Within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA1 academic mobility program, Bachelor’s  and master's students of Russian-Armenian University study at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (Austria). The University of Salzburg received 12 applications from leading Armenian universities: Russian-Armenian University, Yerevan State University, American University of Armenia, Academy of Public Administration of the Republic of Armenia. According to the competition results, applications from 7 candidates, 6 of which were RAU students, were selected.

 

 

Lydia Zhamaryan:
III-year student, International Relations
"I have always planned to choose a specialty related to mathematics, as I loved and knew this subject well, but at the same time, I liked to study languages and history. After learning that mathematics could be chosen as an alternative entrance test in a major discipline, I decided to choose International Relations. And I have never regretted it; on the contrary, every day I realize I've made the right choice. I knew that I would enjoy studying at RAU: even before admission, I always heard positive feedbacks only. Today I am very grateful to RAU for the knowledge, experience, and opportunities provided over the years.

In the motivation letter for admission to the University of Salzburg, I indicated the goals, plans, and several factors that had influenced my decision to take part in this program, and also presented grades for the entire period of study at RAU and a CV.

I attach great importance to such programs, as they help to open new horizons for students, give them opportunities to get acquainted with the cultures of other countries and, in turn, an opportunity to present their own. Training programs may be similar, but the way of presenting information differs. Of course, studying abroad is a responsible step, since you represent not only yourself but also your country. And I will try to meet all expectations!"

 

 

Mariam Sirakanyan:
IV-year student, International Relations
"My admission to RAU was down to several factors. I studied the program I wanted to apply for in details, and I did like it. I asked RAU students about the quality and level of education: they shared a high opinion of the university. Moreover, the fact that Russian is my first native language also played a great role. And I knew that the "atmosphere" in RAU is much freer than in other Armenian universities.

Choosing a profession was very difficult because I have always been interested in different fields of knowledge. I was particularly interested in diplomacy, as well as in history and languages, and I decided that this department could give me knowledge in all the mentioned areas.

I do hope I have enough time, strength, and patience to implement every plan I have. I am very grateful to our university and, in particular, to Ruben Elamiryan, Head of the Department of World Politics and International Relations of RAU for the opportunity to keep on studying at the University of Salzburg. I am sincerely thankful for this chance. In turn, I will try to do my best to meet the expectations of our university leaving a good impression about it."

 

 

Artem Ohanyan:
I-year Master's student, Contemporary Diplomacy and International Affairs
"I entered RAU in 2017. RAU is a Russian-speaking university, and this was a leading criterion for choosing this university as at that time I had a poor command of Armenian. Russian-Armenian University is undoubtedly the flagship both in terms of the level and quality of education among Armenian universities. Entering the university for the first time, without having even applied or enrolled in yet, I already felt like a part of this special life.

As long as I remember myself, I have dreamed of studying in Europe. Today, this dream is close to realization despite past unsuccessful attempts.

I expect big bars from the University of Salzburg, which cannot but inspire me to overcome new boundaries of my very evolution from the professional point of view. The synergy of different mentalities, in my opinion, works perfectly in modern realities. This is what RAU has; this is what I expect from the University of Salzburg. I am going to Austria with great enthusiasm to gain invaluable experience, and first of all, experience in work, education, mentality, and understanding people approach."

 

 

Anahit Kazakhetsyan:
I-year Master's student, Contemporary Diplomacy and International Affairs
"1 year ago, I learned about the new master's program of RAU "Contemporary Diplomacy and International Affairs", and the fact that this program is implemented in English played a big role because I wanted to change the language of instruction. Why did I choose RAU? I felt that we still have a long way to go together with the university, my lecturers, and those people I don't know yet.

What I like most about RAU is freedom, up-to-dateness, and the professionalism of lecturers. And, of course, the horizons that RAU opens up for us.
I learned about this program through our Department of World Politics and International Relations.

Give me a fulcrum, and I will make it so that you would love to have a thing for political movements or, for example, want to write a thesis on international terrorism or the Kurdish issue. I think that the driving force of everything is love: when you love what you do, you begin to appreciate your work, and a feeling that you want to know everything about it appears. And, of course, lecturers play a significant role. We live in the 21st century, in a small country with big problems. Therefore, education (especially quality education) is one of the priorities and the key to solving our problems. For development, it is necessary to closely monitor the world, models of other educational systems, and use tools aimed at promoting education that has recorded good indicators in other countries."

 

 

Maria Gulamiryan:
I-year Master's student, Contemporary Diplomacy and International Affairs
"I expressed my keen interest in "International Relations" due to its multi-vector nature. This is not only about studying  politics and political processes, but first of all, the knowledge of history, culture, as well as the language and interests of a particular state.

The profession of an "international specialist" is very promising. Of course, it is necessary to have a desire to develop and keep on improving and learning. And then you can achieve not only career success but also important changes on the world stage.

Erasmus Exchange Program is one of the best opportunities for students to get an unforgettable professional and life experience. After learning that this year there is a chance to continue my education at the University of Salzburg, the most high-classy educational institution in Austria, I decided to try my luck. I am thankful to the department, and especially to Ruben Elamiryan, Head of the department, for his support in any endeavors".

 

 

Elina Karapetyan:
II-year Master's student, International Relations and Diplomacy
"As far back as I can remember, I have always watched political programs and dreamed that one day I would among the politicians, experts, and observers, although I was not quite sure what they were talking about. Then I started expressing my interest not only in politicians but in diplomacy overall. I listened to the diplomats' speeches and imagined how I myself would protect the interests of my state. That is why, starting from the first day of my studies at RAU, I began to actively participate in programs, summer schools, conferences both in Armenia and abroad, studied at RUDN, interned at RA MFA, Armenian Embassy in Russia, and the Caucasus Institute. And currently I even work for an international company.

 

With the end of the Second Karabakh War, I promised myself that from now on I will do everything possible for the sake of Artsakh and Armenia. I started getting more and more involved in diplomacy: the defeat in the war must be compensated by the victory in diplomacy. Realizing the importance of education, I decided to apply and try my luck at a competition to study at the University of Salzburg. Studying in Salzburg is a great experience, first of all, because communication with representatives of various countries and religious beliefs is very important for any diplomat. I am sure that upon my return I will reach a new level of personal and professional growth, which will allow me to become a more worthy citizen and specialist for my country. I want to be a modelfor RAU students motivating them with my activities."

 

It should be noted that the University of Salzburg is one of the best universities in Austria. The second name of the university is Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg (named after its founder, Archbishop Paris Lodron). The university has about 18,000 students. It is a modern university with a rich history and high educational standards.