BAPG Student Spotlight: Shaping Global Citizens
Student Spotlight: Zhanna Ayvazyan (BAPG ’27) Completes Exchange Semester in Angers
ANGERS, France — Zhanna Ayvazyan (BAPG ’27), a junior in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program at the American University of Armenia, spent the Fall 2025 semester at Université catholique de l’Ouest through the Erasmus+ exchange program, studying at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Politics.
Her academic experience emphasized critical thinking, open dialogue, and international perspectives within an inclusive learning environment for international students. The coursework strengthened her analytical and comparative skills across law, economics, and political studies.
Beyond academics, Ayvazyan immersed herself in French culture, traveling across the country and engaging with diverse communities. The experience enhanced her intercultural communication skills, independence, and global awareness.
Reflecting on her semester abroad, Ayvazyan mentioned it contributed significantly to her academic development, self-confidence, and global awareness, leaving her with valuable knowledge, lifelong connections, and a strong sense of belonging to an international community.
Student Spotlight: Argam Movsisyan (BAPG ’28) Participates in Peace and Stability Study Visit in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Argam Movsisyan (BAPG ’28), a sophomore in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program, took part in a two-week study visit titled “Promoting Peace and Stability in the South Caucasus,” organized by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.
The program brought together 15 young participants from across the South Caucasus to explore conflict resolution, negotiation, media literacy, and narrative-building strategies. Participants visited international organizations, government agencies, and NGOs engaged in global peace-building efforts. They also attended lectures and panel discussions with field experts.
Movsisyan described the experience as useful and productive, both from the academic and social perspectives, highlighting opportunities for intercultural dialogue and regional collaboration during the Carter School’s Annual Peace Week.
Student Spotlight: Jessie Klzi (BAPG ’26) Attends Media and Conflict Resolution School in Berlin
BERLIN, Germany — Jessie Klzi (BAPG ’26), a senior in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program, participated in a four-day program at the Media and Conflict Resolution School, organized by the Arab-European Association of Media and Communication Researchers in collaboration with Freie Universität Berlin.
The program gathered scholars, journalists, and media professionals to examine the role of media in societal conflicts. Key topics included media and migration, forced displacement, disinformation, and media production in exile.
Through lectures, research workshops, and collaborative media projects which also included documentaries and podcasts, participants explored how media can either escalate tensions or contribute to conflict resolution. Klzi also visited the Reichstag and Deutsche Welle broadcasting center.
The experience deepened her understanding of global media challenges and the intersection of journalism, digital media, and conflict studies.
Student Spotlight: Inga Aghajanyan (BAPG ’28) Participates in Armenia–Georgia Youth Camp
ANAKLIA, Georgia — Inga Aghajanyan (BAPG ’28), a sophomore in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program, participated in the International Youth Camp in Anaklia, an initiative organized by the Ministries of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia and Georgia.
The five-day camp brought together Armenian and Georgian youth to strengthen cooperation and intercultural dialogue. Through team-based activities, cultural performances, sports, and intellectual games, participants developed friendships that transcended language barriers.
Aghajanyan highlighted the cultural night and collaborative teamwork activities as particularly meaningful, emphasizing how the experience created mutual understanding and a genuine bond between young people from both countries.
Student Spotlight: Tatul Ghazaryan (BAPG ’29) Serves as Chairperson at European Youth Parliament Cyprus
LARNACA, Cyprus — Tatul Ghazaryan (BAPG ’29), a freshman in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program, served as a chairperson at the 19th National Session of the European Youth Parliament Cyprus from August 26–30, 2025.
In this leadership role, Ghazaryan guided a committee of delegates through workshops, debates, and the drafting of a final resolution addressing pressing global issues. He oversaw the academic direction and overall performance of the committee during the General Assembly.
Ghazaryan described the experience as highly rewarding, particularly witnessing delegates grow in confidence and develop their ideas into concrete policy proposals.
Student Spotlight: Maria Khachatryan (BAPG ’28) Participates in Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Mtskheta
MTSKHETA, Georgia — Maria Khachatryan (BAPG ’28), a sophomore in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program, participated in the Youth-Full Action Erasmus+ youth exchange in Georgia.
Over the course of 12 days, participants from Armenia, Georgia, Portugal, and Germany engaged in workshops and discussions on environmental sustainability, active citizenship, and intercultural dialogue. Activities included community surveys, hiking excursions, and collaborative multimedia projects.
Khachatryan said that the exchange strengthened her environmental awareness and deepened her appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration among young leaders.
Student Spotlight: Astghik Khalatyan (BAPG ’28) Joins Francophone Cultural Exchange in La Baule
LA BAULE, France — Astghik Khalatyan (BAPG ’28), a sophomore in the B.A. in Politics and Governance program, participated in a near month-long Francophone cultural exchange from July 3–29. The program was organized by the Lions Club of France in collaboration with the Centre International Francophone Culturel.
Conducted entirely in French, the program explored the theme “Art — Is it essential for living?” through interactive workshops in music, theatre, dance, and creative writing. Participants also visited local city halls across the Bretagne region to learn about French civic life.
Khalatyan performed original artistic works, contributed an illustration to the program’s official journal, and shared Armenian culture with host families. She described the experience as immersive and interdisciplinary, strengthening her language skills while celebrating the unifying power of art.