The YSU Faculty of Russian Philology, in cooperation with American Councils in Armenia, is implementing the Russian Language and Area Studies program for the fifth time.
Over the course of the cooperation, more than 100 students from different US states have visited YSU. The two-month program in Armenia has allowed them not only to improve their Russian language skills but also to gain a deeper understanding of Armenia's history, culture and contemporary life.
This year, the faculty once again provided an environment for international cooperation. The American students attended courses on Russian language, literature, culture and the geography of Russia, while also studying Armenian, Armenian history and culture. Most of the courses were taught in Russian, providing an immersive language environment for the participants.
The students particularly highlight the atmosphere at the faculty. Patrick Foley, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying finance and Russian, highly values the lecturers' work and the opportunity to integrate easily into university life.
"The lecturers truly support and encourage us," he says.
For Julian Gorn, an Oberlin College student studying Russian and history, an important component of the program was experiencing different approaches to teaching. He noted that the opportunity to experience another education system and compare it with the American system was valuable in itself.
Armenia holds a special place in the students' impressions. For many, this is their first visit to the country, and almost all of them mention the hospitality and friendliness of the people.
"I really feel safe here," says Jack Smith, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His fellow student Claire Tchaikovsky says she has been particularly impressed by the atmosphere in Yerevan.
Alongside their intensive classes, over the two months the students have also had the opportunity to experience Armenia's cultural life, explore Yerevan and its residents, and make new friends.
The Faculty of Russian Philology contributes to the development of platforms for international cooperation, bringing together people, countries and cultures through the Russian language.
