“International relations wasn’t the goal; the ultimate aim was to influence decision-making processes,” begins Anna Hovhannisyan, a 2023 alumna of the College of Europe in Natolin, as she reflects on her journey.
Anna always dreamed of becoming an actress. However, coming from a family of doctors and academics, there was an expectation for her to follow a similar path. In Armenia, societal perceptions led many to dismiss her aspirations, conveying an underlying message that certain roles were deemed “inappropriate” for women. This only intensified Anna’s resolve not to give up, even though she ultimately decided not to pursue acting.
“The stereotypes I encountered opened my eyes to the broader issue of women’s roles in society. I wanted to be someone who could influence change, to help others find their voices and shape their own futures,” Anna explains. Her early work with youth and community programmes sparked her passion for advocacy, driving her to a future where she could support the voices of others, especially women and young people
As Anna neared the completion of her bachelor’s degree in intercultural communications, she experienced a pivotal shift. A hectic schedule filled with work, studies, and volunteering motivated her to seek more fulfilling educational opportunities. Inspired by Anzhela Mnatsakanyan, an alumna of the College of Europe, Anna gathered the courage to apply for the EU4Youth scholarship. This moment marked a turning point in her life, transforming her aspirations into actionable goals.
“Professionally, I wanted to shift my career. I’ve always been driven to do more and never settle, so I needed to study something that aligned with my ambitions. The College of Europe seemed like the perfect place to help me grow and achieve my goals,” Anna recalls, reflecting on her mindset prior to applying.
Alongside her professional aspirations, she sought personal growth and diverse perspectives. Living and learning with students from various backgrounds would broaden her worldview, and this scholarship provided her with that opportunity.
Embracing intensity at Natolin
Describing her experience at the College of Europe as “intense”, Anna immersed herself in a demanding academic environment. The challenging curriculum and diverse cultural events not only enriched her understanding of international relations, but also fostered significant personal development.
Throughout her study, Anna developed essential skills, particularly in prioritisation and networking. She gained invaluable insights from a diverse group of professors and experts, which greatly enhanced her comprehension of international relations. The coursework and interactions with high-level representatives offered her a deep and nuanced perspective on global issues.
Despite the many privileges, Anna also faced challenges. “Open book exams shocked me. We could use laptops with internet access and books during the exam – something prohibited in the Armenian educational system,” Anna notes. A key difference she observed was in the nature of the questions posed; while Armenian education focused on ‘what and when it happened’, the European approach sought to understand ‘why and how it happened’, with one emphasising pure knowledge and the other fostering critical thinking.
In light of her new education, Anna’s thesis on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, guided by Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, became a milestone in her academic journey. “I could have chosen any topic, but I wanted one closely related to my own country,” Anna reflects.
However, the topic she selected proved to be challenging. On one hand, she needed to conduct extensive research from scratch; on the other, she had to maintain neutrality.
Collaborating with Ambassador Mayr-Harting, who brought professionalism and insight, allowed her to approach the subject with a critical and scholarly lens. This experience combined serious study with personal growth, leading to a thesis she is very proud of – one that has influenced how she conducts research and helped her understand a conflict important to her identity.
“Given the low awareness about the conflict and Armenia, in general, I used my thesis and my time at Natolin to speak about and present my country,” says Anna, highlighting her sense of purpose.
Returning home with purpose
Anna’s return to Armenia marked a conscious decision to contribute to her community. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, she embarked on a career as an Investment Promotion and Foreign Relations Manager, applying her education to foster Armenia’s economic development.
The inclusivity of the College of Europe in Natolin enabled her to attend a prestigious institution that would otherwise have been inaccessible. “Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to change my career direction so dramatically or enhance my academic background to where I am today. Now, as an Investment Promotion and Foreign Relations Manager, I navigate complex diplomatic and economic issues daily – roles that would have been out of reach if I had only focused on linguistics,” Anna summarises.
The Natolin experience and the scholarship didn’t just shape her current job; they opened doors to future opportunities. The skills and knowledge she acquired are tools she plans to leverage for advancement in her career, potentially in politics or diplomacy.
“It’s not just about having a degree; it’s about being able to apply what I learned in real-world scenarios. In interviews and professional settings, it’s not the degree that speaks for itself but the knowledge and insights I can share,” Anna asserts.
A legacy of empowerment
Now an ambassador herself, Anna is dedicated to inspiring future applicants of the College of Europe in Natolin.
For Anna, the true value of the education lies in the genuine ambition and desire to contribute to social change. Her experience was rewarding not just because of the degree she earned but also because she recognised the significant impact she made. “That realisation – knowing I had achieved something meaningful – was my greatest reward,” Anna proudly shares.
Anna Hovhannisyan’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and advocacy. From aspiring actress to empowered leader, her story embodies resilience and determination. By sharing her experiences, Anna not only inspires others to break free from societal stereotypes but also champions the importance of education in shaping a brighter future for women and young people.
“The principle of paying it forward is always with me. Every time I encourage someone to pursue their dreams, I remember the push I needed that led me to this transformative path,” Anna concludes.
The EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme, funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in Eastern Partnership countries. These include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The programme will run until the middle of 2025 and aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organisations to tackle youth unemployment and improve employability.
Breaking barriers: Anna Hovhannisyan’s path towards empowerment – EU NEIGHBOURS east
