International cooperation shapes Yerevan State University's development

The International Cooperation Office plays a crucial role in ensuring the high quality of academic work, signing cooperation agreements, and implementing initiatives to further expand existing partnerships. This work contributes to both the international integration and the ongoing development of the university, enhancing its international reputation. 

YSU’s Path to Internationalization: Partnerships and New Opportunities

YSU has significantly improved its global ranking and established new opportunities for cooperation. The university has signed multiple inter-university agreements, which serve as the foundation for exchange programs involving students and academic staff, joint scientific research projects, and new educational initiatives. As a result, YSU continues to foster a multicultural academic environment. 

Thanks to the efforts of the International Cooperation Office, YSU has signed cooperation agreements with over 265 universities and research centers across more than 50 countries. Key partners include renowned institutions such as Arizona State University (USA), University of Rostock, Free University of Berlin, and Humboldt University (Germany), as well as Paul Valéry University (France), University of Bologna, Ca' Foscari University (Italy), and the University of Warsaw (Poland). 

Organization of Exchange Programs for YSU Academic Staff and Students, Joint Scientific and Educational Initiatives

According to Alexander Markarov, the work of YSU International Cooperation Office is based on several key areas. The new strategic development plan outlines crucial directions, such as quality education, innovation, and scientific cooperation, which are inextricably linked to the internationalization of YSU.

"The primary focus areas include exchange programs and the signing of international cooperation agreements, which enable YSU to strengthen its position on international platforms. We aim to expand our network of partners and ensure that established collaborations serve the purpose. Today, we have a much clearer approach—not just to sign new agreements, but also to ensure that they are accompanied by a well-defined action plan that stems from relevant priorities. This plan should be developed in collaboration with the university's respective departments. It is crucial for us that this plan becomes a document that outlines the direction of cooperation, establishes clear goals and actions, and ensures the effective and purposeful execution of the partnership," said the head of the office, highlighting the recent agreement signed with the University of Granada. This agreement not only introduces a new exchange program for students and academic staff but also includes collaboration with the Chair of Romance Philology, where joint actions and research projects are being developed.

The Importance of Signing Agreements

"Recently, a cooperation agreement was signed with the Eurasian Research Center of Hokkaido University. Within the framework of this agreement, we cooperate in a specialized manner, focusing on key areas where joint research activities can be carried out. In addition, we involve our partners in the editorial boards of our journals and plan to host online lectures that will be of mutual interest to both parties. From this perspective, it can be said that the agreement serves its purpose when it has specific implementers, a clear action plan, and well-defined future steps," emphasized A. Markarov.

Educational experience, international exchange programs for students and academic staff, and strong scientific connections serve as the foundation for the university to welcome foreign students and provide them with an effective learning and social environment. These students come to YSU to receive high-quality education and participate in scientific programs that meet international standards. The university’s multicultural environment and innovative teaching approaches make it an attractive and trusted educational institution, particularly for them. 

The table below presents the total number of foreign students for the academic years 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25.  

These programs aim to promote the establishment of new international connections for YSU, broaden the international experience of students and academic staff, and strengthen the university's position on international platforms. Through working visits, mobility programs for academic staff and students, educational programs, scientific research, and conferences, new opportunities are created, providing YSU representatives with the chance to present the university and gain new knowledge and experience. 

The table below presents the total number of university representatives sent abroad during the academic years 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24․

As part of the Erasmus+ program, numerous agreements have been signed with several European universities to promote the mobility of students and academic staff. Currently, YSU students, as well as academic and administrative staff, have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs based on the existing cooperation agreements under the Erasmus+ program.

YSU is currently implementing eight EU-funded Erasmus+ projects and coordinating two of them:

1. The "Establishment of National Framework of Key Performance Indicators for Good Governance and Quality towards Inclusive, Digital and Green Oriented Higher Education in Armenia (KPI4HE)" project

2. The "Fostering Socially Distanced and Inclusive on-Campus Education in Armenian HEIs (eCAMPUS)" project

Regarding double-degree programs, the International Cooperation Office aims to develop initiatives that will allow students to earn a diploma not only from YSU but also from partner universities.

"This process requires long-term cooperation and the signing of relevant agreements with specific universities. For example, with European universities, this process takes about two years. We are prepared for this, as our strategic plan envisions actions over a five-year period. We aim to increase the number of double-degree programs, which will allow our students to receive diplomas from both YSU and our partner universities," noted Alexander Markarov.

The next area of focus, as mentioned by the head of the office, pertains to invited professors.

"Our goal is to ensure that invited professors not only deliver lectures but also contribute to the improvement of educational programs, which will significantly enhance the quality of education," he emphasized. 

Alexander Markarov added that, in addition to the various ongoing programs, they also organize summer courses in various languages, including Russian, Persian, and more. This year, courses will also be offered in Armenian studies. A lot of efforts are made towards raising awareness about these and other programs, informing the public through various platforms about the available opportunities.

"Cooperation should not only be targeted, meaningful, and strategic but also controllable. We aim to support the university’s comprehensive, multifaceted, and sustainable educational development," said A. Markarov.

The work of YSU International Cooperation Office is multifaceted. It includes not only educational and scientific exchange programs, grants, but also reforms, strategic partnerships and collaborative research projects. It is impossible to fully present the vast range of activities undertaken by the office. The ongoing collaborations are focused on the university’s sustainable development and internationalization.