Arusik Zeynalyan

Chief librarian and ESL teacher (DIS) 
Armenia 

Education

• BA in International Studies, MGIMO University (Moscow State Institute of International Relations)
• MA in International Child Studies, King’s College London

Bio

I was born and raised in Moscow, and it was my lifelong dream to move back to my historical homeland, Armenia. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Moscow and then my Master’s degree in London, and in 2017, I finally turned my dream into reality. I spent three years teaching English in a village in Lori Province as a Teach for Armenia fellow driven by my desire to give back to the place I loved the most and to learn as much as I could about its real life and struggles. That experience transformed my perspective and gave me an understanding of the path I want to root my work in - education and community development. In 2018, I co-founded an NGO that creates modern multifunctional libraries across rural Armenia, providing communities with essential 'third place' to connect and learn. Being a part of the UWC Dilijan community gives me the opportunity to find new, meaningful ways to serve my country and the students I encounter here.

What is your life motto?
It all comes down to having enough courage. So build it like a muscle.

What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
My family, close, sincere communication, ability to take action

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love knitting, hiking, spending time with my family, cooking and baking, reading books and
travelling