From dream to reality: YSU student shares her Erasmus+ study journey

According to Anahit, her decision to study abroad was influenced not only by her high academic performance but also by several goals: receiving an education in an international environment, gaining new academic experience, improving her language proficiency, and expanding her professional skills. Studying at the Faculty of European Languages and Communication opened broad opportunities for her to pursue education abroad, while the Erasmus+ program made it possible to realize all these goals by allowing her to study at a leading European university.

"At the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, contemporary approaches, critical analysis, and practical knowledge were highly valued. Overall, this experience of studying abroad became one of the important phases in my professional growth, giving me both knowledge and skills that I can apply today as well as in the future," the YSU student says.

Contrasts and Surprises

– Before leaving, you believed…, but in reality…

– Before leaving, I thought I would not be able to easily adapt to a new culture; I had fears and certain concerns. In reality, everything turned out to be much smoother and more beautiful.

– The most difficult part…

– The most difficult part was adapting to a new educational system, but that challenge helped me quickly develop independence, effective time-management skills, and the ability to work in a new environment.

– How did you imagine studying abroad, and what was it actually like?

– Before going abroad, I imagined the learning process to be more difficult and stressful. I thought adapting to a new environment, language, and educational system would be far more challenging, and expected everything to take a long time. In reality, the learning process unfolded completely differently: the environment was very welcoming, the professors were supportive, and student life was active and inspiring.

– How did you imagine the people, and what were they actually like?

– Before leaving, I imagined the people as warm, friendly, and supportive. And that is exactly how it was. Italians are genuinely open and always willing to help.

– How did you imagine Ca' Foscari University before leaving, and what was it actually like?

– Before leaving, I imagined the university to be very large, formal, and likely to pose difficulties, thinking I would struggle to communicate with lecturers and other students. However, the university offered an open and comfortable environment, where the lecturers were supportive and the students active and friendly. 

– What inspired you to study there?

– I was inspired by the realization that I was fulfilling one of my greatest dreams—something that once seemed unattainable. This opportunity motivated me to approach my studies with greater responsibility, overcome difficulties, and fully make use of the experience gained abroad.

– What changes have you noticed in your life after studying abroad?

– I have become more self-confident, independent, and organized. This experience taught me to adapt quickly to new environments, learn on my own, and apply my knowledge effectively in practice.

One Page, One Story

– What was life like at Ca' Foscari University?

– At first, everything was confusing. Finding the classrooms was difficult, as each lesson was held in a different building, and the streets of Venice were so numerous and labyrinth-like that you had to be a local not to get lost. Finding each classroom felt like a new adventure, full of unexpected coincidences. Over time, however, Venice became home to me, and I learned its narrow streets by heart. The initial confusion eventually turned into a memorable and cherished experience.

Interesting Choices

– How would you describe your first week abroad?

– Exciting and chaotic.

– Your favorite Italian word?

– Felicità.

– The most interesting lecturer: Armenian or Italian?

– A good specialist—whether Armenian or Italian.

– Where are exams more difficult—at YSU or in Italy?

– Exams can be difficult anywhere if you haven't studied.

– Which university has a more flexible environment—Armenia's or Italy's?

– The Italian university.

– More active students: Armenian or Italian?

– I think Italian students lead a more active student life and more easily combine student activity with academic responsibilities.

Anahit now aims to focus on developing her career by strengthening her practical skills, gaining experience in a collaborative environment, and ensuring steady progress in her professional field. She says that her university education has provided a theoretical foundation that she is eager to apply effectively in practical work. In the future, if needed, she will seize any opportunity to further her studies in a more targeted direction.