AUA Back in the US for Recruitment and Community Outreach Events

3 min read

The American University of Armenia (AUA) Office of Admissions kicked off a second round of community outreach events in the US starting on November 9—this time on the East Coast. The events highlighted the variety of academic offerings at AUA that are available to American-Armenian students who may also wish to experience life in the homeland.

From AUA’s Study Abroad program to degree programs leading to a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, the university can meet a variety of student needs and interests. AUA offers three undergraduate and eight graduate degree programs in which 1,500 students are currently enrolled. The AUA Study Abroad program is currently in its third year of existence. Last summer, it attracted students from the US and other countries. AUA is the first stand-alone, US-accredited university in all of the former Soviet Union, and most course credits offered through the Study Abroad program can be transferrable.

Since its establishment in 1991, AUA has developed a well-established reputation as a quality higher education institution within the borders of Armenia. It now aims to expand its reach internationally and to gain wider recognition for the education it offers at a fraction of the cost of universities in the US.

With access to state-of-the-art facilities, AUA is also a research-oriented institution with 9 research centers that complement the educational goals of the institution. Its experienced and dedicated faculty from Armenia and around the world are easily accessible.

The university is affiliated with the University of California system. Its American-style education is grounded in principles of academic freedom, knowledge-based learning emphasizing inquiry and critical thinking, and multidisciplinary studies. The university strongly advocates for public service and democratic values, anchored in an ethical and merit-based environment.

By appealing to both Diasporan Armenian and international students, the university hopes to attract students with different backgrounds and to increase diversity on its campus.

Tanya Koroyan, from the University of San Francisco, was thrilled to take part in the program last summer. “This was a life changing experience and the perfect way to visit Armenia. I learned so much about Armenian identity and culture. I was able to learn about the history of Armenia and about the current state of the country, while traveling and seeing many famous locations…Being in Armenia while learning about these locations was an amazing experience! This will be a part of my focus for my Master’s Capstone project,” Koroyan said.

Jonah Torossian, who studies at Southern Nazarene University and was also at AUA last summer, strongly encourages others to take advantage of the university’s educational opportunities. Her simple advice is, “Do it!”

During the November tour of the East Coast, Arina Zohrabian, AUA Director of Admissions, and AUA Assistant Director of Development Mathew Senekeremian will meet with Armenian community

and church leaders, Armenian youth groups and student associations, area university Study Abroad directors and other officials, and Diasporan media representatives.

For more information about AUA’s degree programs and the AUA Study Abroad program, please visit the university’s website at www.aua.am.

Arina Zohrabian is the Director of Admissions at AUA, and manages the strategy and operations for undergraduate and graduate admissions, national and global outreach, and international student services at AUA. Previously, she served as the Regional Director for Education Programs and Country Director for the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) Armenia office, managing and implementing higher education programs funded by the US Department of State and other private sources. Zohrabian, whose parents hail from Isfahan, moved to Yerevan in 2002 as a volunteer. What was meant to be a one year trip evolved into a life-changing experience.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values. The American University of Armenia is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001.