On June 17, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA)-funded Student Residence at the American University of Armenia (AUA) officially opened its doors in Yerevan.

The opening ceremony was attended by the RA ESCS Deputy Minister Karen Trchunyan, the US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy, the newly appointed USAID Armenia Mission Director John Allelo.

The student residence is located next to the Sergei Parajanov Museum, it will house 56 AUA students from abroad and the regions of Armenia. The new 4-storey building has 28 rooms, a shared kitchen, a washing room, classrooms and an entrance hall.

In his welcome remarks the ESCS Deputy Minister K. Trchunyan congratulated on the opening of the residence, noting that this event marks the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the AUA this year. He noted that the residence with modern accommodations will increase the number of foreign students who prefer to study in AUA from abroad.

Karen Trchunyan also highly appreciated the provision of the residence with modern technological solutions and the necessary conditions, noting that since his student years he remembers the importance of proper living conditions: “I think that the opening of this residence is the first step towards having such intercultural institutions in our country, and I hope that in the coming weeks you will host the first students.”

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy also delivered a welcoming speech, congratulating everyone on the opening of the residence։

“Our collaboration dates back to 1991, when the US Government assisted to establish this University. Over time, it has become a world-class institution of higher education and shares the best American experience in the entire region,” said the Ambassador noting that the opening of the new residence is a significant event in the 30-year partnership between the US Government and the American University.” She also expressed gratitude to the AUA staff and the individuals involved in the construction of the residence, noting that despite the difficulties that arose because of the coronavirus and the Artsakh war, the construction of the residence was completed, and it is ready to host students due to dedication and hard work.

After the opening ceremony, the guests marveled at the territory, got acquainted with the conditions of the building.