{"id":535,"date":"2020-04-24T13:51:33","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T13:51:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentaffairs.aua.am\/?page_id=535"},"modified":"2023-03-14T08:27:53","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T08:27:53","slug":"students-experiences-outgoing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentaffairs.aua.am\/students-experiences-outgoing\/","title":{"rendered":"Students’ Experiences: Outgoing"},"content":{"rendered":"
Nane Avediakian – American College of Greece<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 My study abroad semester was exciting, busy, and rich with experiences and memories\u2014 just like Athens, where I completed the first semester of my junior year at the American College of Greece (ACG). Right from the beginning, I got to experience Greek hospitality and culture, where we were taught traditional Greek dances by the locals, restaurants offered us free dessert after dinner, and the university took us on guided tours of Athens, the island Aegina, and a few other beautiful cities.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The most exciting part of my experience was meeting new people and making friends not only from Greece, but from different parts of the world such as the US, The Netherlands, Egypt, Norway, and so on. At first, it was a bit daunting to walk up to people and introduce yourself, however, I soon realized how open, easy-going, and welcoming everybody was. After speaking to my Greek friends, I was surprised to see how similar Greek culture was to Armenian culture. We would compare words and phrases in our languages, holidays and traditions, educational systems, food, and much more. With the other study abroad students, we would talk about our cultural differences, and we even organized a country presentation night where I introduced Armenia and got everyone excited to visit.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n I not only met my friends through classes, but the university also offered many opportunities for meeting new people such as sports, school clubs, health and wellness-related activities, and international student gatherings. I never thought that one day I would be able to shoot with an actual bow and arrow; however, soon enough my mornings were filled with archery practices, while at night I did yoga and aqua aerobics offered by the college. In terms of education, the classes and the educational system were similar to AUA. Since living in another country already has its difficulties, not knowing the local language makes things even harder, which is why I decided to take Greek language classes. As I was in a Greek-speaking environment, I found myself quickly picking up new phrases and vocabulary while working on my grammar during class. It was fun to practice it in coffee shops, and supermarkets, and sometimes, it was crucial when people didn\u2019t speak any English in non-touristy areas.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Lastly, this study abroad experience has taught me how to be more independent, navigating my way through this big, active, historical, and diverse city. I\u2019m so grateful to have had this experience and I\u2019m thankful to AUA for giving me this opportunity.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”290″ gal_title=”Nane Avedikian-ACG”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nane Khachikyan – SKEMA University, France<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Like the famous meme, my expectation and the reality of SKEMA and France fluctuated from arrogant French customer service to excellent French wine and unique friends. And in the end, I fell in love with both! I was introduced to a different educational system from what I am used to. Thanks to that, I developed soft skills like flexibility, the nuance of communication, and a bunch of other skills, the development of which sometimes requires ages. I set a clear vision for my further academic life, which was one of my most significant victories. Thanks to the opportunity, I managed to travel to 7 beautiful European countries, contributing to my growth and worldview. I discovered new stories, new people, and new and hidden pieces of history, and even found a part of myself in them. To add to the romantic tone of this paragraph, I must mention that before arriving in France and during the first month, I didn’t have any specific love for the culture or language. However, like in your favorite romantic comedies, France and I became enemies to lovers. As a few more VISA stamps appeared on my passport, I now can continue Malcolm X’s famous words. He said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” And indeed, thanks to my commitment to quality education, I not only got experience in one of the top business schools in France but also gained an outstanding life experience. My work was accompanied by tremendous encouragement and assistance from AUA, which supports us throughout “today” to grant a better “tomorrow,” giving us a chance to become leading professionals (and start loving the French \ud83d\ude42 ). I did not get a VISA through this experience; I got a passport for my academic and professional life. They say that the more you learn, the more places you will go. “My more” is more than seven, so my romance with France might continue!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”291″ gal_title=”Nane Khachikyan”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarin Sulahian – SKEMA University, France<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 ” Home to croissants, macarons, crepes, and anything delicious: FRANCE! I believe everyone growing up has at least once dreamt of going to France, eating a croissant, and seeing the Eiffel Tower. That was possible for me because of my amazing exchange semester in France. SKEMA business school is situated in Sophia-Antipolis, in the beautiful South of France, next to the Mediterranean. I was living in a city called Antibes, where Napoleon Bonaparte once landed to find a welcome after escaping Elba, and where Picasso lived and painted his iconic paintings. A small city but filled with rich history and culture.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Although it may seem frightening at first to do an exchange semester in a new country, new university, and where people speak a foreign language, it is the best decision one can make. Not only do you get to learn new things and experience what university life is like in different parts of the world, but you also grow immensely as a person. It is everything combined from starting to do everything on your own, to taking risks and putting yourself out there to gain the most.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n If I could, I would relive those 4 months of my life forever. Meeting new friends and professors, learning academically, culturally, and personally, visiting new places, and discovering interesting facts. Everything about my exchange semester felt like I was in a movie where you get to experience a new adventurous day in each episode. I remember even the smallest things and moments because those memories mean so much to you after you come back. I hope that this can inspire you to take a risk and do an exchange semester because trust me, you will forever remember and cherish every single moment.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”292″ gal_title=”Sarin Sulahian”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Taguhi Oganesyan – University of Agder, Norway<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Spending a semester in Norway was an incredible experience. I never thought about visiting Norway before, but I am grateful I was granted the opportunity to do so because it taught me so much and let me experience things that I would have never experienced anywhere else. A country that was known as a cold and dark place, opened its doors in front of me and showed me how beautiful, unique and advanced it is. I fell in love with its incredible nature: phenomenal fjords, lakes, mountains, and magical skies. I was impressed to see how much equality, trust, and respect Norwegians have towards each other, how mindful they are about a healthy lifestyle, and how dedicated they are when it comes to taking care of nature. Norway is one of the largest oil exporters in the world, meanwhile, its society is least dependent on oil due to the high number of electrical car adoption in the country. Norway is topping the list for contribution to the planet and is one of the greenest, richest, and most advanced countries in the world. I believe studying Norway and learning from it will contribute to the development of our country as well. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”293″ gal_title=”Taguhi Oganesyan”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Georges Ohanessian – SKEMA University, France<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From Francophone and Francophile Country to France Itself! The multidimensional developing country with its globalized stance towards the world challenging issues starting from Global warming to asylum-seeking for immigrants. I\u2019m really enjoying the diversity of population and being close to the Mediterranean Sea which is generating nostalgia. Being in such a developed country is a great chance to acquire the secret of success of the nation from historical aspects to human behavior and compare it with both of my countries Lebanon and Armenia. From the lecturing part to the ethical behavior in the university life within SKEMA, I see the conviviality and the positive vibes that the teachers are willing to invest into their students with both theoretical and practical aspects similar to AUA, however, the additional method of teamwork applied seems to be perfectly fitting with international students in SKEMA but the unceasing 3 hours of class orientation for once a day has as many disadvantages as advantages which we have to deal with it. In brief, both the academic and life experience here are certainly shaping our personality where we are chasing opportunities, facing challenges while breaking through bad stereotypes and creating beautiful ones instead by discovering and enjoying the whole country<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n .[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”85″ gal_title=”Georges Ohanessian”]<\/p>\n <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lili Sahakyan – UMONS, Belgium<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>I would really say that I adore my experience here. Well, when it comes to Belgium I like waffles, cherry beer, and traveling the most. But the real reason for my joy is the opportunity to be an inseparable part of European culture, the joy of walking down the streets full of Gothic and Baroque style buildings, cathedrals, museums full of masterpieces, etc.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n At first, the feeling of loneliness and helplessness was the thing that I liked the least but now it has totally vanished. Another Belgian national feature is the horrible weather: humidity, rain, and wind!\u00a0<\/em><\/span> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”87″ gal_title=”Lili Sahakyan”]<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lusine Apresyan – <\/strong><\/span>UMONS, Belgium<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 It has been about three weeks that I am in Belgium and I have already gained wonderful Impressions worth sharing.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n From my point of view, the most amazing part of the exchange program is an incredible opportunity to meet a large number of students from various parts of the world and make good friends. It is an awesome way to make others better know about our country, share Armenian culture, and also get acquainted with theirs.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n From the aspect of education, it is hard to give any feedback as the majority of my classes at UMONS have not started yet. However, what I have noticed in comparison to AUA is that the system of organizing classes at UMONS differs a lot. Here the classes generally take place once a week with a longer duration per class.\u00a0It seems that the \u201ccompressed\u201d approach is not that effective as the American style common at AUA.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n It is a great pleasure for me to be here and enjoy studying in a new atmosphere.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”89″ gal_title=”Lusine Apresyan”]<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martina Sardaryan – Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Studying as an exchange student in Paris Lodron University of Salzburg was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Mobility Program, I had a chance to study for one semester in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a rich cultural heritage.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0After landing in my new home of Salzburg, a wave of emotions came over me. Primarily, it was an excitement, because I was starting a new chapter of my life in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On the other hand, I was slightly fearful, as I had never been so far away from home; I was out of my comfort zone. Studying abroad forces you to be independent. You have to figure out for yourself how everything works in your host country. This gives you the opportunity to confront any social anxieties you may have and become a more confident person as a result. You realize that you can do much more for yourself than you previously thought.\u00a0 Studying abroad really does broaden your horizons. Being in a foreign country and seeing how other cultures approach life makes you challenge your assumptions which turns you into a more open-minded person. Meanwhile, you face such difficulties as intense homesickness, language, and cultural barriers.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Studying in the hometown of Mozart, in an intellectually stimulating and inspiring environment, I enriched my academic knowledge under the guidance of international scholars as well as built a strong social network with students from all over the world.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”91″ gal_title=”Martina Sardaryan”]<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shoghik Mkrtchyan – Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Studying in the Department of Political Science in Paris Lodron University of Salzburg within the frames of Erasmus+ Mobility Program was the unattainable I was aiming to reach. Granted the opportunity to complete a semester within this exchange program I gained the knowledge and experience that will guide me through the challenges I face on my education and carrier path in the future. The enchanting city of Salzburg its breathtaking sights and the university with half a century of history and eminence broadened my perspective and worldview. Upon completion of the program, I find myself challenged to aim higher. The diversity I experienced did arm me the skills and knowledge to be prepared for the goals I am yet to achieve.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”93″ gal_title=”Shoghik Mkrtchyan”]<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donara Sargsyan – CETYS, Mexico<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 I was lucky to visit and study in a small conservative country that is very proud of its history and nation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n There were surprisingly more similarities between Armenia and Mexico, but I guess some would be that Mexican culture was less conservative but also very similar to Armenian culture. Music and cuisine were also very different. Mexican food is very tasty; it is spicy-sweet. The program organized events to specifically introduce international students to the cuisine and culture of the cuisine.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n I felt very safe. I would suggest to Always travel with groups and a minimum of 2-3 people. I visited vineyards, cafes, La Bufador, and the beaches. <\/span>There were so many things planned that it felt like we didn\u2019t have time to rest, but everything was great.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n I would advise our students not to go anywhere alone, not to feel shy, make friends, and plan activities with students outside of the program.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”95″ gal_title=”Donara Sargsyan”]<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mari Sahakyan – John Cabot University, Rome<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”97″ gal_title=”Mari Sahakyan”]<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Everything in Audencia Business School was very educational. A lot of in-depth knowledge of corporate finance and investment banking, cultural sophistication, new friends, a lot of unforgettable memories.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The transfer of the credits was total mass. First of all, I had problems with the conversion ( in France professors do not give too high marks. The highest you may get is 16\/20. But in AUA they require at least 75 or 85 ( I don\u2019t remember clearly). So I studied really hard in France, got quite good grades back there, but couldn\u2019t transfer some of them back to AUA. So I would advise our students to revise the credit transfer policy.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Overall, there were a lot of differences between AUA and Audencia Business School and I would like to mention some of them:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Sadly, they don\u2019t always know were exactly Armenia is.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n They were quite impressed by my knowledge (that I gained in AUA).<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Sinara Gharibyan – <\/b>University<\/b><\/span><\/span> of Mons, Belgium<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
\nIt is also worth mentioning how unique my experience was thanks to the amazing people I met in Norway. Having representatives of different countries in my apartment allowed me to learn about different perspectives, lifestyles, and cultures and most importantly gave me friends for a lifetime. I was privileged to be a study abroad student and all the knowledge and experience I gained during this semester will stay with me forever and contribute to my growth and the development of my country.
\n<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nOur University is really unique due to the General Education courses being provided intended to develop a personality but not a simple object for the job market. This is not the case in UMONS as there are no GenEd classes to attend.<\/em><\/span>
\n\u00a0Armenia and Belgium are quite different but both wonderful. The people here are really nice and helpful. The students are friendly. I guess the biggest difference is the extensive beer consumption in Belgium. Overall, as an Armenian, I feel comfortable and sociable enough to make good friends here.\u00a0<\/em><\/span>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 I really want to thank our AUA for this wonderful opportunity once more and thanks to you as well dear Angela for being interested in us.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n