On the track of language skills development. YSU students are at Qatar University for the first time

Opportunity to study at Qatar University: The agreement signed by YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and Qatar University President Hassan bin Rashid Al-Derham is the first educational cooperation in the history of Armenian-Qatar relations, within the framework of which YSU students are currently studying at Qatar University.

People with different language proficiency levels have the opportunity to participate in the program, as Qatar University provides courses for all Arabic language levels. Armine, Anahit and Milena were selected competitively based on overall progress. They receive free education in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Also, they are provided textbooks, comfortable living conditions, as well as a monthly stipend to cover daily expenses.

In the interview with us, the students mentioned that it is both exciting and obligatory to be the first group of YSU students to study at Qatar University, since they represent not only themselves, but also our country there.

"Locals are not very aware of Armenia, therefore, in addition to learning and making high progress, we try to tell as much as possible about our country, culture, traditions, traditional tales, cuisine and famous Armenians. For us, it is perhaps one of the most obligatory circumstances, because we want to present Armenia in the nicest possible way and as it deserves, so that it would be interesting to hear and learn about us. And I think we are succeeding," emphasized Armine.

Education at Qatar University: At Qatar University, students have 3 separate classes: "Arabic (reading and writing)", "Arabic (speaking and listening)", "Media", during which they practice reading, watch videos and hold discussions, make speeches with presentations, participate in debates and games, do grammar exercises and comparative analyzes of the vocabulary of different media, and also write news to reinforce the learned political vocabulary.

Referring to the characteristics of Qatar University, Milena noted. "The educational process here is very effective. The first advantage is, of course, direct communication with native speakers. Modern technologies are regularly used in the framework of the lessons, making the lessons more interactive. Here, the groups are small, which gives an opportunity to show an individual approach to each student."

Students also highlighted the features of the assessment system that they like; midterm and final exams are not so decisive. First of all, attendance and activity in classes, as well as innovative ideas, results of current tests, assignments and final exams are taken into account.

Cultural characteristics: Armine, Anahit and Milena unanimously stated that during the 3 years of studying in the YSU "Arabic Studies" educational program, they not only managed to master the Arabic language well, thanks to which they did not encounter any difficulties during their studies in Qatar, but also learned about the region, customs and culture. For the students, studying in Qatar is not only an educational opportunity, but also an opportunity to personally discover Arabic culture.

Speaking about cultural characteristics, Armine mentioned. "The city center and the suburbs are completely different both in terms of building types, development level and population. There are great cultural and customs differences between Armenians and Arabs. Of course, religion has a big role in this matter."

Milena added: "One of the cultural differences is the strict gender segregation. The university buildings have separate entrances for girls and boys, separate university buses, and there are special carriages in the metro. The course is also held separately, except for the Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Center, where we study. As for the local people, they are very friendly and similar to Armenians in their hospitality."

Anahit noted that she did not experience a culture shock, it was just interesting to see everything with her own eyes.

"For me, it is especially amazing the country’s progress at lightning speed in recent years, how they were able to create everything out of nothing and become one of the leading countries in the world, with what kind of love they present the history and culture of their country, organize various cultural events and spare no effort to make it accessible to everyone," said Anahit.

Education and entertainment: In the first semester, classes started at 8 a.m. and ended in the afternoon, thanks to which students had the opportunity to have an interesting daily routine after classes.

In the previous semester, they managed to discover all of Doha and the surrounding areas, visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Doha Port, Qatar National Library, etc. Now is the holiday period, as well as a period of planning for new discoveries in the coming semester.

Future plans: Although Anahit, Armine and Milena have not come to a conclusion in which field they see their future, but they are sure that the opportunity to study in Qatar will leave an indelible mark on their lives. They will certainly serve the knowledge gained at YSU and Qatar University to benefit their homeland.