Azerbaijan: Environmental Issues and a Cultural Experience in the Caucasus: Baku, Azerbaijan, A Case Study

May 21 - June 4, 2010

AGNR 499

Come explore an ancient culture of the “silk road” Baku, Azerbaijan, while gaining hands-on experience researching and generating solutions to environmental issues. Baku was founded upon oil and trade and today is a vibrant city located on a peninsula on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.  We will stay with local host families in Baku for the duration of the program, allowing for a richer and more culturally immersive experience.  Studies will revolve around the restoration and renovation of local oil fields and solid waste disposal sites.  Course lectures and field trips will be coordinated with tours to local cultural and historical destinations as well as a day trip to another city. Our lectures will be held in the downtown campus of Khazar University only blocks from the seashore.  During these two weeks you will be paired with Khazar University students, affording additional opportunities to fully appreciate and experience Azerbaijani culture. 

Faculty & Staff

Dr. Richard Weismiller is a Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science and Technology having been a faculty member at the University of Maryland for 25 years.  He earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University is Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy and is an expert on soil and water resources management and pollution control.

Ms. Hokuma Karimova is a native of Baku and currently is studying psychology at the University of Maryland.  She has completed study abroad opportunities in Shanghai, China and Amsterdam, Netherlands and worked at the United Nations Headquarters in Baku.

For questions about the application, registration and pre-departure logistics, please contact the Study Abroad Office at 301-314-7473.