KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Between May 2 and 6, the Armenian State Pedagogical University had the honour of welcoming Dr. Justyna Pilarska, a distinguished lecturer from the Pedagogical Department of the University of Wroclaw in Poland, as part of the Erasmus+ mobility program for academic staff. Dr. Pilarska is an esteemed expert in education and teaching methodology, with a notable research portfolio focusing on intercultural communication that encompasses both Eastern European cultural dynamics and the unique characteristics of Japanese culture.

During her visit, Dr. Pilarska engaged in a series of collaborative meetings with the university's academic leaders, including department heads, faculty members, and the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages. These discussions centred on innovative pedagogical approaches and the exploration of intercultural teaching methods. Dr. Pilarska’s expertise in bridging diverse cultural contexts provided invaluable insights for fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

The highlight of Dr. Pilarska’s visit was her interactive sessions with students from the Russian Language and Literature and English Language and Literature departments. Her practical sessions were both engaging and enlightening, reflecting her deep understanding of the intersection between teaching practices and intercultural communication. Her sessions emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting cultural nuances in educational settings and offered practical strategies for enhancing communication across diverse cultural landscapes.

Dr. Pilarska’s presentations were highly regarded by the students for their rich content and her unique perspective on effective teaching methodologies. Her insights into cultural context and communication strategies were instrumental in deepening the understanding of how to cultivate a more interconnected and culturally aware academic community.

This exchange represents a significant step towards building stronger international academic partnerships, and we look forward to future collaborations with Dr Pilarska and the University of Wroclaw as we continue to foster cross-cultural academic growth and understanding.