CHSS Students Reflect on Their Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin
2 min readBERLIN, Germany — Two students from the American University of Armenia (AUA) Master in Public Affairs (MPA) and Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) programs spent their spring 2024 semester at the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (FUB) as Erasmus+ exchange students. FUB’s Department of Political and Social Sciences is one of the most research-intensive departments in Germany. Recently, Gohar Marutyan (MPA ’25) and Areg Khachatrian (MAIRD ’25) returned to Armenia with enriching experiences and unforgettable memories, which they elaborate on below.
“Participating in the exchange program at FUB was an incredible opportunity that enriched both my academic and personal life. The program allowed me to deepen my academic knowledge while also immersing myself in a vibrant and diverse culture. I gained invaluable networking skills, met lifelong friends, and now have connections worldwide. The professors at FUB introduced me to innovative, interactive teaching methods, which I found remarkably similar to the ones at AUA, where students are encouraged to conduct their own research and generate original ideas,” says Marutyan.
She adds, “Beyond the university, I explored the dynamic culture of urban Berlin, a city where creativity knows no bounds and where history seamlessly blends with modernity. My experience was made even more memorable by the wonderful people I met and the countless opportunities to travel around Europe with them. A highlight of my time in Berlin was sharing the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Armenia with my friends; we made them fall in love with our homeland and want to visit it in the future. I am deeply grateful to AUA and my faculty for providing me with this life-changing experience and the chance to create lasting memories.”
Khachatrian mentions, “The experience of studying at FUB was very beneficial for my academic goals, offering me new perspectives on politics and the environment. The host institution provided us with many facilities and opportunities, such as library access or transportation cards, which helped us explore Germany. During the exchange semester, I met many people of different backgrounds and cultures, which was very insightful for learning more about their countries from the perspective of locals. Moreover, the professors were very professional, and their classes were crucial for my academic progress and broadened my horizons on several key issues. Overall, this experience of studying abroad helped me gain a new network of new friends and future colleagues. I changed my views on some topics and developed new perspectives on Armenian politics, especially when compared to Germany. I would recommend applying for this program and experiencing it all yourself.”
Moreover, during their stay, our students raised awareness at FUB about forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh. Through this campaign, they initiated fundraising to provide support to the forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh, driven by their desire to make a difference at home while studying abroad.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
