Under the Erasmus+ program, representatives of the Chair of German Philology at the YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication—Head of the Chair and Associate Professor Gayane Savoyan, Associate Professor Naira Shachilvyan, and lecturer Meri Navasardyan—visited the University of L'Aquila, Italy.
Cooperation between the Chair of German Philology and the University of L'Aquila has already proved to be fruitful. During the previous academic year, two students enrolled in the "Cross-Cultural Communication (German)" master's program studied at the University of L'Aquila for one semester under the Erasmus+ program, gaining valuable academic and intercultural experience. Their participation demonstrated the effectiveness of cooperation between the two institutions and laid the foundation for the further development of bilateral relations.
As part of the mobility program, Associate Professor Gayane Savoyan delivered lectures for faculty members and students at the University of L'Aquila on the topics "Sex and Gender in European Languages" and "Intercultural Communication." The lectures generated considerable interest among participants and provided an opportunity for active discussion on contemporary linguistic, cultural, and social developments.
During the visit, the delegation held a productive meeting with Dr. Alessandra Imperatori, Head of the International Relations Office at the University of L'Aquila. The parties discussed a wide range of opportunities for expanding cooperation, including enhancing student and staff exchange programs, implementing joint research projects, and organizing international conferences and academic events. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing and deepening long-term cooperation.
A visit to the university library was another important component of the program. The delegation became acquainted with the library's collections, digital resources, and modern services available to students and researchers. Particular attention was given to the library's reference services, scientific literature collections, and the organization of research activities.
The visit was conducted at a high level thanks to Barbara Vogt, Professor of German Language and Linguistics at the University of L'Aquila and Erasmus+ Departmental Coordinator for the Humanities. Meetings were held with faculty members and researchers from various academic disciplines, during which participants discussed current trends in German studies, foreign language teaching methodology, and higher education.
The YSU lecturers also attended presentations delivered by Professor Barbara Vogt, gaining insight into contemporary teaching methods and educational approaches. The exchange of experience provided valuable ideas and new impetus for further enhancing their own teaching practices.
The visit marked an important step in strengthening academic ties between the two universities and creating new opportunities for educational, research, and international cooperation. The experience gained, professional discussions held, and new connections established will play an important role in internationalizing the Chair of German Philology. Plans are in place to continue and expand cooperation with the University of L'Aquila through joint initiatives, academic mobility programs, and scientific collaboration.
