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SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN ARMENIA
The Armenia Internship Program was established in 1999 to provide college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to explore life in their ancestral homeland, while volunteering at organizations helping local people. Through this program, participants have the opportunity to intern at governmental ministries, media outlets, medical centers, and non-governmental organizations. The internship program runs from mid-June to August.
Internship Placement
During the program, interns are assigned to work in various government offices in Armenia, such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or with various non-governmental organizations such as the International Center for Human Development.
For a list of previous placements, please click here.
For internship testimonials, please click here.
Adrian Kromelian
Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia & Piruzyan Medical Center, 2019
I recommend this internship for anyone that wants have a better idea of Armenian culture, Armenian history, and politics.
Meetings
In addition to their daily work schedule, interns get an opportunity to meet with government officials and other prominent individuals in and around Yerevan. During these meetings, interns learned about the inner workings of the Armenian Government as well as the important role of the Diaspora in the homeland.
Lillian Avedian
Hetq News Agency, 2018
Armenian Assembly DC Intern, 2019
I feel like this summer has energized my desire to come back to Armenia and live here and open my eyes to the ways that I can help Armenia, what the issues are, and what is needed. Come to Armenia and do this program!
Sight-Seeing
Aside from the local activities, participants also take advantage of a series of educational sight-seeing trips to a variety of historical sites in Armenia and Artsakh, such as the the Garni Temple, the Geghard Monastery, and Khor Virab.
Raffi Barsamian
ArmComedy, 2018
The Assembly gives you a platform and an outlet to really discover what Armenia is about, what it’s like, and also puts yourself in a position where you are able to give back.
Housing
Students have three options for housing in Yerevan. 1. Students may stay with relatives or family friends living in Yerevan. 2. The Assembly can arrange for you to be housed in apartments shared with other Assembly interns. However, students are responsible for paying the housing fee. 3. Students may apply to Birthright Armenia to receive a home stay placement.
To find out more about the Birthright program and to see if you meet their eligibility requirements please visit their web site www.birthrightarmenia.org.
Mané Berikyan
CivilNet's Regional Studies Center, 2023
The program was not only culturally enriching, but also helped me better imagine a professional future for myself in Armenia.
Costs
The Armenian Assembly does not charge a fee for participation in the Internship Program. However, there are several costs associated with the internship. The student is responsible for transportation to Yerevan, housing costs, visa fees, general grocery and spending money. The Armenian Assembly provides transportation, food and housing for pre-planned weekend excursions throughout the summer.
Zachary Antoyan
Armenian Center for National and International Studies, 2012
With the help of the Armenian Assembly, I was able to connect with and learn about a whole new community for me, something I consider to be one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my life.
Eligbility
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Undergraduate or graduate students of Armenian decent, who will have completed at least two years at a 4-year accredited university or college by the start of the program. Preference will be given to those students continuing their education the following school year.
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Applicants with some Armenian language knowledge are preferred. However, participants are likely to work in offices where they speak English, depending on the placement.
Aram Kavoukjian
Armenian Development Agency, 2010
I would strongly recommend this program to anyone considering interning in Armenia.
Selection Process
Participants are chosen for this competitive program on the basis of their educational credentials, writing ability, maturity and a demonstrated interest in the community and public service.
Armen Toumajan
Armenian Assembly DC Intern, 2000; Armenia Intern, 2001
I wish every young Armenian-American could experience a program of this type, in which one has the possibility of doing something for Armenia, while living like a Hayastantsi for a summer. Not many programs provide students that opportunity.
Questions?
For more information on the Assembly’s Internship Program, contact Joseph A. Piatt, the Armenian Assembly Internship Program Director, at jpiatt@aaainc.org.
Megan Jakob
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative & City of Smile Charitable Foundation, 2019
The Armenian Assembly of America’s Internship Program ensured that we all got to see all the incredible parts of Armenia that make up its rich history as well as speak with leaders who are working towards a better future.