New educational bridges: New auditorium opened at YSU with the support of Embassy of Dominican Republic in Armenia

New Pathways for Academic Cooperation

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it will not only allow students to deepen their knowledge of the Spanish language but will also strengthen the academic and cultural ties between the two countries.

"It is symbolic that, with the support of another international partner, a new auditorium is being opened at the university this month. I am convinced that it will become an important hub where students will learn about the history of the Dominican Republic, Ibero-American culture, and the heritage of the Spanish-speaking world in general," he said.  

Gevorg Barseghyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication, highly appreciated the establishment of the auditorium with the support of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, pointing out: "The opening of the auditorium named after the Dominican Republic is a significant achievement for our faculty. It not only enriches our academic environment but also strengthens our pathways for international academic cooperation, creating new opportunities for students to study Spanish in depth and establish closer connections with the Spanish-speaking world. Such programs are of great importance to Yerevan State University, as they bring together different cultures and languages." 

Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Armenia Alejandro Arias Zarzuela highlighted the significance of cooperation with the university, stating that such initiatives contribute to academic and cultural dialogue.

"It is a great honor to see an auditorium named after our country at such a prestigious university. This reflects the dynamic efforts of Yerevan State University, and the Dominican Republic is pleased to support this initiative," the ambassador remarked. 

He emphasized this cooperation also aims to create new academic and cultural opportunities for students, which can serve as a bridge to fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. 

Strengthening Cooperation for the Benefit of Education 

As a symbol of mutual support and the strengthening of cooperation, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and Dominican Republic Ambassador Alejandro Arias Zarzuela presented certificates of appreciation to Honorary Consul of the Dominican Republic in Armenia, Mikayel Karapetyan, for his significant contribution to the development and deepening of relations between the two countries. 

Referring to the strengthening of scientific and academic ties between Armenia and the Dominican Republic, Mikayel Karapetyan emphasized that the opening of this auditorium is a significant step in enhancing relations between the two countries.

"This event is not only a cultural bridge between the two countries but also a new impetus for educational cooperation. Through education, we can contribute to strengthening diplomatic relations and ensure the development of mutual interests and collaboration," Mikayel Karapetyan emphasized.

Professor Hasmik Baghdasaryan, Head of the Chair of Romance Philology at YSU, also welcomed this initiative, expressing confidence that it will create new perspectives for the teaching of Spanish. 

"We hope that the establishment of this auditorium will stimulate the teaching of Spanish and increase student interest in the language. The importance of Spanish in today’s world is undeniable, and such programs can have a significant impact on the professional development of students," she said.

Students' Participation and the Cultural Component

At the conclusion of the event, students from the Faculty of European Languages and Communication presented stories about the cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic. They also performed small plays dedicated to Ibero-American culture, highlighting key events in the history of the Dominican Republic, its cultural traditions, and the role of language. 

This initiative once again shows that Yerevan State University continues to expand its international cooperation, offering students new and valuable educational opportunities. The newly opened auditorium will serve as a platform for establishing connections with the Spanish-speaking world and for studying Ibero-American culture in greater detail.