Volunteer Testimonials

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Joseph Mazurais-Prod’homme (France, “Armenian Council” NGO, International and Comparative Law Center)

The tasks I was given in my job sites, mainly writing reports about topics related to International relations (at Armenian council) or International Law (ICLaw), were highly beneficial for my professional and personal development. Not only did I get the opportunity to expand my knowledge on these themes and about Armenia’s geopolitical challenges, I had to learn and apply effective methodologies to conduct research and writings. These methods will be very useful for the following years of my studies and my future career. I was happy to give my contribution to the works of my job sites. Even though I only wrote a few reports, I hope they will contribute to bigger works and to help Armenia become an even more attractive and prosperous country. (July 13, 2026)

Robin Adam (France, “Armenian Council” NGO)

I really enjoyed both my job at the Armenian Council and Armenia as a country, both culturally and humanly. This experience allowed me to carry out my end-of-studies internship and strengthen my professional specialization on the political and geopolitical issues of the region. But it also allowed me to discover a country very different from France, with a rich and exciting culture, sublime landscapes, both in winter and in summer, but also to make many enriching encounters. Yerevan is a very pleasant city and the summer atmosphere reinforces the impression of a lively and pretty city. But don’t miss other parts of the country too ! I will definitely come back to Armenia one day! (July 15, 2026)

Laura Ferraris (Italy, Youth Initiative Centre)

Since I want to work as a project manager in NGOs, this experience was particularly enriching for my CV and career goals. I worked closely with the project management team and also did some on site experience. (July 13, 2026)

Elizaveta Sidorenko (Russia, Women’s Resource Center of Armenia, Social Justice NGO)

I wanted to try a new field (outside of my bachelor’s program) and was able to do so; and through this experience I was able to improve my business writing skills and gain experience working in English. (June 26, 2026)

Rod Greig (UK, EduCat, Team Time, History Museum of Armenia, English Lab)

Having retired from school teaching over 10 years ago, it is important for me to remain active, exercise my brain and to stretch myself by facing new challenges. All my volunteer placements required me to do these things. (June 10, 2026)

Olivia Glaser (US, Ministry of Health, CRRC-Armenia Foundation, European Institute of International Languages)

This experience helped me learn a lot about my own skills and preferences as they relate to my professional life. It gave me insight into what kinds of professional experiences I would like to have in the future! (June 9, 2026)

Sofiya Gorovaya (Russia, Kharberd Orphanage, Brusov State University)

I was so glad to stay in Armenia and volunteer through AVC with my placements. Thanks to Brusov University, I also realized that I wanted to be an instructor and now am thinking about becoming a graduate student at this University. (June 2, 2026)

Joan Poladian (US, Vanadzor Old Age Home Foundation, Spitak Experimental Garden, Alzheimer’s Groups)

I came to Armenia to provide my professional and personal services to make life easier for the businesses or agencies. I truly believe that I highly accomplished my goals. (June 2, 2026)

Elvis Guermonprez (France, Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities / ISSD NGO, Khachqar Workshop, Caucasus Institute)

It was a great boost for my personal career, met amazing people, and developed a desire to support and follow Armenia and its culture throughout my stay.

Zachary Kowalski (US, Project Harmony, GOALS-Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer, FAR Children’s Support Center, Zinvori Tun)

Each visit to Armenia helps me connect more to my Armenian identity and practice my language skills. It also allows me to experience the beautiful culture of our country and its people. My volunteer work is also personally rewarding because I feel it is helping to fulfill my mission of doing whatever I can to improve the lives of those in Armenia, especially those rebuilding their lives after the loss of Artsakh.

Melodie Sevagian (Australia, EVN report, EventToura)

I studied journalism and communications in University but never pursued this field. Volunteering at EVN gave me the opportunity to do so, and I learnt an invaluable amount from the team there. This opportunity may have potentially changed the trajectory of my career and has inspired me to keep writing. (April 16, 2026)

Tacarra Lake (US, Yerevan American Corner, Brusov State University, Armenian Progressive Youth NGO)

I am interested in eventually teaching as an instructor at a university overseas. Teaching at Brusov gave me an introductory experience to working at an international college. Additionally, I am now enrolled in a graduate certificate program on tourism, so I can teach tourism-related projects as Brusov introduced me to teaching tourism. (April 8, 2026)

Connor Schick (Germany, Emili Aregak Day Care Centre for Handicapped Children, Next to You Rehabilitation Project in Vahagni)

I gained valuable experience in communication and being open to another culture. And more importantly, I got a better understanding of the physiotherapy profession in a completely different country. – I’m gonna refer this experience to my friends at home! (March 18, 2026)

Zahra Noruzi Roshan (Iran, AVC, Deem Communications)

I got to know a new side of myself and found a community. I have made my first friends here and figured out how my talents can be used for my future work. Also, everyone in AVC, specifically people I worked with, were truly amazing and showed me how welcomed I am here. So now I’m looking forward to finding a job here and staying in Armenia longer term. (Feb 26, 2026)

Avery Cox (US, SOS Children’s Village, Knights of Vartan & Daughters of Vartan)

I wasn’t entirely sure of what to expect with my experience with AVC, but I was thoroughly surprised. I felt supported in the process, worked with and learned from exceptional people at my jobsite, and found a sense of belonging. The teams I worked with here were very open to new ideas, and gave excellent feedback in refining said ideas. (Feb 3, 2026)

Binh Houlette (France, The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, Museum of Russian Art, Kasa Espaces)

I feel extremely privileged to have been able to work at the The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and to have such trust from my colleagues. It’s difficult to say with certainty whether I had an impact, as I was only there for three months, but I think that, with my skills, I was able to contribute something extra to the museum, even if, in reality, I feel that the contribution was greater for me. I am very grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to work with archives. (Jan 17, 2026)

Sahar Zarafshan (US, HayArt Cultural Center, Wigmore Clinic)

My placements allowed me to enter clinical research and revisit my data analysis training from university. It also allowed me to develop as a teacher and artist and connect with the art community in Yerevan for future projects and events.

Sandra Snidero (US, Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex)

I have volunteered many times in other countries, so I am prepared for almost any situation. While I have retired from my professional career, I will continue to volunteer. I will return to Armenia next year and try to do more. I think that I accomplished my goal of making students feel comfortable using English and being around a native English speaker (foreigner). I am kind to students but a little tough love is needed, although I also joke and laugh with them

Rafael Michiels (Belgium, Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities, Jinj Co., Vanadzor National Aesthetic Center, Falafel Box)

I was able to leverage my experience at JINJ as it allowed me to create a whole application by myself (learning new programming libraries), taught me more about the design of water systems and it allowed me to work together with people with a different approach to work / time management. 

Henrik Manukyan

Thanks to AVC, I have been fortunate to return to Armenia with the support of an organization that provided me with a safety net to find a welcoming place for my volunteering, learn about Armenian culture, and meet wonderful people who will accompany me for the rest of my life. After a spectacular summer with AVC, I decided to stay in Armenia through the iGorts program, with the goal of further contributing my professional knowledge to help improve the healthcare of Armenia.

Nov 10, 2025

Rod Greig (UK, History Museum of Armenia, Team Time, Komitas Museum-Institute, “EduCAT”)

I feel in each of my roles I made at least a little contribution: just chipping away at the massive Komitas archive; giving young people in Sevan the opportunity to engage with a native speaker and supporting the teaching; helping young professionals to practice their spoken English while having fun; taking some of the pressure off the English guides in the museum, learning a lot about Armenian history in the process, helping improve English texts and finding things to laugh about.

Nadia Bochgezenian (Argentina, Armenian Tourism Federation, and Tourism and Hospitality Management of the American University of Armenia)

I prepared a report to attract more Argentine tourists who are not of Armenian origin. I hope this can contribute to the country’s tourism and economic development, as it would be of great benefit. Also, I helped the Armenian Tourism Federation develop a procedure on how travel agencies can become IATA certified, which is very important and will be of great help to the Federation in providing support to travel agencies. 

Osik Moses (US, The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute)

Ever since I learned about AVC, my goal has been to be part of this great program and be able to contribute to a country we grew up dreaming about. Now I have that opportunity and am glad I can do something within my powers and abilities. I really believe that everyone can contribute regardless of how small that contribution is.

Andrea Lowgren (US, FemHouse NGO)

I personally felt rewarded by meeting so many Armenian people and learning so much about the history, politics, and culture. I hoped to also positively impact Armenia; I think I did so through some of my guest lectures, teaching, and organizational work at the library.

Ziba Zamani (Iran, Center for Innovation Promotion and Research)

My time teaching and designing AI-related content reinforced my skills in curriculum design, public speaking, and adapting to new environments. It also deepened my understanding of Armenia’s educational and tech ecosystem, which aligns with my desire to contribute to AI development in the region.

Stacey Terterian

Where to begin? It is by far the most enriching experience you will have in this country. No matter your education or profession, you will have many placement options. You will immediately feel the genuine hospitality of Armenians and become immersed in their incredible history and culture. The AVC team is always helpful and available. Don’t wait — come to Armenia, volunteer with AVC, move mountains. I guarantee it will change your life and that you will come back… like many of us.

Amelia Epifani (Italy, Keron Development Foundation)

My volunteering experience solidified my desire to work in the cultural/ social development field. I see myself working in the future for an organization just like the one I volunteered at, and my time at Keron proved to me that I have solid skills in this field. I also very much appreciate the work that they are doing for the development of Armenia and, as I worked on projects that are yet to launch, I really hope to see my ideas come to life and support the cultural panorama of Yerevan.

Salome Kuras

My volunteering experience at CRRC was very helpful because I worked with senior researchers and analysts who taught me a lot in terms of data analysis and interpretation. I worked on a project commissioned by the ILO and UN to research the working conditions and social protection of platform workers (taxi drivers, delivery workers, and online tasks like design, microtasking, IT ect) in Armenia. Thanks to this opportunity, I decided to pursue my studies further and will start another Masters focused on the science of population and development in Brussels, Belgium. Moreover, my volunteering placement offered me a remote job as a Junior Analyst to continue working on the ILO-UN project.

Tommy Primera

After finishing my master degree in international solidarity and human rights, having a local professional experience was the best way of connecting the theory and the practical experience. This experience contributed first to my personal development but also to my professional development. I am now seriously thinking about moving to Armenia to keep working here.

Conor Scannell

Honestly coming to Armenia was probably the best professional move I could have made at this moment. As a result of the work I have conducted both in and out of the think tank, I have contacts now with the EU monitoring mission, local entrepreneurs, journalists and security experts. It has to be acknowledged that this would not have been possible if I did not come here. I came to Armenia with the intention of building bridges between our two countries and to write a report on how Ireland can best support the countries of the South Caucasus region. I succeeded in both tasks, so my time here was professionally a success.

Antoine Adam

I was really happy to work for 2 jobsites where I quickly found myself accepted, despite not having any Armenian roots initially. Globally, I feel that those 2 experiences were greatly profitable to me. At the French University, I improved my capacity to talk to groups of people and give them interesting insights about French culture/language. At Impact Hub, I was surrounded by very competent and comprehensive people, who shared their knowledge of the startup ecosystem with me.

Joaquim Chauvel

My time with AVC was both professionally enriching and personally rewarding. At the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs, I strengthened my skills in international relations through news monitoring and a cartography project, while at the Alliance Française I organized French-speaking round tables and literature discussions for students. I also enjoyed improving my Armenian and sharing daily life with a welcoming host family. This experience deepened my confidence and left me eager to return to Armenia in the future.

Malik Swanigan

I wanted to gain professional experience before heading into my final year of university and I got that. Along with that one of my bigger goals for the future is to start a nonprofit of my own so it was cool to see how the Armenian Volunteer Corps and Birthright Armenia organized everything and how the volunteers actually enjoyed taking part.

Ivan Lebedev

My volunteer experience contributed significantly to my professional development and career goals. I gained valuable experience in event organizing, which was an amazing and enriching opportunity for me. It also allowed me to explore working with the Tourism Committee, which was a truly interesting and unique experience. Both aspects strengthened my desire to positively impact Armenia and deepened my interest in the tourism and cultural sectors.

Seyhan Bostan

While I joined AVC hoping to develop my digital learning skills, which I somehow did, I eventually went back to teaching. This ultimately helped me get a job in my last placement (Dream Bridgeman) and I am really eager to restart my teaching career there, now that I have completed my volunteering. 

Camille Ramecourt

I’m moving here because I fell in love with the country. I was deeply inspired by the people I met through volunteering and their strong desire to develop their country. I also felt warmly welcomed at my jobsites.

Layla Khamlichi-riou

After finishing my studies, I felt a bit lost and wasn’t ready to jump into the professional world right away. I decided to take a step back and volunteer abroad to gain new perspectives. Since I want to work in diplomacy, I knew that an international experience would be valuable. Volunteering in Armenia allowed me to discover a completely new country and culture, to learn a new language, and to develop both personal and professional skills. I worked as a journalist at the Courrier d’Erevan, where I interviewed political figures and wrote articles on Armenian society, politics, and culture. I’m especially grateful to Zara, the editor-in-chief, for her trust, mentorship, and for giving me the opportunity to grow as a writer and a thinker. I also volunteered at Boo Café in Vanadzor, a cozy cultural space where I had the chance to improve my Armenian, work with amazing people, and most of all—learn how to cook! Whether preparing traditional Armenian dishes or supporting the team during busy events—through AVC and other local initiatives—I felt truly integrated and appreciated. I also helped with humanitarian aid for displaced families from Nagorno-Karabakh. Beyond the professional experience, what touched me most was the human side of this journey. I am deeply thankful to AVC for making all of this possible—the organization, the support, the opportunities, and the amazing network they create. I am also incredibly grateful to Svetlana, my host mom, who welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home from the very beginning. These experiences taught me a lot about resilience, intercultural communication, and teamwork. I not only expanded my network in Armenia, but also built lasting friendships with locals and international volunteers. I truly immersed myself in Armenian life—visiting breathtaking landscapes, dancing traditional dances, tasting the rich cuisine, and even traveling to neighboring countries. This experience has reinforced my desire to work in diplomacy, and I now feel more confident and equipped for what lies ahead.

Stephen Haroian

My “North Star” goal is to help grow Armenian businesses to contribute to growing the economy to directly improve national security. I feel like while this is a marathon, not a sprint – concrete steps forward happened during my volunteer period.

Astrid Haroian

This was my first volunteering experience with AVC. The placements were exactly what I was looking for both for my career growth and for the improvement of the mental health field in Armenia. My goal was to get as much exposure as possible to the mental health field, understand the current problems and get clarity on what’s missing for our youth to become world class therapists. I believe this goal was achieved for me as much as possible within two weeks. It feels bittersweet to end my volunteering experience, but I’m looking forward to doing this again next year.

Connie Koumjian

As a retired professional Social Worker who now focuses on painting Armenian Miniatures I am glad AVC supported me in continuing to volunteer and working with me to find meaningful volunteer placements in my next field of work.

Mathis Petit

After I graduated from my bachelor’s degree in set design, I did not know what master I wanted to do. I was lost and needed a break from studies. So I decided to take a gap year and to volunteer with three main goals in my mind. The first one was to take a break from studies, because I was not feeling ready to continue at that time. The second one was to try some works in the graphic design field because I thought I wanted to study graphic design after my bachelor’s degree. The third one was to discover a new country, culture, and language. All of these goals have been achieved. Indeed, thanks to my jobsites, I realized I don’t like graphic design and that I still want to study and work in the set design field. I found a master degree that I feel ready and very excited to start. Finally, I fully immersed myself in Armenian culture, which I did not know anything about seven months ago (I could not even tell where Armenia was on the map, I just knew that there was a country named Armenia somewhere in the world). Now I speak the language, I learned and love the traditional dances, I tasted every Armenian dish that I could, I learned about the history of the country, I visited so many places and I even went to Georgia! All of this is mainly because of AVC.

Rachel Royster

I really appreciate my experience in Armenia and my volunteering with AVC. I will very happy to work with a lot of organisations and to feel that I made a difference. I have gained a lot of experience in teaching English. People were very happy when I can talk with them in armenian and they were very kind and welcoming. I look forward to volunteering with AVC again in the future!

Ákos Kovács

I don’t really know why, but you made me so emotionally attached to Armenia as no one had before. I have participated in various programs over the past few years, but this one clearly stood out with its magic. Maybe it’s Armenian hospitality or some mysterious substance in Yerevan’s air, but I formed deep connections with the local people and the country in general. I am really proud to have had even a brief role in the history of this wonderful country—it was truly enriching.

Jaclyn Assarian

Of course, I was excited about my trip here, but I was not sure how I would feel once I arrived. Now that I have had some time to get to know the country and its people, I cannot wait to return….

Gwen Harris

Volunteering in Armenia has been really rewarding. It is a fascinating country with a very rich history and so there is plenty to discover. The food is wonderful and the people are very warm and welcoming. Exchanging professional ideas, knowledge and practice from both sides was an enriching experience that I will treasure for a long time.

Timothy Arlen

It is better to give than to receive.

Agnieszka Wysocka

As a volunteer at AVC, I had the opportunity to share knowledge and ideas about upcycling. I believe that recycling begins at the moment of purchase, and we should use things that have already been produced. Working at ISSD perfectly aligned with this idea. I am very happy that I could share my ideas.

Maio Nishkian

Feeling helpful while learning and doing something I love is the best combination. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I can’t wait to come back!

Armina Osipian

As soon as my period with AVC ended, I already started planning when I could return. This was my best trip to Armenia, although I had already been here several times before.

AVC is not just a program that allows you to try your hand at different areas, it is also a community of unique people who inspire you to new achievements. Therefore, in addition to new professional experience, I acquired many new acquaintances with participants from different countries. Since I am considering moving to Armenia, for me these weeks with AVC have become not only interesting, but also useful, because now I know for sure that I will not be lonely 🙂 In addition to meeting volunteers, AVC also provides the opportunity to interact with people already influencing the development of Armenia through various discussions, lectures and meetings. Well, excursions to wineries and cognac factories or hiking in fascinating places will be a pleasant bonus on weekends.

Stacey Terterian

Where to start. By far the most fulfilling experience you will have in our breathtaking country. No matter what your education or profession, you will have many options on placement. You will immediately feel the genuine Armenian hospitality and be immersed in the beautiful abyss of incredible history and culture. The AVC staff is beyond helpful and always available. Do not delay, come to Armenia, volunteer with AVC, move mountains, I guarantee it will be life changing and you will return….as many of us do.

Brigitta Davidjants

Today, numerous countries face the challenge of their citizens seeking opportunities abroad for a better life. In this context, I believe AVC has developed a noteworthy ‘talent to home’ program that could serve as an exemplary model for other countries to learn from.

Martun Gaboyan

I have already volunteered two times in Armenia with AVC and it is an experience you shouldn’t miss. I wanted to build and renovate to make some things better there, so I chose physical work and I have no regret. Best part is that you meet other motivated people from around the world and the friendly locals who are so thankful for your help. Never miss the excursions on the weekends and participate in as many programs as possible. You can explore amazing places with rich history.

Elena Labkova

I had an astonishing experience with AVC. I chose 4 different job sites, and this helped me organize my time to combine with the core job direction. It was a lovely time supporting local projects and being part of the AVC family. I enjoy this period and I associate only with warm memories.

Sharon Vartanian

Volunteering with AVC has been a golden opportunity to travel with a meaningful purpose and be immersed in a culturally rich country. The AVC team greatly enhanced my experience by being there to support me in all aspects of my journey.

Brian Kamajian

I loved my 5 week experience in Armenia, and the AVC is a big reason for that. Before my trip they matched my experiences to local organizations looking for someone like me – a great formula for a winning placement. Besides my main volunteer activities, they had wonderful opportunities for small volunteer engagements and networking with other volunteers, which I really enjoyed. It also showed me things in Armenia that I could not have seen otherwise. I’m going back next year!

Kerry Ojakian

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.

Ida Martyrossian

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.

Veronika Novak

At AVC, they really value friendship and team building, so here you are in the company of good friends. I can’t remember when I have had more joy then during this excursions. In the whole Armenia it feels like at home for everyone, and AVC does it best to strengthen this feeling.

Serj Markarian

I was blessed to have been assigned to a group who distributed nutrients and supplies to displaced families of the recent war and aggressions. It was very rewarding and humbling to help those in need. AVC staff s quick acceptance and support was exceptional and better than my previous experience.

This was my 10th trip to Armenia, I had been wondering; what is it about Armenia that keeps making me come back? I was finally able to answer this question this time on an excursion trip with AVC. its THE PEOPLE in Armenia. They make me feel like I belong to Armenia. They are so genuine, warm and caring makes me feel like I have found my long lost family. Everytime I step in Armenia there is a euphoric feeling of being at home, a feeling of energy, playfulness , excitement takes over and I become a teenager again. Life becomes effortless, worryless & truly joyful. This is why I have made my mission to Repatriate to Armenia and fulfil my purpose by contimuely volunteer for Armenian Volunteer Corporation. I have many proud achievements in life, by my experience with AVC has been my most gratifying life achievment.

Ara Yeramian

After hearing about AVC from friends and the positive feedback they gave, I applied. I can say it is the only NGO I personally trust, most professional I worked with so far, and through their program I got to know the country and its people through first-hand experiences while volunteering and actively participating in the well-being and improving the community through various ways.

Stephen Bridges

Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) is a professional and supportive organization, and an amazing match for students looking to intern abroad. As a university student, I chose to do an internship during the final semester of my masters degree through Armenian Volunteer Corps.

What an amazing choice that was! AVC will take the time to listen to and understand your skills, strengths, and interests, and will network to find a fitting placement for you. In doing so, AVC ensures that your time as an intern will be productive, rewarding, and mutually beneficial for both you and your host organization. AVC serves as a sort of headquarters for its volunteers, so you will be able to construct an expansive network of friends and professionals in both your host organization as well as AVC. AVC also has weekly excursions, and almost daily events/forums, so your social life will be rich and engaging if you choose to make use of their any activities and resources. AVC will always be accessible, so if you ever have concerns about your placement, AVC will help to quickly resolve these concerns or find you a new placement. Ultimately, an internship through AVC is as ideal as it gets, and you will not regret the decision to go to Armenia for an internship. With opportunities and connections in every sphere and a strong support system, AVC is sure to match you with a rewarding and fulfilling professional experience!

Sheila Syracuse

For years I had researched opportunities to volunteer abroad after my retirement from the corporate world. In 2022 that moment arrived and after a few months of decompressing I reached out to Armenian Volunteer Corps, soon afterwards I landed in Armenia for a one year commitment to volunteer.

The decision to come to Armenia was an easy one, my father is Armenian. But choosing Armenian Volunteer Corps has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made. AVC prepares you for your trip with a detailed handbook and they’re always available for questions. Each week there are cultural events offering opportunities to meet other volunteers. But most important is our volunteer work, where we really take a step into Armenia’s culture. Typically volunteers have 2 volunteer jobs to fill their week but if you want a lighter schedule – 20 hours a week is the minimum requirement. AVC has been fantastic, everyone is there for you – questions, comments, help, someone is available. I’ve felt welcomed and appreciated by Armenia Volunteer Corps and would recommend the organization to anyone who is interested in Armenia and interested in volunteering.

Hans-Christoph Pocha

They say that there are three phases in life: LEARN – EARN – RETURN. That’s why after a long professional career as a foreign language teacher and school head person I decided that it was time for me to RETURN. So I went to Armenia to teach foreign languages (German and English) and coach foreign language teachers there. I was received with warmth and open arms, my expertise was appreciated gratefully. Everybody – the AVC staff, the other volunteer and my colleagues – inspired me with their enthusiasm. For me it was a most rewarding and empowering experience. Without any doubt: Armenia is the right place for RETURNing!

Lucine Karjian

From June through October 2022, I volunteered with AVC and with their help and support, I held four different positions. I taught conversational English at two sites, I worked at a farm and I provided traning for a pharma company on regulatory requirements for registering pharmaceutical products.

My job sites provided me opportunities to meet college age youth, teenagers, professional farmers and professional scientists. To say that I feel gratitude is an understatement. As I helped improve the conversational English for college age students and middle schoolers, my own knowledge of and love for my heritage multiplied by a million times every day. The enthusiasm and eagerness of the youth to learn and improve their English are nothing but inspirational. My two other volunteer job sites exposed me to everyday folks, working hard to raise families and send their kids to school. At the farm, I met men and women who spend 10+ hours every day working under the heat of the Sun and yet they joke, laugh, help each other and appreciate the fertile land. AVC offered me many choices for job sites, as well as guided me in making selections. The flexibility to choose was very important for me, and I was thoroughly supported during my 4 months of volunteering. This is noteworthy specially since I have a part time job in Armenia. The benefits of this flexibility allowed me to extend the period of my volunteering time. I also took advantage of the activities offered by AVC. One memorable event was an evening with a calligraphy artist who I had been following on social media. The attendees learned the history of the invention of the Armenian alphabet, as well as a tutorial on calligraphy. Another event was a lecture by a historian whose presentation about Armenia’s history as related to current events gave us much needed specifics on the borders of the Republic of Armenia. AVC’s excursions to various locations throughout Armenia is second to none. They provide a window into Armenia’s breathtaking national treasures be it lakes, churches and monasteries, mountains, wineries, farms, etc. I am forever thankful to AVC for its monumental efforts to offer volunteers the best possible experience. This is my third round and I hope to return soon as a retired senior. Thank you, AVC staff, for the past four months.

David Turshyan

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.

Hanin Ellama

Volunteering with AVC is definitely a unique experience and is a great way to experience the Armenian culture. My experience was for about 4 months. I loved my job placements even though initially it took a couple of weeks to find a suitable job site.

Shreeman Misurya

AVC offers an extremely well-organized and immersive volunteering experience in Armenia. Instead of a generic volunteering placement teaching English or volunteering at an Orphanage, AVC works with you to make sure that your placements not only make the most impact in Armenia but also help you in your professional career and/or align with your personal interests.

Host family stays for volunteers helped to make the experience more immersive while regular forums on interesting topics and weekend excursions were a great way to meet new people, see different parts of Armenia, and continue your personal development. I really enjoyed my time at AVC and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in truly making a difference in a fascinating part of the world!

Eva Minassian

AVC provided the perfect structure to apply my professional skills in a useful way while feeling supported. I didn’t know Armenia, I didn’t speak the language but as soon as I arrived, I was immediately taken in by AVC and involved in all the activities, excursions and parties organized by AVC and all the other volunteers, creating lasting friendships. I have been able to network and implement various projects in my field (film industry). I was supposed to stay only 5 months, it has been one and half year!

Michel Konalian

When I decided to join AVC, I had no idea how much my stay so intense. I could work for two organizations : European University where I could help teachers in my mother language French, my other job was to develop the links between French and Armenian doctors for the NGO “Santé Arménie”. I felt useful in these activities and I’m very happy with this experience.

At the beginning, I had to find a new pace of work and this is not so easy for a retired man. However, the richness of the meetings and the support of the entire AVC team allowed me to overcome these difficulties. I warmly recommend everyone to join AVC programs, spend a bit of his/her time and work for Armenia and Armenian people.

Aws Abdulhussein

I was blessed to have been assigned to a group who distributed nutrients and supplies to displaced families of the recent war and aggressions. It was very rewarding and humbling to help those in need. AVC staff s quick acceptance and support was exceptional and better than my previous experience.

This was my 10th trip to Armenia, I had been wondering; what is it about Armenia that keeps making me come back? I was finally able to answer this question this time on an excursion trip with AVC. its THE PEOPLE in Armenia. They make me feel like I belong to Armenia. They are so genuine, warm and caring makes me feel like I have found my long lost family. Everytime I step in Armenia there is a euphoric feeling of being at home, a feeling of energy, playfulness , excitement takes over and I become a teenager again. Life becomes effortless, worryless & truly joyful. This is why I have made my mission to Repatriate to Armenia and fulfil my purpose by contimuely volunteer for Armenian Volunteer Corporation. I have many proud achievements in life, by my experience with AVC has been my most gratifying life achievment.

Amin Hataminia

AVC is the most fun and convenient way of integrating with the Armenian community and feeling the kindness and support that you would only get from your family, miles away like nowhere else.

Michael Collins

My experience with AVC was mostly positive. Essentially, I was an office worker in my volunteer role. Even though it took longer than I would have liked for many of my contributions to be implemented, I did ultimately have a hand in improving the office environment.

I had some bad days in the office, to be sure, since there were times when I, as a volunteer, was undeniably working harder than many of the staff on the payroll, but I had my easy or lazy days, too, so it all evened out in the end. AVC does not just set you up with a volunteering experience that you may or may not like very much once you get your feet wet in Armenia. The organization really helps you experience all Armenia has to offer, with its sponsored gathering and excursions. I only went on one excursion that turned out to be a wash because of the weather, but I attended several gatherings and had a good time at almost all of them. Gatherings were where I could meet up with some of the other volunteers from different placements, and we as a group generally got to do something both fun and educational at these gatherings, like tasting various forms of the wine Armenians are so proud of producing. All in all, it was worth my time. My impression of the AVC workers was more than positive enough for me to say it will probably be worth your time to volunteer through AVC yourself. So, give it a shot.

Linda Shahinyan & Herbert Schiff

One of the great things about Armenia is respect for age and the easy mix of old and young. So volunteer – in your twenties or seventies, or any age. You’ll be welcomed and rewarded!…

Armen Tadevosyan

AVC is a great opportunity for everyone who is interested in exploring Armenia in the most detailed way, meeting new friends and being helpful for various Armenians companies, social institutes or even schools…

Dilyara Seysebayeva

Thank you, Armenia, for the best two months of my life that you gave me! Thank you for making me feel at home from the very first day of my stay, thanks to the care and hospitality of your people!…

April-Tamar Arevian

You should definitely apply when you’re ready for a life changing journey. Through volunteering you’re making personal connections with locals on a daily basis, which offers you an up-close and personal opportunity to see and learn about this rich culture through them….

James Glover

DO IT! Not only will the time be a new experience, unlike almost anything else that you will have done, but the people you will meet and get to know will change your perception of the world forever….