Greetings, I am Tigran Karamyan, from Armenia.

I moved to Yerevan to continue my education, and I'm currently an 18-year-old student at the American University of Armenia (AUA).

Currently completing a semester abroad at Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) in France.

Choosing AUA and the Outland Semester in France: A Journey Shaped by Background and Passion

First of all, the main reason I chose AUA was that it seemed like a good option. Since my early childhood, I have heard people saying that AUA is one of the best universities in Armenia. They would also say that it’s really hard to study there, but that it provides a lot of opportunities for young people, especially when it comes to going abroad and studying in other countries. I wouldn't say it was my dream university, but I knew that it could be a good step forward.

The way of studying at AUA is very different from traditional Armenian universities. The teaching style is more modern, and it pushes students to think differently.

That’s one of the things that attracted me.

Then, after completing my first master's degree, I received a letter about a competition. It said that if I applied and got selected, I would have the chance to study for one semester in France at Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO)…

That really got my attention.

I saw it as an incredible opportunity—not only to study in Europe but to experience something completely new. It was my dream to study abroad, especially in a country like France. I wanted to improve myself by learning a new language like French, understanding a new culture, and expanding my network. You meet people from all around the world, and it helps you grow.

This whole experience was something I was really looking forward to. It was a way for me to gain new knowledge and open up more perspectives in life. It’s also a big step in terms of maturity. Living 5,000 kilometers away from your home, from your family and friends, makes you grow faster. You have to make all the big decisions on your own—how to live, how to manage your time, how to survive and study at the same time. No one is there to help you with everything, so you need to rely on yourself completely. And I believe that’s one of the most valuable parts of this experience: it teaches you independence and helps you understand yourself better.

My decision to study abroad in France: a journey beyond borders

I’ve always been drawn to French culture. France has such a rich history, incredible architecture, kind people, amazing food, and music—it just feels like a country full of life. I really like the atmosphere. It’s Western Europe, and it’s my first time being here, so everything feels fresh and exciting.

Coming to France gave me a lot of new impressions and emotions right away. That’s part of what made me decide to study here. I just felt that this experience would shape me in a very deep way.

Some people told me that because it’s my first time in Europe and I came straight to Paris and then to Angers, it might be hard for me to get equally strong impressions from other countries afterward. But I don’t really agree with that. I’ve also been to Germany, and I’ve noticed that every European country has its own vibe—its own culture, its own architecture, its own kind of people.

What really makes traveling and studying in Europe special is that it expands your vision of the world. It changes how you think. Watching videos online or reading articles can never replace the real-life experience of walking the streets, tasting the local food, speaking the language, and seeing the buildings with your own eyes.

It becomes a part of your personal growth. And when you go back to your home country after all of that, everything starts to feel more manageable. You’ve been through different environments, met challenges head-on, and gained confidence from adapting to those situations. It definitely makes you stronger.

Finding the Balance: Where Life and Learning Intertwine

Balancing academics with personal life is really important to me. I’ve seen people who only focus on studying 24/7, and honestly, I don’t think that’s the healthiest approach. Personally, I believe in giving myself at least 2–3 hours a day to enjoy life—whether that’s doing sports, going for a walk, exploring the city, or just trying new food.

Usually, I attend my courses, finish my assignments, and then make time to relax or be active—sometimes I go to the gym, hang out with friends, or just spend time outdoors.

My advice for anyone planning to study abroad is this: try to combine what you enjoy with your academic responsibilities. If you love sports or any other activity, make time for it. Doing things that make you happy gives you more energy, motivation, and mental clarity. It helps you grow not only as a student but also as a person.

From first click to final acceptance: Reflections and advice for future applicants

For me, the application process started with AUA.

I had to take the TOEFL and SAT exams, but honestly, it wasn’t too difficult.

Nowadays, technology is so advanced that you can find everything you need to prepare online—videos, websites, practice tests, and other resources. I used all of that to improve my skills, especially for the SAT, and it helped a lot.

Eventually, I got accepted to AUA, and interestingly, I was admitted without even having to do an interview.

Later, I found out about a competition through AUA that gave students the chance to study abroad for a semester. That’s how I ended up applying to study in France.

One thing I really like about AUA is that it offers many competitions and international opportunities. Students can spend a semester or even a year abroad, then come back with a whole new set of knowledge and experiences.

As for scholarships, there’s a common belief in Armenia that there are no opportunities or financial aid for young people. But I don’t agree with that. If you truly want something, and you have the will to find it, you will. There are foundations, organizations, and even government programs that support students who are motivated to study and grow.

I believe that if you're determined to achieve something, you’ll find a way. The support is out there—you just have to be willing to look for it.

In between cultures: The challenges that shaped my journey

At first, it was honestly difficult to adjust. Before coming to France, I had already met some students from the same university and city through my own university’s exchange program. They had visited our campus, and I had the chance to talk with them about cultural differences, language barriers, and general do’s and don’ts. That helped, but I quickly realized that no amount of preparation fully prepares you for the real experience.

Once you arrive, you face new challenges every single day. One of the first things you have to do is adapt to the people around you. Coming from Armenia to France, I noticed how different people are—in how they speak, communicate, study, and even work. French society has its own unique rhythm and set of expectations, and to succeed, you really have to be willing to integrate.

Unlocking the full potential of your student journey

My advice? Talk to native people. Ask about cultural norms—what’s considered polite or impolite, what’s acceptable and what’s not. This helps you avoid misunderstandings and adapt faster.

As for student life, I recommend really making the most of your time. Get involved in both academic and non-academic activities. It’s important to find balance. While studying is a priority, also take time to explore, enjoy sports, walk around the city, meet new people, and absorb the culture.

These experiences shape you and give you energy, motivation, and maturity. Living abroad teaches you how to be independent and strong—because you’re making major decisions on your own, far from home.

How Extracurricular Activities Enhance My UCO Experience

I’ve always believed that extracurricular activities play a huge role in shaping one’s personality. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing—sports, music, volunteering, or chess—what matters is that you’re growing and evolving in a particular field. Personally, I’ve been involved in sports, language exchanges, and various group activities. Some people might enjoy playing instruments, while others are into football, chess, or drama. The good thing about studying at UCO is that there are so many opportunities and clubs for every interest. You just have to find your place.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being the first student from the American University of Armenia to study at Université Catholique de l’Ouest (UCO) through this new exchange agreement.

In fact, I was told that I’m either the first or second Armenian in the university’s history to ever study there. That’s something really meaningful to me. Representing my country in a new environment was both an honor and a challenge.

During cultural events—like international breakfasts, presentations, or performances—students from other countries often worked in groups. There were groups of 8–10 students from Germany or Spain presenting their cultures together. But I was the only one from Armenia. I had to prepare everything on my own—traditional food, clothing, dances, presentations, and souvenirs. It wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.

Standing there alone, representing Armenia, I realized how important it is for us, young Armenians, to make our presence known around the world. Many people don’t even know where Armenia is located, and that’s why we must step forward, share our culture, and let others see the true spirit of our country. It’s our responsibility to represent Armenia with pride and respect.

Navigating Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Coming to France wasn’t cheap. I had to cover many expenses like flight tickets, accommodation, food, and daily living costs. But despite the financial challenges, I managed to find people who were willing to support me—sponsors who believed in my journey and helped make it possible.

I’m also really thankful to the Armenian government for providing financial aid. Their support played a crucial role in helping me pursue this opportunity. It showed me that if you’re determined and seek help, there are always ways to make your goals a reality—even if the path seems difficult at first.

Looking ahead: How my university experience has shaped my career path

After completing my exchange semester here, I plan to return to Armenia and continue my studies there, now equipped with the experience of living independently abroad. This semester has helped me prepare mentally and practically for longer study programs abroad in the future, such as a full academic year or even a master’s degree.

I believe if someone wants to study abroad, it's important to start small and prepare step by step. Some students jump straight into multi-year programs and struggle with loneliness or cultural shock. But when you begin with an exchange semester or a year, you gradually build the understanding and confidence needed to adapt and thrive.

Personally, I would love to apply for a master’s degree abroad someday—maybe in France again, maybe in Germany. I’m still figuring it out, but now I know I’m much more prepared for the journey ahead.

A memorable moment at university that left a lasting impact on me

One moment that really stood out for me was experiencing the student life at this French university, especially through their student association called VDI. Although the university itself has a long and rich history, dating back centuries, it has impressively adapted to modern student life and culture.

VDI organizes all kinds of creative and engaging events—from cultural evenings and international fairs to parties with music from all over the world. These events aren’t just about entertainment; they’re opportunities to meet people from different cultures, hear new music, and learn how others express themselves.

For me, attending these gatherings gave me a deeper understanding of cultural exchange and helped me build meaningful friendships. It also showed me how a university can blend history and innovation in a way that supports both academic and personal growth.

Key advice for future applicants: What to showcase in your application

One of the most powerful pieces of advice I can give is simple: believe in yourself. In Armenia, many young people assume that studying in Europe is out of reach. But it's not impossible. If you’re determined, if you prepare well, and if you’re willing to face failure without giving up, you can make it happen. Fail once, fail twice, fail many times—but keep going. Each failure brings you closer to success.

Another essential quality is adaptability. When you move abroad, you’re stepping into a completely new culture, language, and environment. You’ll need to adjust quickly to new customs, new social norms, and even new climates. Being adaptable means you’ll not only survive these changes—you’ll grow through them.

Also, be open to diversity. In an international university, you’ll meet people from all around the world. Some may come from cultures you’ve never encountered before. Learn to respect, appreciate, and connect with others regardless of their background. Everyone is there for the same reasons: to learn, to grow, and to build meaningful connections.

And finally, don’t limit yourself to academics alone. Yes, studying is important—but make time to explore other passions. Whether it's sports, music, art, history, hiking, or any other extracurriculars, these experiences will help you grow as a person and connect more deeply with others. Being well-rounded makes it easier to integrate into the community and make lifelong friendships.