To talk about Gyumri is to talk about family

Without a doubt, what I enjoyed most in Gyumri was the connection you make with your host family, your workplace and the group of volunteers. The photo in this blog reflects the deep relationship I formed with Alina and her family: we organized activities for the weekends. Sharing a “Monchik-Ponchik” (a traditional city bakery), going to the park, walking through the market, going to the theater and cooking a Sunday barbecue are just a few examples of the experiences that make Gyumri colorful. We went beyond the relationship of guest and host to become distant relatives by choice. All our conversations are born out of the most creative and human thing: humor. In Gyumri, I was able to connect in that way, thanks to Birthright Armenia's excellent classes and my conviction to learn the language, I can now communicate.

Teaching Outside the Comfort Zone

My volunteer program in Gyumri took me out of my work comfort zone: I worked teaching English and Spanish to teenagers and children at Alvan Tsaghik NGO and Gyumri House Language. In every preparation and in every class I put my best effort to teach in a language I have not yet mastered. However, that did not stop me from connecting with the students and together we made each class a great time.

Finally, I want to mention the group of volunteers and staff: every month, some leave and others arrive, but Gyumri retains that family spirit that allows you to quickly form new volunteer families, which makes it easier for you to adapt to the rhythm of the city.

Leaving Yerevan allowed me to connect with a very different lifestyle than the one I was used to. Summer days in Gyumri have a different color every day, as the people, your host family, the jobsite and the activities here invite you to enjoy every moment, as part of a big family that embraces the warmth that this city offers.

Participating in Birthright Armenia in Gyumri allowed me to understand that there is always so much to give and do. Undoubtedly, it is a wonderful experience that I recommend to all of us in the Diaspora to live theirs. And to the volunteers, to create your family in Gyumri.