Welcome to your best source of information for Peace Corps Armenia! If you’re considering volunteering in Armenia, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you more about the history of the Peace Corps in Armenia and explore Armenia as a nation. You’ll learn about the languages spoken in the country and hear about other volunteers experiences. You can find more information about safety and health issues here too. And we’ll tell you how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Armenia. Get ready to find out more about information to help you decide if serving in Armenia is right for you.
Volunteers in Armenia work with their communities on locally prioritized projects in Education (ED) and Youth in Development (YinD) sectors. Cohorts usually leave in March.
What is the History of Peace Corps Armenia?
The Peace Corps has been operating in Armenia since 1992. The Armenian government invited the Peace Corps to assist with the country’s development efforts and to foster cultural exchange between the United States and Armenia. To date, over 1100 volunteers have served in the country.
The Peace Corps Armenia volunteers have worked on various projects aimed at supporting community development, education, and public health. They work in collaboration with local organizations and institutions to address the needs and priorities of the Armenian people.
Peace Corps Armenia has played a significant role in building bridges of understanding and friendship between the American and Armenian people. Volunteers immerse themselves in the local culture and way of life, living in the communities they serve. This hands-on approach allows them to develop close relationships with the people they work with and create a positive impact.
Over the years, the Peace Corps Armenia has adapted its programs to address the changing needs of the country. Volunteers have contributed to initiatives ranging from English language education to environmental conservation and youth development.
What about Armenia as a nation?
Armenia is a nation located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Armenia has a unique cultural heritage, including its distinctive language and architecture.
As a nation, Armenia has faced many challenges throughout its history. The Armenian Genocide, which occurred during World War I, resulted in the death and displacement of a large number of Armenians. This continues to have a profound impact on the Armenian people and their identity.
Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. And has since been working to establish a stable democracy and develop its economy. The country faces various socio-economic and geopolitical challenges. This includes territorial conflicts with neighboring Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Armenia is also known for its diaspora, with Armenians living in many countries around the world. The diaspora has played a crucial role in preserving Armenian culture. And they provide support to Armenia in various ways.
In recent years, Armenia has seen social and political changes. This came from periodic protests and a shift in government. The country continues to strive for political stability, economic growth, and the protection of human rights.
Armenia is a nation with a deep-rooted history, cultural richness, and resilience. It faces both internal and external challenges. But its people remain proud of their heritage and continue to work towards a prosperous future.
What languages do they speak in Armenia?
The official language of Armenia is Armenian. It has its own distinct alphabet which was developed in the early 5th century.
The Armenian language has two main dialects: Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. Eastern Armenian is the primary dialect spoken in the Republic of Armenia and is also used in the educational system, media, and official documents. Western Armenian is spoken by the Armenian diaspora.
While English and Russian are also spoken by some Armenians, Armenian remains the dominant language in the country.
How safe is it serve as a volunteer in Armenia?
In general, 97% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in Armenia. And 99% felt safe or very safe where they worked. 9% of volunteers early terminated mostly due to resignation or medical reasons. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the Armenia Crime, Harassment, and Early Termination of Service Data.
Most of the medical problems seen in Armenia are also found in the United States. These include colds, diarrhea, skin infections, headaches, minor injuries, sexually transmitted infections, adjustment disorders, and emotional problems. For Volunteers, these problems may be more frequent or compounded by life in Armenia. This happens because local factors raise the risk of or exacerbate the severity of certain illnesses.
The medical problems specific to Armenia are colds, flu, diarrhea, skin infections, headaches, minor injuries, dental problems, sexually transmitted infections, Hepatitis A, B, and rabies. Health problems also can result from local environmental factors, such as dust, humidity, insects, and disease-producing microorganisms. But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps Armenia can be found in the Armenia Health and Medical Care Summary.
What do volunteers think of serving in Armenia?
Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 89% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 91% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 93% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the Armenia Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.
Where can I learn more about PC Armenia volunteer experiences?
PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in Armenia. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.
Blog and YouTube Channel Links:
- Kylie, YinD, 2024-26 (podcast)
- J’nae, YinD 2023-25 (blog)
- Harry, YinD, 2023-25 (YouTube)
- Camden, TEFL, 2023-25 (blog)
- Jim, TEFL, 2023-25 (blog)
- Alyzabeth, TEFL, 2017-19 (blog)
- Molly & Sam, 2017-19 (blog)(couple)
- Clayton, TEFL 2017-19 (blog)(for history buffs)
- Liz, TEFL 2017-19 (blog)(over 55)
- Emily, 2017-19 (blog)(LGBTQ+)
If you’re interested in learning more about serving in Armenia, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps Armenia with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.
How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in Armenia?
Friends of Armenia (FOA) is a grass-roots organization made up of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers, Armenians, and other interested stakeholders around the world. They are interested in and dedicated to the positive development of Armenia. Their mission is to support innovative, community-driven projects in Armenia, and foster connections among their members. And they want to promote a better understanding among Americans of Armenia, its people, and culture.
And where can I find official information about Peace Corps Armenia?
- PeaceCorps.gov/Armenia
- Projects in Armenia
- Stories from Armenia
- Preparing to Volunteer
- Living Conditions
- Training
- Health
- Safety and Security
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Packing Guidance
This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Armenia“, published in 2013. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about Armenia. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it here but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.
Conclusion:
This blog post has provided you with information to help you decide if serving in Armenia is right for you. You have gained insights into the cultural, linguistic, and developmental aspects of the country. We have also touched on the safety considerations and health-related information relevant to volunteers. And, you learned how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers. For more information about Peace Corps Armenia, you can visit the Peace Corps website or explore the provided resources. We hope this post has been helpful in your quest for information on Peace Corps Armenia.
Armenia map by TUBS file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
