Rector of the French University in Armenia, Jean-Marc Lavest, about the students leaving for France and regional cooperation
Traditionally, the students of the French University in Armenia pass a one-month practice in various cities of France. Thanks to it, they gain the opportunity not only to discover the French professional environment but also to establish contacts with the representative of the French and Armenian diaspora. In addition, the practice in abroad promotes to finding a well-paid job in Armenia. As noted by the Rector of the French University in Armenia, Professor Jean-Marc Lavest, in an interview with “Aravot”, this year, 44 best-selected students out of 44 will pass their practice in France. The Rector intends to double this number in the future, saying that he is currently working with Vice-Rector for External Relations, Educational Programs Coordination and Quality Assurance, Arayik Navoyan, in this direction. “We are doing everything to organize the students’ practice in France well and these 44 students spend their time effectively. As for the others, they will pass the practice in Armenia. In general, it seems to me that one month practice is not enough time for the students of a bachelor degree, consequently, we decided to plan an eight-week practice by the next year curriculum. This means a change in the plans, which however will enable the students to use the knowledge gained in the practice. Our students are known in the labor market for their professional and human qualities. We always involve specialists from the labor market, i.e. from different companies to the teaching process, which is also a guarantee to endow the students with relevant skills,” said Jean-Marc Lavest.
He also said that he reminded the students leaving for practice that they bear a great responsibility on their shoulders, “They need to represent the University and the country well.” The Rector said that some students will be hosted in Armenian communities, others in municipalities and some in the lawyer’s offices. The themes for all of them are chosen in a way that the students will return to Armenia with enriched skills, in a month they will be able to benefit the most, to possibly recognize the country, the French culture and on returning home, they will apply all of it here. “Armenia should be proud of its students that are sent to France to represent the country. I must say that they are truly good ambassadors,” said the Rector of the French University.
He states that there are enterprises that have become loyal partners for the University over the years, as their students have always displayed themselves properly. This year, the number of the institutions and enterprises that cooperate with the French University has doubled. Rector assures that these institutions, when hearing that they are going to host students who are graduates of Jean Moulin Lyon-3 University which are awarded by the French University in Armenia, feel with confidence that they are hosting young people with high knowledge who will become good specialist tomorrow. Jean-Marc Lavest considers having an academic partner like Jean Moulin Lyon-3 a major success for the French University in Armenia.
During our conversation, there was a reference to cooperation with Javakhk. The Rector informed about the launch of the project to organize training courses for admission in Javakhk. He said that investing training courses there gives an opportunity to be better prepared for the French University. He is confident that currently they have 3-4 students from Georgia and they intend not only to increase this number but also to promote the student’ orientation in selecting their specialty and get prepared for the admission.
Rector added that they are planning to cooperate with southern Russia and Iran, in addition to Georgia. Their University is one of the attractive institutions in the educational market in the region thanks to the quality, professional opportunities and French accreditation. In the near future, the University will expand its opportunities when they will begin implementing postgraduate and master’s courses in English, which will certainly include French academic hours for students to be involved in the French culture. Regarding the cooperation with Iran, Jean-Marc Lavest remained neutral at this point to “open the parentheses”, he just said that everything is still in the phase of planning. He also added that his visit to Iran is scheduled in the coming month for this purpose.
Gohar HAKOBYAN,
In the photo – the students leaving for France, with the Rector
