This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Armenian Assembly of America’s (AAA) Summer Internship Program in Armenia. That program has provided university and graduate school students the opportunity to better understand the realities facing Armenians today.
Since its inception, seventy-five interns have participated in the AAA Summer Internship Program in Armenia, volunteering their time and services to various government and non-governmental offices in Armenia. Visits to various sites of interest in Armenia and Karabakh were arranged so interns could develop a greater understanding and appreciation of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh today.
This program provides Armenian-Americans the unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in the world. These internships provide Armenian-American youth the opportunity to experience life in their homeland, gain valuable and unique professional work experience, interact both professionally and socially with their Armenian counterparts, witness firsthand and participate in Armenia’s developing democracy, and discover Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. The volunteers offer their services to various offices, providing valuable services, as well as the opportunity to interact with Diasporans on a daily basis and share their knowledge. Most of all, the program strengthens the ties between Diasporan-Armenians and their homeland.
“This internship program provides Armenian-American youth an exceptional opportunity to interact both professionally and socially with counterparts in Armenia. They gain a better understanding of what they can do to strengthen their Armenian communities. Many interns return to Armenia with their friends or parents. Some of them have even established their own internship or assistance programs,” said SIP Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants.
MEETINGS WITH ARMENIAN OFFICIALS
During their time in Armenia the interns met with several government officials including Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan, Director of the Regional Studies Center (RSC) Richard Giragosian, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, Prime Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan, the President of Armenian Young Women’s Associaton (AYWA) Lilit Asatryan, US US Chargé D’affaires Bruce Donahue, Director of Armenian Genocide Museum & Institute Hayk Demoyan and others. During these meetings, interns learned about the inner workings of the Armenian Government, about US-Armenia relations as well as the important role of the Diaspora in the homeland.
" I would have never imagined being able to meet the Minister of Defense at these extreme times. I was so moved that he took his time to meet with us and answer our questions when he didn't have to. He gave us inspiring words to let us know that even as Diasporans and away from our native country we can do little things to not only motivate our troops but to give them our energy. Not only was this an opportunity of a lifetime but it brought me a closer feel to what I would like to do for my native country.", said AAA intern Anzhela Babayan
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS
Some of the major highlights of the internship program are the Cultural activities. The students attended the performance of the State Dance Ensemble and the concerts of Serj Tankian, number of theatre performances, Pan Armenian Games and Golden Apricot Film Festival and many other cultural events.
Interns familiarized themselves with Armenia's business sector and toured the Artfood Factory, Yerevan Brandy Company, visited Vivacell Company and other enterprises.
TRAVELING AROUND ARMENIA AND NAGORNO KARABAKH
In addition to gaining a better understanding of life in Yerevan, the interns traveled outside of the city, visiting historic sites such as the the Garni Temple, the Geghard and Khor Virap Monasteries. Interns also toured the ruins of Ani, Monasteries of Goshavank, Noravank and Tegher, Amberd Fortress. Interns took a three-day trip to Nagorno Karabakh. On the way, they visited the Datev and Gandzasar Monasteries and the city of Goris. In Karabakh, the interns toured the capital city of Stepanakert. The students traveled to the town of Shushi and Visited the 19th century Ghazanchetsots Amenaprkich Church. Interns visited also St. Etchmiadzin, , Oshagan, Saghmosavank and Hovhanavank Monasteries, lake Sevan and many other sites of interest.
"I LOVED BEING IN ARMENIA!!! I WILL BE BACK NEXT SUMMER!!! I never had a more unforgetable summer!!!!!!", said AAA Intern Anzhela Babayan.
INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
For the first time, Assembly interns Anzhela and Tatevik Babayans interned in Regional Studies Center (RSC). Their supervisor is the famous political scientist Richard Giragossian.
In addition Tatevik was involved in the activities of “Hye Helping Hands” charity, which was established by her and her friends.
Ishkhanuhi was splitting her time between the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Economics. Julia Madden was interning in the Civilitas Foundation.
To date, AAA interns, from all over the United States, have volunteered in more than 40 offices, including:
• Armen Pharm
• Armenian American Wellness Center
• Armenian Center for National and International Studies
• Armenian-European Policy and Legal Advice Center
• Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute
• Armenian Young Women Association
• Armenian UN Association
• Armenia Now News Agency
• Armenian Tourism Development Agency
• Armenia Tree Project
• Bars Media
• Constitutional Court
• Habitat for Humanity
• Hayastan All Armenia Fund
• Hoffman La Roche Armenia
• International Center for Human Development
• Markaryan Medical Center
• Millennium Challenges Corporation – Armenia
• Mission Armenia
• Nairi Medical Center
• National Competitiveness Council of Armenia
• National Geographic Traveler
• NKR Representation Office in Armenia
• Nork Marash Medical Center
• Orran Children Center
• OSCE
• ROA Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports Affairs
• Ministry of Diaspora
• ROA Ministry of Education and Science
• ROA Ministry of Finance & Economy
• ROA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• ROA Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Justice
• ROA Ministry of Urban Development
• ROA Office of the Ombudsman (Human Rights Defender)
• UNDP
• Fuller Center for Housing, Armenia
• Armenian Development Agency
• Yerevan City Hall
• Regional Studies Center
• Civilitas
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