Ambassador of France to Armenia Visits AUA

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YEREVAN, Armenia – On November 20, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Armenia Jonathan Lacote accompanied by the First Counselor Claire Le Flecher and the Cooperation Attachée for Universities, Local Authorities and Civil Society Frederique Reinbold.

The visit aimed to provide a closer view of the University and its activities, as well as discuss educational opportunities and program collaboration between AUA and the French University in Armenia.

The guests were welcomed to the University by AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian and Provost Dr. Randall Rhodes, who acquainted them with the University’s history and facilities and gave a tour of the campus, where they were able to see the AGBU Papazian Library, Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC), Alex and Marie Manoogian Hall, Akian Art Gallery, as well as construction of the new faculty center and student union.

After the tour the guests gathered in the president’s office to further discuss the relationship between AUA and the French University in Armenia. During the meeting Dr. Der Kiureghian made a detailed presentation of AUA, mentioning that the University is affiliated with the University of California and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and that AUA prioritizes the concept of ‘learning how to learn.’

He further mentioned that AUA has agreements with different universities worldwide with the aim of attracting more international students and increasing the diversity of the University. Opportunities for establishing additional courses in French were also discussed.

The French delegation members then spoke about the French University in Armenia. Ambassador Lacote presented the four programs in law, management, marketing and finance and mentioned that a fifth program in applied mathematics will start next year.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Lacote remarked, “The French presence in this country is mainly through the French University in Armenia, and our two Universities cooperate to foster higher education in Armenia and to help the youth have the best qualifications possible and the best opportunities in this always changing world. This was a great visit, which gave us a lot of inspiration for the French University in Armenia. We are looking forward to further cooperation.”

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.