The Role of Erasmus+ Capacity Building Projects in the Internationalization of Armenian Higher Education

Armenia’s commitment to internationalization was made clear when it joined the Bologna Process in 2005 and then hosted the Bologna Ministerial Conference in 2015. Armenia seeks to align its education with European standards and practices. The country has been engaged in various international platforms and projects, of which the EU-funded Erasmus+ CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education) program stands out. This chapter explores the impact of these projects on the internationalization of Armenian higher education in three areas: curriculum development, the social dimension, and internationalization strategies. It describes the role of these areas in internationalizing higher education in Armenia by analyzing 10 Erasmus+ CBHE projects from 2015 to 2020 and their influence on higher education in the country. The study utilizes project documentation, interviews, and focus groups to understand the multidimensional effects of these initiatives. Significant outcomes include new study programs, innovative pedagogies, a strategic shift towards internationalization in universities, and forming academic partnerships based on European best practices. However, further efforts towards internationalization are required, supported by EU programs and reforms, to effectively integrate Armenia into the global educational landscape.