The results of the Iranian studies course held for students of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh universities were summarized

During the 12-week Iranian studies training course organized for students of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh universities on September 11, the students improved their knowledge of the Persian language.

Within the framework of the cooperation between British universities and YSU, which started in 2021, foreign students have the opportunity to continue their education at the YSU School of Iranian Studies, which has international recognition, as well as recorded success.

The first group of students arrived in Yerevan in 2022. The Chair of Iranian Studies of YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies also taught the Persian language within the framework of the summer course (8 weeks), in which the students of SOAS University of London also participated. A semester later, Oxford University also joined the program.

Referring to the conditions for foreign students to participate in the program, the head of the Iranian Studies Chair of YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies, Ph.D., Professor Vardan Voskanyan, noted that students of British and European universities should study in the country whose language they are studying for one semester.

Emphasizing the high quality of the educational programs and academic works of the YSU Chair of Iranian Studies, Vardan Voskanyan emphasized that foreign students come to YSU to deepen their knowledge of the Persian language, "We cooperate with the best universities in the world and try to contribute to the internationalization of Yerevan State University, strengthening the partnership with foreign universities and exchange of experience".

Within the framework of the program, professors of the Chair of Iranian Studies at YSU taught Persian, the history and culture of Iran, and presented the historical depth and intersecting paths of Armenian-Iranian relations to foreign students. It is noteworthy that the course also had a cultural component, as the students visited the cultural sights and museums of Armenia while being acquainted with the history and national values of the Armenian people.

Assistant Professor of the Iranian Studies Chair, Ph.D. Nunik Darbinyan informed that the students were admitted with an average knowledge of Persian, but they developed their knowledge of the language and oral communication skills in a short period. "The courses were held 5 days a week, lasting about 4 hours. During classes, students spoke Persian, read Persian literature, and held discussions. One of the goals of the course was for students to improve their knowledge of the Persian language through contacts.

Oxford University student Beatriz Taylor Rodriguez considered the course an important achievement, emphasizing the methods of delivery, accessibility, and comprehensibility of the subjects taught. "I am very happy that I had the opportunity to study and gain new knowledge at YSU. I want to note that the knowledge I gained, especially in terms of narrow professional vocabulary, is invaluable. I think that our participation in this course and the certificates we received will have their unique role in the way of creating a professional career."

Mirza Aazim Fur, a student from the University of Edinburgh, expressed his satisfaction not only with the knowledge he received but also with his reception at YSU. "We liked the program presented by the Chair of Iranian Studies of YSU, and now, after completing the course, I can say that our expectations have been met; we are very impressed with the university, classes, and professors. This was a very good experience for us."

Emily Giles, a student from Cambridge University, noted that she liked Yerevan, Garni, and Geghard. "Armenia is a hospitable country, I will return here with my family. Armenians are very patient people; they helped us a lot in different situations."

It should be noted that two of the twelve students participating in the course will stay in Armenia to continue their studies and deepen their knowledge in the Master's educational program at YSU.

The Chair of Iranian Studies of the YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies is happy to host a new group of students for next year.