Armenia
Armenia is not really the first place most people think of when it comes time to consider where to attend college. After all, if one were to even consider studying in a foreign country for four years, it most likely would be someplace like France or Russia or China. Armenia, in many ways, is a victim of its own reputation-or, more accurately, its lack of a definitive one. What is Armenia like? Does it have a notable native culture? Heck, where is it?
But just a little bit of research will show you that Armenia is actually a fascinating country with a deep history, an interesting native culture, and a future that is as bright now as it has been for generations.
Situated in the "mountainous country in the Southern Caucasus [and] bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Nakhichevan exclave of Azerbaijan to the south, [Armenia is a landlocked country that was, until the fall of the Iron Curtain, a] former republic of the Soviet Union" (www.en.wikipedia.org). But since 1991, it has been a democratic state with an elected president and a parliament.
Today, Armenia is a country on the rise. After difficult economic times in the 1990's, things are looking up. And one of the first sectors of the country to benefit from these improved economic times has been the tourism industry. Armenia is an ancient country, and it has a great many exciting sites just waiting there for the adventurous traveler or student to visit. And now, with its improved transportation systems and re-energized tourist sector, Armenia is ready to host people from all over the world.
Most people don't realize it, but Armenia's history dates back thousands of years. Indeed, it is "acknowledged as one of the cradles of civilization...As a result, Armenia is an intriguing tourist destination. Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. Tourism in Armenia is rooted in the country's historical landmarks and natural attractions such as the water resorts of Lake Sevan, the hot springs of Arzni and Jermuk,[and] the forests of Dilijan [and] Aghveran" (www.armeniaemb.org).
But by far the most impressive and awe-inspiring natural site in the country is Mount Ararat, which "is said to be the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark. [The mountain] has twin peaks known as the Great Peak and the Little Peak. The height of the Great Peak is 16,916 feet, and the height of the Little Peak is 12,840 feet. Mt. Ararat is considered holy and an outstanding symbol of political existence and has always been a part of Armenian national life" (www.armenianheritage.com). Today, however, the mountain is officially in the possession of the Turkish state, a fact that has caused a great deal of consternation among the Armenian people, whose relationship with the Turks has been contentious even in the best of times.
Students attending school in Armenia will also benefit from one of the most traditionally hospitable cultures in the world. "Armenian hospitality is legendary and stems from ancient tradition. Social gatherings [are] focused around sumptuous presentations of course after course of elaborately prepared, well-seasoned (but not spicy-hot) food" (www.en.wikipedia.org). And while Armenia has its own language, and many of the people still speak Russian as their primary language, English usage is on the increase as the Armenian business community edges its way into the world business community.
The capital of Armenia is Yerevan, a city of around 1 million residents. It "is a leading industrial, cultural, and scientific centre in the Caucasus region. As a centre of Armenian culture, Yerevan is the site of Yerevan State University (1920), the Armenian Academy of Sciences, a historical museum, an opera house, a music conservatory, and several technical institutes. The Matenadaran archives hold a rich collection of valuable ancient Armenian, Greek, Syrian, Hebrew, Roman, and Persian manuscripts. Yerevan has several large public libraries, a number of museums and theaters, botanical gardens, and zoos. It is also at the heart of an extensive rail network and is a major trading centre for agricultural products. In addition, industries in the city produce metals, machine tools, electrical equipment, chemicals, textiles, and food products" (www.en.wikipedia.org). Students who choose to study in this city will benefit from both the astounding cultural history, the legendary hospitality of the people, and the fact that studying and living in a city that is ever more important to the growth and prosperity or an entire region has benefits that go far beyond what is learned in the classroom.
All things considered, Armenia has a great deal to offer the adventurous student. And while it will certainly be a vastly different experience than studying in one of the more traditional places like those noted at the beginning of this article, it will, nonetheless, afford you the opportunity to expand your horizons, understand that part of the world better, and perhaps even play a part in the evolution and resurgence of one of the more ancient and storied countries in the world.
