YEREVAN, Armenia — The seventh cohort of the AUA–WPI Study Abroad Program marks another year of exchange between the American University of Armenia (AUA) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). On January 8, eight students from AUA — Daniel Kurghinyan (BSES ’26), Nane Khachatryan (BSDS ’27), Davit Hakobyan (BSDS ’27), Gor Arzanyan (BSCS ’27), Nane Mirzoyan (BAB ’26), Ani Mkrtchyan (BAEC ’27), Astghik Papikyan (BAEC ’26), and Sofya Petrosyan (BAEC ’26) — arrived at WPI in Massachusetts to embark on their journey in the exchange program.
During their stay, students are enrolled in C-term courses at WPI and engage closely with the university’s project-based learning model. A key component of their exchange is participation in the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), a team-based research experience that challenges students to apply academic knowledge to real-world problems. By working side by side with peers from another academic environment, participants gain new perspectives on teamwork, problem-solving, and diverse learning approaches.
The study abroad program reflects a shared educational approach focused on experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this partnership, students are exposed to different academic practices and learn to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives, strengthening both their technical skills and cross-cultural communication.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Aaron Sakulich, associate professor at WPI, shared: “We are very happy to be hosting a cohort of eight AUA students at WPI this year. In our first series of meetings, I asked them why they had decided to go to the program, and in addition to saying that they want to expand their experiences and see what it’s like to live in a new context, many of the students mentioned that they had talked to AUA students that came to WPI last year, all of whom were very positive about the experience. I know that in the spring, when we all travel to Yerevan, the WPI students will benefit; it was very rewarding to hear that so many of last year’s AUA students were very positive about the experience.”
Beyond coursework, the exchange offers students a deeper insight into campus life and academic culture at WPI. Living and studying abroad allows participants to observe how community and environment shape daily learning and collaboration.
One of the exchange students, Kurghinyan, noted: “So far, my biggest impression has been the difference in the environment around the campus. I realized how important the idea of a naturally and gradually developed academic town is to encourage students to learn. Similar to serving in the military, when everyone lives together and has goals toward similar ends (in this case studying), it compels you to do your best and excel, whether you think competitively or collaboratively.”
Following the completion of their term at WPI, the students will return to Armenia together with WPI peers to continue their collaborative work. This next phase of the program extends the shared learning experience into community-based projects, where students apply the skills and insights gained abroad to social impact initiatives addressing local challenges in Armenia.
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.
