On August 1-2, Vanadzor State University (VSU) hosted the 3rd “National Awareness Day” and a training session in a hybrid format as part of the Erasmus+ SMARTI project, aimed at promoting English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) to enhance educational outcomes and internationalization. The event featured Gerard Cullen, the SMARTI Project Coordinator, who led a Case Study Workshop attended by consortium members, including Shirak and Goris State Universities, the Armenian English Language Teachers Association (AELTA), and online participants.

VSU Vice-Rector Lusine Kostandyan highlighted the challenges and importance of developing English-taught courses in Armenian universities. Presentations included insights from Goris State University on EMI Center implementation and VSU students sharing experiences from English development courses and international Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) events.

The event included interactive sessions, such as a quiz by German students and a plenary discussion by Shirak State University on the project’s achievements and challenges. The TU Dresden Case Study Workshop provided practical training and feedback. On day two, the Erasmus+ DeSIRe Project was introduced, and further case study simulations and evaluations were conducted.

The event concluded with participants expressing appreciation for the hands-on training and exploring future COIL collaborations.