The Armenian Virtual College (AVC) is the first Armenian online program of its kind. The AVC has operated as the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s educational institution since 2009.

The AVC proposes certificates in Armenian studies at a collegiate level.

As of today, the Armenian Virtual College has had eight study terms. In these eight terms studentsfrom the USA, France, Russia, Venezuela, and the Reunion Island have all participated.

"I live in a city where there are no resources to study Armenian. Online education really helps in this regard," says AVC student Jacques Hagopian. He is 61 years old and lives in France.

Currently, three departments operate in the AVC: Language, History, and Culture. Each department offers courses at different levels. It is possible to study in six languages: Armenian (Eastern and Western), English, Russian, French, and Spanish.

Students may enroll from all corners of the world, regardless of age. Having Armenian roots is not a prerequisite. "I have students who are not Armenian; they simply have Armenian friends or spouses and are interested in the Armenian language," says AVC lecturer Marine Khachaturyan.

The AGBU also provides the students with financial support. "We always try to support our students by providing them with scholarships, because our goal is to preserve Armenianness and to make Armenian education accessible," says AVC Development specialist Taline Djeghelian.

Lecturer Arpineh Tavakalyan, describing her work, told us that their goal is not only to teach the Armenian language. "We try to do everything, so that our students completely immersein Armenianness," says Tavakalyan.

According to Tavakalyan, this teaching leaves a serious impact on the future work of students."One of the students who has, since the beginning, diligently participated in our courses, currently is leading the opening works of an Armenian school in France," says Tavakalyan.

To become an AVC student, there are no prerequisites. The application process for the 2011 Spring Term has already started.

Nare Sahakyan
Translator – Heghnar Yeghiayan