Studying abroad as an exchange student opens up new worldviews and encourages personal development for students. AUA accepts foreign exchange students from all over the world. Benedikt Kindler, an exchange student from Munich University of Applied Sciences (MUAS) spent the 2021 fall semester at AUA. “I knew this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience; I think it enlarges one’s horizon and forces them to get out of their comfort zone and offers you the opportunity to experience the culture of a foreign country,” said Benedikt.
Benedikt first visited Armenia in September 2020, where he spent a week with an Armenian host family. That was the initial reason why he chose to study a semester abroad at AUA. “Studying in Europe or in the US, like most of my friends, did not look appealing to me as I wanted something more exciting,” said Benedikt. He also mentioned that he came here to find out more about Armenian culture and its ancient history.
The credits at AUA can easily transfer to foreign universities due to AUA’s U.S. accreditation. Benedikt took courses at AUA that are relevant to his major, Engineering and Management.
One of the major differences between studying in AUA and the MUAS is the grading system. In MUAS, students only have a final exam at the end of the semester, which determines their grade, whereas in AUA the grade consists of various components –attendance, participation, assignments, quizzes, midterm, final, explained Benedikt.
For Benedikt, one of the best parts of being an exchange student in AUA is the friendly and welcoming environment. He also stated that he would wholeheartedly come back to Armenia after finishing this semester as he would love to reconnect with all the new friends he made in AUA.
Benedikt’s experience as a foreign exchange student is one of the many. AUA welcomes students from all over the world and from different backgrounds and offers them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of experiencing life in Armenia.
