Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
August 28, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]
STUDENTS EXPERIENCE LIFE IN ARMENIA THROUGH ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY SUMMER
INTERNSHIP
Yerevan, Armenia – Fourteen Armenian-American college students from
across the U.S. traveled to Yerevan to take part in the Assembly’s
largest summer internship class in the program’s history. College
students from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska,
New Jersey, New York and Texas participated in the eight-week program
to gain a better understanding of living and working in Armenia – one
of the most culturally rich countries in the world.
The Yerevan internship program was established in 1999, following the
popularity and success of the Assembly’s Washington program, known as
the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program. In fact, four of
this year’s Armenia interns are alumni of the Washington program.
While in Armenia, students said they gained a better understanding of
the lifestyle, work ethic and culture in Armenia and felt a deeper
connection with their Armenian heritage.
"I have learned so much about being Armenian that it’s hard to put
into words," said Foreign Ministry intern Justin Kalemkiarian who is
an alumnus of the 2005 Washington program. "I knew hard facts about
the country but it’s completely different when you actually experience
what those facts can’t explain. After seeing the creativity,
intelligence and work ethic of the Armenian people I am more
optimistic about this country’s future than when I left home."
While some of the Assembly interns spent their summer working in
Government offices including the Constitutional Court, Ombudsman’s
Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Urban Development, and the NKR Representation Office in Armenia,
others worked at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), medical
centers and media outlets.
WORKING IN ARMENIA
This year’s intern group found their internships very rewarding and
were placed in some of the most exciting and interesting fields. Three
of the students spent their summer working in medical centers
including the Armenian-American Wellness Center, the Nork Marash
Medical Center, the Markaryan Medical Center and the Van Dental
Clinic.
"The most important thing I gained from this internship is the ability
to express myself in Armenian within the medical field," said intern
Ani Sinanyan who spent her summer interning at the Armenian-American
Wellness Center and the Markaryan Medical Center. "Hearing medical
professionals speak helped advance my language skills which will be
useful with Armenian patients I may have in the future."
Other students interned at organizations such as the Armenia Tree
Project, the Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG),
International Center for Human Development, Habitat for
Humanity-Armenia, Orran Chlidrens Center, the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as well as at media
outlets including Armenia TV and Bars Media.
Cate Norian interned at Bars Media working on a USAID project and had
the opportunity to travel throughout Armenia, visiting towns, villages
and meeting with people from all walks of life. "I’m seeing the future
of Armenia," Norian said. "I’m seeing the ingenuity, know-how, and
drive needed to push Armenia past the status quo."
MEETINGS WITH ARMENIAN OFFICIALS
During their time in Yerevan, the interns met with several government
officials including Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, Justice Minister
Davit Haroutiunian, Ombudsman Armen Haroutunian and Deputy Mayor of
Yerevan Vano Vardanian. During these meetings, interns learned more
about the inner workings of the Armenian Government as well as the
important role of the Diaspora in the homeland. They also met with
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans.
Some of the major highlights of the internship program were the
cultural activities the students attended including a performance of
the Anoush Opera. They also participated in the annual "One Nation,
One Culture" festival and enjoyed the Armenian holidays of Vardavar
and Constitution Day.
Interns familiarized themselves with Armenia’s business sector and
toured the Grand Candy, Tamara Ice Cream Factory and Yerevan Brandy
Factory.
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 Holy See of Etchmiadzin, the Garni Temple, the Geghard Monastery,
Khor Virab, and Zvartnots Church. Interns also toured the city of
Gyumri with Aram Khachadurian formerly of New York. Afterwards, they
traveled to Ashotsk Village where Khachadurian gave them a tour of
Voske Ser, Khachadurian’s dairy farm and cheese factory. During a
two-day visit to Lake Sevan, the interns spent some time enjoying the
beautiful weather.
Interns took a three-day trip to Nagorno Karabakh. On the way, they
visited the Noravank, Tatev and Gandzasar Monasteries and the city of
Goris. In Karabakh, the interns toured the capital city of Stepanakert
where they met with President Arkady Ghoukassian and Parliament
Speaker Ashot Ghulian. They also visited the HALO Trust De-Mining
Center where they learned about the deadly landmines that continue to
threaten the people of Nagorno Karabakh. The students traveled to the
town of Shushi and visited the 19th century Ghazanchetsots Amenaprkich
Church and a newly-opened lavash factory.
"The Armenian Assembly internship program not only helped me
understand the way of life in Armenia, but also opened my eyes to the
endless opportunities awaiting my homeland" said Ministry of Finance
intern Gregory Bandikian.
Intern Raffi Haroutunian of Demarest, NJ has chronicled his
experiences and those of his fellow interns on an online blog. To
access this blog go to:
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
### NR#2006-074
Photographs available on the Assembly Web site at the following links:
4/2006-074-1.jpg
Caption: Interns met with Ambassador John M. Evans (center) at the
U.S. Embassy in Armenia.
074/2006-074-2.jpg
Caption: Interns met with NKR Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulian to
discuss the government, education system and economy of Karabakh.
-074/2006-074-3.jpg
Caption: Board of Trustees Treasurer and Birthright Armenia Founder
Edele Hovnanian (far left) along with Assembly interns and Birthright
participants met with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
(center).
ress/2006-074/2006-074-4.jpg
Caption: (L to R) Interns Anoush Dekmezian, Justin Kalemkiarian and
Arman Avedisian spent the summer interning at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
ss/2006-074/2006-074-5.jpg
Caption: Assembly interns at the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi.
74/2006-074-6.jpg
Caption: (L to R) Interns Armine Bazikyan and Ani Sinanyan at the
Tamara Ice Cream Factory.