MIT students at YSU

YSU students had the opportunity to participate in the "Financial Literacy", "Persuading with Data" and "Modern Physics: From Quantum Physics to Climate Change" courses for three weeks. Each group included 15-20 students who had interactive meetings and discussions during lectures and performed various assignments and group works. As a result of the course, YSU students acquired new knowledge and developed their abilities and skills.

In the interview with us, YSU Student Council Chairman and Program Coordinator Khachik Abajyan, referring to the significance of the cooperation, emphasized that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the world's leading scientific and educational institutions, with which new cooperative programs are planned.

"The cooperation between YSU and Massachusetts Institute of Technology launched last year. Implementation of similar programs is of pivotal significance for the internationalization of YSU. For YSU students, this is a good opportunity to accumulate additional knowledge and experience, as well as establish contacts with specialists from abroad," he emphasized.

Jean-Baptiste Seby taught the subject "Modern Physics: From Quantum Physics to Climate Change" at YSU. Talking about the subject, he mentioned that he attached importance to presenting the modern and new approaches of the field to the students, without referring to the traditional physics that is taught everywhere, including in universities. “I covered two main topics: quantum mechanics and climate change. We discussed climate change in the context of Armenia and talked about the consequences and effects. Also, I assigned the students to suggest what can be done to solve the problems arising in this field."

Jean-Baptiste Seby was impressed by the uniqueness of the university environment, the history of the university, the desire of students to learn something new. "I am impressed by the university's long history, reputation, buildings and infrastructures. The education here is great and the students are wonderful. I encourage MIT students to come to YSU since it is a high-standard university that provides high-standard education, and the organizers of the program here are very trustworthy, who do their best to make our days great here."

Kristina Janet Vorntran, a 1st-year student in the "Business Administration" master's program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, taught the subject "Financial Literacy" at YSU. She mentioned that she had rich experience at YSU. "I realized that finance is not just about numbers, it's really an art. I am impressed by the involvement of the students. I loved it so much when they raised their hands and asked questions...good questions. During the course, we studied everything from budgeting to cash management, investments, as well as behavioral economics."

At the end of the course, MIT students handed certificates to the students. Taylor Conley Phelan, who taught the subject "Persuading with data", speaking about the importance of certificates and then referring to the skills of YSU students, noted that YSU students participated in the classes with great enthusiasm, which was inspiring for her.

"YSU students’ English communication is great. There were no problems with transferring information or giving assignments to students. The certificates signed by the YSU Rector prove that they have completed the course and they are experts," noted Taylor Conley Phelan and added that she would like to return in the summer and autumn to see Armenia in different seasons.

Visits to various sightseeing and cultural places of RA were organized for MIT students. They visited Garni, Geghard, Sardarapat, Etchmiadzin, Byurakan, Tsaghkadzor, Sevan and many other places of interest.

"All the cities we visited were incredible. It was very pleasant for me to visit Etchmiadzin and learn about the history of Armenia. I must admit that most of all I liked making lavash. I had a wonderful time here and I would like to visit Armenia, Yerevan State University again," Taylor stressed.

MIT students managed to get close to YSU students, discuss common interests, share their knowledge and talk about their experiences.

Such partnerships encourage students and professors to develop their professional abilities and skills, expand and strengthen the scope of international cooperation, and learn about the cultures of other nations.