Building Academic Bridges Between Tallinn and Yerevan
Tallinn University started cooperation with Yerevan State University (YSU), Armenia, within a framework of Erasmus ICM. Professor of Russian Studies KapitolinaFedorova (School of Humanities) and Senior Researcher Tatjana Kuzovkina (YuriLotman Semiotics Repository) visited Yerevan on 13–20 October.
From 13 to 20 October, Professor of Russian Studies Kapitolina Fedorova from the School of Humanities and Senior Researcher Tatjana Kuzovkina from the Yuri Lotman Semiotics Repository visited Yerevan. In addition to giving lectures and meeting with colleagues, they introduced Tallinn University and its study opportunities to students in YSU’s Department of Journalism.
Over the next two academic years, four YSU bachelor’s or master’s students will have the opportunity to spend a semester at Tallinn University as exchange students.
During the student meeting, Kapitolina Fedorova presented Tallinn University, explained the practicalities of the Erasmus ICM programme, and introduced the courses available to international students. She also shared insights into life in Tallinn and Estonia.
Tatjana Kuzovkina introduced the students to the Yuri Lotman Semiotics Repository, spoke about Lotman’s life and work, and explained the research opportunities available in his archive. Semiotics is one of the YSU Department of Journalism’s key research areas, making this an especially promising field for future cooperation between the two universities.
The opportunity to study at Tallinn University immediately sparked strong interest among the Armenian students. They asked numerous questions, and several expressed a firm intention to come to Tallinn. As journalism students, they also took the opportunity to practise their professional skills by creating a video for the department’s social media channels.
The visit also offered an opportunity to discover more of Armenia’s history and culture. Over the weekend, Tatjana and Kapitolina travelled beyond the capital, visiting Lake Sevan and the ancient Geghard Monastery.
They also could not miss Talin —a town whose name bears a striking resemblance to Estonia’s capital.
Today, Talin is home to a remarkable seventh-century cathedral, which is currently being reconstructed from ruins.
The visit marked an important first step in the cooperation between Tallinn University and Yerevan State University, creating new opportunities for student exchange, academic collaboration and joint research.