GALY KOUYOUMJIAN
Home University: UCLA
Studied at AUA in: Summer 2017
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Why did you want to study abroad?
I wanted to study abroad in order to experience Armenia through a different lens and connect with local students. I was already visiting Armenia that summer, but I wanted to get more out of my trip, so I decided to study abroad.
How did you find out about AUA as a study abroad destination?
The professor teaching the course, Anahid Aramouni Keshishian, is a friend of my mom. We found out about the program through Professor Keshishian's Facebook posts.
Why did you choose AUA to study abroad?
I chose AUA because I was already coming to Armenia that summer and I knew AUA is one of the more progressive schools in Armenia.
What were the challenges of studying abroad at AUA?
There were no major challenges. If you plan on participating in the Discover Armenia Education Tours, I recommend requesting an itinerary of the excursions you’ll participate in through the program. I wish I had it before coming to AUA.
Did the experience change your professional or academic goals?
The experience helped my academic goals because it forced me to study outside of my comfort zone. This experience ultimately made me grow as a student and be more confident in challenging myself to expand my educational horizons.
What were some of the highlights of your time at AUA?
The excursions, through the Discover Armenia Educational Tours, were my favorite part of the experience, especially because of how much we interacted with local students. I became life-long friends with the other international study abroad students, and developed connections with the local students. We became a family. Another benefit? AUA’s team did everything in their power to make us feel comfortable. It's been 2 years since I completed the program and I still keep in touch with local students, staff, and the other international study abroad kids.
What advice do you have for students interested in studying at AUA?
Studying at AUA is definitely an experience that will make you grow not only as a student, but also from a holistic standpoint. From the class, to the excursions, to the interactions with others, this program will force you out of your comfort zone and introduce you to a whole other part of Armenia. AUA offers excursions outside of the typical touristic view and connects you with others that you will most likely keep in touch with for a very long time.
Galy graduated with a degree in international development studies from UCLA in May 2019, and is now volunteering through Birthright Armenia with the Children of Armenia Fund. She hopes to attend grad school in the future.
Want to touch base with Galy?
Email her at [email protected]
