US STUDENTS EXPERIENCE LIFE IN ARMENIA THROUGH ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY SUMMER INTERNSHIP

ArmRadio.am
29.08.2006 10:25

Fourteen Armenian-American college students from across the US 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.

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.

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.

During their time in Yerevan, the interns met with several government
officials including Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian, Justice Minister
Davit Harutyunyan, Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan and Deputy Mayor of
Yerevan Vano Vardanyan. 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
US Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans.

Interns familiarized themselves with Armenia’s business sector and
toured the Grand Candy, Tamara Ice Cream Factory and Yerevan Brandy
Factory.

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. 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 Ghukasyan and Parliament Speaker
Ashot Gulyan. 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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress