Here are food recommendations while you’re traveling!
If you’re in Armenia and this list encourages you to attend any festivals or events in 2023, please don’t hesitate to tag me in any Instagram posts or story @_isis_mack
Birthright Armenia -- My Story and Experience
9 Mar, 2023
The beginning…
My adventure began in the summer of 2018 when I was there for a short study abroad program, and that was when I first fell in love with the country. I left with a deep desire to come back and explore more of what Armenia has to offer.
Fast forward to 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I stumbled upon Birthright Armenia, a program that offers volunteer opportunities and cultural immersion experiences for Armenians around the world. At this point, I was already infatuated with returning to Armenia so I was immediately intrigued and decided to apply. After the interview process, I was approved, and all that was left was to wait until I graduated college. Fast forward almost two years, and a month after graduating college, I set off to Armenia.
Okay, so some of you may know my boyfriend, Drew. We met in the Spring of 2021 once I had already established the fact that I was leaving to Armenia. Obviously we both couldn’t fathom a relationship; we were graduating in a few months and I knew I was leaving the country.
However love had other plans, and by November, Drew had made the life-changing decision to join me in Armenia. After graduating college, we both set off to Armenia, not knowing what was in store for us.
Drew and I at Lake Sevan, Armenia our first month.
What happened next…
What was supposed to be a four-month volunteer stint turned into something much more significant. We fell in love with Armenia’s people, culture, and way of life. We extended our lease, found jobs, became accustomed to the cultural differences and started building lifelong relationships. For me, it was an opportunity to learn more about my heritage, and for Drew, it was a chance to immerse himself in a completely new culture.
Sadly, we had to leave due to our pursuit of graduate school, but the memories and experiences we had in Armenia will stay with us forever and I will be sharing them here, on this blog, until we graduate again, and we both set off to Armenia again…
Birthright Armenia
Participating in Birthright Armenia has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the beautiful country of Armenia. Through this program, I had the chance to make lifelong friends, explore the entire country, give back to the community, learn about Armenian history, and so much more.
Without Birthright Armenia’s support and guidance, I do not believe I would have had the ability to set my life up in Armenia the way I did. This program helped me lay the foundation of understanding what I need in order to repatriate to Armenia. I now have a deeper connection and appreciation for my heritage and culture, and a better understanding of what it takes to build a life in Armenia.
I highly recommend Birthright Armenia to anyone who wants to explore and connect with their Armenian roots. It’s an incredible program that not only allows you to give back to the community but also helps you build a connection with Armenia that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Birthright Armenia, for an unforgettable experience
Please have a wonderful day and click here to see videos about my experience.
The Beginning - Why I Moved to Armenia.
14 Jan, 2022
Moving to Armenia
Why Armenia?
Armenia has always held a special place in my heart. My mom moved to America from Armenia in 1992. Growing up, all I heard were stories of the land of my ancestors. My family and friends were so proud to be Armenian, and their love for the country instilled in me an admiration for a place I had never been.
When I finally went to college, I was given the chance to study abroad anywhere. In a university with nearly no Armenians. It felt like fate when a professor who was Armenian offered to take students abroad to Armenia. I jumped at the opportunity, excited to explore the land of my roots.
My time in Armenia was transformative.
I fell in love with the country, the people, the culture, and the history. I yearned to stay longer, to explore more deeply, to learn more about the land that had captured my heart.
After my study abroad program, I went on to study in London, but the experience paled in comparison to my time in Armenia. It only reinforced my desire to return to the country that had captured my heart.
Now that I have graduated, I knew it was time to make my dream of an extended stay in Armenia a reality. I completed my birthright application and booked a one-way trip to Armenia, leaving in just five days!
Through this blog, I hope to share my adventure and experiences in Armenia and become a resource for others who may be considering moving abroad. I’m excited to share what I learn and how I navigate the challenges and rewards of living in a new country.
