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Student Life in Armenia: What International Students Don’t Expect

As more and more Indian and international students are opting to study MBBS abroad, Armenia is becoming a popular destination for them. Mkhitar-Gosh Armenian-Russian International University is becoming one of the preferred destinations for medical aspirants from India and other countries. 

Besides following a rigorous curriculum and regular clinical training, what does a typical day in the life of students in Armenia look like? Life in Armenia is a lot more than just textbooks and lab sessions. 

In this blog, we will talk about everything a student doesn’t expect but experiences as a part of their student life in Armenia. 

International Student Life in Armenia

      1.Intense Academic Routine 

International students studying in Armenia need to follow a rigorous and heavily structured academic routine, including a mix of theoretical classes and practical sessions, which is a bit of a relaxed schedule compared to various European and other countries.

A usual day in the life of students in Armenia starts around 6:30 or 7:00 am. Once they have finished their breakfast in the hostel mess or nearby cafeteria, it's time to attend the lectures starting around 8 or 9:00 am. 

      2. High Travel Expense

As a landlocked country, Armenia depends mostly on air or indirect land transport via neighboring countries, thereby increasing the cost and difficulty of travel. Students coming from India or other countries often face the problem of a limited number of direct flights, expensive airfares, visa formalities, and lengthier travel time. This results in turning the travel even more expensive than expected.

      3 .Cash Dependency

A lot of small shopkeepers, local transport like buses, and other local services in Armenia do not accept payment by card, which becomes a huge difficulty for students who do not wish to pay by cash. Therefore, students are required to pay in cash in Armenian Dram for daily expenses and travel. It is useful to keep small currency notes and coins, as digital payments are not so common in smaller shops. 

       4.Necessity to Know the Armenian Language

International student life in Armenia also requires students to know the Armenian language. While English may be rapidly growing in the country, and used in international universities, basic Armenian language might be required for navigating the daily student life in Armenia, especially outside the university campus with the locals. 

       5. Adapting to Old Infrastructure

This is another big factor that international students studying in Armenia may not expect from the place. In a lot of Armenian areas, especially on the outskirts of Yerevan, plumbing and heating facilities can be outdated. This means international or Indian students in Armenia need to adapt to various standards of maintenance. 

      6.Legal hurdles or Visa Issues

International or Indian students often don’t realize how important it is to carefully manage their visa and residency permits while studying in Armenia. Rules can change, and immigration laws are becoming stricter. Missing any deadline or documents can lead to serious problems, such as fines or can result in the need to leave the country. Therefore, staying informed and organized is quite important for international students to avoid any such issues. 

      7. Very Low Tuition & Living Costs

Many Indian and international students will be surprised to learn that they can study good-quality MBBS in Armenia at quite lower fees than in most countries. The medical education is top-notch, but the cost is affordable. This makes it a great option for students who want a medical degree without spending too much money. Most students will not expect it. 

Also Read: A Glimpse into MBBS Student Life at ARIU - From Classes to Cafeteria 

      8. Great Hospitality & Excellent Safety

Student life in Armenia also includes this important aspect. International students in Armenia do not expect such a warm and welcoming environment from the locals, as they are quite friendly with the foreign students and visitors, ensuring that they feel comfortable in a foreign land. Also, the crime rate is very low in Armenia, which makes it much safer for international students to pursue their studies. 

To Conclude 

An international student in Armenia must always carry some cash because small shops and tips may not accept digital payment. They should also be ready for a hectic study routine. Also, learning a few basic Armenian phrases will make daily life easier and help students communicate way better.

FAQs 

Q.1 Is Mkhitar-Gosh Armenian Russian University affiliated? 

Ans. Yes, the university is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.

Q.2 What is the medium of instruction for the MBBS program at Mkhitar-Gosh Armenian Russian University? 

Ans. The MBBS program at Mkhitar-Gosh Armenian Russian University is taught in the English language. 

Q.3 Do students receive clinical training at Mkhitar-Gosh Armenian Russian University? 

Ans. Yes, students get clinical training at the best hospitals from the 3rd year onwards.