"Here, I really feel safe": YSU and Armenia through the eyes of American students

University of Wisconsin-Madison students Claire Czajkowski and Jack Smith are continuing their studies for two months at the YSU Faculty of Russian Philology under the Russian Language and Area Studies program, implemented in cooperation between American Councils and YSU.

They spoke about why they chose YSU, what surprised them in Yerevan, and their professional aspirations.

"I chose YSU because it was the most interesting place to study Russian abroad. I had never traveled to the Caucasus or anywhere near it before, so I wanted to choose the most interesting and unfamiliar place for me," Claire Czajkowski said.

Her coursemate Jack Smith noted that YSU cooperates with American Councils and that both have an excellent reputation in the United States.

"I wanted to see Armenia while receiving the best education. For me, YSU is exactly that best choice," he said.

The students' academic schedule is quite intensive and full. They study Russian grammar, Russian literature, phonetics, the geography of Russia and other subjects, while also exploring Armenian culture. All main lectures are delivered exclusively in Russian. Jack is also studying Armenian alongside Russian.

Speaking about teaching methods, the American students said YSU lecturers are quite demanding, which helps them further enrich their knowledge.

"Our lecturers are very supportive, but at the same time, they expect more from us by challenging us," Claire said.

Asked whether Russian remains relevant today, both students responded confidently in the affirmative, viewing the language in a geopolitical and cultural context.

According to Claire, it is extremely important internationally because it is a widely spoken language. Jack noted that many people in Armenia speak Russian and that, in his view, the language is also widespread in Moldova, Kosovo, Georgia and Kazakhstan. He said these countries have rich cultures that are also of professional interest to him.

The students' future plans are quite ambitious. Claire studies international relations, political science, Russian and history. She wants to work in the fields of international humanitarian assistance and human rights protection. Jack studies German, Russian, international relations, education policy and world cultures, and aims to enter the field of international law.

Their first visit to Armenia has left a strong impression on the students, sometimes in very unexpected ways. For example, Claire was most impressed by the way people in Yerevan dress.

"I was really impressed by how beautifully people dress here. I knew about it beforehand, but I was surprised by how simple my formal clothes seemed compared with what people wear here," she said.

Jack, meanwhile, was struck by people's warmth and the sense of safety.

"My first impression is how kind people are. I truly feel safe here," he said.

What would the students from the United States change at YSU? While Jack would leave everything as it is, Claire said that during her next visit she would like to see drinking fountains or automatic water refill stations inside the building.