We were given a very passionate volunteer from the U.S. Isis joined our cause and became a fundamental teammate. Her communication skills, graphic creativity, and experience in project management were all necessary additions. She headed projects involving company engagements, high-level events, and content creations. Although she was with us for a short time, we saw her proactivity and ability to multi-task through her day-to-day work. In addition, her intuition and problem-solving skills were ideal when communicating with executives and leading meetings for our projects.

Our volunteer was one the best blessings for Oqni. She drafted a booklet that includes all the necessary information for amputees to feel in control of their lives, despite their terrible circumstances. She helped Oqni grow in ways that I couldn't even put into words. She is strong, humane, kind, and motivated and never said no to a challenge.

Our volunteer was very active, curious, and innovative. Her native Russian language skills and knowledge and experience in Economics positively impacted our research project greatly. We also plan to publish her research on the effectiveness of government policies' during the Covid-19 pandemic and promotion of financial inclusion in rural regions of Armenia.

AVC's Professional Corps offers numerous rewarding opportunities in connecting the volunteers with various institutions and organizations. From educational centers and publishing houses to archeological reserves and tree projects, each organization, in its own unique way, works for the empowerment and the improvement of life in the community. What’s more, AVC’s calling “Come move Mountains” – along with an alumnus' creative interpretation of moving pebbles – may well be an invitation, difficult not to accept, while the experience may inspire us to return anew to volunteer again.

AVC provides a wonderful opportunity to be engaged with the local community, learn about Armenia and its people, and most importantly be useful to the community. This happens through the exchange of ideas and skills. The AVC staff is helpful and caring and the volunteers get to choose an organization and an assignment that they like and have the skills for. AVC works with more than 1,200 organizations in Armenia. There are also weekly Armenian language classes and excursions that are fun and informative. I highly recommend volunteering through AVC, it will change the nature of your trip and your perspective about Armenia and maybe about life.

Tourism is fine and great fun. But traveling to Armenia as a volunteer was that and more - a fun, social experience, which was also a deep dive into modern Armenia. I went as someone of Armenian descent, connecting with his roots; but non-Armenian volunteers joined in fully, having rich experiences too.