American University of Armenia

2017-2018 International
Student Handbook
 2017/2018 Academic Calendar
Fall 2017
Classes Begin Monday, August 28
Last Day to Add/Drop a Class (15 Sunday, September 3
week courses)
Armenian Independence Day* Thursday, September 21
Last Day to Withdraw from Class with Tuesday, October 17
a Grade of W
Thanksgiving Holiday* Thursday, November 23 & Friday, November 24
Classes End and Last Day to Tuesday, December 12
Withdraw with a Grade of F
Final Exams Friday, December 15 – Thursday, December 21
Christmas Day* Monday, December 25
Grades Due Monday, December 25
Registration for Spring 2018 starts Wednesday, December 27
New Year’s eve* Sunday, December 31

Spring 2018
New Year* Monday, January 1, 2018
Armenian Christmas Holiday* Saturday, January 6
Commemoration Day* Sunday, January 7
Semester Begins Monday, January 8
Classes Begin Wednesday, January 17
Last Day to Add/Drop a Class (15 Tuesday, January 23
week courses)
Army Day* Sunday, January 28
Spring Break Monday, March 5 – Saturday, March 10
Last day to Withdraw from Class with Thursday, March 8
a Grade of W
Women’s day* Thursday, March 8
Last Day to Petition to Graduate for Saturday, March 31
June Conferral
Easter Memorial Day* Monday, April 2
Genocide Commemoration Day* Tuesday, April 24
Labor Day* Tuesday, May 1
Victory and Peace Day* Wednesday, May 9
Classes End (Last Day to Withdraw Friday, May 11
from Class with a Grade of F)
Final Exams Monday, May 14 – Saturday, March 19
Grades Due Wednesday, May 23
First Republic Day* Monday, May 28
Registration for Summer and Fall Friday, June 1 – Sunday, June 17
2017 (for Continuing Students)
University Commencement (subject to Saturday, June 9
change)
* Armenian/US Holidays and Memorial Days when no classes are scheduled

The Academic Calendar is subject to change. Please visit registrar.aua.am/academic-

calendar for the most updated version.
Table of Contents
Welcome to AUA ................................................................................................................................. 1
Important Contacts .............................................................................................................................. 2
Arriving in Your New City ................................................................................................................... 2
Immigration and Visas ........................................................................................................................ 3
Upon Arrival.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Health Care .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Banking ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Phone Carriers..................................................................................................................................... 6
Settling Into Your New Accommodations ........................................................................................ 7
Getting Around..................................................................................................................................... 8
Shopping............................................................................................................................................... 9
Supermarkets....................................................................................................................................... 9
Sightseeing......................................................................................................................................... 10
Eating Out........................................................................................................................................... 13
Nightlife ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Helpful Links....................................................................................................................................... 16
Welcome to AUA
Congratulations on your acceptance to the American University of Armenia! We are thrilled
to welcome you to campus soon. You must be very excited and curious about the new
experiences awaiting you at the American University of Armenia.

We have created this packet to welcome you to Armenia and to AUA, as well as to provide
you with important information that will help you acclimate and feel at home in Armenia.

This packet includes information about visas, banking, shopping, sightseeing, student life
and more. Please read through the packet carefully and entirely. If you have any questions
or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

For over two decades, the students and staff at AUA have built a secure foundation to
ensure the development of higher education in Armenia. We are keenly aware that it is your
hard work and dedication as a student that will contribute to AUA’s mission to help create a
strong and sustainable Armenia through higher education.

We are very pleased that you are with us and wish you the best throughout your stay in
Armenia.

Sincerely,

Arina Zohrabian
Director of Admissions

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Important Contacts

Office of Admissions For housing related issues, contact:

Main Building, Room 108M
Phone: (+374 60) 61 27 50 AUA Dormitory Security
Email: admissions@aua.am Phone: (+374 60) 61-27-27

In case of any emergencies, please Hasmik Hovhannisyan

contact the relevant person. Please do not Manager of AUA Services
share their numbers with anyone else. Room 404M
Office: (+374 60) 61 25 49)
Arina Zohrabian Cell: (+374 91) 91 11 42
Director of Admissions Email: hasmik.hovhannisyan@aua.am
Room 108M
Office: (+374 60) 61 27 94 For transcript related questions, contact:
Cell: (+374 91) 61 27 94
Email: azohrabian@aua.am Office of the Registrar
Main Building, Room 304M
Lilit Hovhannisyan Phone: (+374 10) 61 27 92
Admissions Counselor E-mail: registrarinfo@aua.am
Room 108M
Office: (+374 60) 61 27 79 Center for Student Success
Email: lhovhannisyan@aua.am MB 2nd floor
Yerevan 0019, Republic of Armenia
For any health or insurance related Office phone (+374 60) 61 27 57
inquiries, please contact our Nurse/Health Email: studentsuccess@aua.am
Insurance Coordinator
American University of Armenia
Lusine Babayan U.S. Office
AUA Health Center 1000 Broadway, Suite 280
Oakland, CA 94607
Room 601M
Tel: (510) 925-4282
Email: lusine.babayan@aua.am
Phone: (+374 60) 61 25 95

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Arriving in Your New City
Listed below are some ways you can prepare before leaving home.

 Let the Office of Admissions know your arrival date and time to Yerevan. The
University will arrange your pick-up unless you have made other arrangements. Just
be sure to let the Office of Admissions know so they can ensure an AUA driver is
there to pick you up.
 If you have immigration documents and health certificates, make sure you have them
with you on flight. You may need to present these documents at customs before
collecting your luggage.
 If you are on medication, make sure you bring it as part of your carry-on luggage,
rather than checking it in; you never know if your baggage will be delayed or
misplaced, so better to be safe than sorry.
 Arrive with some currency in hand – don’t rely on cash machines on arrival, or on
credit cards.
 Make sure you have access to your funds in Yerevan. Contact your bank and/or
credit card companies beforehand to inquire about international travel.
 Talk to your mobile phone provider to make sure you can use your phone
internationally. It will likely make more financial sense for you to purchase a SIM card
in country where you will not be charged with exorbitant roaming fees. You will be
required to obtain a local number once you are in country.
 Print out your accommodation address or hotel booking details; we may need those
to ensure you are taken to the correct destination.
 Don’t rely on your mobile phone when you land. Write down important phone
numbers, such as the apartment where you will be staying and contact information
for the school, and take them with you on your flight.

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Immigration and Visas
Process of Obtaining an Armenian Visa:

 Please note that citizens of certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to
enter the Republic of Armenia. They may stay in the Republic of Armenia up to 180
days per year. For the list of other countries whose nationals are unilaterally
exempted from the requirement of obtaining a visa, please visit
http://www.mfa.am/en/visa/.

 If you are required to obtain a visa, you may do so at the airport if you are from
certain countries (please follow the link). Acquiring your visa at the airport is also a
possibility, but please do so before proceeding to immigration control. You will see
the visa desk as soon as you get off the escalator in the airport arrivals hall. The 21-
day visa fee is 3,000 AMD = 6.5 USD. The 120-day visa costs 15,000 AMD = 32
USD. Please have this amount in cash on arrival at Yerevan airport’s because ATMs
will not always serve the cards issued by a foreign banks. Fees are subject to
change per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For an up to date list, please visit
www.mfa.am.

 Here is the list of the countries that require an invitation to obtain visa www.mfa.am.

 Alternatively, you can obtain an e-Visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Armenia. An e-Visa is equivalent to a conventional visa, but no paper is
inserted in your passport and there is no need for you to contact an Armenian
diplomatic mission to submit an application. Applications for e-Visas can be
submitted online and are verified online. E-visas will be approved and issued to you
via email within two business days. Please apply for your e-Visa at least five days
prior to your departure (https://evisa.mfa.am/).

You may also obtain a visa from your local Armenian Embassy or Consulate.

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Upon Arrival
Chances are that you will arrive at Zvartnots Airport in the middle of the night, or the early
morning hours, depending on your airline’s schedule. If you have requested airport pickup,
then an AUA housing assistant/driver will be waiting for you when you exit from customs.
The driver will take you to the dormitory or your off-campus housing. The airport pick up fee
is 11,000AMD = 23USD. This fee is exempt for any students who are required to pay the
administrative fee (typically summer and study abroad students).

Health Care

Health insurance is mandatory for all AUA international students. You will be covered by
Nairi Insurance - a comprehensive medical insurance program offered to AUA faculty, staff
and students. You will receive a booklet on your insurance package during the first week of
classes.

The AUA Health Center is located in room 601M of the Main Building. The Nurse/Insurance
Coordinator can be reached at 060 61 25 95. To reach the Health Center you may take the
elevator on the right side of the main building, go to the 6 th floor and take a right.

Please contact the AUA Health Center in the event of any health concerns. The Center
includes first aid and medical care for acute medical problems. Referrals are provided for
chronic care and conditions beyond the scope of the clinic. Please also make sure to notify
the Office of Admissions in case of any health scares so that we can ensure you are
receiving the care and attention that you need.

AUA Health Clinic

Appointments: Monday – Friday
9:30 -11:30am

There are many pharmacies throughout Yerevan. Most medication in Armenia is available
over the counter. However, they may not have the brands that you are accustomed to in
your home country. If you need help finding or purchasing medicine, please make sure to
let us know. You may consider bringing certain medicine with you to Armenia.

You may find a list of Yerevan based pharmacies at

www.armeniayp.com/category/Pharmacies.

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Banking
Opening a Bank Account

Documents requested for opening an Armenian bank account may differ from bank to bank.
However, most banks will usually request two documents confirming your identity (i.e.
passport and driver’s license).
Banking and ATMs

The main banks in Armenia are HSBC and Ameria Bank. Information about these banks
can be found online at www.hsbc.am and www.ameriabank.am. ATM machines are
available 24 hours a day throughout the city. AUA has an AmeriaBank ATM machine on
campus by the entrance of the Paramaz Avedisian Building. For your convenience, a list of
some local banks is provided below.

One thing to keep in mind is that most ATM machines in Armenia impose a maximum
withdrawal limit of 150,000 AMD (~315 USD) on all international banks. If you experience
any problems withdrawing money from an ATM, be sure to visit the bank’s nearest branch
office immediately after encountering the problem.

Although the most practical and convenient way to do business in Armenia is by cash, you
can use your Visa and MasterCard at most places. Most international credit cards however
have a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Local Banks

Ameria Bank ArdShinInvestBank HSBC Bank

9 Grigor Lusavorich Str, 13 Grigor Lusavorich St, 66 Teryan St,
Yerevan 0015, Armenia Yerevan, Armenia Yerevan, Armenia
Tel: (374 10) 56 11 11 +374 10 584772 +374 10 515000

Unibank Converse Bank ACBA Credit Agricole

15/2 Komitas Ave 49 Komitas Ave Bank
Yerevan 0012, Armenia Yerevan 0051 Armenia 65 Yeznik Koghabatsi St,
+374 10 261838 +374 10 281015 Yerevan 0001 Armenia
+374 10 3188

Exchanging Money

For current exchange rates please visit Armenia’s Central Bank website at www.cba.am .
Another online resource for info on exchange rates is www.rate.am. This web site will show
you the best exchange rates around town. You may exchange money at banks, post
offices, or supermarkets such as SAS. To avoid fraud, please make sure to ask for a receipt
and count your cash before your leave the exchange booth.
Phone Carriers
The American University of Armenia will require that you obtain a local cell phone so that
you may reach us in case of emergency.

Currently there are three mobile phone operators in Armenia - Viva Cell MTS, Beeline, and
Ucom. All three of them offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services. All the networks have shops
conveniently located in major towns and cities where one can purchase a sim card or get
assistance when needed. Most unlocked mobile phones have the ability to be used on
roaming. However, network charges will apply.

You may purchase a SIM card upon arrival to Armenia as well as at dozens of locations
throughout the city. Should you need assistance, the Office of Admissions can assist you in
procuring a SIM card and/or cell phone. Simply let us know if you need our help. Once you
have your updated Armenia based phone number, please ensure you email it to
lhovhannisyan@aua.am

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Settling into Your New Accommodations
Dormitory

The housing assistant/driver/chaperon will walk through the dormitory with you and explain
the operation of appliances around the apartment. The dormitory is furnished and has basic
kitchen facilities, utensils, and bedding. Bring some towels along with you or plan to
purchase them locally.

A cleaning lady comes by twice a week (Saturdays and

Tuesdays) to clean the dormitories. She will clean your room
only if you are present. She will also do your laundry.

Visiting the Campus

We recommend that you visit the campus prior to the start of classes. You may schedule a
tour of the facilities either prior to your arrival or request one once you are on campus. If
you have not yet received an AUA email address, make sure you check in with the Office of
Admissions so that one is issued as soon as possible. You will also receive a Student ID
card within a few weeks of the start of classes. If there is any delay – again please let the
Office of Admissions know so that we can try to expedite the process.

Library

AUA has the largest English language library in the region. The AGBU Papazian Library is
located on the first floor to the left of the University entrance. During Summer, the Library is
open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM,
it’s closed on Sunday. Starting from Fall, the Library is open from 9AM to 2AM on weekdays
and 9AM to 10PM on Saturdays, 9AM to 7PM on Sundays. For additional changes
regarding the library operating hours students will be notified through e-mail. Sunday closed
Saturday till 5

On Campus Dining

AUA has two on-campus dining options. AUA’s Aries Cafeteria is on the second floor of the
main building. It is typically open from 09:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and until 5PM on
Saturdays. It serves a light breakfast as well as lunch, and dinner.

The campus also includes the Green Bean Café which is open from 08:00 AM – 6:00 PM
from Mondays through Fridays, 9:00PM to 3:00PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
They have a large coffee and tea selection as well as offer bagels, sandwiches, salads, and
a daily soup of the day.

Gym

There is also a gym in the Paramaz Avedisian Building, open from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Make sure to present your Student ID card as rates for students are lower than for the
public.

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Getting Around
By Foot

Exercising caution and common sense, Yerevan can be relatively easy to get around by
foot. You may find Google Maps useful as you walk from one place to another. Please note
the following tips for pedestrian safety:

- Yerevan drivers are known for driving with a strong sense of urgency at all
times.
- Use extreme caution before stepping into the street.
- Don’t rely solely on the traffic signal when crossing, always look both ways.
- Beware of uneven pavement.
- Avoid excessive phone use to remain alert

By Metro

One of the most reliable means of public transportation is the Yerevan Metro. The fare is
100 Drams and it operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The official website with a map can
be found at the following link https://www.yerevan.am/en/metro/

By Taxi

You may also hail a taxi on the street or preferably through GG taxi (similar to Uber).
Current rates are 100-150 Dram/km. Be warned that drivers may charge you more since
they’ll think you are a tourist. Download the GG app or find out more at
https://www.ggtaxi.com/.

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Shopping

There are numerous shopping centers in and around the city. Some of the larger
malls include Dalma Garden Mall, Yerevan Mall, Tashir Street, Tashir Mall, and
Rossia Mall. One of the must-sees during your visit is Vernissage, an outdoor art
& flea market where you can stock up on souvenirs and small gifts for when you
return. There are also many shops in and around the city – especially on North
Avenue and Abovian Streets.

Supermarkets
Along with big supermarkets there are plenty of mom and pop shops you can choose from.
In addition, you can shop online 24 hours a day at www.sas.am.

 SAS
 Yerevan City
 Nor Zovq
 Parma
 Carrefour
 Yeritsyan and Sons
 Krpak

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Sightseeing
Armenia is rich with historical churches, monasteries, monuments, magnificent
sights and natural attractions. You will be visiting some of these places through
Discover Armenia Educational Tours. Towards the beginning of your studies, the
Office of Admissions will walk you through your expected itinerary of visits.

The Monastery of Geghard Cascade

Khor Virap Opera

Armenian Genocide Memorial Lovers’ Park Yerevan

Garni
Tatev Monastery

Republic Square (Dancing Fountains) Khndzoresk

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Noravank Monastery Yerablur

Caucasian Mountains Victory Park and Mother Armenia

Armenian National Show St. Grigor Lusavorich

Erebuni Town- Fortress Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque)

Jermuk Yerevan Zoo

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Museums and Art Galleries Information
Armenian Craft Museum
 64 Abovyan Street, Yerevan
 010-57-56-83
National Gallery of Armenia
 Hanrapetutian (Republic) Square,
Yerevan gallery.am/en/
 010-58-08-12 or 010-56-18-12
Minas Avetisyan Museum
 29 Nalbandian Street, Yerevan
 010-56-07-87
gallery.am/en/Branches/Minas/
Hovhannes Tumanyan House Museum
 Lori Marz, Dsegh Village
 077-90-69-89
Museum of Russian Art
 38 Isahakyan Street, Yerevan
 010-56-03-31
Parajanov Museum
 15 & 16 Dzoragyugh St. Yerevan
 010-53-84-73 parajanovmuseum.am
Martiros Saryan Museum
 3 Martiros Saryan St. 0002, Yerevan
 010-52-16-07 sarian.am/index_eng.html#
Cafesjian Museum of Art
 Located in Cascade
 010-56-72-62 www.cmf.am/
Yeghishe Charents House-Museum
 17 Mashtots Street, Yerevan
 010-53-55-94
Children's Art Gallery
 13 Abovyan Street, Yerevan
 010-52-09-03
Contemporary Art Museum
 7 Mashtots Street, Yerevan
 010-53-56-61 or 010-53-53-59
http://www.mamy.am/index.php/en/
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Erebuni Fortress Museum
 38 Erebuni Ave, Yerevan
 010 45-82-07 www.erebuni.am/
Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Museum
 Tsitsernakaberd Park, Yerevan 0028
 010-39-09-81
www.genocide-museum.am
Geological Museum
 10 Abovyan Street, Yerevan
 010-58-29-36
National History Museum
 Hanrapetutyan (Republic) Square,
Yerevan https://historymuseum.am/en
 010-58-27-61 or 010-52-14-57
Avetik Isahakian House-Museum
 20 Zarubyan Street, Yerevan
 010-56-24-24
www.isahakyanmuseum.am/
Aram Khachaturian Museum
 3 Zarubyan Street, (off Baghramyan St.)
Yerevan akhachaturianmuseum.am/
 010-58-94-18 or 010-58-01-78
Matenadaran Manuscript Museum
 53 Mashtots Street, Yerevan
 010-51-30-45
http://www.matenadaran.am/
The Middle East Museum
 1 Aram Street, Yerevan 56-36-41.
Sardarapat Ethnographic Museum
 Armavir Region
 0237-6-99-96
Folk Art Museum
 64 Abovyan St. Yerevan
 010-56-93-80
Komitas Museum
 28 Arshakuniats avenue, St. Yerevan
 011-570-570 komitasmuseum.am/
Eating Out
Yerevan has a spectacular variety of restaurants and cafes, catering to all tastes and
budgets. The following list includes a sample of some of the city’s restaurants and
cafes. Also www.menu.am offers you the option of ordering food online from a
variety of restaurants in Yerevan and delivering it to your door.

The Green Bean (many veggie/vegan Artbridge

options)

The Club Yerevan

CRUMBS Bread Factory

Art Cafe Van Gogh

Malocco Cafe

Achajour Café (close to AUA)

In Vino

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Coffeeshop Company Charles Café & Restaurant

Black Angus Artashi Mot

Kovkas Pandok Teryan Pandok

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Nightlife
Yerevan offers a diverse and exciting nightlife scene. From uproarious pubs to laid back
lounges and hip night clubs, everyone is sure to find something that suits his/her style.
Please exercise caution when drinking and keep in mind that the legal drinking age in
Armenia is 18 years old.

Kami Club Club 12

Calumet Ethnic Lounge Bar MEZZO

Liberty PUB Melrose

Stop Club Hemingway’s

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Helpful Links
Travel: http://www.armeniainfo.am

Weather: http://www.meteo-tv.am

Yerevan Guide: http://www.yerevanscope.am

Armenia Information: http://www.visitarm.com

Things to do, restaurant list: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293931-Armenia-

Vacations.html

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- While Armenia’s tap water is considered safe, it is not always the best idea for those who
are new to the country. It is advisable to boil or filter your water. You may want to use
bottled water such as “Byuregh” or “Noy” (very cheap and sold in most food stores).

-You may want to eat yogurt, probiotics or kefir the first couple of weeks in case your
digestive system isn’t used to the bacteria in the food here.

-Common sense is your best friend. Experience Armenia! Have fun, learn and explore, and
remember to do so safely and smartly.

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 AUA MAP

Map source: Google Maps

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