Student Spotlight: Ashot Aghayan Completes Exchange Semester in Trieste

TRIESTE, Italy — A senior in the B.A. in Politics and Governance (BAPG) program at the American University of Armenia, Ashot Aghayan (BAPG ’26) spent a semester at the University of Trieste through an Erasmus+ exchange program. Immersed in a new academic environment — one he describes as more structure-and-form focused — he experienced an educational approach that differed from AUA’s emphasis on conceptual depth and content-driven learning.

Despite being an undergraduate, Aghayan successfully completed graduate-level courses, which he found both insightful and complementary to his AUA coursework. He particularly valued the international atmosphere of the program, meeting peers from a wide range of national and cultural backgrounds. He also highlighted the Erasmus Student Network as an essential source of support, helping international students adjust and feel at home. 

A couple of Aghayan’s English-language courses were held at the University’s Gorizia campus, about 30 kilometers from Trieste near the Slovenian border. Aghayan found both the campus’s historic setting, located in a former seminary building, and the scenic train ride from Trieste to Gorizia deeply inspiring and unique. 

Outside the classroom, Aghayan took full advantage of his surroundings. “Trieste’s urban atmosphere and deep cultural layers made it a fascinating place to explore,” he said. From post-war heritage sites to the literary footprints of James Joyce, the city offered a rich backdrop to his academic experience.

Reflecting on the semester, Aghayan described it as both challenging and rewarding. He offered advice to future exchange students: plan ahead for logistics like housing and course selection, and be ready to adapt to a different academic rhythm. For those who do, the experience is well worth it.