YEREVAN, Armenia — From April 13 to 19, Zarmine Zeitountsian, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics business liaison and program director of the Graduate Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management, participated in the 18th International Week at the University of Szeged, Hungary.
The visit, hosted by the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, was an opportunity for Zeitountsian to deliver a mini-course titled “Product Development and Experience Design in Tourism: Comprehensive Mini Course.” By engaging with a diverse cohort of international students, she shared practical and strategic approaches to tourism product creation, further solidifying AUA’s presence in the international academic community.
Beyond the course, Zeitountsian had meetings with the director of international affairs and various deans from Eastern European institutions. These discussions focused on establishing a formal Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate a wide range of collaborative initiatives between AUA and the University of Szeged, particularly as Erasmus+ activities are expected to resume fully in Hungary by Fall 2026.
Key areas of prospective collaboration include:
- Tourism Internships in Armenia: A proposal for Hungarian tourism students to fulfill their compulsory two-semester internship requirement through 12-week placements in Armenia, supported by host institutions such as the Tourism Committee, Destination Marketing/Management Organizations (DMOs), and local hotels.
- Student and Faculty Mobility: The organization of short-term study tours and teaching exchanges, including blended formats that combine online delivery with in-person instruction.
- Joint Research: A strong mutual interest in launching collaborative research projects between the two business faculties.
Additionally, Zeitountsian participated in a specialized workshop on business liaison and university-industry collaboration. Representatives shared insights on innovative practices, such as creating branded company spaces within business schools, and hosting annual liaison events where industry leaders and professors align academic content with current market and workforce needs.
The visit highlights AUA’s commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and enhancing the professional development of its students through international exposure and industry-aligned education.
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 (WSCUC) 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.
