The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) — Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Eastern United States — announced that Director and Intern applications are now open for the 2026 AYF Internship in Armenia. The program will run from June 12 through August 15, 2026, offering participants a structured summer experience centered on service, professional development, and immersion in Armenia’s everyday life.
A program built to connect Diaspora youth to the Homeland
Founded in 1992, the AYF Internship in Armenia was created to encourage Armenians in the Diaspora to visit, volunteer, and build real relationships in Armenia. Over more than three decades, the program has placed over 180 participants in internships across a wide range of institutions and sectors, including universities, hospitals, clinics, health care and support centers, and engineering and technology companies, among others. The goal is straightforward: turn the idea of the Homeland into a lived experience by placing interns in Armenia’s current social, professional, and cultural reality.
Who the program is for
The program seeks motivated applicants who are ready to devote their summer to volunteering in Armenia and contributing to the country’s progress. The AYF emphasizes that the Diaspora remains a meaningful resource for Armenia’s development, and the internship is designed to translate that potential into practical work and sustained connection.
Intern placements are arranged with government agencies, private companies, and other organizations, with assignments aligned as closely as possible to each participant’s career goals and interests. Internships are available across nearly every field. During the week, interns work at their assigned placements and gain hands-on exposure to professional environments in Armenia.
Beyond the workweek: travel, learning, and community
The internship also includes a structured cultural and educational component. On weekends, interns participate in tours and excursions outside of Yerevan, including overnight trips to other regions of Armenia and Javakhk. The Internship Director also organizes opportunities for interns to attend weekly lecture series, cultural events, and other activities based on the group’s interests.
For many participants, the experience becomes a defining summer: hiking Armenia’s mountains and hills, swimming in Lake Sevan, meeting villagers in places like Tatev, and exploring Armenia’s churches and historic sites across the country.
Eligibility and deadline
Applicants must be at least 20 years old, or turn 20 in 2026, and must have a valid passport. AYF membership is not required to apply.
The application deadline is February 1. Interested applicants can access the Director & Intern Application through the program announcement materials.
Questions and contact
For more information, applicants can contact the 2026 Central Internship Council by email at ayfinternship@ayf.org.
With applications now open, the AYF is calling on young Armenians across the Eastern United States—and beyond—to commit a summer to meaningful work, deeper national connection, and an experience that brings Armenia from concept to reality.
