Sylvain Vicken Muradian (France)

For many individuals, coming to Armenia as a volunteer is an opportunity to give back to Armenia. For AVC volunteer Sylvain (Vicken) Muradian (2011) it was much more than that.

Vicken, who is from France, not only wanted to give back to his country, but also wanted to grow as a Diasporan Armenian by being immersed in the culture and learning as much as he could.

Vicken took a three month “break” from his career to volunteer. He arrived in Armenia after having spent almost three years working as a consultant in China. In Armenia, Vicken volunteered with the National Competitiveness Foundation on the tourist team, working to catalyze development in strategic sectors of the economy.

One particularly project he worked on and was passionate about was a presentation to potential investors about opening one of Armenia’s many treasurers: the Mozrov cave.

One of the challenges Vicken encountered was his language skills. He came to Armenia knowing almost no Armenian. But, Vicken wanted to learn. With the help of Eastern Armenian language classes provided by Birthright Armenia, his determination, and “the patience of Armenians” around him, he was able to learn the language quickly and carry on conversations in Armenian (almost) as if it were his native tongue.

Vicken believes that a volunteer’s time here in Armenia is what they make out of it. “When working with an organization, be open to opportunities you’re given, and be as enthusiastic about the mission as your colleagues are.” Vicken says, “my time volunteering with the National Competitiveness Foundation was fulfilling because I was able to see the difference my work made and appreciate the work of those with whom I served.”

Category: Volunteers in Action

Featured Placement

Since 2004, Green Lane, a group of researchers, agribusiness professionals and volunteers dedicated to the goal of sustaining agricultural development in rural Armenia, has been combing its efforts to help produce and market high-quality, organic goods made possible by the implementation of farmer-driven research and advisory technology, while simultaneously benefiting farmers and their communities.

Learn about AVC's volunteer opportunities!

Volunteers in Action

Nathalie Demirdjian (USA)

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Taking a break between undergraduate studies and law school was exactly what Florida native Nathalie Demirdjian had in mind. She decided to volunteer in Armenia not only to experience the country, but also to gain real legal experience and learn about the legal system in Armenia.

“The perfect fit” seemed to happen, she says about her placement at Knyazyan & Partners, a boutique intellectual property law firm.

Volunteers Spring into Community Service

May 17, 2011 AVC Volunteers Spring into Community ServiceServing Armenia through Volunteerism Yerevan, Armenia—Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) volunteers have turned spring into a season full of community service, complementing the service they already bring as part of volunteering in Armenia. Early this spring, AVC volunteers helped paint a classroom and hallways at the middle school in Nor Kyugh, a village just outside of Yerevan where students from the SOS-Children's village attend school. Volunteers and students from the school also helped clean the school grounds. This community service project helped beautify the areas where the children spend their time, both indoors and outdoors and provided an opportunity for volunteers to give back and learn about the SOS-Children’s Village and their involvement in the community.