Born in the city of Aleppo, Syria, then forced to emigrate to the US in 2012, Nanor Tutunjian has always put her Armenian identity at the center of her life.
During her years in Syria, she developed her love for the Armenian language and culture through secondary education at AGBU Lazar Najarian - Calouste Gulbenkian high school, after which she continued her higher education at the Institute of Pharmacy at Yerevan State Medical University.
Since 2023, Nanor has been teaching at the Cabayan Elementary School in the US as a fifth-grade Armenian language teacher with a mission to make learning Armenian an engaging and enjoyable experience for her students. “I believe that when a language is taught with heart, it becomes an identity, and not merely a subject,” she says.
Not only Nanor inspires her students through teaching, but by her own example as well. Always determined to deepen her connection to her roots, she enrolled in online courses at AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) and successfully completed the AVC Master’s Degree program in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication.
We asked her a few questions after her well-earned MA program completion. Here’s what she said about the experience.
1. Where did you learn about AGBU AVC, and why did you decide to pursue AVC’s Master’s program?
With the goal of gaining deeper proficiency in Armenian, I decided to continue my education in the field of Armenian studies. After conducting extensive research through various websites, I came to the conclusion that AGBU AVC was the most suitable option for me. It not only utilizes the latest technological advancements, but the programs are designed to be accessible and flexible, and the teaching methods fully aligned with my professional needs.
2. Did you encounter any difficulties while following the program? If so, how did you overcome them?
Overall, I did not encounter significant difficulties during the program. Throughout my studies, I was guided by experienced and dedicated professionals. Marine Khachaturyan, Head of Academic Affairs, Zepur Kheblikian, Western Armenian Affairs Coordinator at AGBU AVC, and my Master’s thesis supervisor, philologist Dr. Hagop Cholakian patiently listened to my questions and always responded promptly with clear and thoughtful explanations. This supportive approach made the learning process much more reliable, stress-free, and inspiring.
3. What do you consider the most important feature or advantage of earning a Master’s degree through an online program?
Flexibility and convenience. This format is very practical because it gives you the freedom to manage and organize your time on your terms. It allows you to balance study with work and family responsibilities.
Another major advantage is that no matter where you are in the world, you can have access to knowledge. It is a bridge that connects you to the world and to your dreams. This format also develops self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, and time-management skills. An online Master’s program is not simply a convenient option — it is a real opportunity to avoid postponing your dreams and to develop your skills continuously.
4. Would you recommend AGBU AVC programs to others? Why?
Yes, certainly. These programs give students the opportunity to grow and develop both professionally and personally. Moreover, the online format becomes a bridge that connects Armenian students from different parts of the world within one educational community. For that reason, I believe AGBU AVC programs are trustworthy and well worth pursuing.
Get inspired by watching excerpts from Nanor’s thesis defence here.
