Home Away From Home: Birthright Armenia’s Host Families Help Create Lifelong Connections

Right from its inception, Birthright Armenia recognized the profound impact that an immersion program in Armenia, with volunteer service at its core, could have on the next generation of Armenian leaders. The organization sought to create an experience that would foster a greater commitment to all things Armenian, resulting in inspired and well-prepared young individuals ready to shape our collective future.

Birthright Armenia believes that it is every Armenian’s birthright not only to see Armenia but also to experience it through an enriching, hands-on, and life-changing program.

At the heart of Birthright Armenia’s program is the opportunity for volunteers to live with host families, which offers a unique and personal connection to the local community. By encouraging volunteers to reside with host families, Birthright Armenia provides an environment that facilitates meaningful interactions and cultural exchange. Host families, carefully selected and pre-screened by Birthright Armenia, often have at least one member within the volunteer’s age range, allowing for dynamic youth-to-youth connections.

Living with a host family opens doors to authentic experiences, allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in Armenian culture, language, and daily life. It’s a chance to create lifelong friendships and forge a deep bond with their newfound Armenian family. These connections extend beyond language lessons and cultural exchanges – they become a home away from home.

One remarkable example of a participant’s experience with a host family is that of Alexander Aro from France. Alexander found himself matched with a host family that proved to be a perfect fit.

“During my fourth year of study, when I was 21 years old, I met a Birthright Armenia alumna who introduced me to the program. I wanted to get closer to my Armenian identity and feel more Armenian because it was not enough. I felt that I should at least be able to speak the language and present myself in Armenian,” explained Alexander in a recent interview.

His host father, Tigran, hadn’t heard about the program until a chance encounter with a Birthright Armenia participant. “We were at our friends’ house, and I saw a young person. I asked who that person was. Is he one of your family members? They told me no, he is doing a program called Birthright Armenia, where Diaspora Armenians come to Armenia and can live with host families,” Tigran explained.

During his stay in Armenia, Alexander loved spending quality time with his host parents, Tigran and Karine; they conversed in both French and Armenian, delving into shared interests such as history, ancient maps of Armenia, and music.

The connection was so profound that Alexander extended his volunteering period in Armenia to spend more time with his host family. “Initially, I wanted to stay in Yerevan for a month, but my plans quickly changed. I will stay for three months because my connection with Tigran and Karine is so special that I do not want to lose this,” Alexander explains. For him, Armenia now feels like a second home, and his host family has become an inseparable part of his journey. “How they welcomed me and how we interact with each other is special.”

Safety, of course, is of paramount importance to Birthright Armenia, and the organization goes to great lengths to ensure the well-being of its volunteers. The network of pre-selected and pre-screened host families throughout Armenia provides participants with a supportive and secure environment. Birthright Armenia’s commitment to safety allows volunteers to focus on their experience, knowing they are in trusted hands.

By participating in Birthright Armenia, you not only embark on a personal journey of self-discovery but also contribute to the development and progress of your homeland. The volunteer service component of the program allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of Armenians and contribute to the growth of local communities. Whether you’re engaged in education, healthcare, community development, or other fields, your efforts will have a lasting impact.

Alexander, like all Birthright Armenia alumni, embodies the organization’s vision. They emerge as leaders with a profound understanding and appreciation of the Armenian people, their history, and the importance of preserving the language. Equipped with this enriched perspective, they are empowered to contribute to the collective future of Armenia and its worldwide Armenian community.

If you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey, connect with your roots, and make a meaningful impact, Birthright Armenia invites you to join their immersive program as a volunteer or host family.

“I came to Armenia to discover more about my Armenian identity: the language, the culture, our homeland, and the local people,” Alexander explained. “Volunteering in Armenia and living with a host family has also allowed me a unique professional and personal experience. I am very grateful for that and to be in Armenia.”