"Both of my lecturers are professional and encourage me to do my best": Foreign students share their experiences at YSU

Matsa Shtritov, from Italy, is a second-year master's student at the University of Bologna, enrolled in the "Eastern Europe and Eurasian Studies" program. Since the beginning of this semester, Matsa has been continuing her studies at YSU through the Erasmus+ program. 

She is interested in diplomacy, analytical work, and education. At YSU, she is taking courses across the Faculties of International Relations, Oriental Studies, and Russian Philology. Learning Russian, which she began at the University of Bologna, is also important to her. 

"My goal is to reach at least a B1 level in Russian, which will allow me to communicate freely in everyday situations, interact in post-Soviet countries, read articles, and enjoy art without translation," she said.

Matsa is particularly impressed by the opportunity to study subjects like "Russian Language and Speech Culture" and "Russian Literature" one-on-one. Highlighting the modern teaching methods at YSU, which help her easily expand her knowledge, she added: "Both of my lecturers are professional and encourage me to do my best." 

The Italian student does not feel a lack of interaction in Armenia. 

"Everyone is kind and makes an effort to communicate with me despite some language barriers. I am impressed by the perseverance of the people and the country's beautiful mountains. I am looking forward to the warm spring so I can go hiking," she noted.

Gabriel Delorme from France is also continuing his studies at YSU through the Erasmus+ program. Although he doesn’t like being photographed, he has been happy to answer our questions. 

Gabriel is a second-year master's student at Université Paris Cité, enrolled in "Social Sciences" program. This semester, he is studying at Yerevan State University through the Erasmus+ program. 

"I am studying at YSU for one semester. I have chosen courses 'Theories of International Relations', 'Diplomatic Service', 'Political Psychology' and 'Foreign Policy of Armenia', and I am also studying Russian," he said.  

According to Gabriel, studying Russian in Armenia was an important choice for him.

"I chose to study Russian here because there are many Russian speakers in Armenia. Additionally, I believe that for those pursuing international relations, mastering multiple languages—especially non-European ones—is very important," he emphasized.

Speaking about the learning process, he particularly praised the teaching methods at YSU, describing them as highly effective.

This is Gabriel's first time in Armenia, and his impressions of the country and its people have been overwhelmingly positive.

"I have really loved Armenia. I have been especially impressed by how willing people are to help. As a student from abroad, I truly appreciate it," he concluded.