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    Discover Armenia participant holding children's hands in a field in Armenia

    Discover Armenia

    Forging connections with our land and people

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    Young girls looking at a painting
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    Community Service

    Projects range from construction to serving the vulnerable.
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    Community Service

    Whether it is building homes for disadvantaged families, visiting local orphanages or serving hot meals at the AGBU Senior Dining Centers, participants develop a deep sense of engagement with the country. A cornerstone of the program, community service connects each individual with their homeland and provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and development.

    The participants earn a total of 60 hours of community service during the program and are presented with a certificate. 

    AGBU has a longstanding partnership with the Fuller Center for Housing and together, construction projects are implemented in different regions of Armenia. 

    The humanitarian dimension of the trip also includes visits to the AGBU Senior Dining Centers where the participants spend quality time with elders. Creating personal ties with the beneficiaries of AGBU's programs reinforces ties to the organization and continues to deepen the understanding of the value of its global network.

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    Armenian church steeples in Yerevan
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    Activities & Tours

    18 days of adventure exploring heritage sites and more.
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    Activities & Tours

    Throughout their stay, participants visit significant sites around Armenia.

    Each summer, the group visits the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, Khor Virap, and the Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts.

    The program also includes day-trips to significant sights such as Garni, Geghard, Sardarapat, Noravank, Mount Aragats, Lake Sevan, as well as a visit to the ruins of Ani (from the Armenian side of the border).

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    Discover Armenia participants volunteering in Armenia
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    Cultural Enrichment

    Connect with rich heritage and the wonders of the homeland.
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    Cultural Enrichment

    Discover Armenia participants travel to Armenia from every corner of the globe, and engage in a number of cultural and educational activities in addition to the scheduled sightseeing and community service. One of the highlights of the summer is a group hike at Mount Aragats - the tallest mountain in Armenia. The students also enjoy a diverse selection of activities from Armenian folk dance and singing courses, to engaging in the grape benediction ceremony and festivities at the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary.

    Participants also become better acquainted with AGBU and our vast programming in Armenia and Artsakh with multiple visits to the AGBU Armenia and AGBU Armenian Virtual College offices. There is ample opportunity for engagement with other youth groups and activities sponsored by AGBU, including performances with students and instructors at the AGBU Nork Children's Center.

    Finally, some of the greatest memories are made from the participants’ daily interactions with their peers. Living together, sharing a simple dinner, or enjoying an evening at a local restaurant, create bonds unlike any other. 

    Join Us for Life-Changing Summer Experience

    Sign up for an amazing three week journey, perfectly tailored for teens ages 15-18. For information on program costs and FAQs, see below. Returning families, please click here. 

    Enroll
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    Important Dates

    Application Deadline
    01
    July 2023
    Program Start Date
    28
    July 2023
    Program End Date
    13
    August 2023
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    Discover Armenia Participant Helping to Build a House
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    Discover Armenia Participant Helping elder people in the Soup Kitchen
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    Discover Armenia Happy Participants
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    Discover Armenia Participant doing pottery
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    Discover Armenia Participants having selfie
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    Discover Armenia Community
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    Discover Armenia Participant in front of a monastery
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    Discover Armenia Tours

     

     

    Supervision and Team

    Participants spend their days in a supervised environment. Both the Program Director and expert counselors live in the same accommodations and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our longtime Director of Summer Youth Programs (Armenia/France) Herminé Duzian leads the 2022 Discover Armenia Program once again this summer. 

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    Discover Armenia staff volunteering in Armenia with Program Director

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Program Details
    • Travel
    • Accommodations
    • Health and Safety
    • Finances & Registration
    Program Details
    What sort of supervision and guidance is provided?

    Along with a committed team of expert counselors, Herminé Duzian, the AGBU Director of Summer Youth Programs (Armenia/France), serves as the Program Director of Discover Armenia each summer. Participants are supervised for the entire duration of the trip.

    An alumna of the AGBU Tarouhi Hagopian School in Lebanon, Herminé Duzian's lifelong involvement with AGBU and the Armenian community began in childhood as a young scout and athlete. Her positive childhood experiences led her to focus on AGBU youth programs throughout her career. Each summer, Herminé looks forward to teaching a new generation of Armenians about their cultural identity and heritage.

    What are the rules of the program?

    AGBU Discover Armenia expects a positive attitude and enthusiastic participation from all enrolled. Students must follow the directions of the Program Director and Staff. All participants require and should expect essentially equal attention. Behaviour detrimental to the safety or enjoyment of the experience will not be tolerated. A more comprehensive list of rules and regulations is listed on the Participant Code of Conduct and Agreement Form found on the application. This must be signed by each participant and legal guardian during registration.

    What is the itinerary scheduled for the upcoming summer?

    A specific itinerary will be provided closer to the program start date and will be clearly communicated to participants and their families.

    How can I communicate with my child during their stay?

    You can keep in touch with your child via email or phone. Each participant can bring his/her own international mobile phone (unlocked and capable of working with GSM systems) or buy one in Armenia. The participants can also use the free WiFi of the location of their stay to communicate with their families and friends. In case of emergency, you may reach out to the program director. 

    Travel
    What is the name of the airport in Yerevan?

    Zvartnots International Airport

    How are flights booked?

    The Program Fee does not include the price of plane tickets. All flight arrangements are expected to be made by the participant. Our Program Director will connect with you after enrollment to coordinate travel with each family. 

    Is a visa required to enter and stay in Armenia for the duration of the program?

    Citizens of the following 45 countries can travel to Armenia without a visa: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

    Nationals of countries not mentioned here should contact the closest Armenian embassy to check visa requirements.

    What sort of identification is required for the trip?

    All participants must bring a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their departure date from Armenia.

    Accommodations
    Where are participants housed during their stay in Armenia?

    The group will be staying in a newly-renovated building outside of Yerevan in Hankavan (a 40-minute drive out of the city). The site is equipped with modern dormitories, sport facilities and fields, as well as a swimming pool. All suites comprise 2 rooms with 3-4 beds each. 

    What sort of food is available for participants during their stay?

    Participants enjoy a variety of healthy meals from traditional Armenian meals to sandwiches and continental cuisine. As the size of the group is large, we cannot accommodate special requests and expect that participants will enjoy the group meals provided. If your child has food allergies, please contact us in advance of enrollment to discuss the options available.

    What supplies should participants bring for their stay?

    A complete packing list will be provided to participants prior to their arrival in Armenia. This will include our guidelines for attire as well as housing essentials. There is no laundry service on premises and so it is recommended participants bring enough clothing for 18 days.

    Will AGBU provide accommodations for participants arriving before or leaving after the assigned program dates?

    The building will not be available before the beginning of the Program and after departure dates. If your child is arriving prior to the program start date, you are responsible for arranging accommodations in country in advance of or after the program. 

    Can participants stay with relatives/friends during the Program?

    Discover Armenia requires that all participants live together in AGBU housing. This fosters camaraderie and collaboration amongst the group. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made.

    Health and Safety
    What immunizations or health clearances are required for travel to Armenia?

    We recommend that you consult with your child's physician prior to his/her trip regarding immunizations and other health concerns. Armenia does not require specific vaccinations for entry. All prescription medications and pre-exisiting conditions must be brought to the attention of program administrators in advance of enrollment. AGBU reserves the right to deny a participant if the Program Director feels she cannot accommodate a medical condition. 

    Are there other medical restrictions for program participation?

    All participants must submit a health form disclosing health conditions that may affect their daily activities. AGBU is not responsible for managing the health care or developmental needs of the participants. If a student has severe allergies or other conditions that require medical oversight, please discuss these with the Program Director in an open and honest manner to determine whether the program is the right fit for your child.

    Does my child need medical insurance?

    Yes. All participants, regardless of age or country of origin, are required to have travel medical insurance during their time with AGBU Discover Armenia.

    Is medical assistance available during my child's stay?

    AGBU ensures 24-hour medical assistance onsite at the hosting facility. In case of emergency, medical support will be provided from the nearest hospital.

    Finances & Registration
    What is the tuition cost to send my child to Discover Armenia?

    Our summer fees are $1,400 USD, Air Travel fees is not included. The fees cover housing, daily transportation and food throughout the stay.

    What amenities and expenses does the participation fee cover?

    The Participation Fee includes lodging expenses, meals as well all planned activities including tours, group dinners, organized trips out of town, and local sightseeing visits.

    Is financial aid provided?

    For financial aid, please, contact the Program Director with a request for application form.

    Does my child require any spending money while in the Program?

    The basic necessities (daily meals, lodging, and local transportation expenses) are included in the program fee. Spending money should be provided to each participant at the parents' discretion (150-200 EUR or USD should suffice).

    How do I access my child's application to update information?

    Once you create a family profile, you can return to your login by clicking here.

    If I enrolled an older child previously, do I still need to complete an application?

    Yes. Each child needs their own enrollment form including personal information, health background etc. You can return to your family profile using this link and simply add a child. 

    For more information, contact france@agbu.org.

     

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