Master's studies, education abroad, and new academic horizons: YSU student on international educational experience

For Elen, studying abroad became a significant phase in her professional and personal growth. During her studies, she acquired new linguistic knowledge while deeply and more comprehensively exploring the works of both familiar and unfamiliar authors. The practical component of her studies enhanced her ability to work independently with confidence, as well as manage her work schedule.

"At Ca' Foscari University, I studied courses related to linguistics and literature, such as Italian Language, English Literature, and Translation and Pragmatics. I had never studied the latter subject before, which initially posed certain challenges. Overall, however, the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills significantly contributed to my professional growth," she notes.

– Elen, what challenges did you face while studying abroad, and how did you overcome them?

– At the beginning, the main obstacle was my lack of command of the language. Communicating with native speakers required considerable effort. I overcame this difficulty by constantly using the language, communicating with locals, and dedicating time to self-study. As a result, I significantly improved my language skills. Another challenge was related to my shyness and difficulty adapting to a new environment. However, I overcame this one rather quickly—only a few days were needed to be fully integrated into the new reality. Expanding my circle of friends, along with their support and my own efforts, helped me gradually overcome shyness, turning it into confidence and open communication. 

– In your opinion, what advantages does a multicultural environment offer to students?

– A multicultural environment provides a valuable opportunity to become acquainted with new cultures, make new friends, and engage in meaningful communication. It helps individuals interact with people who have completely different mindsets, reassess their own views on various issues, and improve their communication skills. Such an environment makes a person more open to diverse perspectives. I interacted with people of different nationalities—Italian, Portuguese, German, Egyptian, French, Korean, and others—and still maintain connections with them.

One Page, One Story

Told by Elen…

Of course, there were countless unforgettable moments and emotions. One particularly significant and memorable experience for me was visiting the island of San Lazzaro, which we had read about in history and literature textbooks. Stepping onto the island for the first time, I experienced indescribable emotions. I would also like to mention the island's oldest resident, a 90-year-old monk, whose candies—or "sugar", as he called them—I can still remember the taste. It was impossible to leave San Lazzaro without that "sweetness".

– Elen, what inspires you most during your master's studies?

– I truly love my field of study, which is extremely important. The master's program allows me to explore it in greater depth and detail and to be confident that I made the right professional choice. I am also greatly inspired by my lecturers, whose professional experience and dedication constantly motivate me to move forward.

Currently, Elen is focused on her master's thesis, which combines linguistics and literature. In parallel, she is also working, fully applying her knowledge in her professional activities, which helps her feel more confident and comfortable in the workplace.

According to Elen, education primarily provides an opportunity for personal development, broadening one's horizons, and developing analytical and critical thinking—skills that are always essential.

"Thanks to education, we have the opportunity to create the future we dream of. Of course, we should never forget about self-education. Yerevan State University has provided me with knowledge that will undoubtedly be helpful in my professional life," the YSU student concludes, adding that participation in one of the many study-abroad programs was a great opportunity and a significant achievement for her.