Conversations with college students in Armenia in June 1999 by Dér Stépanos Dingilian, Ph.D.

[Regular font is information about Russian students and Italics about Armenian students]

The Russian people, like many in the former Soviet Union are now taking a striking interest in learning foreign languages, particularly English. Consequently, significant resources are directed towards teaching foreign languages.

Armenians also became interested in the English language years ago because of many relatives in the U.S. and European countries. Historically Armenia has always been a cultural center because of its numerous visitors as well as the Armenians’ interest in other cultures.

A college and university had always been and continue to be geared for those who wish to pursue their studies for professional and academic reasons and very seldom for personal enjoyment. I believe this is a very important difference between the higher education mentality in the former Soviet Union and the United States.

When Armenian students were asked about their hopes and aspirations after they graduated, the overwhelming response was to get a job so one can form a family. The notion of ‘career as being more important than family’ is rarely heard in Armenia. The female students acknowledge that unlike their Western counterparts, they cannot envision a life without a family.

College and university students are usually happy to further their education and they never resist work on what has been given to them at school. They willingly take up the ideas suggested by their teachers. So, on the one hand, teaching a student is a real pleasure because of their cooperation. On the other hand, because of the unplanned and unwise decisions of the former Soviet leaders, today students have difficulty openly and creatively expressing their views. Under the old system people had to continuously adapt themselves to various situations in order to overcome unexpected and unwise decisions by their leaders. They acted as chameleons – agreeing with everything but not standing up for something. They have passed this tendency to their children. So now the students are willing to listen and follow, but hesitant to develop, express and carry out their own ideas and initiatives. This of course makes new and creative expressions very difficult.

This observation was also made by an Armenian consultant from the West working in Armenia. He found that in comparison with those in the West, Armenians in Armenia in general are hesitant to take the initiative on accomplishing their ideas, and instead try to fit into the general flow of society and business. Of course, there are numerous exceptions and the trend is towards greater creative expression in Armenia.

Colleges and universities had always been run by the state, and tuition had been free of charge. With the advent of new freedoms, now there are private universities where parents can pay for their children’s education. These are generally very expensive. The difficulty is that diplomas from various institutions carry different weights and acceptance in the business and academic world, and it is hard for students and parents to distinguish these differences. Unfortunately, if they make the wrong choice, the consequences are expensive and difficult to correct. If students perform very well in their coursework, they receive an allowance from the government in state universities only. None of the private colleges or universities have such programs.

In addition, because of this confusion and uncertainty between state and private institutions, many Armenian students try to conduct part of their coursework outside of the former Soviet Union. Of course, the most common but expensive option is coming to the United States. But there are also opportunities in France, Italy, Germany and some of the other European nations.

The discipline is rather strict in Russian colleges and universities. A student must attend the lectures and classes. Illness is the only reason for a student’s absence from class. They attend classes five days a week and the remaining two days they are busy doing their homework since the workload is generally heavy. The teaching staff of Russian colleges is very keen on giving their students various copious home assignments. It is an old peculiar teaching tradition that makes students work hard and a lot.

The economic situation in Armenia has created quite an obstacle for both professors and students. There is a lack of computers and other technological learning tools. Science, music, art and engineering classes are also lacking in some of the traditional teaching tools. The scarcity of these resources does not allow the full exploration of a subject matter and can leave students less than proficient in their subject matter. The only exceptions are the foreign supported universities such as the American University in Yérévan.

Students make friends very soon. Their association with the educational institution gives them a common purpose and objective, which allows them to have long conversations and even longer lasting friendships. The basic program outlines are established, so students spend a great deal more time together throughout the course of their four or five year program. This again may be unlike the numerous choices that Western students have in picking and choosing their courses. Whereas under the former system politics was an important issue, today, students have very little interest in such subjects. In fact, Russian students are even quite indifferent towards politics. Their own future is more important for them.

Armenian students are more interested in politics than most others in the former Soviet Republics, because they constantly interact with people from various countries and cultures. In Armenia, their views of culture, politics and the traditions that they uphold can affect their future relationships and even their eventual choice of a marriage partner. This is a very serious and worrisome issue for many Armenian college students.

A remnant of the former system is also the indifference towards religion in Russian universities. Although the interest in theology and other religious education is growing in Russia, yet, the fervor is nowhere near that which is experienced in some other former Republics.

Religion is an important topic among Armenian students, unlike their counterparts in Russia, and likely most of those in the United States. The reason is that even before the former Soviet system collapsed, clergy in leadership position, such as His Holiness Karekin II (then the Primate of the Ararat Diocese) instituted religious education in schools. Consequently, students who were in the early stages of their education then and who are now in college, know the Lord’s Prayer, and have an interest in religious history and issues. Even today, religious education teachers receive special training and a small stipend for their training and teaching.

College students in state colleges and universities generally stay in dorms. Life is very simple there and also very strict. The students take care of their rooms. They are generally not allowed to remain outside after 11:00 PM. Although most abide by these rules, some have difficulty and can be suspended or expelled for their behavior.

With the high cost of education and close proximity of colleges and universities to most residents, Armenian students generally live at home or with a relative. This way of life is not necessarily easier, but is an economic necessity.

Since Russian people never think much of food, their children also grow up as modest eaters.

This certainly is not true in Armenia or even among Armenian students attending universities in other countries!

Student participation in the policies of a college or university had existed in the past, and also exists today. However, it is mostly a symbolic gesture in comparison with the involvement of the students in the United States.

A similar situation exists in Armenia. However, Armenian students are very involved in organizing religious and cultural programs on the campuses of their respective universities.

If fanatical and destructive systems such as Communism and Fascism do not pollute the minds of our young people in Russia, I believe that these new generations have a golden opportunity to develop more forward looking, creative and harmonious societies.

Interestingly, even in the midst of the hardships and uncertainties, Armenian college students are hopeful of their future.

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