US students develop language skills at YSU

The two-month "Russian Language and Area Studies" program was implemented at the initiative of the YSU Faculty of Russian Philology. Students from top U.S. universities - including Georgia, Northwestern, California, Wisconsin, Emory, Maryland, Oregon State, North Carolina State, Indiana, Minnesota, and Barnard College - studied Russian phonetics, spelling, and grammar, honed their speaking skills, and delved into Russian literature, traditions, history, and culture. 

The program concluded with a ceremony in which graduation certificates were presented to the graduates. 

"You are now the 'ambassadors' of Armenia in the USA," said Associate Professor Pavel Balayan, the program coordinator, in his welcome speech at the graduation ceremony. He wished the students success and new achievements.

Dagen Valentine, Country Director of the American Councils for International Education in Armenia, speaking about the program, said: "I want to thank our students for their hard work and dedication, as well as Armenia, the Armenian people, and YSU for their warm hospitality, for passing broad knowledge and introducing our students to Armenian culture. We are proud of you and wish you continued success."  

Program participant Wang Penguin from Northwestern University, reflecting on his participation, said: "I want to thank everyone for the incredible experience I had at YSU and the wonderful time spent in Armenia. Not only have I become much more fluent and confident in Russian, but I also leave with a treasure trove of memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Representatives from the Faculty of Russian Philology, along with staff from the Armenian representative office of the American Councils for International Education, were present at the certificate-awarding ceremony. These included Nane Abrahamyan (Deputy Country Director), Gohar Sargsyan (Administrative Associate and Coordinator of the RLASP Program in Armenia), and Felix Helbing (Resident President of the RLASP Program in Yerevan and Director of the Study and Research Abroad Department).

Notably, the students visited museums across various provinces of Armenia as part of a special cultural program, where they learned about Armenian traditions and values. 

The Armenian people left the most lasting impression on the students. When asked, "What did you like most about Armenia?" the unanimous response was, "The people. They are very kind, open, and welcoming."