Armenian Assembly’s 2012 Summer Internship Program in Armenia kicks off

Armenian Assembly’s 2012 Summer Internship Program in Armenia kicks off

The Armenian Assembly of America launched its 2012 Summer Internship Program in Armenia with the arrival of 2 participants. Both interns – Zachary Antoyan and Ani Darbinyan represent California.

In response to requests from the Armenian government, the Armenian Assembly of America expanded its Summer Internship Program to Armenia in 1999. Interns are placed in Armenian governmental offices, NGOs, Medical Centers and inter-governmental agencies. If accepted, they will have the opportunity experience life in their homeland, gain valuable professional and unique work experience, and discover Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. To date Assembly placed interns in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Health, Nork Marash Hospital and many other places. Visits to various sites of interest in Armenia and Karabagh are arranged for the interns to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.

Zachary Antoyan from California State Polytechnic University is interning in the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), a leading independent strategic research center in Yerevan, which is the institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs. The institute focuses in its research on a comprehensive agenda of foreign and public policy issues, which are articulated analytically in political and academic arenas around the world.

“Much of my perception of Armenia comes from stories from grandparents since passed, and the surface research done here and there.  I want to have a rich firsthand experience of my own, that I can cherish for the future, and do some good in the process,” said intern Zachary Antoyan.

Ani Darbinyan , a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, who is currently continues her studies in the London School of Economics and Political Sciences is interning in the Civilitas Foundation. The Civilitas Foundation is an Armenian non-profit organization based in Yerevan, Armenia, and established in October 2008 by Armenia's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vartan Oskanian. It is a development agency and think tank directed by Salpi Ghazarian that works to strengthen civil society, promote democracy, economic development and education in Armenia, and facilitate dialogue between Armenia and the international community on a number of pertinent political issues. In doing so, Civilitas is strengthening the ties between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.

“ I hold strong ties to my roots and feel that it is my responsibility to, no matter the challenges, use the skills that I have acquired whether it is in organizational dynamics, leadership and working in teams to be of best use for my internship and gain the most out of it,” said intern Ani Darbinyan.

So far interns had orientations, visited Museums of Yerevan, Amberd Fortress and churches of Aragatsotn Region. They had orientations and meetings with AAA Country director Armina Darbinian and the director of Birthright Armenia Sevan Kabakian.

“The Summer Internship Program is truly a unique experience for the participants to form a strong and undying bond with their historic fatherland, and at the same time work and live within the Armenian reality”,- stated Country Director Armina Darbinian, “The Program fully gives them that opportunity”.

(Interns Zachary Antoyan and Ani Darbinyan with AAA Country Director Armina Darbinian)

This program is also a chance for the Armenian-Americans to discover Armenia. A two-month stay in Armenia, though short, provides great opportunities for interaction with citizens of Armenia and other Diasporans. Participants gain a better understanding of the issues facing Armenian people today. They also gain a better understanding of who they are, and what they can do to further strengthen their Armenian communities. They come to Armenia because they want to discover Armenia and themselves. They leave with a greater understanding of both Armenia and themselves. Some return to Armenia to be part of this wonderful, growing democracy. Others may remain in the USA, but, being more aware of themselves as Armenians, can greatly contribute to strengthening their local communities. 

Thank You! (AAA Intern Julia Madden Nalbandian)

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)

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

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

Trip to Sevan, Noratus and Hayravanq

AAA Interns meet with AYWA president Lilit Asatryan

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.