One semester in Jena: how Erasmus+ changed YSU student's life

When university becomes platform for opportunity

For Elen Avagyan, a student of the "Cross-Cultural Communication" program at the YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication, university life has never been limited to classes alone. She believes that the student years are a period when not only professional knowledge but also a person's character, way of thinking and worldview take shape.

"University is precisely the combination of all these elements, where students not only become professionals but also develop as individuals," she says.

Strong academic performance, an interest in foreign languages, volunteering and an active student life gradually led her towards one goal: studying abroad. That goal soon became a reality.

When everything starts from scratch

The months Elen spent in Jena, Germany, as part of the Erasmus+ exchange program were a period of significant academic and personal growth.

"I became acquainted with the culture of a new country, met people of different nationalities, as well as Armenians living in Germany and members of the Armenian community," she says.

According to Elen, however, the most difficult part of studying abroad was the first few days.

"After travelling for about eight hours, we arrived at an apartment that was completely empty. At that moment, I thought: we have to build our little home from scratch," she recalls, noting that adapting to the new environment was not easy. Everyday practical matters, the weather, food and university life were all unfamiliar. Over time, however, everything fell into place.

The university's Welcome Buddy Program played a particularly important role in that process, with local students supporting international students as they settled in. 

"My buddy was Sophie. She later became a good friend of mine as well. Thanks to her, it was much easier to overcome the initial difficulties. The time I spent with Sophie is one of my most treasured memories from Germany," Elen says.

The way education was organized was another interesting discovery for the YSU student. At the University of Jena, students selected their own courses and created individual timetables. According to Elen, classes were more interactive, while lecturers placed strong emphasis on developing critical and analytical thinking as well as independent working skills. 

"Classes in Germany were longer, but there were fewer class hours per week. It was also interesting that the university had no bell. At the end of a class, students would knock on the desk several times as a way of thanking the lecturer and marking the end of the lesson. At YSU, considerable importance is attached to students attending classes, and I noticed the same in Germany: responsibility and discipline were also highly valued there," she says.

Beyond knowledge: true value of student life

– Elen, although you are still a student, you have already managed to combine your studies with volunteering, participation in international programs and travel. How important do you consider the balance between university life and personal life?

–  I believe students should both study and find time for rest, friends and self-development. Sometimes it is difficult to combine everything, especially during examination periods, but with proper time management, it is possible to maintain that balance. 

– In your opinion, what is the greatest value of university life?

– For me, the greatest value of university life lies in the experiences and changes a person goes through and overcomes during those years. University teaches not only a profession but also a way of life: how to communicate with people, adapt to a new environment, overcome difficulties and make independent decisions. It was during my student years that I became more independent, responsible and self-confident.

– If you were to describe your university life in one sentence, what would it be?

– My university life is a journey of discovery, growth and becoming independent.

– Elen, which of the opportunities offered by the university do you think students often fail to take advantage of?

– Many students do not make full use of exchange programs, volunteering opportunities, international courses and language-learning opportunities. In reality, the university opens many doors; you simply need to be proactive and not be afraid to try.

– What do you think university life lacks to become more effective and modern for students?

– I think it sometimes lacks a more practical and modern approach. Students need to have more opportunities for practical work, international cooperation and access to technological resources. 

YSU has given me a strong educational foundation, helped me develop my language and communication skills, and provided opportunities to participate in various programs, one of the most important of which was Erasmus+.