Country Welcome for Armenia

Բարի գալուստ! Bari galust! Welcome to Peace Corps Armenia!

For over 30 years, the Peace Corps has been a trusted and integral partner with local communities, civil society organizations, and schools throughout Armenia. We look to further strengthen and contribute to this ongoing legacy by inviting motivated and skilled Americans who are prepared to serve for two years as English language teachers or as positive youth mentors and facilitators.

Service in Armenia comes with many rewards and challenges. Volunteers go through a rigorous 10-week pre-service training where they integrate into local communities by living with a host family where they focus on Armenian language, technical education and youth development skills, and intercultural competencies. Following training, Volunteers are sworn in and placed with a primary site, either a school or local civic organization, distributed among regional towns and villages throughout the country.

Education (TEFL) and Youth Development (YD) Volunteers will be hosted by a local family and will gradually integrate into their primary site community. During their 24-month service, Volunteers work with their respective counterparts, communities, and organizations to assess, design, and implement sustainable small projects.

In parallel to the professional aspects of service, Peace Corps Volunteers become deeply ingrained in the fabric of their community by immersing themselves in the language, culture, and traditions of the country. Armenia has a rich and ancient history that spans millennia. Nestled within the Caucasus Mountains, the country is roughly the size of Maryland with a population of 3 million people. Considered the first nation to adopt Christianity, the landscape is dotted with ancient churches, monasteries, and historical sites. Yerevan, the cosmopolitan capital of Armenia, offers stunning views of Mount Ararat, the site of Noah’s Ark according to religious traditions. Known for its warm hospitality, incredible people, and amazing cuisine, Volunteers experience deep ties and connections to Armenia long after they return home to the United States. The profound impact, meaningful relationships, and transformative experiences among Peace Corps Volunteers and their communities are a testament to the incredible power of the Peace Corps in Armenia.

Armenia has faced hardships in recent decades including natural disasters and war; however, the spirit and attitude of the country remains undeterred and hopeful. As Armenia positions itself for EU accession, the relationship with the United States and the West remains positive and optimistic. While the Peace Corps is an apolitical partner, it supports the Armenian people’s self-determined future by promoting peace and mutual understanding; providing English language teaching; and fostering civic-mindedness and leadership among future generations.

We welcome all Armenian schools, non-governmental organizations, communities and families to contact us if you are interested in hosting an American Peace Corps Volunteer in your community.

If you are a prospective Volunteer searching for a meaningful, transformative experience that will challenge you while building technical professional skills and competencies than I encourage you to apply for service with Peace Corps Armenia!

Will O’Roark

Country Director

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Kazakhstan