Testimonial by Charlotte Sarchet

During my four-week Russian program with Aspriantum, my vocabulary and listening comprehension greatly improved. Learning from a native Russian speaker expanded my cultural knowledge and helped me to speak more naturally. Although the lessons were initially intimidating, after only a few days, I had become comfortable with my teacher and the other students and was able to stop worrying so much about how my language skills compared to others.

Outside of the classroom, I had the unique opportunity to experience Armenia. Being surrounded by Russian signs, menus, and speakers allowed me to practice my language skills throughout the day, and even disregarding the language benefits, I simply loved being in Armenia. From the stunning natural beauty of the mountains to the gorgeous historic architecture of Yerevan's city center, I felt privileged to be learning in such an engaging and lovely environment. The frequent field trips with Aspirantum were always enriching, and I made some truly great memories on the beach at Lake Sevan, in the mountains by Amberd Fortress, and even on the bus rides to and from these destinations. I also enjoyed the international feeling of the program– having teachers and students from various countries come together under a common goal was inspiring. Despite the differences in backgrounds, personalities, and skill levels, there was always a shared passion for language connecting us.