Armenia Survival Guide
This guide has been developed by the Foreign Relations Division of Armenian State of Economics in order to provide comprehensive information regarding the travel and stay in Armenia for the international students and staff hosted by ASUE. TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARMENIAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS ...... 2 FOREIGN RELATIONS DIVISION ...... 3 PRACTICAL INFORMATION ...... 4 Official Name ...... 4 Location ...... 4 Government …...... 4 The Flag ...... 5 The Anthem ...... 5 The Coat of Arms...... 5 Ethnic Groups ...... 5 Language ...... 5 Religion ...... 5 Currency ...... 5 Climate...... 5 Time Zones and Daylight Saving ...... 6 Country code ...... 6 Electrical Supply Voltage ...... 6 VISA information ...... 6 Getting to Armenia ...... 6 Getting to Yerevan ...... 6 Taxi ...... 7 Public Transport in Yerevan ...... 7 Hotels ...... 7 Restaurants ...... 7 Places to Visit ...... 8 Emergency Contacts ...... 8 NOTES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9
Armenia Survival Guide Page 1
ARMENIAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS
Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE) is one of the well-known public universities in Armenia that was established in 1930. ASUE has about 7500 students and about 30.000 alumni. ASUE has 6 departments:
- Management - International Economics Relations - Accounting and Auditing - Finance - Marketing and Business Administration - Statistics and Computer Science. Campus of Armenian State University of Economics
According to Strategic Development Plan of Armenian State University of Economics internalization is a key priority. ASUE has a strategic goal of becoming leading national and regional economic HEI, which can be obtained via introduction of contemporary educational technologies, modern teaching methods, stimulation of students’ and staff mobility. ASUE aims to promote students and staff mobility for developing inter-institutional cooperation and dissemination of European educational standards for creating appropriate environment and introduction of modern approaches to educational process. ASUE Foreign Relations Division has been implementing Erasmus+KA1 projects since 2014 when the first call was announced. The number of students and staff member, who travel to various European countries on mobility purpose, increases rapidly year by year. Our Division deals with Erasmus+ KA2 projects as well. We are also responsible for the degree seeking international students. More detailed information about the above mentioned is available via the following link: https://goo.gl/irz4ho
ASUE has a modern computer laboratory with internet access, as well as rich library which offers professional literature in Armenian, English and Russian. There is an opportunity for reserve books in advance, borrow books or use the reading halls. ASUE also has several sport clubs which international students are welcome to join. Lastly, the incoming students may contribute to the activities of Student Council of ASUE.
Many students are actively involved in research of the Research Center «Amberd» of Armenian State University of Economics. More information is available on www.amberd.am web site.
Armenia Survival Guide Page 2
FOREIGN RELATIONS DIVISION
ASUE Foreign Relations Division is responsible for implementing the internalization projects in the university. Our staff effectively cooperates with the international partners becoming a bridge for ASUE faculty and staff members and international colleagues. Young, motivated and ambitious - these is how we can describe ourselves. Here you may find our contacts. We will be pleased to provide any assistance you may need.
Vard Ghukasyan Head of Foreign Relations Division
Tel: +374 10 593 484 E-mail: [email protected] LinkedIn: /vard-ghukasyan-04762214/
Lilit Mkrtchyan Leading Specialist at the Foreign Relations Division
Tel: +374 10 593 384 E-mail: [email protected]
Arpine Jaghatspanyan Chief Specialist at the Foreign Relations Division (shifting)
Tel: +374 10 593 384 E-mail: [email protected] LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpine- jraghatspanyan-1b2165156
Margarit Marukyan Chief Specialist at the Foreign Relations Division (on academic holiday)
Tel: +374 10 593 384 E-mail: [email protected] LinkedIn: /margarit-marukyan-pmp%C2%AE- 044a0678/
Armenia Survival Guide Page 3
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Yerevan, Armenia
Armenia is a land of mysticism that will capture your imagination. It is an open air museum, where you can walk through time and experience living history. It is a land of enchantment, with untouched awe-inspiring nature, and seven climate zones, each offering a different topography. Each city is a museum in and of itself, with ancient relics, old and new architecture, and churches dating back thousands of years, and heritage and culture that fuse the past with the present.
Official Name Republic of Armenia - Hayastani Hanrapetutyun-Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն, Hayastan – Հայաստան
Location Armenia is in South Caucasus. In north the country borders with Georgia, in south – with Iran, in east – with Azerbaijan, in west – with Turkey. The current territory of the Republic of Armenia is 29800 square km and is situated about 1800 m above sea level. The highest point is mount Aragats (4090 m), the lowest – canyon of the river Debet (400 m). Yerevan is the capital of the country. Armenia’s population is 2,9 million people, 1, 1 of which lives in Yerevan.
Government Parliamentary Republic
Armenia Survival Guide Page 4
The Flag The State Flag is a rectangular panel with three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange.
The Anthem "Mer Hayreniq"/ "Our Fatherland" The Anthem of the Republic of Armenia was adopted on July 1, 1991. The anthem is available via the follwoing link: https://goo.gl/F3KrYS
The Coat of Arms The national coat of arms of Armenia was adopted on April 19, 1992, by resolution of the Armenian Supreme Council. On June 15, 2006, the Armenian Parliament passed the law on the state coat of arms of Armenia. It consists of an eagle and a lion supporting a shield. The coat of arms combines new and old symbols. The eagle and lion are ancient Armenian symbols dating from the first Armenian kingdoms that existed prior to Christ. These symbols are found on the Armenian Highland from times immemorial. Numerous Armenian dynasties such as Artaxiad, Arsacid, Bagratuni and Rubenid, used these symbols as their royal insignia.
Ethnic Groups Armenians (96%), Russians, Ukrainians, Yezdi, Kurds, Greeks, Assyrians, Jews, Ouds and others (4%)
Language Official language is Eastern Armenian. Western Armenian, Russian, English, French, German, Kurdish, Greek, and Hebrew-Yiddish are also used.
Religion Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 a.d. Nowadays, our state religion is Christianity - Armenian Apostolic. The head of the church - the Catholicos of all Armenians resides in Vagharshapat (also known as Echmiatsin).
Currency Armenian national currency is Armenian dram which was put into circulation in 1993. after pronouncing independence of the Republic of Armenia. There is paper money of 1000, 5000, 20000, 50000, 1000000 drams. There are also coins of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 drams. All the deals in cash are accomplished in local currency. There are banks and points of currency exchange everywhere, where you can exchange the foreign currency for Armenian dram. You can find current exchange rates at www.rate.am. The average exchange rate this year was 590 AMD for 1 EUR. There is no commission for currency exchange in Armenia. Card payments are also accepted in most shops and restaurants.
Climate The climate in Armenia is markedly highland continental. Summers are dry and sunny, lasting from June to mid-September. Springs are short, while autumns are long. Autumns are known for their vibrant and colorful
Armenia Survival Guide Page 5 foliage. Winters are quite cold with plenty of snow, with temperatures ranging between −10 and −5 °C (14 and 23 °F). According to the weather forecast, the average temperatures you'll face in April would be between 12.0°C and 19.0°C.
Time Zones and Daylight Saving Local time in Armenia is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 4), eight hours ahead of Eastern Time (EST +8) and eleven hours ahead of Pacific Time (PST +11). There is no daylight saving time in Armenia.
Country code +374
Electrical Supply Voltage The standard voltage in Armenia is 220V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.. Sockets follow the two-prong CEE 7 Standards (common to EU).
International Airport Zvartnots, Armenia
VISA information To find exact information whether you need visa or not is available on the web page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the following link: https://goo.gl/m3QXWM.
Getting to Armenia Armenia does not have outlet to sea. You can get to Armenia by plane, landing in the International Airport Zvartnots, or by over ground transport from Iran and Georgia. There are banks, currency exchange points and shops in the territory of the airport. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
Getting to Yerevan Yerevan Zvartnots Airport is located west of Yerevan near the town of Zvartnots, which explains the name of the airport. The best way to get to Yerevan from airport is Airport Express (EliteBus) between the airport and the city. This bus takes you in 30 to 40 minutes to Yeritasardakan metro station, on the edge of the city centre close to Freedom Square (Opera House). The Airport Express departs every half hour between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Yerevan Zvartnots Airport and out of the city. Airport Express operates every hour from and to Yerevan Zvartnots Airport between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.. Single ticket costs 300 AMD (~0.60 EUR) and can be purchased at the airport from the bus driver.
Armenia Survival Guide Page 6
Taxi It is possible to take a taxi from Zvartnots Airport to Yerevan which generally costs around 6000 AMD, however taxi-drivers might charge more. Therefore we recommend you to ask the price before taking the taxi. You may also download apps for taxi order. The taxi ride price per 1 km is 100 AMD, but there is a minimal payment of 600 AMD (from 1 to 4 km). The average price for a taxi ride within Yerevan’s center is 900-1000 AMD. From Zvartnots to the city center is approximately 5000-6000 AMD.
Armenian Traditional Costumes , Armenia
Public Transport in Yerevan Yerevan is a small city and you may go to the main destinations on foot. However, if you need to go to long distances you may use public transport which includes buses, microbuses, trolleybuses and metro. All means of transport cost 100 AMD. As mentioned above, you may take a taxi as well since it is very cheap.
Hotels There are several hotels a short walking distance from Armenian State University of Economics. You may find many options on www.booking.com/.
Restaurants Armenia is very popular for its delicious food so make sure you check the restaurants that offer local food.
Armenia Survival Guide Page 7
Places to Visit Armenia is a small country with rich history and heritage. Here is a website developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia, where you will find a lot of information about what to do or what to see in Armenia - http://www.armenia.travel/en. You may find more information about Yerevan, museums, main attractions and infrastructures on the official website of Yerevan municipality - https://www.yerevan.am/en/. Our team is ready to give you further recommendations or tips if you need any.
What to Taste
Khorovats – Խորոված Dolma – Դոլմա Harisa – Հարիսա Gata - Գաթա
Bastօurma – Բաստուրմա Spas – Սպաս
Emergency Contacts 1. Fire Department – 101 5. Emergency Situations Crisis Management Center - 911, 101 2. Police – 102 6. Municipality of Yerevan Hotline – 108 3. Ambulance – 103 7. Ombudsman (Human Rights Defender) of Armenia Hotline – 118 4. Gas Emergency Service – 104 8. Link to the contacts of Embassy's in Armenia: https://goo.gl/ktnGTa
Armenia Survival Guide Page 8
NOTES
______
Armenia Survival Guide Page 9
Tatev Monastery, 9th Century, Syunik, Armenia
Foreign Relations Division Armenian State University of Economics 128 Nalbandyan str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Tel: +374 10 59 34 84 Fax: +374 10 52 88 64 E-mail: [email protected]
Armenia Survival Guide Page 10