YEREVAN, Armenia —- The American University of Armenia (AUA) recently welcomed the seventh cohort of the AUA–WPI Study Abroad Program, bringing together eight AUA students and sixteen participants from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The AUA cohort includes Gor Arzanyan (BSCS ’27), Nane Khachatryan (BSDS ’27), Daniel Kurghinyan (BSES ’26), Davit Hakobyan (BSDS ’27), Nane Mirzoyan (BAB ’26), Ani Mkrtchyan (BAEC ’27), Astghik Papikyan (BAEC ’26), and Sofya Petrosyan (BAEC ’26). The faculty advisors throughout this process are Dr. Aaron Sakulich, associate professor at WPI, and Norayr Ben Ohanian, adjunct lecturer at AUA.
Following a seven-week academic experience at WPI, AUA students completed their C-term coursework in an interdisciplinary environment, engaging with peers from diverse academic backgrounds. The program offered students the opportunity to strengthen both their academic and collaborative skills. Upon returning to Armenia, they transitioned into the next phase of the program, working on WPI’s Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), a central component of the experience that emphasizes team-based, project-driven research addressing real-world challenges.
One of the study-abroad students, Arzanyan, reflected: “My experience in the IQP program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my university life. Being immersed in an international academic environment at WPI, meeting incredible people, and connecting with a strong Armenian community made it especially memorable, while also deepening my bond with my cohort from AUA, with whom I formed lasting friendships. Beyond academics, traveling across the United States and experiencing its diverse cultures broadened my perspective, and the thoughtfully taught, challenging courses reflected a truly high standard of education.”
Upon their return, students toured the AUA campus and met with AUA President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian, followed by a reception with members of the AUA community.
Reflecting on the collaboration and exchange model between WPI and AUA, Dr. Sakulich remarked: “There are many off-campus programs at WPI, but the partnership between AUA and WPI is unique. Having AUA students come to Worcester to meet the WPI students with whom they will be working, explore our community, and experience the WPI educational system, followed by WPI and AUA students working together on projects here in Yerevan, is a model that only exists in one place — Armenia. Students from both universities benefit from this arrangement much more than if they were working on a conventional IQP. It is a strong program that I am looking forward to for many years to come.”
Working in joint teams, AUA and WPI students are now actively engaged in community-based projects across Armenia, developed in partnership with local organizations, including the Armenian EyeCare Project, the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises, the Armenia Tree Project, the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology, and STEMAR. These collaborations ensure that student work is grounded in real societal needs and contributes to ongoing initiatives. Project themes vary from public health awareness and community engagement to environmental sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, educational innovation, and the application of emerging technologies.
“The students from AUA and WPI are learning by working together on projects in Armenia. Through their shared knowledge and experience they design and work on their projects to come up with meaningful solutions. They gain a truly hands-on research experience on trying to solve real-world challenges,” said Ben Ohanian.
The students will continue their work in Armenia over the coming weeks and are expected to present their final project outcomes at the end of the program on May 6, 2026.
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.
