Armine Davtyan, a student at the Institute of Geoinformation Technologies and Geography, is originally from Armenia. Already from her first year at Mordovia State University, she became widely known among international students: for several months, she headed the sector for work with foreign students at her faculty, and this spring she became the head of the sector for the development of international relations of the university’s student council.

-Armine, tell us about yourself.

I was born in the Armenian city of Stepanavan — a mountain resort famous for its pine forests. My city also has an arboretum. Many of the trees in it resemble works of art, so this beauty always attracts tourists. There are many cities in Armenia (Yerevan, Gyumri, Ashtarak, etc.), each of which has something to see. All of them are surrounded by majestic mountains, deep gorges and beautiful waterfalls. And our lavash — traditional Armenian bread — is recognizable all over the world.

— How did you learn about our university?

I learned about Mordovia Stat University from my friends, I read a lot of positive reviews and comments about it on social networks. When I was at school, I was attracted to working in the police, because at that time I was interested in detectives and wanted to become the local Hercule Poirot. When I decided to go into higher education, I realized that I should develop in the humanities.

In general, at first I entered the Faculty of Foreign Languages, majoring in «Linguistics,» but I realized that I didn’t like this specialty. Then I transferred to the Institute of Geoinformation Technologies and Geography in the Tourism program to study the leisure and travel industry. I am interested in the history of different countries, their national traditions, etc.

-What did you enjoy most and about the university?

- The friendliness of the Ogarevtsy. I think that we are a strong family! That is why I like studying intercultural communication, since this subject allows students to learn more about the traditions and customs of different countries. I think this discipline should be introduced in all faculties and institutes, because there are many foreign students studying at the MRSU. I am sure that there will be a full-fledged dialogue of cultures!

-Why did you decide to try working with international students?

First of all, I would like to thank the chairman of the student council of the university, Rustam Pigaltsov, for supporting me in this decision. Once, when I was a first-year student, I was invited to the Indian Diwali festival, which was organized at our university. It touched my soul so much that it was the beginning of my constant activity in the sector for work with foreign students.

I also began to study more about the history of the creation of large-scale international festivals. I have a dream — to hold many bright creative, cultural and educational events for foreign students at the university. Thanks to this, I am sure that as many foreign students as possible will come to study at our university and it will be famous throughout the world. I understand that this is not easy, but we must strive for this.

The article was published in the «Voice of Mordovian University» newspaper (No. 7 — August 30, 2024).