Students from China, Iran and Portugal complete YSU preparatory courses

Five international students have completed Yerevan State University's preparatory courses. Now able to communicate in Armenian, they shared their impressions and are preparing to continue their studies at the university with great confidence. Eight months ago, Armenian was an unfamiliar language to them, Armenia was a new country, and the university environment was still largely unexplored. During this period, however, they not only learned the Armenian language but also became acquainted with Armenian culture, history, and traditions, gaining new knowledge, friendships, and valuable experiences.

At the closing ceremony, the students presented what they had learned and reflected on their experience, delivering their remarks in Armenian. They noted that while they were happy to have completed the courses, they were also saddened by the prospect of no longer attending daily classes or seeing one another as frequently.

"We have come to love the Armenian language very much; it has become a second native language for all of us," the students said, reciting excerpts from Armenian poetry, and emphasized that Armenian had become not only a means of communication for them but also a gateway to exploring Armenian culture and identity.

In the next stage of their academic journey, the students will continue their education at YSU in various fields, including biology, mathematics, Armenian studies, and journalism.

Thomas Gameira Vicente dos Santos Ferreira, who came from Portugal, is preparing to continue his academic path in YSU's "Armenian Studies" PhD program. He said he wants to deepen his knowledge of the Armenian language and culture.

Ferreira added that he intends to continue developing his language skills. He also noted that he feels more comfortable in Armenia than in Portugal, highlighting how friendly and hospitable people are, and added that life in Armenia is very convenient. Although he had initially planned to return home after completing his studies, he now hopes to stay in Armenia and continue building his academic future there.

Farnaz Etebari Telgerdi said she learned the language through constant practical use — speaking, writing, and communicating in Armenian every day. She said that vocabulary acquisition was the most challenging aspect of the learning process, but that she gradually overcame these difficulties.

Telgerdi chose the YSU Faculty of Biology due to her interest in microbiology, laboratory work, and the study of diseases and healthcare. She previously earned her bachelor's degree in Mashhad, Iran, but wishes to continue her studies in the same field in Armenia. She emphasized that she chose YSU for its well-equipped laboratories and highly qualified faculty members, adding that Armenia has become an attractive and familiar environment for her.

The students also highlighted the warm attitude, care, and support provided by lecturers and university staff, noting that they had been surrounded by kindness and hospitality throughout their studies.

Also attending the event was Simon Petrosyan, the Armenian-language instructor of the preparatory courses, who closely followed the program and worked patiently with the students over the past months, guiding them step by step in learning Armenian.

In an interview with us, Lilit Gasparyan, Head of the Department of Preparatory Courses at the YSU Center for Admissions and Affairs with Applicants, noted that the five international students who began studying Armenian on October 1 are now able to present what they have learned over the year in Armenian. She stressed that this achievement is largely the result of the instructors' dedicated efforts.

According to Gasparyan, the students worked diligently to prepare for the event and showcase their accomplishments.

"Within the framework of the program, international students currently study approximately 360 hours of Armenian per year. Beginning next year, however, the number of instructional hours will increase to 480, allowing greater emphasis on the cultural component. At present, time allocated for the cultural activities is limited, despite their importance for student integration; therefore, we plan to expand this aspect of the program," Gasparyan said.

At the end of the event, the international students performed the traditional Armenian dance Tamzara, wearing Armenian national costumes.

The event was also attended by international students who had completed the YSU preparatory courses the previous year. They warmly encouraged their younger peers, shared their own experiences and supported them as they entered a new stage of their academic journey.

The preparatory courses are designed to help non-Armenian speakers develop language skills and acquire foundational knowledge in academic subjects, ensuring their smooth adaptation and readiness for studies at YSU.