Love of the homeland, from France to the Caucasus

When I discovered Birthright Armenia, I did not expect to be both so well supported and at the same time granted such a high degree of freedom in organizing my life, my work, and my schedule. I remember that I hesitated for several weeks before contacting the organization, and I was quite unsure whether it was a good idea to volunteer for a long period in a country I had never visited.

However, during my second year of my Master’s degree (Research in History), I decided that it is sometimes necessary to step out of one’s comfort zone and dare to try new experiences. Moreover, I felt that this would be a continuation of my historical research, since my topic focuses on the Armenian question in France during the interwar period (1918–1939). Several reasons pushed me to commit to this volunteer work. First, I wanted to gain an out-of-the-ordinary experience before entering the workforce in France. I wanted to discover another country, another environment, before preparing myself for professional life, in a different society that could challenge my reference points and certainties. Also, part of my family had lived in Soviet Armenia for several decades, and it was important for me to retrace the footsteps of those who came before me, in a country I had previously known only through maps and family stories.

Toward the end of my final semester and during the summer holidays, I prepared my stay, which I also saw as a kind of initiation journey—almost an adventure. I arrived in Yerevan on the night of September 12 and was welcomed by a warm host family. At first, it was not easy, with the language barrier, cultural and social practices, food, and so on. Although it felt like a cultural shock, I gradually adapted and do not regret it. In Yerevan, I worked at the Alliance Française, where I managed the library, and at Le Courrier d’Erevan, where I wrote articles in French for francophone readers interested in discovering Armenia through online media.

In October, however, I decided to try volunteering in Gyumri, a more modest city, far from the bustling and overly centralized atmosphere of Yerevan. I appreciated this setting; the climate is harsher but still pleasant. I stayed there until the end of December, before returning to Yerevan until the end of January, as I wanted to spend more time again with my first host family.

The capital of the Shirak region was for me a fascinating place of discovery, both in terms of traditions and through my activities—working in a social bakery, creating small wooden figurines, and sharing the French language in schools.

There, especially in Gyumri, I had never seen so much snow—more than during my childhood. It resonated with me and reminded me of carefree childhood years spent playing in the snow. For at least a few weeks, those moments came back to life, with the spontaneous and timeless joy of snowball fights with friends and fellow volunteers. During my stay in a village near Mount Aragats, I enjoyed helping build a miniature version of Mount Ararat out of snow with the family’s young boy. Another time, I built a castle with the little girl from my Yerevan host family and her friend.

What I particularly appreciated in my relationship with host families, especially with the mothers, is that they truly treat you as one of their own—a son or a grandson. At first, this surprised me, but it deeply warmed my heart. Whenever I felt worried or tired, they were there to comfort me, whether through kind words or delicious meals that undoubtedly make you feel better.

I also greatly enjoyed meeting other volunteers (United States, Canada, Iran, Italy, Syria, etc.), and I believe I formed genuine friendships. Both French colleagues at my workplace and local Armenians were friendly toward me, and I always received a warm welcome in my workplaces.

Of course, I also visited many places on my own. For example, I once went to Nubarashen, where my family had lived in the past. Strangers welcomed me with borscht and basturma as we talked about our ancestors and family histories (mine originally coming from territories now in Turkey, in Western Armenia).

If you are reading this and hesitating about volunteering, I can only strongly encourage you to take the leap. Certainly, you will not be in your comfort zone, especially at the beginning, but you will adapt quickly. Whether you have Armenian roots or not, rest assured that people will be very welcoming. It is a patriotic people, proud despite historical hardships, but also open to those who are open-minded and eager to discover their traditions and history. The country faces major political challenges and needs development, and seeing young people curious about the world can only help its population regain enthusiasm and hope for the future. Բարի գալուստ Հայաստան !

Elie Guetchrian

էլի Գեչերիան