Tell us something about yourself: where do you come from, what's your academic background and what motivated you to participate in the Erasmus programme?

My name is Ashot, I’m from Yerevan, Armenia, and I study Politics and Governance at the American University of Armenia. My studies have mainly focused on comparative politics, sociology and social research methods. I’ve always been fascinated by politics, ever since I was younger: it’s how a society organises itself, makes decisions and faces challenges, and I wanted to deepen my understanding of this.

During my studies I realised that it is not enough to stay in your comfort zone. To really understand how things work in the world you need to look further, to those with different experiences, systems and mentalities. That’s what made me apply for the Erasmus programme. 

At my university I had already got to know lots of international students, but going away for my own experience abroad was even more meaningful – the opportunity to do so changes you both in an academic sense and on a personal level.

Your impact with the University of Trieste: city, campus, lectures, teachers, students, services... how was it?

I was immediately stuck by how balanced Trieste is as a place: it is a relaxed city by the sea, but at the same time full of history and things to do and see. It isn’t chaotic like some big cities, which really helped me to find a good rhythm and concentrate on my studies. There is a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, which allowed me to settle in quickly.

Academically, my experience has been really positive. I am taking courses at the Gorizia campus, which is a cosy, well-organised environment. The lessons are engaging and the lecturers are experienced and very helpful: communication has been easy, despite coming from two different university systems.

But the best thing is definitely the international aspect, and I’ve met students from all over Europe and even further away. We help each other out, discuss things and share experiences. Even something as simple as a coffee break with another student can give you a completely new take on something. The services for international students are also well designed and easily accessible – I felt supported from the moment I arrived.

Is there anything about your culture or your country that you have been able to share with other students here in Trieste? And conversely, is there an aspect of Italian culture that particularly impressed or inspired you?

Yes, I have had the opportunity to share different aspects of Armenian culture with other students. We talked to each other about our history, traditions, music, cuisine... And a lot of people were very curious and interested. I also told them about Armenian communities in Italy, particularly the one in Venice, which has a very long history and is intrinsically linked to Italian culture.

In answer to the other question, Italy has really left its mark on me. I was struck by the attention to detail and aesthetics, and well as the quality of the art, food and way of life in general. There’s a sense of ‘beauty’ all around that isn't superficial, and plays a profound role in the culture of the country. The Italian lifestyle has also made me reflect on how to balance work and free time, have passion while at the same time staying relaxed, and take one's time without necessarily rushing.

Looking to the future, how do you think this experience will influence your next steps, both academically and personally?

This experience has given me so much in many ways. On an academic level, it has allowed me to approach topics with a fresh outlook. I became really interested in my courses on EU Law and Policies and Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building, and both have helped me to hone my critical skills. I am learning to ask more complex questions and read about political phenomena in more depth, and this will have a direct impact on my studies and future research.

On a personal level I think the change in myself has been even greater. Living and studying in a different country force you to step outside your comfort zone, adapt, and communicate with people who live in a totally different way to you. Now I feel more independent, confident and ready to experience new things.

And these skills – flexibility, intercultural communication, being able to take initiative – are useful in all areas: in academia, at work, but also in life in general.