Students from Sciences Po University of Paris hosted at YSU

The courses of summer school, organized in cooperation with Yerevan State University, the Embassy of France to Armenia, Sciences Po University of Paris, and the Zimin Foundation, consist of four interrelated components focusing on Armenia proper; the region of South Caucasus and adjacent, neighboring states including Iran, Turkey and Middle East; Armenia’s involvement in larger post-Soviet Eurasian and global geopolitics; and Russian political developments and the Russian presence in the South Caucasus. 

Mikayel Hovhannisyan, Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation at YSU, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the opportunities provided by the program, stating: "YSU, in cooperation with the prestigious Sciences Po University, also acts as a course content provider. This is crucial as our researchers and professors showcase Armenia's scientific potential to foreign partners. This cooperation provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen international ties."

Speaking about the title and thematic focus of the summer school, the vice-rector emphasized that Armenia and the region are at the core of the courses.

"The agenda is designed to provide hosted students with the opportunity to explore the political, social, and cultural developments in Armenia, and to learn about the policies of various individuals active in the region," said Mikayel Hovhannisyan. 

YSU, in partnership with Sciences Po University, is organizing this kind of school for the second time. Summer and winter schools are held with the efforts of the Center for Culture and Civilization Studies, YSU Institute of Armenian Studies. 

Alexander Agadjanian, a leading researcher at the Center for Culture and Civilization Studies, YSU Institute of Armenian Studies, introduced the students to the agenda for the coming days. He noted that visits to various places and institutions are planned, providing an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of Armenia and expand the students' knowledge.

The students participating in this summer school at YSU are from Sciences Po University’s various bachelor’s and master's programs. In the interview with us, Katie Russell, a leading researcher at the Center for International Studies at Sciences Po University, told us about this.

"Our collaboration with YSU began last year when we organized the winter school at the university. The students thoroughly enjoyed the school and their time in Armenia. After completing the school, they talked a lot about Armenia and the Caucasus. Following the successful winter school, which was of significant importance, we decided to partner again for this school with leading researcher Alexander Agadjanian. Thanks to the agreement between Sciences Po University and Yerevan State University, YSU students have the opportunity to visit our university, while our students can also visit YSU. I think that our students should learn a lot more about both Armenia and France, which will provide an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations on another platform," pointed out the researcher. 

The Summer School "Armenia in Regional and Global Context" will be held until June 12, 2024.