Alumni Interview #5: Armen Ghazaryan

Impressions and thoughts from SPS alumni on their experiences with the Schools of Political Studies

 Armen Ghazaryan (Armenia)


Armen Ghazaryan web


1) Which SPS did you attend and in which year did you graduate?

I attended Yerevan School of Political Studies and graduated in 2016.

2) How did you first hear about the Schools of Political Studies and what persuaded you to apply?

I have heard about the School from my friends. The YSPS has widespread reputation in Armenia and many prominent figures in public life of the country have attended it. Friends told me that the school is quite an experience, so I decided to apply.

3) What was your most memorable experience during the training cycle?

I would not outline any single event or encounter. I would say that the chances to meet many brilliant academics and policy makers was very important and gave a deeper insight on many topics of interest. The YSPS is a very important forum for networking both inside Armenia as well as internationally. It provides good chances for reform and improvement-oriented professionals, to meet, establish contacts and from some these networks to yield results. The discussions are another crucial function of the school. They provide an opportunity to critically reflect on some of the most vital issues that our societies and the world faces nowadays.

4) Did you come to the World Forum for Democracy? If so, what were your impressions?

I attended WFD 2016. It was an impressive event in terms of its scope and diversity of participants. It was a good chance to meet people from all over the Europe and neighborhood and see that many challenges that we face today are not specific to our country, but are larger. It was also quite impressive in terms of the positive energy that the participants conveyed.

5) If you could give one piece of advice for those about to start the new training cycle what would it be?

I would tell them to use this opportunity fully, establish networks with professional people and enjoy their time!

6) What are you up to nowadays?

Currently I teach at the American University of Armenia and do some independent research, particularly in the sphere of migration.