YEREVAN, Armenia — The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MATEFL) program at the American University of Armenia (AUA) held two professional development sessions as part of its regional outreach efforts in Armenia, in close collaboration with MATEFL alumni. One session was held with the English Lab in Artashat (Ararat region), established by MATEFL graduate Lida Hambardzumyan (MATEFL ’21) and co-partnered by Asya Kara-Gevorgyan (MATEFL ’21). The second session took place at EduCAT in Sevan (Gegharkunik region), founded by MATEFL graduate Lilit Adilkhanyan (CTEFL ’20; MATEFL ’22).
As part of this collaboration, the MATEFL program brought AUA faculty to deliver a series of workshops designed to support and enhance practical teaching skills of local English teachers in both regions. The sessions provided opportunities for educators to learn and exchange ideas on effective classroom teaching practices and formative assessment.
“The English Lab was a dream I brought to life, and in just one year, we’ve made it meaningful through our passion and hard work. Supporting and inspiring teachers in the Ararat region, with the wonderful collaboration with AUA, was one of our goals, and their gratitude truly touched my heart,” shared Hambardzumyan.
“It was a true honor to work on our first teacher training at English Lab,” added Kara-Gevorgyan. “It was a very rewarding and motivating experience. Special thanks to the MATEFL representatives , Rubina Gasparyan and Syuzanna Torosyan, for being part of this project and sharing their experience with our community. I am more than excited for what the future holds for the English Lab.”
Adilkhanyan noted: “I started my journey with only one student in 2016, and in 2022, it grew into EduCAT, serving 90 students, after I graduated from the MATEFL program. Today, I can proclaim that it was worth it, because it has also become a platform for my colleagues to take part in teacher training programs provided by AUA. I am grateful to my AUA professors for their invaluable input not only in me, but also in my community.”
Both centers have been successful in providing quality English language instruction and in meeting the educational needs of their local communities. The MATEFL program is proud to see its graduates returning to their home towns, giving back to their communities, and supporting fellow teachers through meaningful professional learning opportunities.
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.
