YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics (CBE) is pleased to share results of collaboration with Audencia Business School (Nantes, France) through Erasmus+. Established in 2016, this collaboration has grown steadily, fostering a dynamic exchange of students, faculty, and staff. Over the years, it has strengthened academic ties and deepened intercultural understanding.
Student Mobility Experiences
AUA students have greatly benefited from their exchange experiences at Audencia, gaining not only academic knowledge but also personal growth and cultural enrichment.
Several students from AUA’s Bachelor of Arts in Business program and Master of Science in Management and Analytics program spent the Spring 2023 semester at Audencia Business School in Nantes.
Angelina Aghajanyan (BAB ’24) shared,“Studying at Audencia Business School in Nantes through the Erasmus+ program was nothing short of life-changing. Every day felt like a new adventure — whether I was diving into exciting academic discussions or getting lost in the charm of French culture and cobblestone streets. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a world of discovery, growth, and connection. I returned more confident, independent, and inspired than ever, with memories and lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime. To anyone considering an exchange: say yes — you won’t regret it!”
Hayk Shahinyan (BAB ’24) said, “My Erasmus+ exchange experience at Audencia Business School was a journey marked by academic challenges, personal growth, and cultural exchange. The exchange semester not only honed my academic and professional skills but also instilled a sense of resilience and adaptability. Navigating through demanding course assignments, embracing diverse perspectives, and overcoming administrative hurdles shaped this experience into a valuable chapter in my academic and personal development, fostering adaptability, independence, and a broader global outlook.”
Ovsanna Torosyan (MSMA ’24)remarked, “My exchange semester at Audencia Business School, majoring in management of digital business and information technologies, was a highly enriching and transformative experience that has made a lasting impact on both my academic development and professional growth. The curriculum was sharply aligned with the evolving demands of the digital business landscape, offering practical, forward-thinking knowledge directly applicable to real-world challenges. Building on this education, I contributed to my organization’s digital transformation by streamlining workflows and implementing effective digital solutions. Studying in a truly multicultural environment alongside students from around the globe further strengthened my global outlook and cross-cultural communication skills. This experience has not only deepened my expertise but also positioned me to succeed in today’s highly competitive and interconnected job market.”
Staff Mobility and Partnership Development
Beyond student exchanges, the partnership has been enriched by staff mobilities, which allow colleagues to share best practices, broaden perspectives, and deepen institutional collaboration.
In Spring 2025, colleagues from Audencia’s Department of International Affairs — Faustine Lasseron and Sarah Cooke — visited AUA and shared their experiences.
Faustine Lasseron, senior International Affairs coordinator noted,“My Erasmus+ staff mobility to the American University of Armenia was very insightful and valuable. I had the chance to meet with different AUA colleagues and understand how they work in international affairs, student mobility, and EU project management. Learning how colleagues operate in another country and context broadened my horizons and provided me with new perspectives on my own work. I am convinced that being able to take multiple perspectives into account is key to improving communication and decision-making. This mobility also enhanced our cooperation between AUA and Audencia.”
Sarah Cooke, International Mobility coordinator, remarked,“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Armenia to discover the American University of Armenia. What followed was a week rich in encounters and shared knowledge. I was able to learn about AUA’s history, observe how the international office operates, and exchange best practices with colleagues. Sharing mobility processes and strengthening the partnership between our two schools was a hugely rewarding experience. I also discovered Armenia and was warmly welcomed throughout my stay. Erasmus+ training truly introduces you to an international network of colleagues, collaborators, and future friends.”
In June 2025, Meghry Koshian, head of the AUA Admissions Office, Lilit Ghazaryan, Admissions counselor, and Dr. Knar Khachatryan, academic director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Technology Transfer visited Audencia within the Erasmus+ mobility program.
The AUA Admissions team focused on international student recruitment and student mobility, engaging with Audencia’s highly internationalized admissions team. Reflecting on the visit, Koshian shared,“It was affirming to see how aligned we are in our approaches. We witnessed firsthand that we share the same student-centered values and adaptability. While institutions like Audencia may have more resources and facilities, we are moving in the same direction and working toward the same goals.”
Dr. Khachatryan emphasized the academic and research opportunities the visit opened,“Meeting with faculty members from Audencia, we had a chance to delve into the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education initiative and had an insightful discussion about the G.I.F.T. project (Gaïa Improvement for Future Teaching), which supports faculty in integrating ecological and social issues into their teaching. It inspired new ideas for joint projects and possibilities for both student and faculty exchanges.”
The longstanding Erasmus+ partnership between CBE at AUA and Audencia Business School has created a strong platform for academic excellence, cultural exchange, and collaborative innovation. With students, faculty, and staff continuing to engage in mobility and joint initiatives, this cooperation not only enriches both institutions but also contributes to building a more interconnected and responsible global academic community.
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 and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
