Summer in My Homeland

Thank You! (AAA Intern Julia Madden Nalbandian)

2011-08-30T20:47:00.001+05:00

I had a lot of fun and am thankful for the opportunity to travel to Armenia, live with a host family, and learn and see so much. I had an amazing time this summer and hope to come back soon!

Julia

Thank you Armenian Assembly! ( a letter from AAA Intern Angela Babayan)

2011-08-28T13:17:00.007+05:00

I feel like I haven't left Armenia. I feel like I'm vacationing in the U.S. It's so weird to be back home. I don't fit in anymore. I think my views have broadened so much in the last 2 months that I am no longer the same person. Yes, I'm experiencing another form of culture shock. I just haven't figured out what it is yet.
I don't know what to say. To be honest...I am speechless....I have never been able to go somewhere and feel like I'm home in such a short time. From using the marshutni's to the buses and making friends wherever I went. This was not my first visit to Armenia but I can say, for sure, this was the BEST! I have never appreciated a place so much. So much history and belief that it just blew my mind away. This Internship Program helped me not only network with people I would love to work with and get to know more but it has given me friends to cherish for the long run. From the meetings with prominent individuals in the Armenian community, to the excursions around Armenia, this has been the most memorable trip I have taken in my life. Thank you for the opportunity. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone. I have already missed all the staff!!! I love them all very much and I hope to see you all next year!
Thank you soooooo much!!!

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN ARMENIA WRAPS UP

2011-08-19T21:42:00.007+05:00

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

Photos from the Farewell Dinner

2011-08-19T16:43:00.000+05:00

Trip to Sevan, Noratus and Hayravanq

2011-08-18T16:29:00.001+05:00

AAA Interns meet with AYWA president Lilit Asatryan

2011-08-17T12:51:00.000+05:00

On the 16^th of August the Assembly’s Summer Internship in Armenia Class of 2011 had a meeting with Lilit Asatryan, the president of Armenian Young Women’s Association (AYWA), as well as with the staff and volunteers of the association. The meeting took place at AAA’s Yerevan Office.

Mrs. Asatryan presented the main activities, goals of AYWA. She also shared with her experience of working with young women in rural areas of Armenia, encouraging them to play a more active part in the society, raising their awareness on different social issues, strengthening their role in all the aspects of the Armenian society, empowering them, etc.

AYWA is a non-profit, non-governmental organization comprised of young people united in their determination to improve the status of women in Armenia. AYWA's mission is to lead social change and to achieve equality of opportunity and reward for all Armenian women, achieving a just and productive society for all.

A lively discussion followed between the AAA Yerevan interns and the members of AYWA on the role of the Armenian women in the Armenian society, the difference between the women in the US and in Armenia, women’s role in the political field, gender equality and so on.

August Diary of Events Dilijan

2011-08-08T19:42:00.004+05:00

June 6

They say the best trips are with your family. I think I have enjoyed my trip to Dilijan with morkur and the kids soooo much that I can't imagine going away from them at the end of this summer. I have become so attached to this land that I just can't imagine leaving.....

It took forever until my aunt got everything together. But I think i was rushing to see the beauty of Dilijan....

On the way, I think I took wayyy too many pictures....it's ok. I think throughout this whole trip in Armenia, I think today was the max out point of taking pictures....

After A LONG TIME OF LOOKING FOR THE HOUSE, dropping all the stuff in a house very similar to a farm house, we decided to go to Haghartsin Monastery. With 2 people that have iPhone's and a Navigation System, we got a bit lost...not sure how that happened...but they say when you get lost you find something new. I think I found a new found love for Dilijan. The beautiful surrounding was just amazing!!!! Pictures can't even DESCRIBE

the beauty, the forest....I'm sure a little bit of pictures would tell a thing or two, but a person has to check it out with their own eyes....

Badminton with Gurgen We went up to the roof of one of the buildings.. My loved ones..

On our way back from the monastery we met a few Koreans. They needed help translating what they wanted. THANK GOD I KNOW ARMENIAN AND ENGLISH!!! The lady working there only knew 'No English'.....

We decided to have a picnic near the river and play Badminton. I didn't know I was going to like it so much. I want to play more!!!!! But aunt made us go eat :(

After a long day of looking for places and getting lost everywhere, coming home was refreshing and it was time to say goodnight.

I wish I could have stayed there longer....my next trip...I want to stay at least 2 days.

June 7

Today we decided to stay home for picnic at home.

After eating, me and Gurgen (cousin) decided to take a stroll near the river...stroll meaning being a monkey and just jumping from place to place and on trees to get across. We didn't make it across, the water is waayyy too dirty and I really didn't want to take a shower in a dirty cold water. So we decided to do something about the trash in the water....by cleaning it!! After two bags of trash, I decided to walk to the trash, about a 1/3 mile away. While walking, I decided to talk to the kids about their thoughts about the dirty water. Seems like no one likes the fact that it's dirty but no one wants to do anything about it.... I think I am going to make a change out of that...the water needs to be cleaned....

Dirty water.....time to clean!!!!!!

My first bag of goodies!!!!!

Gurgen getting a hold on the rock to climb to the other side....we didn't make it to the other side...

Class of 2011 Internship Program visited US Embassy in Armenia too meet the US Chargé D’affaires Bruce Donahue.

2011-08-05T19:56:00.007+05:00

Yerevan,
Armenia – On August 4th
The Armenian Assembly's Summer Internship Class of 2011 visited US Embassy in Armenia and
met with the the US Chargé D’affaires Bruce Donahue

The interns of the Armenian Assembly of America's Summer Internship Program in Armenia visited the United States Embassy in Yerevan, where they had an opportunity to meet with the US Charge D'Affaires Bruce Donahue.
After greeting the interns and Assembly
staff, Mr. Donahue spoke about U.S - Armenia relations, U.S.
assistance programs for Armenia, and so forth.
A wide range of issues of mutual concern were discussed, including the Nagorno
Karabakh peace process, programs implemented by Millennium Challenge
Corporation, Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process, healthcare and
educational problems in Armenia.

At the end of the meeting US
Chargé D’affaires took questions
from the interns regarding various topics, including USAID programs in
Armenia, the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, Ambassador’s nominee’s position on
Genocide, the working principles of Consular Department, Millennium Challenge
Corporation funding and so on.

"Speaking with the US Charge D'affaires was very informative. We received a great opportunity to hear his opinion on the diplomatic issues facing Armenia today" stated Julia Madden who interns at the Civilitas Foundation.

The interns also met with one of the Embassy interns, Brice Jordan who spoke about his internship at the US Embassy, as well as his experience in Armenia, and also with Karen Robblee, who is the Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Armenia. She spoke about the various programs carried out by her department, including different educational and youth projects.

"I am very pleased to have been able to visit the US Embassy. Not only did we meet with the staff, but also met with a current intern that talked about his own experience", said Anzhela Babayan, who does her internship at the Regional Studies Center. "I thought it was a bit unfortunate that Armenia does not have a current ambassador but I hope that we will be able to meet the next ambassador in the future", she added.

Tatevik Babayan, who also interns at the Regional Studies Center, said "I was really looking forward to visiting the embassy. It was an overall great experience".

Documentary Film Screening

2011-08-03T18:05:00.000+05:00

On the 29th of July, the Armenian Assembly of America's Yerevan Office hosted a film screening. AAA Summer Internship Program intern Ishkhanuhi Matevosyan also took part in the screening and the discussion.

The film was a youth-made documentary made by AAA Youth Club members Armina Hovhannisyan, Haik Toroyan and David Asoyan. The documentary was filmed in Khachik, a remote village located right on the Armenia-Azerbaijan borderline. The documentary talks about the social perspective of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the consequences of the conflict in the eyes of the inhabitants of the small village of Khachik. The short film was followed by a Q&A session, as well as a discussion about the current state of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the ongoing negotiations and the possible future settlement. The film was directed by a young film-maker Hakob Manukyan.

June Diary of Events Garni, Geghard

2011-07-31T12:41:00.003+05:00

Matax in back of the Monastery..Smell was sooooo bad!!!!!
Jailed?

June 26

Talk about a really good trip with really fun people. We went to Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple today. Tatev and Hanna have taken sooooooo many pictures!! I think if i took that many it would last me a lifetime worth of taking pictures. They have some really amazing photos (gotta remember to ask them to get it from them). At first we stopped by the arch where I have sooo many memories of my childhood. From there I saw the home in Voghchabert that I would never forget. The land in Vogchabert is really bad. The soil is moving under the homes and taking away with them every piece of memory I had of the home I loved so much. I didn't take it so bad this time since I had seen it 2 years ago. But....it always gets to me...Too many memories hidden there.

So after taking a gazillion pics there. We were off to our excursion!

I think one of my favorite places is Geghard Monastery. I can't imagine how they would built a church in such circumstances. I think I would love to just take a day and hike there and look at the church from different angles. So it seems like it was built like over a cave...I believe. So I was reading on Wikipedia about Geghard and this is what I read...

The monastery had thus been originally named Ayrivank, meaning "the Monastery of the Cave". The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank (Գեղարդավանք), meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.

The spear they are talking about has been said to be in a few places but I have a feeling we have the original!

So after that we went to Garni which it sucks that we weren't able to see the baths. They were closed because they are trying to put the "bath" together so it will be available to be opened fully to see what they looked like. Me, Vram, and Arm looked from the glass and saw the mosaics of the baths. Now it would be sooo amazing to have a bath like that and be washed with milk. For a minute it was a bit disgusting but I believe queens and "Goddesses" had such pure skin because of milk baths and they rubbed some kind of oil on their skins...eternal beauty??? I think it would be funny to have like a milk bath party...!! lol.

Vram took us to a really nice mom and pop type of a restaurant. The outside was like going into a mini forest. There was a small turtle there where Hanna and Tatev again took a lot of pics with.

Overall...a successful day.

June Diary of Events Stepanavan

2011-07-28T10:43:00.005+05:00

These 2 women wanted to take a picture with our group.....[I'm not in the picture because I took it ;) ]
An amazing waterfall...before hiking down the hill.

Our beautiful Armenian women and their work of art.
Me and Romina counting down all the fish we caught...3 in total with 15+ people...
This guy really knows his work well...

Az running after the bus. I think we were gonna leave him to his bathroom. Most hated thing about being in nature... no bathrooms :(

June 25

Before going to Stepanavan we went to pick up some interns that are in Gyumri. On our way there we stopped by this amazing bakery. This guy literally gets in the OVEN! to put bread to be baked. It was reeeallllyyy cool and I think he really enjoyed the attention and all the women taking pictures of him ;)

Went to Stepanavan Botanical Gardens and Fishing!!! I had sooo much fun fishing! It was my first time fishing and I think I was the best ;) Yes I think I have my nose too stuck in the air but with over 15 people and catching 3 fish, I caught 2! So this really makes me awesome. me and Romina (friend from LA and Birthright), had such an awesome time. The bus was a bit packed but it was still fun. We sang old Armenian songs and clapped. However, I'm not sure who the DJ was, I really didn't like the songs that were put on the bus. We need new ones. The Botanical Garden was just soooooooooo beautiful that nothing can describe it. I think I would have loved to maybe camp there. Me be me decided to hike down this mini waterfall and just walk around the small river. I think I had better time being all muddy then being a goody good girl and staying up the mountain. Walking back to the bus was fun too. We were singing old songs again and these women thought we were really American so she was like they are just tourists and we turned around and said something back in Armenian. They were sooo embarrassed! I think I took a picture, I need to go back and check....

June Diary of Events 2

2011-07-28T10:24:00.004+05:00

PREPARING FOR WORLD REFUGEE DAY WITH SOME OF MY NEW FRIENDS FROM BIRTHRIGHT!---Painting posters...I was given writer for a really long sentence in Armenian on cloth!

June 19

This was such an interesting day. Vram took us to Erebouni which was AMAZING! I had no idea Armenia had such a history and an old CASTLE! Unfortunately it's not standing but I think historians as well as archaeologists would love to visit there. Make sure you get someone to tell you the history. The only bad thing is you have to pay to take pictures.

next on our list was the Victory Park and Military Museum. I think I will be going there again. I have family who have fought in the wars so I think I should know a little more about some of the wars that Armenians were involved in. I felt a bit bad for knowing so little about Armenia's past. We call ourselves Armenian and we don't even know the history and wars.

We went to Cascade and visited the Art Gallery. I was about to go insane at the souvenir store. There were soooo many things I wanted to buy! Anyone who goes to Cascade should visit the first floor!! Every floor we went we went outside to take pictures. Since Tatev's and Ani's camera is a LOT better then mine, I'm sure they have a lot better pictures... gotta make sure I get some from them....when I find time..

June 20

Me and Tatev went to our first day as interns! I don't know about anyone else but I think I have landed i a great place. I'm curious as to who we will meet!

June 22

Anush Opera!!!!! I really wanted to take grandma to see the show. She's always wanted to see it but we got some bad news about a relative so she didn't want to do anything else but to stay home. So I took Aza (uncle's wife) and I loved it! I wish my camera took long videos and i could record the whole show and watch it later on. Although I liked the end of the show, I wasn't too fond of Anush in the beginning.

June Diary of Events 1

2011-07-27T15:17:00.007+05:00

I have sooo much to talk about I don't even know where to get started...ok lets start with this...(copied from Diary...edited ;)

June 14 - Just arrived to Armenia and I had a small tour of Yerevan after a orientation. Don't get me wrong, it was great touring the city, BUT I ruined a good pair of heels. I gotta make sure I tell mom to send me flats!!! all the streets are messed up and i'm just glad i didn't end up wearing my really good ones because it's just ridiculous what happened to my heels

June 15 - FLAG DAY! This was sooo much fun! There were sooo many people. They had groups performing, not to mention even the audiences decided to perform as well. There were some guys who started dancing hip hop under an Armenian song which I thought was a bit American but then again there is no say in what a person feels when he hears music.

As these fine solders from picture above this one shows, our very own Military of Defense is populated with quite talented men ;)

TRAVELING AROUND ARMENIA AND NAGORNO KARABAKH

2011-07-25T20:44:00.003+05:00

In addition to gaining a better understanding of life in Yerevan, the interns are traveling outside of the city, visiting historic sites such as the the Garni Temple, the Geghard. Harich and Khor Virap Monasteries. Interns also toured city of Gyumri, Monasteries of Goshavank, Noravank and and Amberd Fortress. Interns took a four-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 are looking forward to trips to Sevan, Oshagan, Tegher Monastery and many other sites of interest.

Armenian Assembly interns visit Genocide Memorial and Museum and meet with the Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

2011-07-21T21:08:00.001+05:00

Yerevan, Armenia

On July 20th Class of 2011 Internship Program visited Genocide Memorial and Museum. Interns laid flowers to the Eternal Fire and had a tour of the Genocide Museum .

Later interns met with the Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan.

The director spoke about Museum functions as a source of understanding and acknowledgement of this monumental tragedy, acknowledging that interns also can do a lot helping to find and collect the visual textual materials, including also artifacts, related to the life of the Western Armenians in the Ottoman Empire before and during the Genocide.

Hayk Demoyan underlined the exclusive activity of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute referring to the organizing annual events and ongoing works.

Then Mr. Demoyan answered the questions that bothered the youth, which, mainly, were about the raising international awareness among the international community on the first Genocide of the 20th century, the academic and scientific study, analysis of the problems as well as exhibition of the textual and visual documentation related to the Genocide, etc. All the questions were answered thoroughly.

Armenian Assembly interns meet with the RoA’s Human Rights Defender

2011-07-21T20:55:00.005+05:00

Yerevan, Armenia – On Wednesday, July 20 Class of AAA Yerevan interns had the opportunity to meet with the recently elected RoA’s Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan.

The Human Rights Defender is an independent and unaltered official, who, guided by the fundamental principles of lawfulness, social co-existence and social justice, protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms violated by the state and local self-governing bodies or their officials.

The aim of the meeting was to present the concept of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the role and functions of RoA Human Rights Defender. During the brief lecture Karen Andreasyan presented citizen - state relations, basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.

During the lecture interns learned about the missions and goals of Human Rights Defender’s Office.

The Human Rights Defender spoke about the complaints being received from citizens, the problems that face the Office, the work being done for improvement of legislation related to human rights and fundamental freedoms, the luck of public awareness and many other issues.

During the meeting interns asked a lot of questions about the protection and the restoration of human rights and fundamental freedoms, national and international mechanisms for protecting human rights, protecting the rights of children, rising citizens’ awareness, etc. The Defender answering the students’ questions, in detail presented law - right relations, the importance of domination of basic rights and fundamental freedoms in formation of constitutional state. On the question how the Defender acts in case of the violation of rights Mr. Andreasyan presented the RA Human Rights Defender's powers as well as the legal mechanisms of restoration of violated rights.

“I was surprised to find out there was a Human Rights Defender in Armenia . This shows that our country is moving forward. I am excited to see the changes that Mr. Andreasyan is planning to make”, said AAA intern Tatevik Babayan.

" Meeting with the defender of human rights was a great way to gain insight into the way other countries aim to ensure the rights that most Americans take for granted. I enjoyed hearing about the issues that Armenia faces as well as how the system should change to eliminate them.", said intern Julia Madden

At the end, AAA Summer Internship Program Coordinator thanked Karen Andreasyan for the meeting on behalf of Armenian Assembly of America and all interns.

Photo Caption 1: (DSC_0020)

(l-r) AAA Interns: Tatevik Babayan, Julia Madden, RoA Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan, AAA Interns: Ishkhanuhi Matevosyan, Anzhela Babayan

Photo Caption 2: (DSC_0018)

(l-r) AAA Interns: Anzhela Babayan, Ishkhanuhi Matevosyan, Tatevik Babayan, RoA Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan, Advisor on International Relations to the Human Rights Defender Siranush Harutyunyan, AAA Assistant to Director Ani Boghosyan, AAA Intern Julia Madden

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY'S YEREVAN INTERNS MEET WITH THE DEFENSE MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

2011-07-18T20:57:00.002+05:00

Yerevan, Armenia - The Assembly's 2011 Internship Program participants joined interns from other student programs for a meeting with Armenia 's Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan. The meeting was organized by Birthright Armenia as part of its Forum Lecture Series.
The Defense Minister outlined the history and creation of the Republic of Armenia 's Armed Forces, noting that the Armenian military was formed during wartime and after the declaration of Armenia 's independence.
Pointing out the importance of internship programs and the role of the Diaspora in solving the issues that Armenia faces Minister Ohanyan stated that Diasporan students can be proud of Armenian's military and the important role its plays in the nation's security.
The Minister also answered questions from the group assembled on a range of issues including, among others: Armenia-Turkey relations, Azerbaijan's military spending and its ongoing war rhetoric, soldiers' physical, psychological and social protection, international military cooperation and Armenia's participation therein, regional security, as well as the possibility of a resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh Conflict. All the questions were answered thoroughly.
"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.

"Peace Exhibition" at AAA Yerevan Office

2011-07-11T14:41:00.002+05:00

On the 8th of July the AAA Yerevan Office in the frameworks of the AAA Youth Club hosted a "Peace Art" Exhibition, which showcased artworks by local young artists.

The exhibition was initiated by a YC member Gohar Mkoyan in frameworks of “Youth Leaders for Peace” project. The project is a part of CMI (Crisis Management Initiative), “The European Partnership for the Peaceful Settlement of the Conflict over Nagorno Karabakh” (EPNK) which was launched in November of last year.
EPNK is a partnership of European NGOs working to enact initiatives which will cumulatively contribute to the peaceful settlement over Nagorno Karabakh.

Live classical music was also played by local young musicians.

The AAA SIP interns Tatevik Babayan and Angela Babayan also attended the event. They enjoyed live classical music and the interesting youth artworks, which were also on the topics of peace and understanding.

Armenian Assembly’s 2011 Summer Internship Program in Armenia kicks off

2011-07-02T12:16:00.001+05:00

The Armenian Assembly of America’s 2011 Summer Internship Program in Armenia kicks off with 4 Interns. Representing Los Angeles, California are interns Angela Babayan and Hanna Matevosyan. They are joined by Tatevik Babayan and Julia Madden from Boston, Massachusetts.

(From left to right: Angela Babayan, Julia Madden, C.D. Armina Darbinian, Hanna Matevosyan, Tatevik Babayan)

Angela Babayan, from California State University, Tatevik Babayan, from Suffolk University, are having their internships at the Regional Studies Center (RSC), an independent, nonprofit think tank offering a wide range of strategic analysis and objective research, and implementing a number of educational and policy-related projects.

As a leading think tank based in Armenia, the RSC conducts research and analysis and develops policy initiatives aimed at bolstering political and economic reform and conflict resolution in the broader South Caucasus region.

Hanna Matevosyan, from UC Berkley is having her internship at the Ministry of Economics and at the Ministry of Education.

Julia Madden, from Middleburry College, is having her internship at the the Competitiveness Foundation, an independent entity founded through a partnership between the Government of Armenia and a group of leading representatives of the private sector from the United States, Russia, the European Union and the Middle East. Their mandate is to achieve breakthrough development toward national competitiveness in key areas of economic activity.

Below are more photos from the Welcome Dinner Party at Parvana Restaurant..

2010-10-10T06:19:00.010+05:00

Celebrating Mrs. Gayane's (head of the Armenian American Communities of America) birthday in the Ministry of Diaspora, with Ashley,one of AGBU's summer interns.

After a day of work, I was invited to join and enjoy a concert organized by the Ministry of Diaspora. It was the closing concert of "One Nation, One Culture." The dance ensemble was from France. Besides the dancing, it was also a story of people split into two parts, one living in another country and the other in Armenia. At the end these two meet holding the hands of their grandchildren who are dressed differently but yet are so similar.

Hranush Hakobyan, the Minister of Diaspora Awarding a medal to Vanush Khanamiryan

Yerevan

2010-10-10T05:35:00.006+05:00

My favorite part of the day is 9 to 10 o’clock in Yerevan. I love walking in the republic square listening the fountains dancing under the music of Khachatryan, Babajanyan, and Mansuryan. Life in Yerevan begins at night. It is too hot in the summer for people to be out during the day. Every corner of the city is glowing with life. The cafes are always full of people. You wouldn't find an empty cafe; every corner of the city is filled with music and people. People just come and come. I see many tourists especially from Iran this summer in Yerevan. Life also moves really slow in this city. In the cafes, the servers take their time to bring your order. On the streets, people are never in a hurry. Coming from US, I am too used to fast pace of life. It is unusual to see people walking slow and taking their time in everything.

The cafeteria where I ate my lunch every day.

2010-10-10T04:02:00.010+05:00

My summer in Armenia with the Armenian Assembly of America Internship was one of the most life changing experiences. We had the opportunity to work in an organization with the field of our studies, meet important leaders/people, and go on excursions.

In the beginning, Iwas hesitant about the expectations from my internship at the Ministry of Diaspora of RA. The uneasiness I had, vanished after I was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Minister and the head of the Armenian American Communities of America department. I was introduced to all the workers in different departments and given my own desk/ computer.

In the Ministry of Diaspora I was assigned to translate articles, revise applications, research, compile data on various organizations such as AN

CA, AAA, Hamazkayin…etc. I gained a great deal of knowledge and experience by merely being present at the office and observing.

It is easy to constantly criticize Armenians for not cooperating. However, Armenia has been an independent republic for only 20

years; our real Diaspora is about 100 years old; and the Ministry of Diaspora is about two years old. We are merely learning to collaborate. It is difficult to imagine the amount of work needed to take place to unify worldwide Armenians. As a result, the Ministry of Diaspora has created different department for Armenians in Near East and Middle East, Armenian Communities in Europe, the Americas, and Telecommunications….etc. to unify worldwide Armenians.

A single task on researching Armenian artists in North America took 3-4 days to complete. This was a specific research for artists. What about all the Armenian singers, writers, actors, actresses, memorials, schools, churches, organizations, politicians, doctors, lawyers...etc.? This is what the Ministry of Diaspora has to deal with.

We are learning. It takes people who believe to invest their time and tremendous amount of effort to unify all of us. The Ministry of Diaspora has just been created and like any other newly formed organization hopes, acts, and fails and tries again. This internship guided me one step closer to my dream of one day to return home.

I also worked at the United Nations Association of Armenia. The office was incredibly hot because of no air conditioning. Just sitting by the desk for two minutes I would start melting. A cold drink was a must to have by my side all the time. Leaving the doors open was not helpful because of construction which was outside and dust would pollute the air. It was almost impossible for me to concentrate with these working conditions.

I cannot imagine the amount of dedication these devoted

individuals had for their work to survive under these conditions. They were heroes working hard by my side while I was having a brain freeze every ten minutes. These were people who wholeheartedly believed in their work towards educating the younger generation to become more open minded by organizing conferences between Azeri, Georgian, and Armenian students. Their devotion made me believe more of what I could achieve in life if I loved and believed in my work.

My Armenia

2010-08-31T03:58:00.008+05:00

It's amazing how fast time goes by when you are having fun. Two months came and went. Next thing I knew it was time to say goodbye to Armenia. This was my first trip to Armenia in twenty years. I had a wonderful journey. I hope to come back very soon.

I have learned so much during this trip. Going through AAA was a great opportunity to reconnect with my country and my culture. When I first came to Armenia, it felt so surreal to be there. It took me a couple of days to realize that I was actually in Armenia. From then on my journey took off. There was so much to do and so much to see. It helped a lot that AAA had events and excursions planned for us. Another helpful aspect of the program was doing an internship. I enjoyed my internship at ACNIS. I was able to understand the real issues in Armenia and what kind of struggles people go through. I met a lot of locals who I befriended and still keep in touch with. Before coming to Armenia I did not know a lot about the country. But I left with so much more then I could imagine. This experience has definitely changed me in many ways. It was an eye opening experience that will stay with me forever.

It's impossible to sum up all the different emotions that go through you when you are experiencing something for the first time. There is no other feeling in the world that compares. You get a sense of belonging and family. Coming back after twenty years was not easy, I did not know what to expect. Visiting my relatives gave me a chance to reconnect with who I was and where I came from. I hope a lot more people will have an opportunity to do this program in the future. I really do recommend it to everyone.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN ARMENIA WRAPS UP

2010-08-17T12:17:00.001+05:00

This year marks the 11^th year 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 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.

MEETINGS WITH ARMENIAN OFFICIALS

During their time in Armenia the interns met with several government officials, spiritual leaders diplomats and other prominent individuals including His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Mayor of Yerevan Gagik Beglarian, Director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Richard Giragosian, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, Human Right’s Defender Armen Haroutunyan, the President of Armenian Young Women’s Association (AYWA) Lilit Asatryan, US Ambassador Ms. Marie L. Yovanovitch, Head of Armenian Police Alik Sargsyan, retired CEO/ Chairman of the Board, INTEL Corporation Craig Barrett, the CEO of Viva Cell – MTS Company Ralf Yirikyan and many others. During these meetings, interns learned about the inner workings of the Armenian Government, business in Armenia, about US-Armenia relations as well as the important role of the Diaspora in the homeland.

“The AAA Summer Internship Program really is a great step that a students can take to further their professional experience. It really is a great step that an Armenian can take to learn about his/her cultural history. Worthwhile work experiences are balanced with remarkable excursions, interesting meetings and a lot of cultural events. Plus, at evenings interns are afforded the chance to independently explore the city.” said SIP Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants.

CULTURAL, SPORT 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 and “Pokr Nanener” children dance group, number of theatre performances, Golden Apricot Film Festival, Armenia – Iran soccer game and many other cultural and sport events. The Water Day (Vardavar) interns celebrated in Yerevan’s streets, splashing water on each other and strangers.

Interns familiarized themselves with Armenia's business sector and toured the Grand Candy Factory, Synopsis Armenia IT Company, Yerevan Brandy Company, visited Vivacell Company and other enterprises.

“After 9 years of leaving Armenia and returning so much had changed in Armenia but there was much more that had to get done. I saw so much potential for growth in Armenia.

The Armenian Assembly of America Internship was an experience of a lifetime. I had an opportunity to intern in the field of my interest, participate on excursions in different regions of Armenia, and made many great friends from all around the world. My favorite part was walking in the streets of Yerevan at 9 o'clock at night when the sun was still out and the fountains were dancing under the music of Aram Khachatryan and Tigran Mansuryan....life in Yerevan begins at night during summer....this was the most unforgettable, memorable, and productive summer of my life.”, said intern Anush Petrosyan.

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 Noravank, Amberd Fortress. Interns took a four-day trip to Nagorno Karabakh. On the way, they visited the Datev and Gandzasar Monasteries and the cities of Goris and Gyumri, explored Lori and Tavush regions. Interns visited also St. Etchmiadzin, Sardarapat, Oshagan, Saghmosavank and Hovhanavank Monasteries, lake Sevan and many other sites of interest.

“From all my visits to Armenia, this year was by far my favorite visit. This was due to a number of different reasons, for example, I feel like I was able to experience the true Armenian life, not as a tourist but more like someone that lived here. I also enjoyed all the excursions that we went on, especially the ones Armenian Assembly of America took us on. My favorite part of the entire trip though, was the community that we built with all the other interns. In a very short amount of time I was able to befriend so many young Armenian interns like myself, from all over the world. This was an experience I will never forget and I would definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to truly enjoy their homeland.” , said intern Aram Kavoukjian.

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS

For the first time, Assembly interns Aram Kavoukjian from Loyola Marymount University and Diana Oganesyan from University of California, Berkeley are interning in the Armenian Development Agency (ADA).
ADA was established in 1998 by the Government of the Republic of Armenia to facilitate foreign direct investments and promote exports.
Aram and Diana are volunteering also in “Orran”, the center for socially vulnerable children.

Aram Bedrosian from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Gaya Baloyan, Seattle Pacific University graduate are interning with the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS).
In addition Aram is participating in the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia’s working trips to villages and Gaya is volunteering in Armenian Young Women Association.

Anush Petrosyan from Glendale Community College is interning in the Ministry of Diaspora. Part of her time she is spending in Armenian UN Association and Yerevan City Hall.

To date, AAA interns, from all over the United States, have volunteered in 39 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

Farewell Party

2010-08-17T12:13:00.002+05:00

Excursion to Sardarapat and Zvartnots

2010-08-17T12:10:00.001+05:00

AAA Interns met with the Chief of Armenian Police

2010-08-13T11:29:00.003+05:00

On August 12th the Class of 2010 Internship Program visited the headquarters of RoA Police to meet with the Chief Of Armenian Police Mr. Alik Sargsyan.
After greeting the interns and Assembly staff and thanking the Armenian Assembly for having such a wonderful program, the Chief of Police spoke about the functions and structure of Police.
Later Mr. Sargsyan informed the interns about the reforms being implemented in Armenian Police.
Pointing out the importance of the role of the Diaspora in solving the issues that our country faces, Mr. Sargsyan underlined that it's very important to work with young generation of Diasporan Armenians, letting them not only visit Armenia as tourists but also live and work here.
At the end of the meeting the Chief of Police took questions from the interns regarding a wide array of issues.

AAA Interns visit US Embassy in Armenia for a meeting with the Ambassador

2010-08-06T13:25:00.003+05:00

On August 4, the Armenian Assembly of America’s Summer Internship Program in Armenia ’s 2010 group had a special meeting with the United States’ Ambassador to Armenia Marie L. Yovanovitch.

The meeting was held at the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.

The interns had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers on major political, economic and social issues, such as: the Turkish-Armenian border opening, the protocols, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the current economic situation in Armenia, U.S.-Armenian partnership, State Secretary Hilary Clinton’s visit to the region at the beginning of July, the Armenian Genocide, as well as the latest UN court decision on the independence of Kosovo and the possible influence of this judgement on the current status of NKR.

At the end of the discussion after Q&A session the interns got a clearer understanding of the US policy, current political events and the U.S.-Armenian relations.

Excursion to Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple

2010-08-02T13:20:00.001+05:00

Interns visit Yerevan Brandy Company

2010-08-02T13:13:00.002+05:00

AAA Interns visited Human Rights Defender's Office

2010-07-29T14:39:00.004+05:00

On July 28 AAA Interns met with RoA Human Right's Defender (Ombudsman) Armen Haroutunyan.
The aim of the meeting was to present the concept of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the role and functions of the Human Rights Defender.
During the brief lecture Armen Haroutunyan presented citizen-state relations, basic human rights, fundamental freedoms. Answering one of the questions the Ombudsman described the violations of human rights during the Armenian Genocide and the role that can play RoA Ombudsman in the process of Genocide recognition.
At the end of the meeting the Ombudsman answered students' questions.

Weekend at Lake Sevan

2010-07-26T12:13:00.008+05:00

AAA Interns spent last weekend at Lake Sevan. The weather was good and they spent time swimming, tanning, playing volleyball and enjoying the beautiful landscapes.

Interns met with the Mayor of Yerevan

2010-07-22T14:30:00.005+05:00

On July 21st AAA Interns visited Yerevan City Hall to meet the Mayor of Yerevan Mr. Gagik Beglaryan. During Mr. Beglaryan’s informative presentation, the interns learned about the historical background of Yerevan, the problems of the city and the activities of municipal officials to improve the governance of the city.
The Mayor thanked the Armenian Assembly for organizing such a wonderful program which gives the Diaspora youth a great opportunity to live and volunteer in their ancestral homeland.
After the presentation Mr. Beglarian answered interns’ questions.
Later, the students explored the Yerevan City Museum, which is located in the same building.

Interns spent 4 unforgettable days in Syunik and Artsakh

2010-07-22T14:01:00.005+05:00

AAA interns along with the interns from other programs participated in amazing 4 day trip to Southern Armenia and Karabakh organized by Birthright Armenia.
They visited Datev Monastery, Shushi, Stepanakert, Gandzasar Monastery, Azokh Cave and many other interesting sites.
Enjoy photos.

Interns met with the Minister of Defense

2010-07-15T14:00:00.003+05:00

On July 14 AAA Interns along with other Birthright Armenia program participants visited the Ministry of Defense and met with Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan.
Greeting representatives of the Armenian youth from Diaspora, Seyran Ohanyan briefed them on history of the Armenian Armed Forces' formation.
He noted that currently Armenia has an efficient and regular army, which serves as a guarantee of the Armenian people's security.
Attaching importance to the role of Diaspora in Armenia's development, the Defense Minister noted that the Armenian Diaspora played a significant role in the Artsakh war, while many Armenians from Diaspora participated in the Fatherland's protection.
Interns will also visit military units of Armenia's army, the RA Defense Ministry's press service reported.

AAA Interns attended the Grand Opening of The Hirayr and Anna Hovnanian's Foundation's Business Center

2010-07-15T11:31:00.006+05:00

AAA Interns participated in the Grand Opening of The Hirair and Anna Hovnanian's Foundation's Business Center that houses both the Headquarters for the Hovnanian Foundation and the Armenian Assembly of America.
Grand Opening of this historical, fully reconstructed building took place on July 12. The president of RA, Serzh Sargsyan, All Armenian Katholicos Garegin the 2nd, American-Armenian benefactor and businessman Hirair Hovnanian, and other honoured guests and partners were present.

AAA Interns participated in a Forum on problems of Javakhk Armenians

2010-07-07T11:40:00.007+05:00

On July 7 AAA interns participated in a forum on problems of Javakhk Armenians. The forum was organized by "Yeritasardutyun" NGO and hosted by Armenian Assembly of America's Yerevan Office.
The invited guest, an historian Artush Sanosyan, spoke about the problems facing Armenians of historical Armenian region of Javakhk, presently a part of Republic of Georgia.
Mr. Sanosyan spoke as well about historical monuments of Javakhk, policy of Georgian Government towards the region, history of resettlement of Erzrum Armenians in Javakhk.
After the speech participants watched a movie about Javakhk and received answers to their questions as well as a booklets about the role of Javakhk Armenians in the national-liberation movement, signed by Mr. Sanosyan, the author of the booklet.

Interns celebrated Armenia's Constitution Day on Aragats Mountain

2010-07-06T11:39:00.008+05:00

On July 5 Interns spent a wonderful time celebrating the Constitution Day on the top of Aragats Mountain. They visited also the Monasteries of Hovhanavank and Saghmosavank as well as the grave of St. Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of Armenian Alphabet.
While Yerevan was languid with 100F heat, the interns were sliding and playing snowballs.

First Impressions

2010-07-02T15:45:00.004+05:00

After taking a plane from LA to NY, NY to Moscow; waiting 12 hours in the Moscow airport then taking a plane to Armenia; I am finally here. My first impressions of Armenia. Well let's see...Three days after I landed I still couldn't believe that I was in my long awaited homeland. I am still in a shock. Everywhere I go and every step I take, and everything I see seems like a mirage, a long awaited dream. I still can't believe that I am here and I have to pinch myself every time.
The first day I went to te city where I was from, Nor Hadjin. When I was younger, the buildings seemed so big and I felt so small, but now I felt like I could run from the beginning of the city to the end.
Afterwards, I went to the village were my grandparents were from, to visit their graves. The people living in that village once migrated from Moush during the genocide. My father used to tell me about the faces of the villagers who would always sit on the mountain gazing at the side of the Moush with hope and reminiscence about their lost heavenly homeland. The cemetaries looked abandoned too by the villagers because grass covered up most of what used to be there. However, the mountains around it stood there as an assurance of protection for the dead. As I stood there, the breeze from the mountains hit my face, reminding my once again about the unforgettable memories of my childhood.

American Habits meet Armenian Standards

2010-06-30T11:39:00.003+05:00

Over the first few weeks of spending time in Yerevan my friends and I have realized a bunch of differences between the Armenian culture and the Armenian-American culture. These differences are not all bad things but all of them are interesting in one way or another. One of the very first things I noticed was different between the two cultures was right when we arrived to Yerevan and I met my family that was at the airport to welcome me to their country. In Los Angeles when an Armenian person greets another Armenian it is a tradition to kiss each-other on both cheeks. In Armenia they only kiss an one cheek. That is neither a bad thing or a good thing but for me even something small like that was interesting to be different between the two cultures. The next difference between the two cultures that I was informed about by my cousins was actually quite humorous for me at first. They told me that in Armenia men should always be cleanly shaved and should not have facial hair. They told me that I should shave or else local people would have the "wrong thoughts" about me. At first I thought they were joking but as more and more of them told me I just kept replying that I could honestly care less if people in Armenia judged me because of my facial hair.
After thinking about it I realized how much the Armenian culture is still part of the "old world" and it keeps its traditions. These traditions that have been kept have good and bad things in it. One of my favorite things about the traditions kept by the Armenian culture is how parents teach their kids proper respect. They teach the guys to look after the girls (some times a little too much) and they also teach the guys how to properly treat a lady. This once again is one of my favorite things about the Armenian culture. Some of the bad things that I dont really like about the traditions which keep Armenians in the "old world" is how men are superior over women. The idea that women should stay home, take care of the kids, cook and clean is still present in our culture. Even though women are going to school and working more than they ever have this gender discrimination is still present in our culture. I really love how this "gender discrimination" has inspired many women in Armenia to show the men that they can perform better in school and in the work place and I see this to be a very healthy competition.
Another "thing" that I have realized to be a bad part of the Armenian culture is how Armenians do not accept any change or differences. For example all men should wear long pants a nice shirt and even fancier shoes, no shorts are allowed even if it is over 38 degrees Celsius outside. The same goes for the women here. Girls either have to wear jean or they wear a long skirt, and always heals. Anything else and everyone automatically judges you to be "slutty"(in lack of better terms). This "Armo mentality" has even caused me to get into a few problems while I was here. During my last visit I almost got into a fight with 5 Armenian youngsters at Khor Virap because these youngsters were cussing at the girls because of the way they were dressed. Honestly for American-Armenian standards it was perfectly normal, but for Armenian standards it was something they would never see from local girls. The same thing happened this time but on a totally different level. Last week I was walking with a group of my younger friends from Los Angeles that were visiting Armenia as their senior class field trip. On the way from Opera Club to Marriott while passing through Opera Square a few local Armenians cussed out the girls on what they were wearing. This once again was getting out of hand and as soon as the guys and I started to yell at the local youngsters, the police came and split everything up. Other than being quite hostile with us, within 10 minutes everything was settled all the problems were solved and they send us on our way. But why did this even need to happen in the first place? Why aren't Armenian people accepting to see any difference in people everyday. Why do I need to get into problems with local youngsters just because American-Armenian standards dont meet local standards. These are all things that Armenians have to get used to and accept if they plan on progressing as a country. But no matter what Armenia is still my homeland and I will love it no matter the little problems that need to be fixed.

Armenian Assembly’s 2010 Summer Internship Program in Armenia kicks off with 5 Interns

2010-06-29T16:14:00.002+05:00

The Armenian Assembly of America launched its 2010 Summer Internship Program in Armenia with the arrival of 5 participants.
Representing California are interns Aram Kavoukjian, Diana Oganesyan and Anush Petrosyan Joining them from Massachusetts and Washington respectively are Aram Bedrosian and Gaya Baloyan.

For the first time, Assembly interns Aram Kavoukjian from Loyola Marymount University and Diana Oganesyan from University of California, Berkeley are interning in the Armenian Development Agency (ADA).
ADA was established in 1998 by the Government of the Republic of Armenia to facilitate foreign direct investments and promote exports.
Aram and Diana will volunteer also in “Orran”, the center for socially vulnerable children.

Aram Bedrosian from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Gaya Baloyan, Seattle Pacific University graduate are interning with the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS).
In addition Aram will participate in the Fuller Center for Housing, Armenia’s working trips to villages.

Anush Petrosyan from Glendale Community College is interning in the Ministry of Diaspora.

So far interns visited Museums of Yerevan, Lori and Tavush provinces, toured in Etchmiadzin. They had very interesting meetings with AAA Country director Armina Darbinian and the director of Birthright Armenia Sevan Kabakian. They had a great opportunity to meet with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Retired CEO/Chairman of the Board of Intel Corporation Dr. Craig Barrett.
They enjoyed the performance of Armenian State Dance Ensemble.

More Pictures from Holy Etchmiadzin

2010-06-29T15:22:00.006+05:00

Trip to Echmiadzin

2010-06-29T15:15:00.000+05:00

On the 27 of June, the AAA staff and the interns visited Echmiadzin, the holy center of Armenia and the city where the Catholicos of all Armenians sits.

The interns visited several churches: the church of St. Hripsime, the church of St. Gayane and the Mayr Ator.

The interns also had the opportunity to meet his Holiness Garegin the Second and take the tour of the museum.
They had the unique chance of seeing the golden alphabet and the golden cross.

AAA Interns met with retired CEO/Chairman of the Board of Intel Corp. Dr. Craig R. Barrett

2010-06-29T13:31:00.009+05:00

On June 28 AAA Interns and the Country Director visited the Armenian branch of Synopsys IT Company for a meeting with retired CEO/Chairman of the Board of Intel Corp. Dr. Craig R. Barrett.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has honored Dr. Craig R. Barrett with 2009 Global Award of the President of the Republic of Armenia for Outstanding Contribution to Humanity through IT.
The Global IT award established by the Armenian President in 2009 annually honors a Laureate who has made extraordinary contributions to humanity through advancing the world of IT. The award consists of a unique Gold Medal, Diploma and trophy evoking Armenia and high tech. The Awarding Program is implemented by the Award Committee and the international Selection Panel appointed by the President of The Republic of Armenia. Synopsys Inc. and its subsidiary Synopsys Armenia CJSC serve as key initiators of the program. Financing for the 2009 program is provided by VivaCell-MTS, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC through Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

AAA Interns met with the Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan and CEO of Viva Cell - MTS Ralph Yirikyan

2010-06-29T13:17:00.004+05:00

During the visit to Synopsys Armenia IT Company AAA Interns had an opportunity to meet the the RoA Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan and CEO of Viva Cell - MTS Ralph Yirikyan.

Taxi Drivers

2010-06-23T11:41:00.003+05:00

Over the past week that I have been in Armenia, I have taken quite a few different taxi rides. I found these taxi rides to be a very good opportunity to interact with local people, get into random discussions and a way to get some information on the thoughts of the locals. But then again you have to know how to approach a taxi driver and how to open up a discussion. Taxi drivers in Yerevan come in three categories (in my opinion), ones that are really nice, friendly and are willing to have a good discussion, ones that just want to get work done as soon as they can, and my personal favorite the ones that try to rip you off! Throughout my past experiences I have learned how to minimize the chance of renting a taxi that is with a driver that is trying to rip you off. First thing I do is try to make sure I don't look like a tourist (basically just putting my camera in my pocket). Next thing, I do is speak only Armenian in the car, I also try to use some slang words and some Russian words here and there so they wont think Im a tourist. One last thing I do is try to tell the driver the name of the streets as they were before (as most people know them). For example instead of saying Mashtots street I say Prospect.
But the reason for this blog isn't to give tips on how to avoid getting ripped off in Yerevan (that's another topic in itself), the reason for this is to try to interact with the local people. I have found that the most interesting discussions, come with local taxi drivers. Yesterday night I got into a political discussion with the taxi driver on the way home. The driver was a man that looked like he was in his mid 40s and he told me how he was working his job overtime to make some extra money to send his kids to a good university overseas. He told me this not to make me feel sympathetic towards him and leave a good tip. He said that the universities and the schools during the Soviet times were so much better since they were mostly free of charge and that kids were getting a better education back then they are right now. I got in a slight debate, a friendly one, with him. I argued that Armenia is still a developing country and that everything is still progressing, including the government and the schools. The driver agreed with me and then the conversation shifter into a more political debate.
The driver started talking about current politics in Armenia. He started talking about the elections of 2008 and didn't mention who he was supporting to win, but mentioned that the level of corruption was just unbearable. I didn't want to interrupt him with any questions because the level of information he was giving me was just great.
Then the driver started talking about the local people trying to rip off tourists. He was laughing when he said this because for him it was humorous how local Armenians can try to rip of other Armenians. He said "we are all Armenians... Armenians should help each other rather than ripping each other off." He went on by saying this way of treating the tourists is bad for Armenia's tourism in the long run. Tourists get mad when they find out they get ripped off and they don't want to come back to Yerevan. At the end of the ride the taxi driver didn't even want to charge me for the ride since he said he enjoyed the discussion at well. Obviously I wasn't going to let him do that so I paid for my ride and gave a nice tip as well. I stepped out of the ride and as the driver left he numerously said thank you and have a good night.
The entire time I was in this taxi, I felt like a student in a classroom listening to my professor give a lecture. But it was a very interesting lecture, not one of those lectures you nod your head to even-though you don't understand anything said. This simple cab ride made me want to interact with the local people more, whether this be with taxi drivers, colleagues at work or even some random people sitting next to you at a cafe or a bar.

Interns meet with HENQ

2010-06-23T11:05:00.000+05:00

Yesterday, on the 22nd of June, the interns participated at a presentation by Henq, a youth organization. The presentation, entitled "The Virtual Citizen", was about civil awareness and how citizen activity can be expressed and developed in the virtual world. It raised a friendly debate among the youth and some adults present at the meeting, since the adults didn't really approve the idea of using the internet for engaging civilians in public awareness. The interns shared their ideas about the topic and got engaged in the debate.
After the presentation, HENQ presented their vision and mission.
Since the interns found the meeting with Henq very interesting and useful, we came to a mutual agreement to hold another meeting with HENQ in the near future.

In the caption below- interns Aram Kavoukjian and Diana Oganesyan with the HENQ team.

Welcome Party

2010-06-22T11:38:00.002+05:00

We had our welcome party for the interns at "Parvana" yesterday, the 21st of June.

Dances, laughter, chatter, toasting, dances, laughter, chatter, toasting, dances, laughter, chatter, toasting... the whole evening.

(from left to right: Gaya Baloyan, Aram Bedrosian, Anush Petrosyan, Katia Hairapetian, Aram Kavoukjian, Diana Oganesyan, Alisa Darbinian, Ani Boghossian)

(dancing)

(group photo)

Ararat

2010-06-22T11:00:00.002+05:00

Today morning I woke up at 7 a.m. to go for my everyday morning run. I was contemplating going for the run this morning since I was really tired from our "Welcome Dinner" hosted by the Assembly at Parvana Restaurant yesterday night. Finally I convinced myself that since I was already awake that I shouldn't break my habit of going for a run every morning. I started my run from the corner of Sayat Nova and Khanjian after drinking the ice cold water from the fountain and also washing my face with it. After that water hit my face I was completely awake and ready to go. My run was going great; the air was nice and cold, the streets were empty so that minimized any trouble crossing the streets, the birds were chirping, and best of all the sun was still rising.
The first destination of my run is Cascade. I had noticed I was a few minutes behind schedule so I had to pick up the pace going up Cascade. The entire time going up I wasn't paying any attention to any of the surroundings but rather just trying to get back on track and make up for the lost time in the beginning. As soon as I reached the top of Cascade I didn't even turn around to look at the city like I always do but rather said that I'll look at the amazing view when I get all the way at the top by the Monument. I kept running and running got up the final few steps by Monument and as soon as I turned around to look at the city I saw our beautiful city Yerevan with Mount Ararat showing more clearly than I have ever seen it before. There were no clouds in sight what so ever. The snow on top of Mt. Ararat was nice and clear, the city looked beautiful and I couldn't do anything else but spend an extra 20 minutes just staring at the beautiful scenery. Mt. Ararat looked as if it was standing behind our city protecting it from all troubles. It looked like a father standing behind his family protecting them from everything.
After a few minutes of just having my mind blanking out and enjoying the scenery I started thinking more in detail about Ararat and what Ararat means to me and all other Armenians all over the world. I looked at the soccer jersey I was wearing, Armenia National Soccer team's jersey, and remembered that Mt Ararat use to be part of the soccer teams logo. Whatever emblem that Armenia has, whether it is the National emblem, the soccer team's emblem, the emblem for our very own Armenian Assembly of America all have Mount Ararat as part of the emblem.
Mount Ararat has always been a part of our culture and it always will. On Saturday when we visited Stepanavan Youth Center we spend some time with a group of kids discussing the importance of preserving our environment and keeping our cities clean. Then the kids were assigned to take a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle splitting it into two parts, and draw a clean city on one side that doesn't have trash all of the place and is a healthy environment, and on the other side of the paper the kids had to draw a city that was messy and had trash all over the place. When I started looking at the kids drawings I realized that most of the kids had included Mount Ararat in their drawings. This really meant a lot for me and I realized how important Mount Ararat truly is for us Armenians.
Mount Ararat means so much for us Armenians, it is an important religious place since Noah's Ark landed on it. It has been part of our history for thousands of years and within the last century it has seen the cruelty the Armenian people went through during the years of the Armenian Genocide. But the Armenian people still dream and hope that one day Mount Ararat will once again be part of Armenia. This is why Armenians keep on fighting for this and one day our dream will become reality.

Yerevan City Tour: Museum Day

2010-06-21T13:28:00.001+05:00

Yesterday, on the 20th of June, the interns visited some of the museums in Yerevan and toured Yerevan.
So, the first stop was the Erebouni museum....

(from left to right: Anush's cousin Ani, Anush Petrosyan, Gaya Baloyan, Vram Karakeshishyants, Aram Kavoukjian, Diana Oganesyan, Aram Bedrosian)

Next, they visited the ruins of the old Erebouni fortress on the hill above the museum, took pictures of archaeologists working at the site, jumped from one wall of the fortress to the other and did many more exciting stuff....

(from left to right: Anush Petrosyan, Diana Oganesyan, Aram Kavoukjian, Aram Bedrosian, Gaya Baloyan)

After that, they went the Genocide museum and put flowers at the Genocide Memorial.

In the end they visited the Cascade museum and saw the works of Tarkowsky. They had a longer stay at the top of Cascade, enjoying the view and taking pictures of the city...

Past and Present Interns Meet

2010-06-18T13:43:00.003+05:00

Yesterday two interns from the Internship Programs in 2008 and 2009 had a visit to AAA Yerevan Office. They were Zaven Sargsian from the 2008 Internship Program and Sarkis Karapetyan from the 2009 Internship Program. Zaven, who is from Utah, was visiting Armenia for summer and Sarkis, who is also from Utah, now lives here with his fiancee. They shared their experiences and impressions as interns with the current AAA interns in Armenia. The meeting was really fun and motivating. Their discussed topics ranged from politics to the World Cup Championships.

Below is a picture taken at the AAA Yerevan Office during the meeting.

(from left to right: Zaven Sargsian, Sarkis Karapetyan, Vram Karakeshishyants, Armina Darbinian, Aram Bedrosian)

First Meetings

2010-06-16T15:07:00.004+05:00

Today, early in the morning, Anush Petrosyan arrived.
"From the day I left my country I wanted to go back and live there again. With this internship I hope to gain more insight about my country and have another chance to self-actualize myself as a human being. I was very young, when I came from Armenia and didn't apprehend the importance of my country. Now, I have come to a critical time to choose a path in life. To be able to do this, I need to go back to my roots and have an enriching experience about political, economic, cultural, foreign affairs of Armenia."

Around 10 am in the morning Aram and Diana were at the Yerevan Office, both formally dressed, for their first day of internship at the Armenian Development Agency. They had a brief conversation with country director Armina Darbinian at the AAA office then left for the Armenian Development Agency for their instructions.
Below is a photo of Diana and Aram with Armina Darbinian at AAA Yerevan Office.

At the Armenian Development Agency they met with ADA director Robert Harutyunyan.

(from left to right: Diana Oganesyan, Aram Kavoukjian, Robert Harutyunyan, Armina Darbinian)

Also, they all went to ACNIS, where they participated in a discussion and met with Richard Giragossian, the head of ACNIS.

(from left to right: Richard Giragossian, Aram Bedrosian, Armina Darbinian, Diana Ogensyan, Aram Kavoukjian)

Aram is to do his internship at ACNIS (Armenian Center for National and International Studies). So he received instructions from Richard Giragossian.

Aram Bedrosian, Diana Oganesyan, Aram Kavoukjian arrive

2010-06-14T11:41:00.003+05:00

On Sunday, around 6 AM the airplane which carried Aram Bedrosian, landed at Zvartnots Airport, Yerevan. Five minutes before boarding Aram wrote in his Facebook page "Boarding in 5min". Yep, Aram was counting the days, the hours and the minutes till his arrival to Armenia... "7 days" "5 days" "ready set hayastan!" :)Now he is here.
Diana Oganesyan and Aram Kavoukjian arrived this morning. Now they are probably asleep in their rooms, or maybe awake... who knows. But they're here, at home.:)
Both, according to their FB statuses, are very excited.
Diana had previously written in her essay "I have been dreaming of a summer as an intern in Armenia for as long as I could remember. Many roadblocks have emerged each summer, such as no passport, and age limits. All obstacles have been lifted this year..."
And Aram..."During my last visit to Armenia, summer of 2008, we visited an Armenian day care for underprivileged children and the elderly named Orran. Here after spending a few hours with some of the kids we were making a collage with, hearing their stories and seeing these kids very happy was one of the best parts of my visit to Armenia. That day was one of the first days that I can truly say I volunteered my time to help out my Armenian brothers and sisters, and I enjoyed every part of it. After that experience at Orran I was trying to find another opportunity to go back to Armenia and work as a volunteer or an intern for my homeland."

Me and Katia are very excited to meet them this afternoon.
I will later send them co-author invitations so that they themselves can write about their arrivals, their anticipations and thoughts.

Barev & Welcome

2010-06-10T00:09:00.002+05:00

Barev!
This is the first of the many posts that are going to appear in this blog.
This is where AAA's interns in Armenia are going to write about their everyday activities, their experience as interns, or just share thoughts.
If, hopefully, our interns become active in posting things here then this blog will eventually become a little cozy Armenian corner of good memories and inspiring stories about a journey home.