Discovering Armenia: My journey in Vanadzor

Since mid-May, I have been living a unique and enriching adventure thanks to the Birthright Armenia program. As a volunteer in Vanadzor, the country's third-largest city, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in Armenian culture and make a meaningful contribution to the local community.

Why I Chose Vanadzor: A City Off the Beaten Path

I chose Vanadzor precisely because it is a less touristy city than Yerevan. Surrounded by mountains, this city is ideal for nature lovers and summer hikes. However, Vanadzor is a relatively small city with limited cultural and social activities. Most residents prefer to stay with their families, which restricts social opportunities outside the family context. The city is marked by a traditional and conservative culture, which is particularly noticeable as a woman. The family unit plays a central role in socialization, sometimes limiting interaction with other young people. I am staying with a host family consisting of a mother, father, and their daughter. The warm welcome and kindness of my host family have greatly facilitated my adaptation. I share a particularly close relationship with their daughter, who speaks fluent English, making communication easy despite my lack of Armenian. Their support and hospitality have turned my stay into a friendly and enriching experience.

My primary role has been teaching French to students at Vanadzor University and beginners. These classes have allowed me to share my language and culture with young people eager to learn and discover the Francophone world. The interactions with my students have been very enriching for me. Their motivation and genuine interest in French made my work extremely rewarding. Alongside my teaching duties, I have been working at the "Toon" educational social center on a city walk project. This project aims to promote Vanadzor by highlighting its historical and cultural sites through tourist routes. Collaborating with the local team has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to combine my language and organizational skills to contribute to a local initiative.

I chose this program because the organization greatly facilitates planning the stay in Armenia. After an interview and reviewing my CV, the Birthright team guided me to a structure that matched my wishes. Sometimes, it's also up to the volunteer to adapt: I had not planned to teach French, but the local coordinators insisted on the students' interest in French. Accommodation is also facilitated as one can stay with a host family, allowing for meeting Armenian families and immersing more concretely in local life. It's also a way to improve or work on Armenian language skills. The program allows volunteers to take Armenian language courses, offering an initiation for beginners or advanced lessons for those who already master the language.

Challenges and Flexibility Required

As a volunteer, you need to be very flexible and adaptable, as certain situations can arise, such as different job sites, or communication difficulties with host families when they don't speak English and we don't speak Armenian (which was my case in Yerevan during the first week). Additionally, the organization offers numerous optional excursions and outings (havak and forum) during the week. Although indicated as optional, participating in a certain number is necessary for reimbursement. This allows discovering many things related to Armenia but considerably limits the time outside the Birthright framework to explore the city independently. The Birthright program is very practical for discovering Armenia differently.

My experience with Birthright Armenia has been marked by discovery, learning, and encounters. Teaching French, working on a local project, and living with an Armenian family have allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture of this country. Vanadzor, with its magnificent landscapes, has provided a perfect setting for this unforgettable experience, despite the challenges of living in a less dynamic city. During my journey, I met wonderful people from different parts of the world. I'm happy to have connected with other volunteers, sharing experiences and creating unforgettable memories.