Դավիթ Մուրադյան

On April 4, within the framework of the “Civic activism among youth” project Shushan Pashinyan’s open class was held in the Laboratory of Social Sciences and Civic Initiatives of the “Mkhitar Sebastatsi” Educational Complex High School-Research College, which was about the UWC International School and her activities there.

The open class was mainly attended by students of the 11th grade of the high school, but they were also joined by other students from the 9th and 10th grades, as well as other interested persons.

You can read more about the open educational class, its agenda, process and results in the blog of English teacher Nune Aydinyan.

Karine Gomtsyan, a student of the 12th grade of the High School, told a little about the project, after which the word was passed on to Shushan Pashinyan, who returned to Armenia during the spring holidays.

At the very beginning, Shushan introduced the UWC International College as an organization uniting representatives of different nations and states. She also told how she applied to study at UWC in the 2023-2024 academic year and was accepted there. Shushan is currently studying at the Robert Bosch branch of UWC in Freiburg, Germany. Sustainability plays a central role in the college curriculum. Students attending the school complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), which is the most recognized global pre-university program for those aged 16-19.

“I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and — above all — compassion.”

— Kurt Hahn (Founder of UWC)

An important reference was made to the application and admission formats, how a student should apply, what kind of exams he should take, what forms he should fill in order to become a candidate for any of the international colleges of UWC. Let’s look at some interesting facts about UWC.

• There are 18 UWC schools and colleges.
• They are represented in more than 150 countries through national committees.
• Over 60,000 students from over 180 countries have studied at UWC schools and colleges and on their short course programmes.
• If selected, the student does not choose where to study. They refer him to any branch of UWC.
• A scholarship is provided, in some cases 100%.

Thus, Shushan presented the above described in more detail in an interesting way in her speech. By the way, in one of the facts, it was mentioned that the student does not choose which branch to study, but the commission chooses instead of him. We have other students in our educational complex who applied and were accepted. Our 11th grader Maria Tishakjian was admitted to UWC College in Japan.

“Studying abroad broadens one’s horizons, acquires a comprehensive international experience, which provides a wide opportunity for personal growth, seeing the world, getting to know a new culture, academic achievements and being competitive in the labor market. Students abroad become the ambassadors of our country in the world, representing the scientific and educational system, history and culture of Armenia. As a result of all this, new edges of cooperation are formed, new partners appear.” — writes teacher Nune Aydinyan in her blog.

And indeed, by enrolling in UWC, people develop not only their knowledge of languages and subjects, but also human and interpersonal relationships. By learning during the academic year, they make new friends and colleagues, connections and relationships that can be useful for a lifetime. And Shushan mentioned all these listed with satisfaction. It is important to emphasize that by enrolling in similar schools, Armenian students also uphold the name and honor of their country, and Shushan is one of those people.

At the end, questions were raised about tests and semester exams, literature and foreign languages, various subjects, timetable and schedule, as well as study and education. Shushan answered the questions and also shared her experience. Perhaps the most important thing for studying abroad is the new environment, new friends and acquaintances, as well as the belief that you will be with them for an entire academic year and spend your time with them.

Summarizing the project, the organizers emphasized the involvement of Armenian youth in international events, including schools and colleges, as well as the establishment of various connections from different parts of the world. Thanks for attention!

You can read about the Robert Bosch College, its activities, environment by following the link.

Shushan also shares her impressions on her YouTube channel. You can see it by following the link.