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 04, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA 2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS IN
WASHINGTON, DC, YEREVAN HAVE ROBUST EXPERIENCE
Washington, DC – For over 30 years, the Armenian Assembly of America’s
(Assembly) Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program (Program) has
given participants the ability to travel to the Nation’s Capital and
be part of a unique class of students for an unforgettable educational
experience. At the same time, the Program also affords the students
the opportunity to develop and enhance their professional abilities
and gain a competitive edge for the future.
"One of the goals of the internship program is to bring us together to
discuss and review current issues facing Armenia and the Diaspora,"
said Haig Kherlopian, the Assembly’s 2008 Washington, DC, Intern
Coordinator. "The interns travel to DC, adapt to city-life, settle-in
and develop a greater understanding of Armenian issues, and as a
result will advocate for Armenia in their respective fields and
communities."
This year’s intern class is a diverse group of 18 college students who
reside in all parts of the country and abroad, and they are pursuing
degrees in political science, law, journalism, humanities and
history. What binds them together, however, is their personal
commitment to their Armenian heritage.
While in Washington, students intern in offices on Capitol Hill, with
government agencies, non-governmental organizations and media
outlets. The program also gives students a full schedule of
educational activities, presentations by journalists, professors, and
lawyers, as well as meetings with Members of Congress. "What’s most
interesting about the Assembly’s internship program is the sheer
diversity of both the job placements and the participants involved,"
said Assembly intern Lisa Haidostian. "The result is a patchwork of
personalities and experiences, fostering an environment that’s
gratifying."
Already in its second month, the interns have met with Hayk Demoyan,
Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute; John Hughes,
Editor of ArmeniaNow, "Independent Journalism from Today’s Armenia,"
published every Friday, online; Noris Balabanian, U.S. Department of
State, Bureau of International Law Enforcement Affairs; Victor
Vartanian, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration &
Customs Enforcement; Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center
for Immigration Studies; Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA); Jackie
Speier (D-CA); Ed Royce (R-CA); Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and with the
Co-Chairs of the Armenian Caucus Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joseph
Knollenberg (R-MI), as well as attended Congressional hearings for the
South Caucasus region and the Senate committee hearing for Ambassador
Marie L. Yovanovitch, who is the Bush Administration’s nominee to
serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. The interns also visited the
White House, the Armenian Embassy and the Library of Congress, where
they met with Armenian and Georgian Area specialist, Dr. Levon
Avdoyan.
"Thus far, I’ve been privileged to have worked in a House office
building; watched hearings; participated in briefings; lead tours of
The Capitol and meet with numerous Members of Congress," said Assembly
intern Ari Zartarian. "I have been fortunate to witness first hand the
efforts and involvement needed to craft policy and enact
legislation. It is an experience for which, I will be forever
grateful."
During the concluding week of the program the interns will meet with
Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director, Armenian National Institute; Dean
Shahinian, Senior Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing
and Urban Affairs and Representatives John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Zack
Space (D-OH). The interns will also participate in an Assembly Young
Professionals Panel, where former interns will share their stories
about interning at the Assembly and life after graduation from the
Program.
Assembly Internship Program, Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia – The Assembly 2008 Summer Internship Program in
Armenia is in its ninth-year, with eight interns participating. "The
Summer Internship Program in Armenia provides an opportunity for
interns to experience life in Armenia and better understand the
challenges, and opportunities, Armenia and Karabakh currently face,"
said Arpi Vartanian, Assembly Country Director for Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. "It is an absolutely unforgettable experience, providing
lifelong memories, and changing the interns’ lives forever," added
Vartanian.
Since the program’s inception in 1999, fifty-seven interns have
participated, working in various government offices, media outlets,
hospitals, non-governmental organizations and think tanks.
"This is my first time in Armenia and I didn’t really know what to
expect," said Tatiana Gumuchdjian. "I am interning at ArmeniaNow media
agency and National Geographic Traveler-Armenia (NGTA), as a
contributing journalist, and I had a story published on the ArmeniaNow
Website within five days of my arrival in Yerevan!" Keep an eye out
for several more articles by Tatiana, which are expected to appear on
ArmeniaNow in the coming weeks. Tatiana has completed an article about
ancient Ani, and expects to soon complete an article about the 10th
century Amberd Castle in Armenia. Both these articles are expected to
be published in upcoming issues of National Geographic
Traveler-Armenia.
Michael Morel, from Merrimack College and Vram Kherlopian, from
Bentley College, spoke and understood very little Armenian when they
arrived at the onset of the Program. Yet, in just a few short weeks of
immersion and effort, they learned a great deal, and can understand
and speak much more than they did upon arrival. They are very excited
to be interning at the Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS). Both were given the freedom to choose their own
research topic; Michael is researching the history of Armenian-Russian
relations and Vram is studying the influence of western musical
culture on modern Armenian music. Vram also interns at the National
Competitiveness Center of Armenia (NCAA), where he proofreads
documents and edits the NCCA Website. "This internship is a great way
to visit Armenia and experience as much as possible," said Vram. "The
excursions, meetings with politicians, and all of the other activities
offered are all great ways to immerse oneself, as much as possible, in
the Armenian culture," added Vram.
Tsoline Avedisian, from Widener University, also interns at the
recently-established NCCA. She translates articles to English,
proofreads documents and updates the NCCA Website. In addition, she
interns at National Geographic Traveler-Armenia, established this
year. Tsoline, whose major is Business Management and Marketing, is
developing means to increase the sales of the magazine in Armenia and
abroad. "Over the years I have heard many positive things about the
Armenian Assembly and so, I decided to participate in the internship
program this summer," said Tsoline. "The internship program has turned
out to be a great learning experience, as well as a lot of fun! Even
though I have previously been to Armenia on several occasions, this
program has allowed me to visit places that I’ve never seen and most
importantly, be able to give back to my country as an intern."
Liana Mayilyan, from the University of Texas at Austin, is interning
at both the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and the Human Rights Defender’s
Office. At both offices, her proficiency in reading, writing and
speaking Armenian prove invaluable as she translates and proofreads
documents. At the Human Rights Defender’s Office, she also monitors
Armenian cases pending in the European Court of Human Rights. "The
Armenia experience so far has been very rewarding," said Liana. "It is
very interesting to be part of the Armenian workforce. I am very much
enjoying my time working and touring the country."
Sarkis Balkhian, from Clark University in Massachusetts, is interning
at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI), and at the Middle
East Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sarkis’s
proficiency in Armenia, English and Arabic prove useful at both
organizations as he reviews, edits, and translates documents, and
updates the official Website of the Armenian Genocide
Museum-Institute. At the Foreign Ministry, he has been tasked with
providing comparative analysis of relations with middle-eastern
countries, and proposing ways to enhance Armenia’s relations with
countries in that region. "My Armenian Assembly internship in Armenia
has provided me the opportunity to experience the nature of
professional life in Armenia," said Sarkis. "While interning at the
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, I
was able to utilize the knowledge and skills of an apprentice at the
field of politics and international relations, to a professional
level. In addition, the internship provided me the invaluable
opportunity of experiencing life in Armenia, not as a tourist, but
rather as a resident. Above all, the internship reignited the fire
inside of me to fight, live and work for our beloved Armenia," added
Sarkis.
Aline Mnayan, from University of California, Irvine, is interning at
the Ministry of Education, where she edits and translates the
Educational Cooperation Program between Armenia and Georgia. She
assisted in organizing, and also attended, the recently-held
All-Armenian Educational Forum. This forum provides an opportunity for
Armenian teachers around the world to discuss educational issues
facing the Diaspora. "Though I have been to Armenia before, I have
never worked here," said Aline. "I am really involved in the projects
and I constantly learn from the people I work with." In addition to
her internship at the Ministry of Education, Aline also interns at the
Millennium Challenge Armenia office, where she is involved in project
development.
Zaven Sargsian, University of Utah, is interning at both ACNIS and the
Ministry of Finance. In addition to proofreading and translating
documents at the Finance Ministry, Zaven has a unique opportunity to
become acquainted with international trade agreements of the World
Trade Organization, the European Bank of Reconstruction and
Development and the Asian Development Bank. At ACNIS, like Michael and
Vram, Zaven selected an independent research topic: "Economic
Conditions in Armenia and Dollar-Dram Exchange Rate Fluctuations."
"I breathe Armenia, I hear Armenia, I live Armenia," said Zaven. "It
is in Armenia where one feels life, where one feels whole and
complete. I came here thinking that I might affect Armenia somehow,
but realized that Armenia has affected me. And throughout all this, if
you were to ask me what I would change, all the difficulties,
disagreements, and inconveniences I have had here, I would say
‘Nothing.’ I would change absolutely nothing," said Zaven.
Interns are encouraged to greet each day as an exciting, new
adventure. During their time in Armenia, interns also visit places of
cultural and historical interest throughout Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh, and meet with a variety of people to discuss current issues
facing Armenians today, all while working and experiencing everyday
life in Armenia.
To date, interns have visited St. Etchmiadzin, as well as the Khor
Virap, Noravank, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Haghpat and Sanahin
Monasteries. They swam at Lake Sevan, toured Gyumri, visited
Tsakhkadzor, and saw the ancient ruins of Ani from afar, at the
Armenia-Turkey border. They visited the Zvartnots Temple, and the
Sardarapat Memorial and Ethnographic Museum. Interns celebrated
Vardavar (Water Holiday) at Water World. They toured the Yerevan
Brandy Company and the Areni Wine Factory, and visited VivaCell, (a
mobile phone company operating in Armenia). Just days ago, filled with
unforgettable memories, they returned from a 3-day trip to the
Zangezur Region and Nagorno Karabakh.
In addition to their daily work schedule and weekend trips, interns
meet with government officials, spiritual leaders and other prominent
individuals. So far, the 2008 Intern Class met with His Holiness,
Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II; Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan; Parliament Members Davit Harutyunyan, Hranush Hakobyan and
Raffi Hovannisian; Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Vano Vardanyan; Officials
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; U.S. Charge
d’Affaires Joseph Pennington; NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgi
Petrosyan and Head of the USAID-FAR Humanitarian Mission in NKR
Andranik Sargsyan. During these meetings, interns learned about the
inner workings of the Armenian and Karabakh Governments, the Armenian
Parliament, the significance of the Armenian Church in the history of
Armenians and the important role of the Diaspora in their homeland.
Interns share their impressions and thoughts with the Armenian public
through interviews with local Armenian media. This provides an
opportunity for the Armenian public-at-large to become better
acquainted with Diasporan youth, their thoughts, perceptions and
hopes.
"This internship program provides Armenian-American youth an
exceptional opportunity to interact both professionally and socially
with counterparts in Armenia. They gain a better understanding of what
they can do to strengthen their Armenian communities. Many interns
return to Armenia with their friends or parents. Some of them have
even established their own internship or assistance programs," said
Summer Internship Program Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants.
Assembly Internship Descriptions
In 1977, the Assembly launched its pioneering internship program to
give college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to live and
work in Washington, DC, for eight weeks each summer. Interns gain
exposure to the policy-making process in our nation’s capital.
Thanks to a gracious bequest made possible by the Memorial Fund
established through the generosity of Aram Terjenian, Annie Thomas and
Florence Terjenian, the internship program was re-named the
"Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program" in 2003.
In 1999, the internship program in Armenia, which aims to introduce
college-aged students to life in their ancestral homeland, and to
foster the skills needed to help them become the next generation of
leaders, was launched.
Assembly Internship Participants
Washington, DC
Adrine Akopyan, University of California, Los Angeles, Congressman Adam Schiff
Helen Avunjian, University of California, Los Angeles, Armenian
National Institute
Maral Balayan, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt, Armenian
Assembly of America
Armena Ballard, University of Pennsylvania, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Vatche Cherchian, City University London, Armenian Embassy
Hamazasp Danielyan, Yerevan State University, Policy Forum Armenia
Carissa Greenberg, Gonzaga University of Law, Armenian Assembly of America
Lisa Haidostian, University of Michigan, Climatewire
Talar Hovnanian, University of California, San Diego, Center of
Immigration Studies
Teny Josephbe, University of California, San Diego, Library of Congress
Allison Khederian, Williams College, Armenian International Policy
Research Group
Sarah Khederian, George Washington University, Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
Elina Khodorkovsky, University of Southern California, Office of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Allison Sadoian, California State University, Fresno, Congressman
George Radanovich (R-CA)
Lauren Sarkesian, University of Michigan, Senate Sub-Committee for
Investigation
Ari Zartarian, University of Michigan, Congressman Joseph Crowley
Christie Chorbajian, University of Maryland, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
Amalya Hovsepyan, Yerevan State University, Voice of America, Armenia Desk
Armenia
Tsoline Avedisian, Widener University, National Competiveness Council
of Armenia (NCCA), National Geographic Traveler-Armenia
Sarkis Balkhian, Clark University, Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tatiana Gumuchdjian, New York University, ArmeniaNow News Agency,
National Geographic Traveler-Armenia
Vram Kherlopian, Bentley College, Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS), National Competitiveness Council of
Armenia (NCCA)
Liana Mayilyan, University of Texas at Austin, Human Rights Defender’s
Office, Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
Aline Mnayan, University of California, Irvine, Ministry of Education
and Science, Millennium Challenge Armenia
Michael Morel, Merrimack College, Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS)
Zaven Sargsian, University of Utah, Ministry of Finance, Armenian
Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
Established in 1972, 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.
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NR#2008-060
Photographs can be viewed on the Assembly’s Website at the following link:
2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Jackie Speier (D-CA)
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2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Representative Ed Royce (R-CA)
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2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI)
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Armenia Ambassador to the United States, Tatoul Markarian, with the 2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Intern class
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Armenian Assembly Interns: Lisa Haidostian, Allison Sadoian, Lauren Sarkesian and Armena Ballard pictured with Chris Matthews at a Georgetown eatery
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Dr. Levon Avdoyan, Armenian and Georgian Area specialist, giving the 2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns a tour of the Library of Congress
ages/PR_-_2008/June-July/Library-of-Congress-CWB.j pg
2008 Armenia Interns at Shushi
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2008 Armenia Interns meet with Nargorno Karabakh Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgi Petrosyan in Stepanakert, NKR
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20 08 Armenia Interns at Sardarapat Memorial, Armenia
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2008 Armenia Interns at Tatik-Papik Monument, in Nagorno Karabakh
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2008 Armenia Interns: Liana Mayilyan Tsoline Avedisian Vram Kherlopian Michael Morel Zaven Sargsian Sarkis Balkhian and Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants meet with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II at the Residency of Catholicos, Etchmiadzin, Armenia
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2008 Armenia Interns outside in Etchmiadzin, Armenia
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2008 Armenia Interns enjoying some down time at Lake Sevan, Armenia
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2 008 Armenia Interns pose with Khatchars at Lake Sevan, Armenia
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