YSU student’s perspective on the features of studying abroad

About the Experience of Studying Abroad

At Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, I participated in six educational courses at the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences. In the History and Archaeology Department of the Philosophy Faculty, I took the course "History of the Eastern Question", which included a focus on the Armenian question. The course examined the question of the Greek population living in Asia Minor, Cappadocia, and Pontus during the Ottoman Empire. For my final project in the course, I explored the national similarities and differences between Armenians and Greeks. Both Christian peoples in the Ottoman Empire rebelled and resisted. However, a key difference lies in the support they received during their struggles; while the Great Powers backed the Greek rebels, the same cannot be said for the Armenians. 

It is noteworthy that strong Armenian-Greek cooperation was established after the First World War, during the years of the first Republic of Armenia. The partnership was initiated by the Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos.

As part of the "Slavic History" course, we studied the resettlement of Slavs in Central Europe and the Balkans, as well as the histories of Kyivan Rus, Poland, Moravia, and the Bulgarian and Serbian kingdoms.

In the course "Culture and Politics in the Balkans from an Ethnographic Perspective", we explored the Balkans as an independent cultural and historical geographical unit. We discussed the region's association with extreme nationalism and ongoing wars, as well as the preconditions and history of the development of negative stereotypes. 

The course "History and Archaeology of the Peripheries of Northern Greece (Macedonia, Epirus, and Thrace): From the Ancient Period to the Present" was conducted in a practical format. We visited the Saint Sophia Cathedral, archaeological museums, art galleries, and other historical and cultural centers in Thessaloniki. Additionally, we participated in interactive classes focused on Greece's history and cultural features. 

As part of the "Religion and Political Science" course, we studied the role of religion in the modern world, for example, how the French revolutionaries changed the model of state-church relations, the concept of secularism, and various other related issues. 

Opportunities for Foreign Students at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers foreign students the opportunity to study in English, French, and German. The university also has a Greek language center, where students can learn both ancient and modern Greek. I participated in a one-month intensive course at the center, focusing on Greek at the B1 level. 

I am glad that Yerevan State University offers a similar opportunity for foreign students. The YSU Preparatory Courses Department provides non-Armenian speakers with the chance to learn Armenian or enhance their language skills, alongside their general educational programs.

Advantages of Studying Abroad

By giving students the opportunity to continue their education abroad, YSU helps expand their worldview.

Studying in different countries allows us to meet people with diverse cultural values. Through these interactions, we gain new knowledge and collaboration skills that can be invaluable when working on joint projects in the future.

Diversity of opinion is encouraged throughout the course of study, allowing students to encounter new perspectives on many historical issues. By engaging with the unique viewpoints of others and broadening their understanding of specific topics, students can apply these insights to future research, leading to new findings and results.