YSU as key educational destination and intercultural crossroads: American students share their experiences at YSU

In interviews with us, the international students shared their impressions of the university, their interest in Armenia and their plans for the future. 

"International students integrate very well into life at YSU": Patrick Foley

Patrick Foley, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies finance and Russian in the United States, did not choose YSU by chance.

"I chose YSU because of its reputation and because international students can integrate quite easily into both the city and the student community here," Patrick said.

Alongside specializing in Russian language and culture at the Faculty of Russian Philology, he also took Armenian language courses. Speaking about the importance of Russian, Patrick noted that, despite its declining influence worldwide, it remains an important language in light of current events and the large number of people who speak it.  

He praised YSU's academic staff, saying, "The lecturers do an excellent job. They are genuinely encouraging and supportive."

As he spoke positively about YSU's academic programs, teaching methods and overall environment, as well as the welcoming attitude of its lecturers and students, Patrick smiled as he recalled the classroom benches and joked: "The only thing I would change is the benches. They are not particularly comfortable."  

The American student, who is visiting Armenia for the first time, has also been impressed by the local atmosphere: "I am simply amazed by how hospitable and friendly the people are." 

"Even as former Soviet countries move away from Russian, it remains a vital language": Julian Gorn

Julian Gorn, a student at Oberlin College in Ohio majoring in Russian language and history, chose YSU on the recommendation of American Councils. Explaining his decision, he said, "I chose YSU as one of Armenia's oldest and most important universities because I trust American Councils' judgement."

His curriculum is quite intensive and includes Geography, Russian Grammar, Russian Literature, Armenian History and Culture, Russian Phonetics and Armenian. All subjects except Armenian are taught in Russian.

Julian also emphasized the importance of Russian: "It remains a vital language even as former Soviet countries move away from it, given the current state of international relations and the fact that more than 200 million people worldwide still speak it."

Julian was also satisfied with YSU's teaching methods, though he noted differences from those used at his home university: "The pedagogy is different, but seeing and learning from different approaches can also be useful."

In the future, the American student sees himself working as a historian of Eastern Europe, a librarian or an urban planner.

This is also Julian's first visit to Armenia, and he has similarly been impressed by the attitude of local people: "What has impressed me most is how hospitable Armenians are." 

Unlike Patrick, Julian sees no need for any changes at YSU: "I cannot think of anything I would want to change," he said, indicating that the university's conditions fully meet his expectations.