YSU has hosted representatives from more than ten European universities for the 1st International Staff Training Week on "Internationalization and Cross-Cultural Communications". During this event, held as part of the Erasmus+ programme, participants will share their experiences with the internationalization process and discuss existing challenges as well as future development perspectives.
At the opening ceremony, Alexander Markarov, Head of the YSU International Cooperation Office, highlighted YSU's high ranking in global university rankings, particularly noting its high standing among European and Western Asian universities.
Al. Markarov also presented YSU's educational programs, highlighting the university's implementation of around 12 dual master's degree programs in collaboration with foreign partner universities. He specifically referred to the bachelor's and master's programs conducted in English and emphasized the opportunities for doctoral education, noting the significant number of scientific publications of YSU researchers.
Arpine Jraghatspanyan, a representative of the Erasmus+ Mobility programme, expressed high appreciation for YSU's initiative in organizing the training. She conveyed hope that the representatives from foreign universities and YSU would have an effective week of collaboration.
"We have more than five dozen higher education institutions in Armenia, among which YSU is the largest and actively engages in international cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme," she said, adding that efforts during the training will be directed towards creating and strengthening new partnership ties.
Arpine Jraghatspanyan emphasized the importance of cooperation between YSU and foreign universities as part of the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility. She noted that the scope of collaboration is quite broad and highlighted the Jean Monnet Actions of Erasmus+, which allow the guests present at the training to engage in further cooperation as well.
During the one-week training, the YSU teaching staff will present to representatives from foreign universities the university’s educational programs, achievements in various fields of science, double degree programs, challenges and opportunities, as well as the work of the American Studies Center and the experience of the Erasmus+ programme between YSU and its partner universities.
Guests from Italy, France, Germany, and other countries will present the educational programs of their universities, highlighting the admission procedures and opportunities available for foreign students. They will also visit various faculties at YSU to discuss potential collaboration proposals.
As part of the workshop, the guests will also visit historical and cultural sites, including the YSU History Museum named after Professor Ludwig Gharibjanyan, the "Matenadaran" Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, Garni Temple, and Geghard Monastery.
The guests represent the University of Bologna, the International Hellenic University, Humboldt University of Berlin, Saarland University, the University of Greifswald, the University of Chieti-Pescara, Palacký University, Paul Valéry University Montpellier, and the University Bourgogne Franche-Comté.