In this interview, we hear from Katie Powell. Katie is working as a Peace Corps Youth Development volunteer in Armenia. What Katie shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers do. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Katie talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Katie’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Can you tell us more about serving as a Youth Development volunteer in Armenia?
Serving as a Youth Development volunteer in Armenia has been both rewarding and full of new experiences. I work at a local youth center, where I support young people in building life and employability skills through informal education. This includes leading clubs, camps, workshops, and mentorship activities, using interactive approaches such as games, discussions, presentations, and practical learning exercises.
A typical day
A typical day begins with my morning routine and a walk to the youth center, where I spend time with coworkers planning and preparing over coffee. In the afternoon, the youth arrive, and I make a point to connect with them—asking about school, their interests, and what’s happening in their lives. Around 15:30, clubs or workshops begin and usually run for an hour. I lead my Conversational English Club regularly, and other clubs vary depending on youth interests—for example, study skills, basic computer literacy, or themed activities like movie days.
I often co-facilitate with my counterpart, especially when the topic requires stronger language skills or a deeper cultural context, but I also run sessions independently. In addition, I support my coworkers with their projects and activities whenever possible. My workday usually ends around 18:30, followed by walking or taking a taxi home with colleagues. Evenings are reserved for household chores, dinner, and winding down.
Overall, the role blends structure with flexibility, allowing me to respond to the needs and interests of the youth while contributing meaningfully to the community.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Armenia?
I joined the Peace Corps to gain hands-on experience in international development while continuing to learn from and engage with diverse cultures. At the time of my application, I was living abroad and completing my Master’s in Social Work, with the goal of building a career in international development. The Peace Corps offered the perfect opportunity to combine service, professional growth, and cultural exchange. I chose Armenia because of its rich history, distinct culture, and unique language.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
First living with a host family
During my first year of service, I lived with a host family, which was a wonderful way to immerse myself in Armenian culture and language. I still keep in touch with them, but this past summer I moved into my own apartment in the city center, closer to my organization.
Moving into my own apartment
My apartment is modest but comfortable, and living independently has given me the chance to find my own rhythm. I’ve learned that the easiest and most affordable way to eat well is by meal-prepping. Most Sundays, I cook a large base dish—often a rice mix with vegetables and legumes—and then turn it into different meals throughout the week, usually adding chicken or sausage. I also eat a lot of lavash (a traditional Armenian flatbread) and fresh vegetables. Breakfast is simple: oatmeal with fruit or eggs with lavash. On workdays, I usually share lunch with my coworkers, which has been another great way to bond with them.
Living in a smaller city is convenient—I can find most of what I need in local shops and groceries, and the walkability makes daily life manageable. Overall, it’s been a good balance of independence and connection with the community.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
My service has been filled with many memorable moments, but the ones I cherish most are the connections I’ve built with both fellow volunteers and local community members.
With volunteers, some of my favorite memories have come from exploring Armenia together. I set a personal goal to visit every region of the country before completing my service, and I’m just two regions away from reaching it. Each trip has given me a deeper appreciation for Armenia’s culture, history, and landscapes.
At the same time, my most meaningful memories are rooted in my community. Whether it’s sharing meals and traditions with my host family or laughing and working alongside my coworkers and youth, everyday interactions have shaped my experience in profound ways. It’s often in those small, ordinary moments of daily life that the most lasting and special memories are created.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about challenges in Armenia?
One of the challenges I’ve faced as a Youth Development volunteer has been building relationships with the youth at my organization. While I had experience in a similar role in the U.S., the ways relationships are formed and boundaries are set in Armenia can be quite different.
In my community, strong interpersonal and community ties are highly valued, and navigating those dynamics requires careful observation and cultural sensitivity. To adjust, I paid close attention to how my coworkers interacted with the youth and sought guidance from my program manager when needed. Over time, these efforts helped me build trust and meaningful connections, which are essential for effective Youth Development work.
Another challenge was adjusting to using Armenian. When I first arrived at my permanent site, I was nervous to speak the language with youth, which sometimes made me less outgoing than I wanted to be. To address this, I worked with a local tutor who not only helped me improve my Armenian but also taught me my community’s local dialect, which boosted my confidence and strengthened my connections with youth.
6. What challenges did you face while working on Youth Development projects?
One challenge I’ve faced as a Youth Development volunteer is maintaining consistent attendance at clubs and long-term activities. Sometimes, youth are busy with school or other commitments, and it can be difficult to keep them engaged over time.
To address this, I focused on building stronger relationships with participants—getting to know their interests, listening to their feedback, and creating activities that were both fun and meaningful. I also tried to keep the energy and excitement high during each session, so that youth would look forward to coming back. Over time, this approach helped improve attendance and foster a sense of community within the clubs.
7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
Youth Candle-Making Entrepreneurship
One of my recent secondary projects was a grant-funded initiative called “Hands that Shine: Youth Candle-Making Entrepreneurship Initiative.” This two-month project gave local youth the chance to explore leadership, teamwork, and community engagement while also building practical life and employability skills.
Through candle-making workshops, participants learned not only the technical steps of the craft but also how to think creatively, manage resources, and work collaboratively. The project combined hands-on learning with skill-building, and it created a fun, memorable experience for the youth while leaving them with new knowledge they can apply in the future.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Youth Development volunteer in Armenia?
My biggest advice is to come with an open heart and a lot of patience. The youth you’ll work with have so much to share, and if you take the time to listen, you’ll find yourself learning and growing right alongside them.
Also, be ready to invest in language learning. As a Youth Development volunteer, most of your work will take place in Armenian, and putting in the effort to build your language skills will make your experience—and your relationships—much richer.
9. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
The trainings provided by Peace Corps Armenia have been invaluable. From Pre-Service Training to In-Service and Mid-Service, each stage gave me tools I’ve used daily—whether it was language practice, cultural understanding, or project design. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, so my best advice is to take full advantage of their expertise.
To get the most out of training, participate fully, even in sessions that may not seem immediately relevant. Ask lots of questions, take notes you can revisit later, and learn from both staff and fellow volunteers. Training is also a safe space to practice, make mistakes, and grow before applying those skills in your community. The more effort you put in, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel during service.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Armenia volunteers?
My biggest packing advice for Peace Corps Armenia is to prepare for all four seasons. You’ll need good shoes for snow and rain, a reliable windbreaker or raincoat, and solid winter gear like a heavy coat, gloves, and scarves. No matter your site, you’ll experience the full range of weather.
For Youth Development volunteers, I recommend packing a mix of work clothes. Most youth organizations lean business casual or casual, so nice jeans or slacks are perfect for daily use. That said, you should also bring at least one set of business professional attire—you’ll want it for formal events, trainings, or special occasions.
One more tip: if you love to read, don’t pack heavy books. Instead, invest in a digital library card and/or e-reader. The Peace Corps office has a small volunteer library, and English books can also be found in larger cities, so you’ll have plenty of options without overloading your luggage.
11. How has learning the language been?
In Armenia, the local language is Armenian. It’s a beautiful but complex language and learning it has been both challenging and rewarding. Remember to give yourself grace, and don’t compare your learning skills to that of the other volunteers. Everyone progresses at a different pace, so it’s important to be patient with yourself and consistent in your practice.
My biggest advice is to fully use the tools Peace Corps provides—your language classes during training are an excellent foundation. Once you move to your permanent site, finding a local tutor can make a huge difference in building confidence and fluency. Daily conversations with your host family, coworkers, and youth are also some of the best teachers you’ll ever have.
If you have time before staging, even learning the Armenian alphabet and a few basic phrases can help you feel more comfortable when you arrive. If possible, utilize the pre-departure language resources! But don’t stress too much—most of your real learning will happen once you’re here, surrounded by the language every day.
Final Thoughts
Katie’s reflections offer a clear picture of life as a Youth Development volunteer in Armenia. Her stories highlight the balance of challenges and rewards that come with serving in a new cultural setting. From the small, everyday connections with youth and coworkers to the bigger milestones like traveling across the country, her experience shows how meaningful relationships and steady effort can create lasting impact. Her journey reminds us that service is not just about the work you do but also about the growth, understanding, and shared moments that shape you along the way.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Katie’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Armenia Government.
