Hayern Aysor’s correspondent sat down for an interview with PhD student of the Mathematical Logic group of the Mathematical Institute at the University of Oxford Vahagn Aslanyan, who participated in the first “Armenia. Create Together” youth forum, which was organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora, in association with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Luys Foundation and Ayb Foundation and held on 11-14 July.

Hayern Aysor: Vahagn, where did you study before getting accepted to the University of Oxford?

Vahagn Aslanyan: I was born and raised in Yerevan. I attended Kvant School and later became a student of Luys Foundation. Studying at these educational institutions helped me apply to and get accepted by the Mathematical Logic group of the Mathematical Institute at the University of Oxford in 2011.

Hayern Aysor: Why did you choose the natural sciences?

Vahagn Aslanyan: I have been interested in mathematics ever since I was in school. I have always participated in and won Olympiads that served as a source of inspiration to gain a vast amount of knowledge in the future.

I had already chosen my profession. I wanted to become a mathematician.

Hayern Aysor: I think studying at the University of Oxford is as desirable as it is difficult. What difficulties do you face?

V. A.: I am very busy every day. I am currently studying to obtain my PhD and still have a year to go. It is obvious that I was in a strange environment in the beginning, but I quickly adapted to the new conditions.

My contacts with Armenian student and families living in Oxford helped me integrate a lot. They treat me so kindly and warmly that it seems as though I am with my family. There are only three Armenian families living in Oxford.

Hayern Aysor: How many Armenian students does the University of Oxford have?

V.A.: Currently, there are over 20 Armenian students. To present Armenia and Armenian culture and history to foreign students, the Armenian students and I decided to establish an Armenian Student Association, which organizes various kinds of university-wide events.

For instance, last year, we organized several events commemorating the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, and I would like to set aside the concert that was dedicated to the centennial. The Armenian student choir, which is part of the Armenian Student Association, gives concerts on different occasions, and one of them was a concert devoted to Armenian spiritual songs two months ago.

A major event was the exhibition devoted to Armenian culture at Oxford Central Library and held through the efforts of the Armenian community of England. Thanks to that event, many people learned about and praised the wealth of the Armenian nation.

The University of Oxford also includes the Chair of Armenian Studies that provides courses on Armenian, grabar (classic Armenian) and Armenian cultural values for not only Armenians, but also foreigners. I even now a Turkish female student who is learning Armenian. Whenever I meet her, she greets me by saying “barev” (hello) in Armenian.

There are also Turkish students who are pro-Armenian and are on good terms with us.

Hayern Aysor: Vahagn, how do you see your future? After graduating from the University of Oxford, will you return to Armenia, or will you work abroad?

V. A.: After graduating, I will definitely maintain my ties with Armenia. There is not a very big future for my profession in Armenia. Alumni need to work very hard to contribute to the development of mathematical sciences in Armenia.

Armenia can open professional schools that can invite Armenian students having graduated from foreign universities. This will provide them with the opportunity to share their knowledge and years of experience with the future generations. True, this is not easy, but the important thing is to have the desire and to be goal-oriented.

Hayern Aysor: You participated in the first “Armenia. Create Together” youth forum. What are your impressions of the forum?

V. A.: First, I must say that the students of the Luys Foundation visit Armenia and participate in such forums every year.

As for the youth forum organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora, in association with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Luys Foundation and Ayb Foundation, it was interesting and instructive.

We were very busy. We visited different organizations where we were introduced to the working conditions and held long discussions.

Hayern Aysor: You were part of the Information Technologies group. In your opinion, how developed is the IT sector in Armenia?

V. A.: Based on what I have seen, the IT sector in Armenia is quite developed. There are jobs, and IT specialists are well-paid.

I know many people who have achieved great heights in this sector.

Of course, there is still a lot of work to do. We shouldn’t be satisfied with what we have. We need to move forward in order to achieve new horizons.

Interview by Gevorg Chichyan