From Armenia to Italy: YSU PhD students’ international research experience

After nearly a year of conducting research on the topic "Youth Psychological Well-being Amid Crises and Global Challenges" (using Armenia and Iran as case studies), a group of PhD students, encouraged by their academic supervisor Narine Khachatryan, applied to the Erasmus+ exchange program. Their successful application allowed them to continue their research at the University of Messina in Italy, where they aimed to deepen academic cooperation and gain valuable international scientific experience.

During their research stay, the students not only expanded their scientific and methodological knowledge but also became actively integrated into the international academic environment. By attending the courses, workshops, and discussion sessions organized by the University of Messina, they learned about the modern methods of quantitative analysis—particularly path analysis—which they successfully applied in their research project. The professional contacts and scholarly mentorship established with Italian professors and fellow PhD students significantly contributed to the development of new academic articles and the broadening of future collaborative opportunities.

"The period of study at the University of Messina was not only an academic phase but also a new experience in personal and professional growth. Through this program, we explored and extended the boundaries of our potential. It was particularly exciting to gain access to various academic databases thanks to our enrollment at the University of Messina. This was a unique opportunity to discover Italy, its higher education system, and the trends shaping scientific advancement, as well as to develop our research skills," shared Tsaghik Mikayelyan, a first-year PhD student at the Chair of Personality Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology, YSU. 

Edita Arakelyan, a second-year PhD student in the same chair, emphasized the significance of meetings with professors at the University of Messina. During these interactions, she learned about one of the contemporary approaches in qualitative analysis, which focuses on the joint interpretation of various socio-cultural contexts. She noted that this experience significantly broadened her academic worldview and deepened her research capabilities. 

"To be honest, I didn’t face major difficulties. The program was very well designed, and the fact that I traveled with Tsaghik greatly helped me adapt to the new environment. Mutual support was extremely important in this regard. Moreover, we had already been collaborating online with our Italian colleagues for several months before the trip, so we had a clear understanding of the research project and had already established a shared, effective approach to working together," Edita added. 

YSU students note that Professors Massimo Ingrassia and Loredana Benedetto actively contributed to the research process, sharing their expertise and providing academic guidance. During the two-month stay, the students finalized their research findings and developed two scientific articles, one of which has already been accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed international journal with an impact factor.

Speaking about the knowledge acquired, Tsaghik highlighted the new skills they developed and the opportunity to learn about modern data analysis methods, thus enriching their toolkit for processing research data.

"We learned to use several statistical analysis software programs (Jamovi/JASP), which enabled us to analyze the data obtained from the research more effectively. This was accompanied by interactive discussions that deepened our knowledge and skills. We plan to apply the acquired skills in conducting our future scientific research," she stated. 

When comparing the educational systems of YSU and the University of Messina, the students emphasized both the solid academic foundation at YSU and the new opportunities made possible by international academic experiences. Edita views education as a fundamental tool for driving societal change, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, analytical skills, and self-actualization. According to her, the educational environment at YSU has been the cornerstone of her professional growth and achievements. 

Speaking about their achievements, Tsaghik Mikayelyan and Edita Arakelyan underscore not personal accomplishment, but rather their internal conviction that their work creates real value. "My greatest achievement is being able to do something that is deeply important and meaningful to me. For two years now, I have had the opportunity to teach, participate in research projects, and simultaneously work as a practicing psychologist while training to become a psychotherapist. This is not only a professional achievement but also a profound sense of finding my place in life and seeing a clear path ahead. Each class, research task, or therapeutic session feels like a small victory—especially when I can observe the positive impact it has on a student or on someone’s inner world," said Edita.

For Tsaghik, a researcher, psychologist, and lecturer, the most significant outcome of the program has been the development of international academic connections and the experience of a new level of research quality.

"The opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research simultaneously has provided a solid foundation for self-awareness and professional growth. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of science through the development of sustainable partnerships and effective teamwork," she stated.

Both PhD students are convinced that they are moving forward with steady and inspiring steps along the path of continuing their studies, expanding international cooperation, and contributing meaningfully to the field of science.