm base of the knowledge students already acquired,
they will learn to converse accurately and naturally in most situations
such as:
    * initiate a conversation
    * argue and defend their point of view
    * understand information in any written form (newspaper articles,
      publicity material, official publications)
    * understand the spoken word, including the recorded and broadcast
      material, on any general subject
    * express their wishes and intentions verbally or in writing
    * write a report or a formal letter to an official body;


Advanced Level (J5)
        At this stage students will move towards a high degree of accuracy
and fluency, and acquire the ability to use the language to express their
own ideas and personality. They will know how to:
    * present arguments on abstract subjects, verbally or in writing
    * take part in both formal and informal discussions on a variety of
      social, cultural and professional topics
    * make notes and write a report or summary of a speech or lecture
    * present a talk on a prepared subject
    * summarize verbally or in writing an article or a report
    * understand the written language in contexts relevant to their
      personal or professional life;

B)  THE CULTURE OF THE SERBS

Serbian Literature (K1)
        There are several possibilities this course will offer to students.
First of all, there is an insight into its history, from the beginnings to
the present day (12th -20th century). Besides, we offer a comparative study
of some of its most attractive flows such as spoken literature or
postmodernism. Finally, the most popular Serbian writers in the world -
Pavic, Kis, Pekic, Andric, etc,  will be closely examined as well as their
work.

Serbian Art (K2)
        A course studying the painting, graphics, architecture, sculpture,
and music of the Serbs by attempting to identify some of the underlying
ideas and themes. It will aim to give students a framework within which
they can gain a greater appreciation of the topics itself. Colour slides,
video materials as well as visits to concerts, galleries and museums will
be included. Visits to Serbian monasteries will be also organized.

History of the Serbs (K3)
        By giving a summary of Serbian history, this course aims to inform
students about the most important periods, processes and people. Thus,
students will acquire clearer insight into the context which not dealt
would unable understanding different aspects of Serbian culture. Therefore
the focus will be on comparative approach to the general historical and
cultural movements.

Serbian Ethnology and Religion (K4)
        The course will explore tradition, beliefs, customs and legends of
the Serbs, focusing on the mythology and seasonal folk customs particulary
emphasizing the vitality of surviving folk practices in their social context.
An overall view of the religion of the Serbs (from their settlements to the
Balkans until nowadays) will be also presented, with particular reference to
those people and periods of most strategic importance in thought and action.

Introduction to Serbian Culture (K5)
        The course aims to clarify the principles and processes which
affected creation of Serbian culture. We will consider many of its aspects:
main historical events, tradition and customs as well as the original invents
and influences taken from Oriental and Western cultures. Sculpture,
architecture, and painting will be understood in their context, and
particularly in their relationship with religion. Brief insight into the
outstanding literary works and authors will be also given. This is the only
course that will be held in English language.


GENERAL  INFORMATION

Arrivals
        The Centre arranges accommodation to start and end on Saturdays or
Sundays. Students arriving on a Saturday must leave on a Saturday. Those
arriving on a Sunday must leave on a Sunday.

Airport transfer
        Airport transfer from/to Surcin Airport (Belgrade) to/from Sremski
Karlovci or Novi Sad can be arranged at extra cost. Arrival instructions
will be given on confirmation of booking. All students requiring a transfer
need to complete the Transfer form and send it to the Centre no later than
10 days prior to arrival, otherwise we cannot guarantee to meet you.

Travel and Medical Insurance
        The Centre strongly advices students to take out medical and travel
insurance prior to leaving their country. AZBUKUM accepts students on the
assumption that they are in good health. We do not accept responsibility for:
    - loss or damage to any property belonging to students;
    - injury or loss to life to any participant;
    - loss of expences due to delays or changes in air, rail or other
      services, weather, quarantine, sickness, strikes or any other cause.

Centre Rules
        Students attending our Centre must abide by the rules of the Centre.
The Centre reserves the right to suspend any student for misconduct - without
refund of fees and travel costs to be borne by the student.

Visas
        It is student's responsibility to arrange all permits and visas and
to have valid pasport.

Responsibility
        Students are responsible for any damage they may cause and will have
to pay the full cost of replacement or repair.

What students need to bring
        Students should bring towels and casual clothes. Summer temperatures
in Yugoslavia can vary between 25 C and 36 C, therefore, it is advisable to
bring summer clothes as well as some sweathers. A swimming costume, tennis
racket and suitable sports wear and shoes will also be useful. Bed linen
and laundry facilities are available in all types of accommodation.

ENROLMENT DETAILS, CONDITIONS AND FEES FOR SUMMER 1996

How to enrol
    1. Choose the course(s) and a combination you are interested in.
    2. Complete the Application Form and send it to the Centre. The Form
       must be accompanied by a 200 DEM deposit receipt and three pasport
       size photographs of yours taken within the last 6 months. No booking
       will be confirmed without the receipt of a deposit made on your name.
    3. The Centre checks avaibility of course and accommodation and sends
       you:
           a) a confirmation letter and certificate of enrolment;
           b) invoice (balance of account).
    4. You pay any outstanding balance for course and accommodation and
       return your receipt of payment to the Centre not less than 15 days
       before your comming.
    5. All deposits and payments are non-returnable and non-transferable.
    6. If you have to cancel your booking, you must inform the Centre as
       soon as possible. Cancellation fees will be charged as follows:
           - More than 15 days befor arrival, loss of 200 DEM deposit;
           - Less than 15 days before arrival, loss of total fees;



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