KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“Welcome to a wonderland, where thanks to a small kingdom, the duchies of Armenia, Artsakh, Belarus, Hungary, Lithuania, Russia and Finland united several years ago to bring closer peoples and cultures and establish cooperation and friendly ties among them,” student presenters said during the solemn closing of the “Summer School 2016” international student programme held at the Aghavnadzor-based training centre of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU).

They noted that this small kingdom attracted the attention of dukedoms from the very beginning and they were eager to unite and become part of that family. “Six teams bearing the names of gods and goddesses of Armenian mythology – Aramazd, Anahit, Astghik, Nane, Tork and Vanatur – were formed. The members of these teams were representatives of different nations who established friendly ties while working in groups for several days,” the presenters said inviting the ASPU Rector to the rostrum.

Ruben Mirzakhanyan welcomed the participants of the summer school programme on behalf of the academic staff and students of the ASPU. He expressed hope that the foreign guests had managed to know Armenia better in the past several days. “I am sure that the amazing nature and visits to picturesque places, ancient churches, fascinating museums and galleries of our homeland will inspire you to re-visit to Armenia. I am glad to inform you that the programme is expanding its geographical boundaries. We have begun cooperation with new universities and we shall again meet their representatives next year,” he said.

Mr. Mirzakhanyan handed over certificates of participation to the programme participants, reminding everyone that the documents are equivalent to three credits, which are necessary and useful during the learning process.

The solemn ceremony was followed by traditional Armenian hospitality: ASPU representatives welcomed the representatives of the University of Oulu (Finland), Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Hungary), Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, Saint Petersburg University of Economics, Belarusian State Pedagogical University named after Maxim Tank and Moscow City Psychological-Pedagogical University with bread and salt, and folk dances.

The guests also had surprises for the Armenian side: they performed folk dances, game songs about love, war and other themes, as well as famous fairytales.

The innovation of the “Summer School 2016” was that the organizers assigned the participating foreign students to find the location of the the most popular tourist attractions in Yerevan and make videos about them.

Inquiries made among random passersby about the given location, people’s opinion about the architecture of the site, and the videos made in process ensured victory of the “Anahit” team - the daughter of original and prudent Aramazd. The audience watched the film shot by the team with great interest.

Words of appreciation addressed to the Pedagogical University, active rest and full recreation, delicious food, cognitive visits, intercultural communication and lectures on the higher education system…

At the end of the ceremony the delegates of the participating countries shared their impressions with the audience.

They all agreed that Armenia is a hospitable, beautiful and unique country and summer schools organized by the APSU are saturated and unforgettable. They confessed that they did not want the programme to end.

Pázmány Péter Catholic University has joined the Summer School programme for the first time this year.

Daniel Kostic, one of the students of the university, says at first everything was a little strange to him when he saw the students from other countries singing and dancing in the streets. However, he got used to that freedom and joy over time and today he is saddened and upset to remember about his planned return [to Hungary].

Talking to old.aspu.am, the Hungarian student said he has ‘a lot to take from Armenia with him.’ He will tell his friends about the country's rich culture and history and will give them Armenian cognac and souvenirs.

Andrei Petkin studies at the Moscow City Psychological-Pedagogical University. He is participating in the Summer School programme for a second time and says the programme has become more interesting and informative.

The Russian student says one cannot help admiring the centuries-old culture of Armenia, its people and their daily routine.

The visit to Armenia also had scientific significance for Andrei Petkin. The analyses he has made in Armenia will complete his scientific work which is dedicated to people with posttraumatic stress disorder following natural disasters. “Last year, lectures prevailed during the programme, this year it was full of excursions which helped us know the Armenian people and their history much better. We obtained information, experience and knowledge and acquired new friends. We are leaving Armenia with new achievements and experience.”

Kristina Khachaturyan, a student of Artsakh State University, says the most important part of the programme was the teamwork and the format of non-formal education.

She is especially impressed by the Hungarian and Lithuanian students. The fact that she appeared with them in the same group helped her collect new and interesting information about non-formal education. Now she has a strong desire to share her experience with her friends [at Artsakh State University] and contribute to its introduction and application in her Alma Mater.

Kristina confesses that they have had overloaded days, positive impressions and exciting programme.

At the end of the ceremony, the foreign participants of the progrmme gave souvenirs to ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan, Vice-Rectors, Head of International Cooperation Unit Kristina Tsaturyan and Chairman of the ASPU Student Council Nersik Margaryan.

The Summer School programme implemented jointly by the ASPU Student Council and the Youth Foundation of Armenia (YFA) has been held for the fourth time this year.

Over 84 students from the University of Oulu (Finland), Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Hungary), Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, Saint Petersburg University of Economics, Belarusian State Pedagogical University named after Maxim Tank and Moscow City Psychological-Pedagogical University, Moscow State Pedagogical University and Armenian State Pedagogical University were involved in the programme this year.