In this interview, we hear from John Quinn. John is working as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Armenia. What John 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. John talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about John’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Impact of Social Media and Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Can you tell us more about serving as an Education volunteer in Armenia?
Absolutely. Serving as a TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Volunteer in Armenia means working directly in local schools to support English language education. Volunteers co-teach with Armenian English teachers, forming a collaborative partnership that supports both language instruction and professional development. This co-teacher model is central to the Peace Corps Armenia experience, ensuring that learning goes both ways. Not only do students benefit, but teachers and Volunteers also grow from the shared experience.
Beyond the classroom, both your co-teacher and your host family act as cultural bridges, helping you understand and navigate Armenian customs, traditions, and community dynamics. That cultural exchange is a vital part of Peace Corps service. Volunteers are not just teachers. They are also community members, learners, and representatives of the United States. The goal is to build lasting relationships and mutual understanding between Americans and Armenians.
Teaching students of all ages in my village
I live in a small, quiet village and teach at a secondary school that teaches students of all ages. My English instruction is limited to grades five through twelve. During the school year, I typically teach three to five classes each day. My students range in age from eleven to eighteen, and their English proficiency levels vary widely. That diversity keeps the work engaging and requires flexibility and creativity in how I approach lesson planning and classroom management.
Life in the village is peaceful and community-oriented. I have built strong bonds with my students, colleagues, and host family. In addition to teaching, I participate in school events, tutor students after hours, and help lead extracurricular activities such as English clubs. It is a role that demands patience and humility. It also offers incredible rewards in terms of personal growth and meaningful and tangible impact.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Armenia?
What motivated me to join the Peace Corps was a deep desire to serve in a meaningful, hands-on way that aligned with my values. I wanted an experience that gave me the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself, represent my country, and gain the professional and personal growth that comes from working and living in a different culture. Peace Corps offered all of that and more.
Long and arduous application process
The application process itself was long and arduous, especially in the post-COVID landscape. I applied in September 2022 and didn’t depart until March 2024. Along the way, I was considered for ten different countries, selected for seven, and ultimately offered five final options: Moldova, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Armenia.
Choosing Armenia for several reasons
I chose Armenia for a few key reasons. First, it had the earliest departure date, and I was eager to begin service. More importantly, I was drawn to the Eastern Europe and Eurasia region, both culturally and historically. Armenia’s unique position in geopolitical contexts, as well as its rich and storied cultural heritage, stood out to me. It felt like the right place to contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow as a global citizen.
Ultimately, joining the Peace Corps and choosing Armenia was about aligning my values with my actions. I believe in working on behalf of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented communities and in building more equitable public systems that serve all people. For me, Peace Corps is more than just a two-year commitment. It is the foundation for the work I hope to do for the rest of my life.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
I live with a small and quiet host family in a rural Armenian village. My host parents are kind and welcoming couple in their late 50s, and they have made me feel like a genuine part of their family. While some Volunteers choose to move out on their own, I have grown comfortable with my host family and have decided to stay with them for the duration of my service. In a smaller village like mine, it is also much more difficult to find independent housing, so even if I wanted to move, it might not be possible.
My home is surprisingly large, especially compared to what I was expecting before coming to the Peace Corps. The food has been consistently good. My host mom is an excellent cook. We eat meals together as a family, and some familiar favorites are always on the table: dolma, pelmeni, khorovats, borscht, and chicken with rice, all served with lavash.
For exercise, I go for runs on the main road through the village. I should be running more often, but the intense heat in the Ararat region makes it tough. I also have a kettlebell and do bodyweight exercises in my room to stay in shape, although I could be more consistent. People might give you strange looks at first when they see you running, but eventually, they just recognize you as the American who runs. It becomes another small moment of cultural exchange.
Living with a host family has been one of the most meaningful parts of my Peace Corps experience. It has helped me develop a deeper understanding of Armenian culture and language, and it has shaped how I view my village and the country as a whole.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
I think the relationship I have developed with my community and especially my students has been the most rewarding part of my service. I can feel the warmth in their response when I arrive at school and it genuinely makes my day. They are happy to see me and I feel the same way about them.
Over time, I have come to play a role that blends both teacher and community member. While they recognize me as an educator, I am also someone they see regularly outside of school which builds familiarity and trust. I believe my age contributes to this dynamic. At 25, I am close enough in age to the older students that they feel comfortable around me. That sense of approachability helps me serve not only as a teacher but also as a mentor.
Sometimes I feel more like a peer than a teacher and while that makes it easier to build rapport and offer guidance, it can occasionally challenge the authority typically expected of a teacher. Even so, I view that as part of the learning process for them and for me. I value the sense of community we have created together and I am grateful for the opportunity to build meaningful connections that extend beyond academics.
Small gifts show my appreciation
When I travel to a city like Yerevan or Gyumri for trainings or prolonged stays, I often feel obligated to bring some sort of gift back for my host niece and nephew. A few months back, I brought home a soccer ball for my nephew and a doll for my niece. More recently, I picked up a Pikachu stuffed animal for my niece and a Nerf gun with extra darts for my nephew.
These gifts have become one of the easiest and most meaningful ways for me to show my appreciation to my host family. Armenians are culturally very family-oriented and the family structure really revolves around the kids. If the kids are happy, the whole family feels it.
Every time I bring something home, I get a big thank you from my niece and nephew, and I genuinely enjoy how much they appreciate it. These small moments have helped strengthen my relationship with my host family and have been some of the most touching parts of my Peace Corps experience.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about challenges in Armenia?
I think the most challenging aspect of my service has been navigating the structure of the educational system overall. This is not something unique to Armenia. I have plenty of critiques of the American education system as well, and my perspective is shaped by broader political and pedagogical values.
In many classrooms across Armenia, instructional methods and behavior management strategies feel outdated. These rigid systems often lead to ongoing discipline issues and limited academic achievement.
From the standpoint of teaching English as a foreign language, research clearly shows that the earlier students begin learning a second language, the better their outcomes tend to be. However, in Armenia, English education typically does not begin until fifth grade. This places many students at an early disadvantage.
A big difference between large cities and a village like mine
Economic conditions also shape educational access and success. In large cities such as Yerevan and Gyumri, students often receive private tutoring and preparation for exams like the TOEFL and SAT. These resources give them a significant edge, especially if they are hoping to study abroad. In contrast, students in rural communities rarely have access to similar support. This not only affects academic readiness but also influences how students perceive their own potential and their place in the world.
These contrasting forces have a powerful impact on the country’s long-term development. When rural students are not given early access to meaningful educational opportunities, many begin to believe that their future depends on leaving their communities behind. Those who do succeed often look beyond Armenia for the opportunities they were not given at home. This is not because they want to leave, but because they feel they must.
This cycle leads to a pattern where the most driven and talented rural students pursue opportunities elsewhere and often do not return. It deepens the divide between urban and rural areas and slows progress toward inclusive development. For Armenia to grow in a balanced and sustainable way, students in every region must have access to the tools and encouragement they need to build their futures where they are.
In a small way, I as a Peace Corps Volunteer can help close that gap. By working with students in rural areas, I can offer a different perspective and help bridge the distance between under-resourced communities and their better-connected peers. Still, the future of this country will be shaped by its brightest youth. If they are not supported, no matter where they live, the cycle of brain drain will continue.
6. What challenges did you face while working on Education projects?
Most volunteers face similar challenges in the education sector, such as low club attendance, classroom behavior issues, and a lack of community buy-in. These are common obstacles, but I’ve found two key strategies that have helped me adapt my projects.
- First, I focus on the students who are genuinely eager for help.
- Second, I look beyond my immediate community to collaborate with other organizations and volunteers on joint projects.
Some of the most rewarding work I’ve done involves individualized tutoring with motivated students and partnering with organizations across Armenia on guest courses and collaborative initiatives. In particular, working alongside other volunteers has been especially fulfilling.
7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
I’ve run basic English courses, conversational English clubs, Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), and Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prep clubs which often become more akin to individualized tutoring. I’ve done collaborative career-building clubs, and I’ve done some guest courses in other schools across Armenia. There are opportunities out there for secondary projects, you just have to find them and work towards those goals.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Education volunteer in Armenia?
With the recent cuts to USAID funding, securing grants has become more challenging for many development projects. However, Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP) grants are still available and remain a valuable source of support. It is possible that I can apply for a PCPP grant before I complete my service.
My school has shown interest in collaborating on a project that aligns well with Peace Corps goals and community needs. With their support, I believe we could develop a strong proposal that addresses local priorities and leverages the resources and expertise of both the school and the Peace Corps. This partnership could help maximize the impact of the grant and ensure sustainable benefits for the community. I am currently exploring ideas and gathering input to move forward with the application process.
Service can be a test of endurance and resilience
Peace Corps service is, above all, a test of endurance and resilience. It challenges you to adapt, grow, and persevere in unfamiliar and often uncomfortable circumstances. The most effective way to face these challenges is by staying flexible. You need to be willing to adjust and push yourself beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone.
During my time in Armenia, I have found myself in many situations that would have once made me uncomfortable. In those moments, I remind myself that real personal growth often comes at the cost of comfort. It is only by leaning into those challenges that we begin to change and expand our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Embrace the people and the culture wholeheartedly
To anyone beginning their service in Armenia, I would offer this advice: embrace the people and the culture wholeheartedly. If you open yourself up fully to Armenia, the people will meet you with warmth, generosity, and kindness. The Armenian people are some of the most hospitable individuals I have ever encountered. They have welcomed us, as Americans and newcomers, into their homes and communities with open arms. They will metaphorically and sometimes literally offer you the food off their table or the shirt off their back, even if it comes at a personal cost to them. I find their generosity both humbling and inspiring.
When you step outside your comfort zone and open yourself to connection, you will grow in ways you never expected. And in that process, you will come to understand the deep value of mutual respect and cultural exchange.
9. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
Peace Corps trainings provide valuable opportunities to reconnect with fellow volunteers, share ideas, and collaborate on strategies to address challenges within our communities. These meetings play a crucial role in promoting strong relationships among volunteers and encouraging a sense of cohort continuity, especially during Pre-Service Training. I have come to appreciate how these sessions enhance our professional skills and build a supportive network that is essential for personal growth and effective service.
Focus on language learning during PST
To get the most out of your Peace Corps experience, I highly recommend focusing on language learning during PST. Developing strong language skills early on will not only help you communicate more effectively but also deepen your connection with the community you serve.
Connections are the lifeblood of PC service
Equally important is building genuine friendships and relationships with your fellow volunteers and the staff. These connections will provide essential support, encouragement, and practical advice throughout your service.
Connection truly is the lifeblood of your Peace Corps journey. It applies not only to your relationship with the local community but also to the bonds you form with your cohort. These relationships create a network of understanding and camaraderie that can help you navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and make your service more meaningful and fulfilling.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Armenia volunteers?
Bring a handheld video game system or plan to buy one before you arrive. I have a Nintendo Switch, and honestly, it has been a lifesaver. One thing they don’t tell you about Peace Corps is that you’ll have a lot of free time, and you need something to keep yourself busy. Just bring it and make room for it. You will buy clothes and essentials, so it’s okay to make room for the Switch.
Also, figure out what you want to do with your phone number and bank account before you leave. Do you want to keep your American phone number, even if you won’t be using it? Remember, keeping it active costs money. I recommend switching all your funds to a major bank with branches worldwide. I bank with a credit union and managed to sort things out, but it was difficult because I had to use a third-party service like Skype to contact them since I couldn’t easily email or call.
11. How has learning the language been?
During Pre-Service Training, we were required to complete three months of language learning, which accounts for most of the language skills I have gained during my service. As a TEFL volunteer, you are encouraged to use only English in the classroom, which makes learning the local language less critical than it is for Youth Development volunteers in Armenia.
Many volunteers have continued their language studies through private tutoring sessions available via the Peace Corps reimbursement program. I have not taken advantage of this opportunity yet. As a volunteer who cares about the overall quality of volunteers in the country, I would recommend a do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do approach: learn as much of the language as you can before arriving and keep improving your skills throughout your service.
Impact of Social Media and Final Thoughts
12. How do you think social media contributes to your overall mission as a Peace Corps volunteer?
I’ve looked to grow my professional network on LinkedIn and utilize my Peace Corps Service as a launch pad for my career. I would recommend connecting with as many people in the Peace Corps but more broadly in the international affairs field as they can provide valuable insights and worthwhile connections that can facilitate your career goals.
13. Any last comments or observations you’d like to pass on to future Armenia volunteers?
Have fun and enjoy yourself. Most of the people who join the Peace Corps are politically jaded post-grads like myself who want to do something meaningful and travel the world with people their own age. If that sounds appealing to you, I would take the leap. It could very well be the most challenging and life-changing decision you ever make; and the one you’ll be proudest of.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like John’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.
