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TERJENIAN-THOMAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program provides college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to gain exposure to the policy-making process in our nation’s capital for eight weeks each summer. Since 1977, the Armenian Assembly of America has assisted over 1,000 participants in securing placements in prominent congressional offices, government agencies, media outlets, think-tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Washington.
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For internship FAQ's, click here.
Internship Placement
Involves carrying out a variety of assigned responsibilities from simple office tasks to research and writing. The Assembly will guide and assist you through the process of securing an internship placement in Washington, DC. Applicants may pursue an internship placement independently; however they must still commit to participating in the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program and all of its activities. Most internship placements involve a standard eight-hour work day five days a week. The internships are unpaid, and interns are given responsibilities on the basis of their educational background and on-site performance.
To view a list of just some of our past placements, please click here.
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For more intern testimonials, please click here.
Tamar Barsamian
Smithsonian Institute’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, 2018
Working at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival was really touching and special to me. I had the opportunity to introduce Armenian culture to everybody, both Armenian and non-Armenian, who came to visit Washington, D.C.
Capitol Ideas
Provides interns with the opportunity to meet with Senators and Representatives in their Capitol Hill offices. The program provides interns a forum to ask questions of our elected officials about topics that are important to the Armenian-American community and about current events taking place throughout the world. Capitol Ideas events generally take place during the work day, and placement hosts or offices are notified in advance of the interns daily schedule. These meetings are mandatory for all participants.
Ani Matevosyan
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, 2019
The Armenian Assembly summer internship program was a fascinating and unique program focused on what interests me most, Armenian issues in America.
Lecture Series
Focuses specifically on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community. It is designed to inform and encourage discussion on a range of issues, including U.S. foreign policy toward Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian Assembly invites experts and leaders in their fields to review current political issues, with a focus on the South Caucasus. These lectures are mandatory for all participants. Lectures are usually held at the Assembly headquarters unless advised otherwise.
Olivia Zorayan
Office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier, 2019
I am eternally grateful for the friendships and bonds that I created with my fellow Armenian interns over the summer. The opportunity to share this experience with Armenians from all over the country and world was the highlight of my summer.
Social Activities
Washington offers a summer-long series of festivals, open-air concerts, cultural activities and museum exhibits that provide an exciting variety of choices for the program participants to enjoy. Activities are organized to allow interns the opportunity to interact with one another outside of the work week. These social gatherings are encouraged but are not a mandatory part of the program.
Mireille Samra
Office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis (D-FL), 2018
This internship was invaluable and truly exceeded all of my expectations.
Residence
All participants are housed at the prestigious George Washington University. Chartered in 1821 by the United States Congress, George Washington University is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. Located in Washington DC’s historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood, a few blocks from the White House, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, State Department and the National Mall.
Brooke Kristen
Environmental Protection Agency, 2019
The Armenian Assembly internship program has been a truly amazing experience. I have learned so much about my career path and where we as Armenians stand in the world and how we can each make a difference.
Application & 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. A limited number of scholarships are available which help cover the cost of housing at The George Washington University, where the interns reside.
Taylor Boole
Congressman George Holding (R-NC), 2017
We learned a great deal about our Armenian heritage as well as the factors that influence Armenian American relations.
Program Support
The Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program is made possible by the Memorial Fund established through the generosity of Aram Terjenian, Annie Thomas and Florence Terjenian of Belmont, Massachusetts. Additional support comes from the Richard Tufenkian Memorial Fund, the John Hanessian Scholarship Fund, the Armen Astarjian Scholarship Fund, the Ohanian Memorial Fund, the Estate of Haig J. Boyadjian, the Estate of George Judge Karabedian (George Kay), Mr. & Mrs. James and Connie Melikian and the Knights of Vartan.
Joel Clarence Cretan
Office of Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), 2006
My work in the Senate has been instrumental in helping me decide what I want to do later in life in the political sphere.