Exchange Experience: Rada Gevorgyan
YEREVAN, Armenia — For Rada Gevorgyan, a junior in the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance (BAPG) program, spending a semester abroad meant much more than simply studying at a different university. Her Erasmus exchange in Trieste, Italy, offered an opportunity to experience a new academic culture, travel across Europe, build international friendships, and develop a stronger sense of independence.
Looking back, Rada describes her semester in Trieste as “one of the most memorable and valuable periods” of her life. Moving away from Armenia for an extended period was exciting, but it also came with the challenge of adapting to a new country, unfamiliar surroundings, and a different rhythm of everyday life.
“At first, I had to adjust to a different rhythm of life, new people, a new academic system, and a place that was far away from my family and friends in Armenia,” she recalls.
The exchange also offered an opportunity to experience a university system different from the one she knew at AUA. Teaching methods, course structures, and expectations required some adjustment, while encouraging students to take greater responsibility for their own learning.
What surprised Rada most was the possibility for students to choose a non-attending format for some courses. “This gave students more flexibility and independence, but it also required greater personal responsibility,” she says. “Students had to organize their own learning, follow course materials, and prepare for exams more independently.”
The university environment, however, made the transition easier, offering a large library, well-equipped classrooms, and comfortable spaces for studying.
Some of the most transformative experiences happened outside university walls. Living in Trieste allowed Rada to immerse herself in Italian culture, discover the city, enjoy its cuisine, and become accustomed to everyday life in a new country.
The semester also opened the door to extensive travel. During the exchange, Rada visited more than eight European countries, encountering new cities, traditions, and cultures along the way. “Travelling helped me become more adaptable and confident,” she reflects. “I had to plan trips, manage my time and budget, and deal with unexpected situations on my own.”
Yet among the countries visited and places discovered, it was the people she met in Trieste who ultimately became the most meaningful part of the experience.
Initially concerned that being far from her family and close friends in Armenia might feel lonely, she instead developed friendships with students from different countries who gradually became her support system.
“These friends became my support system and made Trieste feel like home,” she says. “Some of them are now even planning to visit Armenia, which makes these friendships feel much more meaningful and lasting.”
That feeling of belonging became particularly clear whenever she returned to Trieste after traveling. What had initially seemed unfamiliar slowly became somewhere she was happy to return to.
“At some point, I understood that it had become my other home,” she recalls. “This experience taught me that home is not only a place; it is also the people, memories, and emotions connected to it.”
Beyond the academic and cultural experiences, the semester abroad brought significant personal growth. Living independently helped her become more confident, responsible, adaptable, and open-minded. At the same time, distance gave her a renewed appreciation for Armenia and for the family and friends waiting for her there.
“Being away from my usual environment allowed me to see challenges differently and discover new sides of myself,” she says.
For other AUA students considering an Erasmus exchange, Rada’s recommendation is clear. While adjusting to a new environment can take time and may involve moments of uncertainty, Rada believes the opportunities that come with the experience make those challenges worthwhile.
“It is an excellent opportunity to grow academically, experience new cultures, travel, build international friendships, and become more independent,” she says. “Although adapting may take time and there may be challenges, the experience is absolutely worth it.”
What began as a semester in an unfamiliar city ultimately became a chapter defined by academic discovery, new friendships, independence, and a second place to call home. We are happy to welcome Rada back to AUA and wish her continued success as she brings the experiences, perspectives, and memories gained during her Erasmus exchange into the next chapter of her academic journey.
