One semester under Erasmus+: professional and personal journey

Ani Gasparyan, a fourth-year bachelor's student, studied for one semester at Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3 in France under the Erasmus+ exchange program. She describes the experience as both interesting and enriching.  

According to Ani, the semester spent in France provided an opportunity to become acquainted not only with the country's culture but also with a new education system and methodology. She noted that the organization of courses differed significantly from YSU's education system: each subject was taught once a week, while the learning format focused on the in-depth study of specific topics.

"I gained new knowledge about French culture and the academic environment. The exchange experience provided an opportunity to become familiar with and adapt to teaching methods used abroad, view subjects I was already familiar with from new perspectives, and adapt more easily to changing educational conditions," Ani said.

In her view, student-faculty relations in France were professional and the educational process was highly structured.

"The examination procedures were also different. Students were required to present their university identification cards, and the assignments and requirements, although sometimes unusual, were nevertheless clear and manageable," she said.

According to Ani, the greatest difference was the structure of everyday academic life. The frequency of classes and the rhythm of study initially felt unfamiliar. However, studying abroad was both an expectation and a challenge for her—an opportunity to step outside her usual academic environment and experience a new system.

Although she noted that living abroad did not fundamentally change her, she considers the experience both necessary and valuable.

"Taking a risk and studying abroad is an invaluable experience," she said.

She underscored that YSU played a significant role in building her self-confidence and helping her overcome challenges.

Q: What do you value most in education?

A: I value the practical applicability of knowledge and the people who impart it. YSU has played a major role in my achievements, particularly in building my self-confidence and developing my ability to overcome challenges.

Q: To what extent do you think the university has prepared you for real life?

A: I believe the university has greatly contributed to my readiness to face real-life challenges by helping me develop a more confident and flexible approach.

Q: In which field do you see yourself after graduating from university?

A: I have not yet made a final decision, as I would like to explore different fields to understand better where and in what direction I want to develop.

Q: What are your future goals, and would you like to continue your studies?

A: My goal is to explore different fields and determine what I would like to study and where I would like to develop in the future.

As she approaches the end of her student years, Ani Gasparyan reflects on her journey at YSU, with the semester spent in France standing out as a significant turning point. For the student, the semester combined new academic approaches, cultural discoveries, and a process of self-discovery, broadening her understanding of education and her future professional path.