Program on Georgian Studies

The program’s core mission was to serve as a leading hub for Georgian studies outside of Georgia.  

Its 5 Pillars 

1. Teaching: In a landscape where opportunities to study Georgia are scarce, our instructors provided students — both at Harvard and beyond — with immersive courses on Georgian language, history, politics, and culture, offered in person and online.
2. Research: We empowered scholars with access to Harvard’s exceptional resources, fostering pathbreaking research and lasting academic partnerships to deepen and broaden Georgia-related scholarship.
3. Exchanges: More than 50 professionals and students from Georgia and the U.S. have engaged in transformative collaborations thanks to our grants and internships, fueling innovation and cross-cultural understanding.
4. Cultural Programming: Georgia’s unique cultural heritage is a powerful force. Through film screenings, art exhibitions, performances, and shared meals, we introduced U.S. audiences to its richness.
5. Events and Conferences: Our academic and policy conferences, alongside numerous smaller gatherings, brought together students, experts, policymakers, business leaders, artists, and the public to elevate Georgia’s global profile.  

Creating the program was a tremendous achievement. After years of lobbying and campaigning in the U.S. and Georgia the program received funding from the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science and a home at the Davis Center.  

In the 2026-2027 academic year, the program's former director Natia Chankvetadze will be hosting a Georgian studies seminar series. Check the center's Events page and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more!