YEREVAN, Armenia — Eva Baghdasaryan (MPA ’26) is a senior student at the American University of Armenia (AUA) Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Yerevan State University, she chose to continue her academic path at AUA, a decision heavily influenced by her professional experiences during her undergraduate years.
While still pursuing bachelor’s, Eva began working at one of the largest news agencies in Armenia. This role provided her with a unique perspective on the intersection of media and governance. “At the time, I was constantly surrounded by public discourse and different human stories, and I witnessed firsthand how public-sector policies were developed, communicated, and implemented. That experience sparked my interest in the public sector, which is why I decided to continue my education in public affairs.”
Eva considers one of her most rewarding academic achievements the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at Freie University in Berlin through the Erasmus+ program. Living in such a dynamic city initially presented a challenge, but the experience proved transformative. “It was my first time living abroad for such an extended period,” she recalls. “At first, Berlin doesn’t necessarily welcome you with open arms, but once you begin exploring it from different perspectives, you start to feel connected to the city. Eventually, it stops feeling foreign and becomes a place where you feel comfortable.”
The international environment of the classroom further broadened her horizons. Being surrounded by students from diverse backgrounds pushed her to consider issues from entirely new perspectives. Academically, she found the student-oriented approach at Freie University particularly refreshing. “Some professors would actually give students the floor at the beginning of class and allow them to introduce and lead discussions before the professor elaborated further on the topic. This particular approach felt very refreshing and memorable during my academic experience abroad,” she notes.
This period abroad instilled in Eva a newfound sense of adaptability. Beyond the classroom, she found that navigating a new environment forced her to challenge her own assumptions and think outside her usual frame of reference. This mental flexibility has had a lasting impact on her personal growth and professional outlook, opening her eyes to future opportunities for international academic and professional engagement.
Currently, Eva is focused on establishing her career in the public sector. She aspires to a decision-making role where she can influence the development and communication of policies. She also intends to continue conducting research on contemporary issues, building on the foundation she laid while working in the new industry.
For her capstone project, Eva is exploring public perceptions and how everyday experiences shape social and political attitudes. Specifically, she is examining how the perceptions of municipal services in Yerevan translates into political support or criticism of the governing party. She has conducted surveys in selected districts of Yerevan and hopes her findings will provide valuable insights into local governance.
As she nears the end of her AUA journey, Eva offers advice to prospective students: “Don’t just study — learn how to apply what you’re learning. When you find genuine meaning in the knowledge you gain, it stops feeling like a burden and starts becoming an opportunity and a tool. It won’t always be easy, and there will definitely be moments that test your patience and persistence. But if you remain consistent, one day you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come, and you’ll be surprised by your own growth.” She adds, “Especially on difficult days, when I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and sometimes even feel like giving up, imagining myself in a graduation cap makes all those worries disappear.”
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.