Washington, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America’s (Assembly) Summer Internship Program in Armenia provided six students with the unique opportunity to work in the homeland, while immersing themselves in daily life in Yerevan, and exploring the country’s rich history and cultural ties. These students gained valuable professional skills interning at a variety of offices. They also experienced Armenia in action by taking in cultural and educational opportunities through a full summer of programing.
The Assembly Armenia interns at Sevanavank Monestary
“It was truly inspiring to meet with the Assembly Armenia interns, a vibrant group of young leaders eager to deepen their connection to their motherland while also learning the importance of advocacy,” said Mariam Khaloyan, Congressional Relations Director of the Armenian Assembly of America. “Their passion and curiosity give us great confidence in the future of our community and the work ahead,” added Khaloyan.
Participants in the Assembly’s Yerevan Internship Program included Anna Shakhbazyan attending James Madison University; Edward Khatchatrian attending Boston University; Hovik Apinyan attending the University of Washington; Joseph Tertzakian-Harris attending the University of California, Berkeley; Christine Bedrossian attending the University of California, Los Angeles; and Sophia Medzoyan attending Barnard College, Columbia University.
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The Assembly Armenia interns receiving a tour from their fellow intern at the History Museum of Armenia
In addition to gaining professional work experience, interns explored Armenia with visits to Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, Garni & Geghard Monasteries, Lake Sevan, Goris, Tatev Monastery – riding the world’s longest aerial tramway, The Wings of Tatev and hiking from Dilijan National Park to the Jukhtak Monastery. They participated in various master classes, including lavash baking, ceramics and miniature painting. With refugees from Artsakh, they learned how to prepare and cook Jengyalov Hats, a dish typical to Artsakh and the Southern Armenian Regions.
“I had the greatest experience at the Women’s Support Center, where I was given the opportunity to connect with local Armenians as well as participate in beneficial work towards an important cause. I’ve always loved being in Armenia, but this internship allowed me to engage with the community on a much deeper level. It not only gave me valuable professional experience, but also strengthened my connection to my heritage and reaffirmed my passion for making a meaningful impact. My favorite weekend activity was the trip to Syunik, where we had the chance to stay overnight in Goris. I don’t think I would have ever gotten this opportunity on my own, so it was incredibly special to share the experience with my fellow interns. The locations we explored were truly beautiful and unforgettable.” noted Christine Bedrossian from Burbank, California. Christine majors in political science and interned at the Women’s Support Center this summer.
The Assembly Armenia interns with Armenia Director of Finance and Human Resources Ani Arshamanian, Armenia Regional Analyst Alin Ozinian, and Armenia Internship Coordinator Anna Avagyan
While in Yerevan, Assembly Interns met with public figures, NGO leaders and visited prominent institutions including: the Republic of Armenia Parliament, the American University of Armenia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, the Assistant to Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, Armenia Tree Project, the Women’s Support Center, and met with Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian, Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan, and Assembly 2024 Terjenian-Thomas Alumna Susanna Kharatyan. Other notable activities included a photo shoot in traditional Armenian costumes, home building with Fuller Center for Housing and paying tribute to the fallen Armenian heroes in Yerablur Military Pantheon.
“The collaboration with the Armenian Assembly of America has had a significant impact on the History Museum of Armenia’s efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage. This partnership has provided the intern with a valuable opportunity to engage deeply with Armenian history, identity, and community through hands-on work and meaningful projects within the Museum.” noted Naira Avanesyan, Head of the Department of Educational Programs and Guided Tours at the History Museum of Armenia.
The Assembly Armenia interns volunteering with the Fuller Center For Housing Armeni
“The internship program organized and facilitated by the Armenian Assembly of America at the Foreign Ministry of Armenia for young professionals from the United States was of great value as it offered an exceptional platform to gain firsthand experience in diplomacy and international relations. We were happy to have Anna Shakhbazyan as an intern during the past several weeks. Being a bright and smart person, Anna contributed greatly to the daily work of Department of the Americas. She demonstrated an outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a keen interest in global affairs throughout her time with us,” stated Arthur Grigoryan, Head of the Department of the Americas, USA and Canada Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
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For more information about the Assembly’s 2026 Internship Programs, as well as the Assembly’s financial aid directory, please click here. The Summer Internship Program in Armenia application can be found here and the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program application is available here. We are deeply grateful for the support of all of our donors and members who make our work possible. Gifts that help educate and empower the next generation of Armenian American leaders are deeply appreciated. |
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Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization. |
The Armenian Assembly of America
