Peace Corps Armenia Welcome Book - April 2012

THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO
ARMENIA
A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
APRIL 2012
PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |
A WELCOME LETTER
Dear Peace Corps Invitee, On behalf of the Peace Corps/Armenia staff, I would like to congratulate you on your invitation to serve in Armenia. We are very eager to have you as part of our development team. We know you must be very busy right now, preparing for your departure and saying your goodbyes. However, it is very important to set aside some uninterrupted time to carefully read this Welcome Book. The information contained in this book has been carefully assembled and updated by Peace Corps/Armenia staff and Volunteers. It is the freshest and most accurate information about Volunteer service and living conditions in Armenia. Armenia is a fascinating country that is full of contrasts. It is a young country, having gained independence shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Yet it is also an ancient society that can be traced back to centuries B.C. While urban Armenians are modern Europeans in every sense, many rural Armenians have returned to subsistence farming and a more traditional life. Armenians are very proud of their new nation and of their heritage, yet many emigrate because of the lack of paid employment in the country. Although Armenia has established democratic systems and a free market economy, there exists a longing for the Soviet days when things were more stable and livelihood was guaranteed. Armenian organizations, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers have identified a great need to work in community and business education and with rural Armenian schools in English education. There is also great interest in Armenia concerning the application of information technologies throughout the country, and many opportunities to work in the fields of Women in Development, HIV/AIDS education, and youth development. The Peace Corps/Armenia staff is hard at work to ensure that your assignment will be rewarding, your physical health trouble-free, and that your housing will be adequate. There are variables, however, that are simply beyond anyones control. To be
successful, you will have to use your reserves of patience and perseverance. You will be tested time and again by your hosts to ascertain your level of knowledge and competence. Some Armenians may question your commitment and be perplexed about why you would be willing to give up a very comfortable life in America for such challenging surroundings. They will also be pleasantly surprised when they hear their native language coming from your lips! During pre-service training, your host family will test your crosscultural sensitivity to its limit. But by and large, you will look back at this experience in wonderment and remember the hospitable and beautiful people and their rich cultural heritage, the food, the music, and the dancingall of these aspects of working and living in Armenia will give you a new appreciation for life. The Peace Corps/Armenia staff and currently serving Volunteers are outstanding in their dedication and commitment. We are all eager to help you become part of the Peace Corps/Armenia team and look forward to seeing you soon!
David Lillie, Country Director Peace Corps/Armenia
CONTENTS
Map of Armenia A Welcome Letter Core Expectations for Peace Corps Volunteers Peace Corps Armenia History and Programs History of the Peace Corps in Armenia History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Armenia Country Overview: Armenia at a Glance History Government Economy People and Culture Environment Resources for Further Information Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle Communications Housing and Site Location Living Allowance and Money Management Food and Diet Transportation Geography and Climate 2 3 9 10 10 11 14 14 16 16 18 19 21 27 27 28 29 31 32 32
Social Activities Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior Personal Safety Rewards and Frustrations Peace Corps Training Overview of Pre-Service Training
Technical Training Language Training Cross-Cultural Training Health Training Safety Training
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Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service Your Health Care and Safety in Armenia Health Issues in Armenia Helping You Stay Healthy Maintaining Your Health Womens Health Information Your Peace Corps Medical Kit Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist Safety and SecurityOur Partnership
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk Support from Staff
Security Issues in Armenia Crime Data for Armenia
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer Support in Armenia Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues Overview of Diversity in Armenia What Might a Volunteer Face?
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers Possible Issues for Volunteers with Disabilities
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Frequently Asked Questions Welcome Letters from Armenia Volunteers Packing List Pre-departure Checklist Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters
CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of promoting world peace and friendship, as a trainee and Volunteer, you are expected to: 1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term of 27 months 2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work; and, in doing so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed 3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship, if necessary, and with the flexibility needed for effective service 4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community and culture 5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal conduct and professional performance 6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect 7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and national laws of the country where you serve 8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and well-being and that of others 9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and community, as a representative of the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America 10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host country and community to people in the United States both during and following your service
PEACE CORPS/ARMENIA HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Armenia
The Peace Corps program in Armenia began in 1992. Since then, more than 800 Volunteers have served in the country. During the first years, conditions were very difficult, with no electricity or heat. The country was reeling from the aftermath of a devastating 1988 earthquake, the breakup of the Soviet Union, and a war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian enclave. Today, conditions have significantly improved. There is electricity throughout the country and Yerevan, the capital, is an increasingly modern city with a European atmosphere. More restaurants, cafes, jazz clubs, and Internet cafs have opened in and around the city; and new hotels and restaurants are being built near Lake Sevan, Gyumri, and other regional cities. Still, rural poverty is pervasive, and the loss of hope among some Armenians forces many to emigrate to other countries. After years of Soviet rule, Peace Corps Volunteers were the first Americans many Armenians had ever met. Living with the people in their communities, Volunteers have brought hope of a better future, and many have formed lifelong friendships with Armenian counterparts, friends, and neighbors. There are now approximately 90 Volunteers serving in villages and towns throughout the country. The Peace Corps is wellestablished in Armenia and has a strong reputation for effective grassroots development work.
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History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Armenia

Peace Corps/Armenia has two projects: teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and community and youth development (CYD).Our objective is not to teach Armenians American values, but to help them help themselves within their own cultural framework. Volunteers in the TEFL project have been teaching English at village and town secondary schools, colleges, and other institutions of higher learning since 1992. In 1999, a teachertraining component was added. Teacher-trainer Volunteers also work at teacher-training institutes and methodology centers. CYD Volunteers work with local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and youth centers to empower community organizations and youth to build and sustain strong civil society. The program places Peace Corps Volunteers in communities throughout the country to accomplish two goals: to increase the internal capacity and professionalism of organizations and to implement programs that lead to positive youth development. In addition to their primary assignment, Volunteers carry out small-scale projects in community development, such as Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) camps, Boys Reaching Out (BRO) camps, spelling bees, writing contests, sports tournaments, and other after-school and summer community development activities. Volunteers conduct health and environmental workshops, develop grant proposals for health improvement projects, and organize environmental health awareness hikes and camps. In addition to project-specific activities, Volunteers collaborate with each other and community members in other sectors. Volunteers integrate cross-sector initiatives such as HIV/AIDS awareness, gender and development, information technology,
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youth development, and civic education into their activities. They work to increase understanding of gender roles and to encourage the active participation of both men and women in their communities. Volunteers help Armenian communities gain access to, and make effective use of, information technologies and reach out to empower Armenian girls and boys through education, community involvement, and exposure to new ideas and approaches to proactively manage their quality of life.
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Country Overview: ARMENIA at a Glance

History
Although repeatedly invaded, conquered, and ruled by others, Armenia has preserved its national and cultural identity for more than 2,600 years. Armenians take great pride in the fact that for a few generations during the time of Pompeii and Julius Caesar, Armenia was powerful enough to challenge the Roman Empire. Its subsequent history was marked by many struggles for independence and by the domination of many foreign powers. The foundations of Armenian civilization were laid in the sixth century B.C. on the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Urartu. In about 550 B.C., the area became a province of Persias Achaemenian Empire. In 331 B.C., Armenia was overrun by Alexander the Great, and in 301 B.C., it became part of the Seleucid Empire. With Romes conquest of the Seleucids in 190-189 B.C., Armenia was divided into two provinces: Greater Armenia and Sophene. The nation was reunified by King Tigranes II (95-55 B.C.) and reached the height of its power, extending its dominion to the neighboring regions of Albania and Atropatene (both now in Azerbaijan), Syria, and part of Parthia. In 66 B.C., however, Tigranes was forced to cede territory and form an alliance with Rome. Armenia subsequently became the focus of the Roman and Parthian-Persian rivalry that lasted until the third century A.D. By converting Arsacid King Tiridates III, the ruler of Parthia, to Christianity, St. Gregory the Illuminator brought about Armenias permanent break from Persia and the East. Christianity became the official religion of the Armenian state in 300 A.D. In about 390 A.D., the country was divided into Byzantine Armenia and Persian Armenia.
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The annexation of Armenia by the briefly revived Byzantine Empire in the 11th century was followed by invasions of the Seljuk Turks, who brought the country under Turkish domination in the last quarter of the 11th century. In the 13th century, Armenia, much of which was at that time part of Georgia, was overrun by the Mongols. Beginning in the 16th century, Armenia was once more the object of contention between two hostile powers, the Ottoman Empire and Iran. This situation continuedwith a brief interlude of Armenian independence from 1722 to 1730through the 18th century. During this time, the country became a trade link between the East and Europe. The advance of Russia into the Caucasus early in the 19th century inspired a renewal of Armenian culture. Following the RussoTurkish War of 1877-78 and the Treaty of San Stefano, the issue grew into the Armenian question. But attempts to effect reforms resulted only in a series of Turkish and Russian massacres of the Armenian populace. Following their conquest by Russia in 1916, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan formed the Transcaucasian alliance, but within a few months the alliance was dissolved. A series of political upheavals, including the brief appearance of an independent Armenian republic in 1920, eventually led to the reunion of the three states as the Transcaucasian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic, which was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922. In 1936, the new Soviet Constitution gave Armenia the status of a republic of the USSR. In 1988, a massive earthquake leveled the northern cities of Leninakan (now Gyumri) and Spitak, killing about 25,000 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
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Armenia became independent from the collapsing Soviet Union on September 21, 1991. In the years that followed, Armenia fought neighboring Azerbaijan for control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region that was governed by Azerbaijan even though a majority of the regions population was Armenian. A cease-fire agreement was reached between the two countries in 1994. In the past few years, the Minsk Group, which includes France, United States, and Russia, has facilitated peace talks between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The situation remains unresolved.
Government
The Republic of Armenia has an executive branch that includes a president and a prime minister and a legislative branch composed of a National Assembly or Parliament. Members of Parliament are elected to four-year terms. The judicial branch includes a Supreme Court system, as well as regional and city courts. Peace Corps/Armenia is currently collaborating with the Ministries of Higher Education and Science, Trade and Economic Development, Health, Nature Protection, Youth, Culture and Sport, and Foreign Affairs.
Economy After several years of double-digit economic growth, Armenia faced a severe economic recession, with GDP declining more than 14 percent in 2009, despite large loans from multilateral institutions. Sharp declines in the construction sector and workers' remittances, particularly from Russia, were the main reasons for the downturn. The economy began to recover in 2010 with 2.1 percent growth, and climbed to 4.6 percent growth in 2011. Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and
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other manufactured goods to sister republics, in exchange for raw materials and energy. Armenia has since switched to small-scale agriculture and away from the large agro-industrial complexes of the Soviet era. Armenia has managed to reduce poverty, slash inflation, stabilize its currency, and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. Armenia's geographic isolation, a narrow export base, and pervasive monopolies in important business sectors have made it particularly vulnerable to the sharp deterioration in the global economy and the economic downturn in Russia. The conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s and Armenia's borders with Turkey remain closed. Armenia is particularly dependent on Russian commercial and governmental support and most key Armenian infrastructure is Russian-owned and/or managed, especially in the energy sector. The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002 and bought by Russia's RAO-UES in 2005. Natural gas is primarily imported from Russia but construction of a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Armenia was completed in December 2008, and gas deliveries expanded after the April 2010 completion of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid, remittances from Armenians working abroad, and foreign direct investment. Armenia joined the WTO in January 2003. The government made some improvements in tax and customs administration in recent years, but anti-corruption measures have been ineffective and the economic downturn has led to a sharp drop in tax revenue and forced the government to accept large loan packages from Russia, the IMF, and other international financial institutions. Armenia will need to pursue additional economic reforms in order to regain economic growth and improve economic competitiveness and employment opportunities, especially given
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its economic isolation from two of its nearest neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan. (Source: CIA World Fact Book)
People and Culture

The last official census was conducted in 2011, and the data is still pending (http://armstat.am/en/). Preliminary figures from the 2011 census indicate that there are approximately 2.871 million people in Armenia, but given the high rates of emigration to Russia, Europe, and the United States, the actual population is probably much smaller. The capital city of Yerevan has a population of 1.4 million. The largest cities are Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Abovian. The countrys ethnic composition is 95.9 percent Armenian, 1.7 percent Kurdish (including Yezdis), 1.6 percent Russian, 0.3 percent Ukrainian, 0.2 percent Assyrian, 0.1 percent Greek, and 0.2 percent other. Several Armenian enclaves exist in neighboring countries, the most important of which is NagornoKarabakh (also referred to as Artsakh) in Azerbaijan, whose population is 90 percent Armenian. The official language is Armenian, although many people also speak Russian. The majority of the population is Armenian Apostolic Christian. Armenia has a strong musical tradition. Many children take music lessons or attend music schools. If you have a small, portable musical instrument, we recommend that you bring it with you; and if you read piano music, you may have opportunities to practice. Traditional Armenian instruments include the doudouk, a wooden flute; the dehol, a drum held under the arm; the kemancha, a stringed instrument played with a bow; and the zourna, another type of flute. Armenians are extremely hospitable and welcoming to Americans. They are also strong and determined as they struggle to recover from the collapse of the Soviet Union and a dramatic drop in their
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standard of living, the war with Azerbaijan, and the disastrous 1988 earthquake.
Environment
The historical area known as Greater Armenia covers more than 260,000 square kilometers (104,000 square miles). The Republic of Armenia today constitutes only about 10 percent of that area, or 29,800 square kilometers (11,920 square miles). Slightly larger than Maryland, Armenia is the smallest of the former Soviet republics. Despite its small size, Armenias highland location at the junction of various biogeographical regions has produced a variety of landscapes: semi-desert, steppe, forest, alpine meadow, and high-altitude tundra.
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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps and Armenia and to connect you to returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind that although we try to make sure all these links are active and current, we cannot guarantee it. If you do not have access to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries offer free Internet usage and often let you print information to take home. A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own experience, including comments by those who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two people experience their service in the same way.
General Information About Armenia

http://www.countrywatch.com/
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the capital of Armenia to how to convert from the dollar to the Armenian dram. Just click on Armenia and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.
www.state.gov
The State Departments website issues background notes periodically about countries around the world. Find Armenia and learn more about its social and political history. You can also go to the sites international travel section to check on conditions that may affect your safety.
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www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm
This includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm
This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each country page contains links to other sites, such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive historical, social, and political background.
http://www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for member states of the U.N.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about countries around the world.
http://www.armeniainfo.am/index.php
Armenian Information
Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

www.rpcv.org
This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all the Web pages of the Friends of groups for most countries of service, comprised of former Volunteers who served in those countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get together for social events and local volunteer activities. Or go straight to the Friends of Armenia site:
http://www.friendsofarmeniaonline.org/
This sites members are Armenia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. The
mission is to support innovative, charitable projects in Armenia facilitated by Peace Corps Volunteers, foster community among its membership, and
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promote a better understanding among Americans of Armenia, its people, and culture.
www.PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org
This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer accounts of their Peace Corps service.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-CorpsArmenia/115794765161907
Peace Corps/Armenia Facebook page

http://community.peacecorpsconnect.org/
Peace Corps Connect is a place for people who value the Peace Corps to reconnect and work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Armenia

http://www.armenianow.com/
Local news, global audience

http://hetq.am/eng/
Investigative Journalism
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/armenia.htm
Other online newspapers
International Development Sites About Armenia

http://armenia.usaid.gov/
USAID Armenia
http://undp.am/
United Nations Development Programme

http://www.who.int/countries/arm/en/
World Health Organization Armenia
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http://www.wvarmenia.am/main/en/index.html
World Vision Armenia

http://program.counterpart.org/Armenia/
Counterpart International
History, Culture & Language Tutorials

http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
An online encyclopedia about everything related to Armenia and Armenians with 6,418 articles on travel, history, and a language tutorial
http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Armenian_L essons
Culture, politics, people, places, etc.

http://www.armenianhistory.info/
History of Armenia an interesting mix of myth, legend, and history since the Great Flood
http://www.genocide-museum.am/eng/index.php
The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute

http://www.armgate.com/
ArmGate guide to a variety of resources

http://www.learnarmenian.com/index.php
Learn Armenian good, interactive online basic language lessons (free)

http://www.avc-agbu.org/home.php
Armenian Virtual College excellent courses on language (beginner through advanced), history, and culture (tuition required)
http://www.road-to-armenia.com/
Road to Armenia The Ancient Land in Words, Music, and Pictures
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http://www.armenianchurch.org/index.jsp?&lng=en
The Armenian Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
Government Websites
http://www.president.am/president/cover/eng/
President of the Republic of Armenia official site

http://www.gov.am/en/
Government of Republic of Armenia official site including the

http://www.gov.am/en/structure/
Government ministries
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5275.htm
U.S. State Department information on social and political history; go to the international travel section to check on conditions that may affect your travel safety
http://www.usa.am/
U.S. Embassy to Armenia
Recommended Books
Books About Armenia 1. de Waal, Thomas. Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan through Peace and War. New York: New York University Press, 2003. 2. Marsden, Philip. The Crossing Palace: A Journey Among the Armenians. New York: Kodansha America, 1993. 3. Suny, Ronald Grigor. Looking Toward Ararat: Armenia in Modern History. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993.
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4. Introductory Books on the Armenian Genocide: Politics, Prose and Poetry Books About the History of the Peace Corps 1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000. 2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFKs Peace Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1985. 3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2004. 4. Meisler, Stanley. When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and its First 50 Years. Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press, 2011. Books on the Volunteer Experience 1. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, Calif.: McSeas Books, 2004. 2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red Apple Publishing, 2000. 3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. New York, N.Y.: Picador, 2003. 4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001. 5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.: Clover Park Press, 1991. 6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington Press, 1997 (reprint).
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LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE

Communications
Mail Haypost CJSC is the official national postal operator of the Republic of Armenia and provides postal, payment, and retail services. Haypost currently operates through 900 of its postal offices across Armenia, from urban to the most remote rural regions. It is operated by the Dutch Haypost Trust Management. At your pre-departure orientation (staging), you will be given a temporary mailing address to use during pre-service training. We suggest that people not send you packages while you are in training. There is a chance you will move to your permanent site before they arrive. You must pick up packages in person, which requires absence from training and payment of duty and/or storage fees. After you are sworn-in as a Volunteer, it will be easy to receive packages at your site, and you wont have to pay duty fees for items sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Please note, however, that items sent to Volunteers via DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc., are not exempt from customs fees and you are required to pay a fee of 20 percent on the declared value of any sent items. Do not send valuable items through the mail. We strongly encourage you to regularly write family and friends. Family members typically become worried when they do not hear from you, so it is a good idea to advise them that mail can be slow and that they should not worry if they do not receive your letters regularly. Telephones and Cellphone Service Long-distance telephone service to the U.S. is available and is generally inexpensive. There have been major upgrades to fiber optic lines, so the quality and reliability has increased
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considerably from previous years. The cost of a long-distance call is approximately $0.03 per minute. Cellphone service through three operators is available in most parts of the country, and many Volunteers use Internet call services such as Skype or Yahoo Messenger to call the U.S. Advise your family that in an emergency they should contact the Office of Special Services in Washington, D.C., which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The daytime telephone number is 800-424-8580, extension 1470. For assistance after-hours or on the weekend, the number is 1-301-790-4749. This office will then immediately contact Peace Corps/Armenia. Computer, Internet, and Email Access Email and Internet access is widely available, except for in remote areas where there is no cellphone network coverage. We recommend you bring your personal notebook computer, tablet PC, or iPad to use at work and for communication. All three cellphone operators provide 3G network service, which you can use via locally available USB Internet Modems to access the Internet where there is coverage. Those who have unlocked smart phones, iPads, or other mobile devices with 3G capabilities can purchase SIM cards to access the Internet on their device. The operators are VivaCell, Orange, and BeeLine. Peace Corps/Armenia will provide you more information on your choices when you arrive in-country.
Housing and Site Location

During pre-service training, all trainees are required to live with host families. After completing pre-service training and swearing in, all Volunteers are required to live with host families at their permanent sites for a minimum of two months. Living with a host family provides several benefits, including accelerated language acquisition; a deeper and more profound cross-cultural understanding; and improved, in-depth community integration. Being a respected and equal member of a family not only provides strong personal and professional rewards, it can ensure your safety and security as well. Host family accommodations will vary depending on the community.
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Some living arrangements may be apartments or separate detached houses; some may have European-style bathrooms, while others might use outhouses or squat toilets, which have no toilet seats to speak of and require deep-knee bends for proper use. Regardless of the situation, trainees and Volunteers live as the members of their community do. After the two-month period, Volunteers may remain with host families or change to another living situation in their communities, depending on availability and personal preferences. Specific site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteers arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before a Volunteers arrival to ensure placement is appropriate and safe, and that housing and worksites are secure. Site selection is based in part on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.
Living Allowance and Money Management As a Volunteer, you will receive a number of allowances in local currency. A one-time settling-in allowance is provided in order to buy basic household items when you move to your site. You will also receive a one-time allowance to cover heating-related expenses (e.g., to purchase a wood stove and wood, or installation of adequate electrical wire for electric heater use, or to offset increased electricity costs during the winter).
Your monthly living and travel allowances, which are paid directly to your account here every month, are intended to cover
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food, utilities, household supplies, clothing, recreation and entertainment, transportation, reading materials, and other incidentals. Costs related to the living allowance are reviewed annually. You will also receive a housing allowance based on the lease agreement signed between you and your landlord. The housing allowance is provided at the same time as the living allowance. Volunteers are also reimbursed for continuing language study. Payments are made monthly upon presentation of a completed tutor reimbursement form. A leave allowance is provided with the living allowance. If you are asked by the Peace Corps to travel for official, medical, or programmatic reasons, you will be given additional money for transportation and lodging. The Peace Corps sets up a bank account in local currency for each Volunteer and deposits all the allowances and other payments into these bank accounts. Volunteers can set up personal accounts in dollars if they choose. Most Volunteers find they can live comfortably in Armenia with these allowances. You are strongly discouraged from supplementing your income with money brought from home. Consistent with the philosophy that development and learning are most effectively achieved when people live and work together, it is important that Volunteers live at the same standard as the people whom they serve. Nevertheless, many Volunteers do bring extra money (in cash, travelers checks, or credit cards) for vacations. Credit cards can be used in some restaurants, hotels, large stores in the capital, and are handy for travel outside the country. Credit cards, as well as regular bank ATM/debit cards, can be used at ATMs in Yerevan and other large cities around the country to obtain cash (in drams).
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Retail outfits in Armenia do not accept travelers checks, which are not recommended for use in Armenia.
Food and Diet

Much of Armenian social life revolves around food, music, singing, and dancing. Typical meals include bean and beet salads, cabbage, lavash (thin bread), sliced cold cuts (e.g., salami and bologna), cheese, and potatoes or pilaf. Some of the best fresh vegetables and fruits found anywhere are available in Armenia during the summer. The apricots and tomatoes are of extremely high quality. During the long winter months, cabbage, potatoes, and meat are mainstays. It is possible but difficult for vegetarians to maintain a meatless diet. The Middle Eastern influence in Armenia has brought vegetarian food, but this is more readily available in Yerevan and larger cities. Although your refusal to eat meat may seem strange to your host family, they are likely to respect your decision and accommodate your needs accordingly. Although cabbages, carrots, and potatoes are widely available throughout the winter, you may want to prepare preserves during the summer and fall to avoid having to purchase other produce in the capital. With a little planning, you should be able to maintain a healthy alternative diet. Typical drinks are tan (made of yogurt, water, and salt), homemade fruit juices, Armenian and Georgian wine, and Armenian brandy and vodka. Armenians are noted for their endless toasts, but you should not feel compelled to drink a large quantity of alcohol just to appease your host. Armenians respect self-control, and most will respect yours if you drink moderately or not at all.
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Transportation
Volunteers travel in the country in public buses, vans, or taxis. Peace Corps worldwide prohibits Volunteers from owning or driving vehicles of any type, including scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles. Volunteers are allowed to ride bicycles, but must wear a bike helmet. Violation of this policy will result in termination of your Volunteer service.
Geography and Climate

Armenia lies in the mountainous Caucasus region. The landlocked country is bordered by Turkey in the west, Iran in the south, Azerbaijan in the east, and Georgia in the north. Because of its protected position and generally high elevation, Armenias climate is mostly dry and continental, although there are regional variations, such as hot, dry summers in the Araks Valley and cooler, more humid summers in the more elevated areas. Intense sunshine occurs for many days of the year, and the summer is long and hot (except at the highest elevations), with an average July temperature in Yerevan of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which can rise as high as 108 F. Winters tend to be moderately severe, with an average temperature in Yerevan of 26 F. Autumn is generally mild, sunny, and long, while spring is usually short and wet.
Social Activities
On weekends and in the evening, Armenians generally socialize with their families and friends. In summer months, in some of the larger cities throughout Armenia, sidewalk cafs appear on every corner and in every shady spot. Armenians enjoy relaxing at these cafs late into the evening. In smaller towns and villages, activities tend to focus on spending time with family. Chess and backgammon (called nardi) are popular, and Armenian boys and girls play basketball, soccer,
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tennis, badminton, and pingpong. In addition to participating in these activities, Volunteers enjoy hiking and exploring local historical sites.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

In general, Armenians tend to be conservative in both dress and behavior. One of the difficulties of finding your place as a Peace Corps Volunteer is fitting into the local culture while maintaining your identity and acting like a professional all at the same time. The Peace Corps will provide you with guidelines we hope will prove helpful as you make this transition. You will be serving as a representative of the Peace Corps and will be expected to dress and behave accordingly. While some of your counterparts may dress in seemingly worn or shabby clothes, this is because of economics rather than by choice. The likelihood is that they are wearing their best clothes. A foreigner who wears ragged, unmended clothing is likely to be considered an affront. For men, professional dress calls for collared shirts, slacks, and occasionally suit jackets and ties. For women, professional dress calls for dresses or skirts (knee- or mid-calf length), modest blouses or tops, and dress slacks. Women should be prepared to occasionally wear suits or formal wear for presentations or other business-related events. Volunteers need to continually strive to maintain neat and clean clothing and hair. This may be an ongoing challenge in some areas, as water may be rationed. Since Armenia is fairly conservative when it comes to personal appearance, long hair and/or ponytails on men are considered unacceptable. Personal identity and individuality is very important in American culture, and hairstyles, piercings, and tattoos are some of the ways
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Americans express that individuality. However nose rings and other facial piercings, on both men and women, are generally unacceptable. Throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union, tattoos have a negative connotation and historically have been associated with the mafia, prisoners, and prostitutes. When dressing, every effort should be made to ensure that all tattoos are covered by clothing. The challenge lies in balancing that expression and acceptance into your community and understanding of the culture. When all is said and done, your hair will grow back, your nose can be repierced, and a T-shirt instead of a tank top can easily cover your tattoo.
Personal Safety More detailed information about the Peace Corps approach to safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Armenia Volunteers complete their two years of service without incident. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Armenia. Using these tools, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the support they need to successfully meet the
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challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and productive service. We encourage Volunteers and families to look at our safety and security information on the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov/safety. Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and Volunteer safety. There is a section titled Safety and Security in Depth. Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, posts safety support systems, and emergency planning and communications.
Rewards and Frustrations

The living conditions of Peace Corps service affect Volunteers differently. Do you need a lot of privacy or very little? Are you oblivious to dirt or fairly sensitive? Nearly all Volunteers, at some point, find the conditions under which they live and work to be difficult or challenging. Most experience feelings of discouragement and futilityusually during the first year of service. Things that seemed clear become unclear. The direction to take seems obscured. You may often feel that you are not in control, and this can be frightening. When this happens, you may wonder whether you are really up to the job, whether you may have caused the problem, whether it is really possible to accomplish anything, or whether what you are doing is really worthwhile. You may feel fatigued, although you have been working no harder than usual. You may find yourself shorttempered or annoyed with yourself and others. There is no magical or easy method for overcoming these feelings but, fortunately, they are usually short-lived. Bear in mind that the frustration of not getting anything done usually derives from the realities of the country, not from your own inadequacies. It is often helpful to break up a problem into smaller units and work at it one step at a time. If you can step back and try to assess the problem afresh, you will feel more positive about the headway you have made and are making. Without a doubt, when you have
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completed your service, you will recall your time here with fondness, and you will be amazed by the personal change that has resulted from overcoming the challenges.
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PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Overview of Pre-Service Training
Peace Corps/Armenia uses a community-based model for preservice training (PST) that models reality-based and integrated learning based on adult learning principles. You will work on community projects to prepare yourself for your primary assignment and start thinking about what sorts of other projects you can get involved in. Another central aspect of our approach is self-directed learning. We recognize that you are experienced adults who can assess your learning needs, identify necessary resources, and design and implement a plan for learning. The training staff will act as one of your resources, but you will have to search for more. PST is intense but only the beginning of an intensive and challenging learning experience that will last your entire service. Pre-service training is approximately 11 weeks long. Training takes place six days a week and will include some evening sessions. Adequate time is allowed for leisure activities and outings with your host family. You will receive instruction in the Eastern Armenian language, cross-cultural adaptation skills, Armenian history and culture, personal safety awareness, technical skills related to your project, and medical topics. You will also receive important information about the administrative side of the Peace Corps as it relates to Volunteer allowances, responsibilities, and office policies. During training, you will live with an Armenian family in a village near the training site. This gives you the opportunity to practice your language skills and to develop cross-cultural understanding on a deeper level. Three meals a day will be provided by your host family. As mentioned earlier, host family accommodations vary. Regardless of the situation, you will live like the majority of the other members of your community.
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During training, you will be evaluated on how well you adapt to the culture, learn the language, interact with Armenians, and on your degree of professionalism. The Peace Corps staff will make every effort to provide the support necessary to ensure your successful completion of training. You must meet the minimum training requirements by the end of pre-service training to be sworn in as a Volunteer. PST integrates four components: 1) Armenian language, 2) trainee health and safety awareness, 3) cross-cultural adaptation and community development skills, and 4) technical orientation. The training is based on competencies (learning objectives) in each of these areas. You need to achieve a level of competence in all four components before becoming a Volunteer. We will help you set your own learning goals within these competencies. You will spend most of the training time learning language and working on small community projects in your training community with a group of 4-5 other trainees. During PST, you will come to the training center for one-day training sessions on community skills. in addition to having six or seven sessions involving medical and safety and security information. . After you arrive, you will be taken straight from the airport to a hotel outside of Yerevan. You will spend your first few days at the hotel before moving to your PST host family. During this time you will attend sessions on safety, medical, and cultural issues and will also have some introductory language classes. It will also be a time for your first set of immunization shots and you will have a chance to meet Peace Corps staff. Technical Training Technical training will prepare you to work in Armenia by building on the skills you already have and helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps staff, Armenia experts, and current Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training places great emphasis on
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learning how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer. Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Armenia and strategies for working within such a framework. You will review your technical sectors goals and will meet with the Armenia agencies and organizations that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You will be supported and evaluated throughout the training to build the confidence and skills you need to undertake your project activities and be a productive member of your community. You are part of a diverse group of trainees with varied backgrounds. The technical component of training is designed to prepare you for the job you will do in your assigned site. It will provide you with information and tools that will enable you to apply what you already know to the Armenian context, and to develop skills in areas in which you need strengthening. Our goals for your pre-service training are to provide you opportunities to learn about the issues that affect local government and civil society in Armenia, and facilitate a process by which you become skilled at working with organizations, counterparts, and communities to identify that communitys assets, challenges, and goals; and to define and implement ways of achieving those goals. Language Training As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are key to personal and professional satisfaction during your service. These skills are critical to your job performance, they help you integrate into your community, and they can ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, language training is at the heart of the training program. You must successfully meet minimum language requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer. Armenia language instructors teach formal language classes five days a week in small groups of four to five people.
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Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social communication skills so you can practice and develop language skills further once you are at your site. Prior to being sworn in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language studies during your service. Cross-Cultural Training As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a Armenia host family. This experience is designed to ease your transition to life at your site. Families go through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of pre-service training and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Armenia. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting friendships with their host families. Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve your communication skills and understand your role as a facilitator of development. You will be exposed to topics such as community mobilization, conflict resolution, gender and development, nonformal and adult education strategies, political structures, art, literature, and history. Living with a host family is an integral part of training. It opens a window into the Armenian culture and way of life. Your family is also a great resource for acquiring the language. The host family will provide you with a room that will be for your use only, but you will be expected to spend as much time with your family as possible. You will eat your meals with your family with the exception of lunches on training days. Living conditions may be basic. Your life with the family will help you make the adjustment to living conditions in Armenia. The host family at your future worksite is likely to be similar to the one you live with during training.
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Health Training During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and information. You will be expected to practice preventive health care and to take responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include preventive health measures and minor and major medical issues that you might encounter while in Armenia. Nutrition, mental health, setting up a safe living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered. Safety Training During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service. Volunteer training will include sessions to prepare you for specific safety and security issues in Armenia. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout your service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other components of training.
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace Corps has implemented a training system that provides Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and crosscultural skills. During service, there are usually three training events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows:
In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, and project development
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skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three to six months. Midterm conference (done in conjunction with technical sector in-service): Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and planning for their second year of service. Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their respective projects and personal experiences.
The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.
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YOUR HEALTH CARE AND SAFETY IN ARMENIA

The Peace Corps highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. Peace Corps/Armenia maintains a clinic with a full-time medical officer, who takes care of Volunteers primary health care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in Armenia at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to an American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United States.
Health Issues in Armenia

Major health problems among Peace Corps Volunteers in Armenia are rare and are often the result of a Volunteer failing to take preventive measures to stay healthy. The most common health problems in Armenia are minor ones that are also found in the Unites States, such as colds, diarrhea, constipation, sinus infections, skin infections, headaches, dental problems, minor injuries, STDs, emotional problems, and alcohol abuse. These problems may be more frequent or compounded by living in Armenia because certain environmental factors raise the risk or exacerbate the severity of illnesses and injuries.
Helping You Stay Healthy The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon your arrival in Armenia, you will receive a medical handbook. At the end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first aid needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter.
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During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the medical officer. However, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace Corps will not order these items during training. Please bring a threemonth supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they may not be available here and it may take several months for shipments to arrive. You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical problem during your service, the medical officer in Armenia will consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in Armenia, you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care.
Maintaining Your Health As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage An ounce of prevention becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in Armenia is to take the following preventive measures:
Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A, dysentery, Guinea worms, tapeworms, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in Armenia during pre-service training. Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this
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person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more information from the medical officer about this important issue. Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available (with exception to IUDs (intra uterine device)) without charge from the medical officer. Volunteers are required to wear a protective helmet when riding a bicycle or horse and to wear a seat belt when riding in Peace Corps vehicles. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in immediate administrative separation from the Peace Corps. This means you will be sent home; there is no appeal. It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for scheduled immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses and injuries.
Womens Health Information Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require medical attention but also have programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps medical and programmatic standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met.
If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the local market, the Peace Corps medical officer in Armenia will provide them. If you require a specific product, please bring a three-month supply with you.
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If you are 40-plus female Volunteer, you must bring your mammography films with you, previously done in the States. The Peace Corps medical officer will organize your annual mammography screening in-country and will send them with your previous films to OMS for a second opinion. Otherwise, it will be your responsibility to request them from the medical centers in the U.S.
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during service. The medical officer will provide additional items when appropriate for your individual situation. Kit items are intended for your personal use and can be periodically restocked at the medical office through the medical assistant. Medical Kit Contents Ace bandages Adhesive tape American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook Antacid tablets (Tums) Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B) Antidiarrheal (Bismuth tabs) Antifungal cream (Clotrimazol( Anti-itch cream (Calagel) Anti-itch cream (Hydrocortisone) Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens) Band-Aids Butterfly closures Condoms Cough drops (Sucrets) Dental floss Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)
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Emergency eye wash (Artificial tears) Emergency whistle Fever reducer (Cedaprin) Insect repellent stick (Cutters) Iodine tablets (for water purification) Lip balm (Chapstick) Loperamide hcl tabs (Immodium) Non-aspirin pain reliever (Aypanal) Oral rehydration salts Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit) Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sinus decongestant ) Scissors Sterile gauze pads Tweezers
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist The Office of Medical Services must complete a final review of your health records prior to your pre-departure orientation (staging). It is your responsibility to ensure all medical and dental work and reports are completed prior to staging. You will not be allowed to attend without final medical and dental clearance.
If there has been any change in your healthphysical, mental, or dentalsince you submitted your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends
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requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services. If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physicians office to obtain a copy of your immunization record and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment shortly after you arrive in Armenia. Mandatory immunizations for Armenia are - Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Diptheria, MMR, Polio, flu vaccine, Rabies post exposure vaccine series. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure. Bring a six-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this sixmonth supply, it will order refills during your service. While awaiting shipmentwhich can take several monthsyou will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. Johns wort, toothpastes, hydrating lotions, shampoos, hand creams, selenium, or antioxidant supplements. You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about carrying a six-month supply of prescription drugs. If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with youa pair and a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace them, using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace Corps discourages you from using contact lenses during your service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate
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water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services has given approval. As winters are long and harsh, we encourage bringing a pair of Yaktrax (ice-holders) with you. If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your future participation in health care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health care from the time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the post-service health care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age or pre-existing conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan when you return home.
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Safety and SecurityOur Partnership Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service without serious personal safety problems.
Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you, it might be helpful to see how this partnership works. Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in place to promote your safety. We depend on you to follow those policies and to put into practice what you have learned. An example of how this works in practicein this case to help manage the risk of burglaryis:
Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will live and work Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to established security criteria Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country authorities in your new community Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise You lock your doors and windows You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you live You get to know neighbors You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is appropriate for you You dont change residences before being authorized by Peace Corps You communicate concerns that you have to Peace Corps staff
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This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care and Safety that all include important safety and security information to help you understand this partnership. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to function in the safest way possible, because working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we teach you to identify, reduce, and manage the risks you may encounter. Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteers risk, many of which are within the Volunteers control. By far the most common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. Thefts often occur when Volunteers are away from their sites, in crowded locations (such as markets or on public transportation), and when leaving items unattended. Before you depart for Armenia there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk: Leave valuable objects in U.S. Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with someone you trust in the U.S. Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet as a decoy Purchase personal articles insurance Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk After you arrive in Armenia, you will receive more detailed information about common crimes, factors that contribute to Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For example, Volunteers in Armenia learn to:
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Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the community whenever possible Make sure ones personal appearance is respectful of local customs Avoid high-crime areas Know the local language to get help in an emergency Make friends with local people who are respected in the community Limit alcohol consumption As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does exist in Armenia. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that place you at risk and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know each other and generally are less likely to steal from their neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for pickpockets. Support from Staff If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff response may include reassessing the Volunteers worksite and housing arrangements and making any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the
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future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident.
Security Issues in Armenia The following are other security concerns in Armenia of which you should be aware:
Harassment: Volunteers have reported varying levels of harassment, such as having objects thrown at them by teenagers, being called derogatory names, and being subjected to overt sexual comments. Strategies for coping with harassment will be discussed during pre-service training. Thefts: Property theft, including pickpocketing in crowded public areas, such as market or minibuses, should be anticipated based on the history of Peace Corps Volunteer incidents. Traffic accidents: Using local transportation and crossing the street safely are the greatest safety risks in Armenia. Volunteers are discouraged from traveling at night and when road conditions are bad, especially in the winter. Public transportation is usually by minivans, many of which are old and in poor condition. Seat belts in vans and buses are nonexistent. Pedestrians in cities have to be especially cautious; although crosswalks exist, they are not usually recognized by drivers. Burglary: The homes of some Volunteers have been burglarized in the past, so you will need to take the same precautions you would take in the United States. The Peace Corps will advise you on home safety during training. Border conflicts: Since the cease-fire agreement with Azerbaijan in 1994, large border incidents have been rare. There are occasional reports of incidents along the line of contact between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces. Volunteers are not placed within 5 kilometers of the Azerbaijani border. Post maintains 5
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kilometer no travel/no placement zone for Volunteers and staff along Armenia/Azerbaijani border. Alcohol abuse: Making toasts with alcohol is a prevalent social custom in Armenia. Male Volunteers, especially, may be pressured to drink at social gatherings and even during normal daily activities, such as community meetings. Strategies for avoiding drinking and drinking responsibly will be discussed during pre-service training. Sexual assault: Volunteers have been targets of sexual assault in Armenia, which is often associated with cross-cultural differences in gender relations and alcohol consumption. Safety training provided by the Peace Corps is designed to teach Volunteers how to minimize their risk. Peace Corps/Armenia is committed to providing a compassionate and supportive response to all Volunteers who have been sexually assaulted. While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, abide by local cultural norms, and respond according to the training you will receive. You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility for your own safety. You can make yourself less of a target, ensure that your home is secure, and develop relationships in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. While the factors that contribute to your risk in Armenia may be different, in many ways you can do what you would do if you moved to a new city anywhere: Be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Armenia will require that you accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle.
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Volunteers attract a lot of attention both in large cities and at their sites, but they are likely to receive more negative attention in highly populated centers than at their sites, where family, friends, and colleagues look out for them. While whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, avoid eye contact, and do not respond to unwanted attention. In addition, keep your money out of sight by using an undergarment money pouch (the kind that hangs around your neck and stays hidden under your shirt or inside your coat). Do not keep your money in outside pockets of backpacks, in coat pockets, or in fanny packs. And always walk with a companion at night.
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Crime Data for Armenia The country-specific data chart below shows the average annual rates of the major types of crimes reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/trainees in Armenia compared to all other Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia Region programs as a whole. It can be understood as an approximation of the number of reported incidents per 100 Volunteers in a year1.
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that do occur overseas are investigated and prosecuted by local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the victim of a crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace Corps will be there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully informed
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The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and trainee years (or V/T years, which is a measure of 12 full months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to compare crime data across countries.
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of your options and understand how the local legal process works. Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under the laws of the country. If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe location as quickly as possible and contact your Peace Corps office. Its important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as you can so Peace Corps can provide you with the help you need.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer Support in Armenia The Peace Corps approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your service and includes the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Armenias in-country safety program is outlined below.
The Peace Corps/Armenia office will keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in memorandums from the country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be contacted through the emergency communication network. An important component of the capacity of Peace Corps to keep you informed is your buy-in to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is expected that you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps staff members are kept apprised of your movements incountry so they are able to inform you. Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Armenia. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural aspects, health, and other components of training. You will be expected to
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successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas, including safety and security, as a condition of service. Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteers arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the Volunteers arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; different housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs. You will also learn about Peace Corps/Armenias detailed emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, you will complete and submit a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to your house. If there is a security threat, you will gather with other Volunteers in Armenia at predetermined locations until the situation is resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate. Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.
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DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES

In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host countries, the Peace Corps is making special efforts to assure that all of Americas richness is reflected in the Volunteer corps. More Americans of color are serving in todays Peace Corps than at any time in recent history. Differences in race, ethnic background, age, religion, and sexual orientation are expected and welcomed among our Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps mission is to help dispel any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the other despite our many differences. Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways, however, it poses challenges. In Armenia, as in other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Armenia. Outside of Armenias capital, residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Armenia are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. To ease the transition and adapt to life in Armenia, you may need to make some temporary, yet fundamental compromises in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For example, female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence available to them in the United States;
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political discussions need to be handled with great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity discussions during pre-service training and will be on call to provide support, but the challenge ultimately will be your own.
Overview of Diversity in Armenia The Peace Corps staff in Armenia recognizes the adjustment issues that come with diversity and will endeavor to provide support and guidance. During pre-service training, several sessions will be held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms. We look forward to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual orientations, and hope that you will become part of a diverse group of Americans who take pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the richness of American culture. What Might a Volunteer Face?
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers Armenia has a traditional, patriarchal culture. Among the challenges of living and working in Armenia is learning to cope effectively and constructively with the different status of women and men and the different standards of behavior to which they are held. Female Volunteers may find that being a single woman living alone goes against the cultural norms of their community. Besides receiving unwanted and inappropriate attention from Armenian men, female Volunteers may also have to work harder than male Volunteers to gain the professional respect of colleagues in the workplace. In addition, female Volunteers may experience resentment from host country women over their male-like position of authority in the community. Finally, female Volunteers
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need to keep a low social profile and practice discretion in public (e.g., not smoking in public or drinking in bars) to avoid developing an undesirable reputation. Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color Volunteers of color may face challenges both inside and outside the Peace Corps community. Within the Volunteer corps, you may be the only minority trainee or Volunteer in a particular project. You may not find minority role models among the Peace Corps/Armenia staff and may not receive necessary personal support from other Volunteers. Once you move to your site, you are likely to work and live with individuals who have no experience or understanding of a nonCaucasian-American culture. Because of ignorance, stereotyped cultural perceptions, or the countrys current or historical relations with other countries, you may encounter varying degrees of harassment. You may not be perceived as being North American, or you may be viewed with suspicion, or you may be evaluated as less professionally competent than a white Volunteer. In any community in Armenia where you are not known, you need to be prepared for staring, pointing, and comments. Finally, you should be prepared to hear derogatory terms and racial epithets that would be considered completely inappropriate in the United States today. Volunteer Comments Be prepared to explain who you are and why you look a little different from what they know of Americans from TV and movies. Armenians will ask and wonder. Dont take offense at it. Dont feel you have to explain who you are to everyone who asks. Try to make it an educational opportunity for those who matter to you. Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers Respect comes with age in Armenia. Younger Volunteers may have to work harder than their older colleagues to be accepted as
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professionals. Older Volunteers may feel isolated within the Peace Corps community overseas because the majority of Volunteers are in their 20s. Training may present its own special challenges. Older trainees may encounter insufficient attention to their needs for an effective learning environment, including timing, presentation of materials, comfort level, and health. You may need to be assertive in developing an individual approach to language learning. Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Volunteers have to practice discretion. Although homosexuals certainly exist in Armenia, homosexuality is illegal and may be considered immoral by some people. Certain styles of hair and dress (e.g., earrings on men) and mannerisms considered acceptable in the United States may be viewed with disdain or suspicion by Armenians. Your basic civil liberties may be ignored, and you may be hassled in bars or in the streets. You may serve for two years without meeting another homosexual Volunteer or Armenian. Most Armenian homosexuals probably have migrated to larger cities, while many Peace Corps Volunteers are posted in rural sites. Relationships with host country nationals can happen, but as with all cross-cultural relationships, they are not likely to be easy. Lesbians will have to deal with constant questions about boyfriends, marriage, and sex (as do all women). Wearing an engagement ring may help. Gay men must deal with machismo: talk of conquest(s), girl watching, dirty jokes, etc. The Peace Corps is committed to providing support for all Volunteers regardless of sexual orientation.
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Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers Volunteers are frequently asked about their religious affiliation and may be invited to attend a community church. Although Volunteers not in the practice of attending church may have to explain their reasons for not attending, it is possible to politely decline if the church or religious practice is not one of their choice. Most Volunteers find effective ways to cope with this challenge and come to feel quite at home in Armenia. Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities In Armenia, as in other parts of the world, some people may hold prejudicial attitudes about individuals with disabilities and may discriminate against them. There is very little of the infrastructure to accommodate individuals with disabilities that has been developed in the United States. That being said, as part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services determined that you were physically and emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform a full tour of Volunteer service in Armenia without unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service. The Peace Corps/Armenia staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations for them in training, housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and effectively.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Armenia? Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 pounds total, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one bag. Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution. What is the electric current in Armenia? It is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Because power surges and cuts can put a strain on voltage converters and appliances, make sure that what you bring is of good quality. The Peace Corps does not provide transformers. Most size batteries are easy to find in Armenia, though AA is the most popular size for portable electronics. Rechargeable batteries and rechargers are available on the local market. How much money should I bring? Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. You will be given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your expenses. Volunteers often wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and travelers checks are
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preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. When can I take vacation and have people visit me? Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and the first three months of service as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance. Will my belongings be covered by insurance? The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you can purchase personal property insurance before you leave. If you wish, you may contact your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application forms will be provided, and we encourage you to consider them carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available. Do I need an international drivers license? Volunteers in Armenia do not need an international drivers license because they are prohibited from operating privately owned motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. In any case, if you have a U.S. drivers license, bring it as another form of personal ID.
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What should I bring as gifts for Armenia friends and my host family? This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away. Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be? Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after they have completed pre-service training. This gives Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainees technical and language skills prior to assigning sites, in addition to finalizing site selections with their ministry counterparts. If feasible, you may have the opportunity to provide input on your site preferences, including geographical location, distance from other Volunteers, and living conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in rural villages and are usually within one hour from another Volunteer. Some sites require a 5- to 7-hour drive from the capital. There is at least one Volunteer based in each of the regional centers and about five to eight Volunteers in the same region. How can my family contact me in an emergency? The Peace Corps Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States, instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness or death of a family member. During normal business hours, the number for the Office of Special Services is 800.424.8580; select option 2, then extension 1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and holidays, the Special Services duty officer can be reached at the above number. For non-emergency questions, your family can get
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information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 800.424.8580. Can I call home from Armenia? International phone service to and from Armenia is good relative to that of other developing countries. However, at times (especially on weekends and holidays) the phone system is easily overwhelmed, and phone service may be disrupted. You can purchase international calling cards in Yerevan and in towns/cities. Should I bring a cellular phone with me? Differences in technology make most U.S. cellphones incompatible with the Armenian system. Only unlocked GSM cellphones (those not purchased with a calling plan like AT&T wireless, T-Mobile, etc.) that are quad band will work in Armenia. Peace Corps staff members are equipped with cellphones to attend to everyday work duties and for communication while on the road, but the Peace Corps does not provide Volunteers with cellphones. Some Volunteers choose to purchase them locally on their own. Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my computer? A growing number of businesses offer Internet access in the capital, larger cities, and towns. As described in a previous section, there is nearly nationwide 3G mobile Internet coverage using USB modems or SIM cards in smart phones or other Internet-accessible mobile devices. Many people bring laptop computers, but they are responsible for insuring and maintaining the computers themselves. Note that you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance here as you would at home and that replacement parts can take months to arrive.
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The Peace Corps office in Yerevan has four computer workstations available for Volunteers to conduct project research and correspond via the Internet. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector (available locally). Please note, Volunteers who have computers also significantly increase their risk of becoming a victim of crime. The Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring them to get personal property insurance.
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WELCOME LETTERS FROM ARMENIA VOLUNTEERS

My name is Sarah Zaenger and I am an A14 community health education Volunteer in Surenavan, Armenia. Surenavan has a population of approximately 2,700 and is located in the Ararat Valley, about 45 kilometers south of Yerevan. My site assignment is at Surenavan Secondary School where my primary counterpart is the healthy life skills/lifestyles teacher for grades 1-9. My secondary projects include developing health resources and seminars for the school and community members, writing a grant for a new playground/recreation area in the village, preparing for an international outreach camp, and coordinating a summer green camp. When you come to Armenia prepare yourself to encounter a historic culture that has been forced to change by power shifts, national disaster, and war. People today live a very different life from what many fondly remember during the Soviet period. Despite todays struggles and depression, there is a great deal of hope in the country. It is with this hope that we can begin to introduce the Peace Corps mission. Know that youre invited to Armenia by the government and welcomed by the population itself. Most Armenians are very receptive to Americans and, due to the large diaspora, youll probably meet many people during your service who have relatives and friends living in the States. Moreover, one of the brightest characteristics of Armenians, their hospitality, will help remind you of your value to this country and of your safety at your site. Most of all, accept this service as an opportunity to demonstrate volunteerism and grace to the population. In a world where power and strength are revered, both the Peace Corps organization and Armenia need more people with your message of peace and love. I look forward to meeting you soon. Sarah Zaenger Health Volunteer
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Barev Dzez! (Greetings to you!) I congratulate you on your decision to join the Peace Corps. You should be proud of yourself for choosing to serve your country as a Volunteer. Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in Armenia is an important assignment, and you have the ability to make a great impact as a TEFL Volunteer. When you begin to work at your educational institution, you must first form a strong foundation with your school director, counterpart(s), and fellow teachers. Remember that you are a new faculty memberrespect must be earned, it is not given. Once you have earned the respect of your colleagues by learning about their system and methodologies and by showing consistent enthusiasm for your duties, your new friends will be more likely to not only hear you, but also to make every effort to listen. Adjusting to life in Armenia will at times be rigorous, at times easy, and most often very interesting. Every culture has fascinating aspects, as well as characteristics that someone, somewhere, will not agree with or want to adjust to. Remember the old adage, When in Rome, do as the Romans do as you adapt. With very few exceptions, I have really enjoyed doing as the Armenians do. Peace Corps Volunteers in Armenia play a very important role in working with host country nationals to strengthen the countrys capacities in business, education, the environment, and health care. If you maintain a positive, open attitude and remind yourself of why you came here, then you need never doubt that you are making a difference. You are a soldier of peace and pre-service training is your boot camp. PST will test your body, mind, and spirit, and it is a rite of passage for all Volunteers. Expect long, rigorous, yet highly effective language courses with the best language teachers in Armenia. During the day you will be busy with lessons and in the afternoon you will be busy with your host families and your American and Armenian friends. Its a tiring busy, but a good busy. Like your Peace Corps experience in general, if you have
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the perspective that training is an adventure in service and not a sacrificial burden, you will get out of it even more than you put in. The Peace Corps staff members will do everything in their power to help you learn and grow. Do not make the mistake of thinking they are trying to weed you out. The Peace Corps uses training to recognize your strengths and identify where those strengths can best be utilized. If you follow the Boy Scout motto to do your best, you will have no need to worry. Only so much can be done to prepare for Peace Corps service. Before you leave the U.S., make sure everything that you can control is in order, for example, your private life, work, etc. Read about Armenian culture and history and try to familiarize yourself with the Eastern Armenian alphabet and basic words and phrases. My personal Top 10 list of items to bring: 1) Small photo-album of family, friends, and hometown; 2) Laptop computer; 3) Flash drive; 4) Crocs (rubber all-purpose sandals); 5) Swiss army knife (with scissors); 6) Photo book of America; 7) CD of songs that inspire you/make you happy/make you laugh; 8) A prepared email list to share your experiences with those at home; 9) A musical instrument (even you dont know how to play it, bring one to learn); and 10) A small, framed photograph of a model American citizen whose story inspires you and whom you admire as a role model. I hope the above information is of use to you. I join Peace Corps/Armenia in congratulating you on committing to serve here in this ancient land nestled in the Caucasus. Of the 20 countries I have traveled to in my life, Armenia stands out among them as one of the most interesting. I look forward to supporting you as I was supported during training. I am anxious for us to work, teach, and learn together. Enjoy this exciting time as you prepare for the new journey in your life. You will not return to America the same person. Menk Dzez spasum enk, Mark Dietzen TEFL Volunteer
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Congratulations on your invitation to Armenia! You are about to embark on one, big, adventurous life rollercoaster! From the classroom, you will encounter enthusiastic students from the third form to 10th form. Their eagerness, combined with guidance from your school or counterpart organization, will help you not only make a difference in students, but in the community as well. Dont sweat it if you have not had much experience teaching English. I came with little experience, but just speaking my native tongue of English has taken me far, and the same will happen to you. Actually, just growing up in the U.S. and being involved in many skills will enable you to be an asset to your community. Life in Armenia is different, but remember different is beautiful! The terrain is rigid and complete with three mountain ranges, a gorgeous lake, and semi-desert conditions in the south. Depending on where you are, summers can be hot like the southern U.S., and the winters, well, I am from Nebraska and I have seen hip-level snow in my village. My advice, PACK WARM for the winter. Though it may be a bit chilly, the winter provides some breathtaking landscapes that are picture worthy to be sent back home! You will find the culture to have many similarities to your own, but be prepared for differences. Gender roles are a bit divided and the culture is very family-orientated. The community in Armenia embraces the braveness of our commitment, and will try to encourage you to marry within the country so that you can stay longer! Many will question why you have given up so many good things in America to come to Armenia. The U.S. government provides a lot of financial aid to Armenia and Americans are generally warmly accepted. Before you land in your community, you will have three months of training called PST. This is a very intense education in the language and culture of Armenia. You will have language lessons for many hours every day. Again, dont sweat it. Everyone goes through this process together. You will live with a host family in a village with other Volunteers. It can be kind of scary entering a home where no one speaks English, but you will have such an amazing support group in your PST village. Your language and culture teachers will live in the village with you, and they are
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excellent sources for questions and answers. Your teachers are Armenian, but they will know how to speak English, and they understand American culture. Lastly, your fellow Volunteers will become your best friends. To learn the language, you have to practice it. Dont be afraid of making mistakes; I made plenty of mistakes in PST and continue to make them to this day. The PST site is the best place to learn; utilize your teachers and family in helping you understand the language and culture. So how do you prepare for the Peace Corps? Well, the best option is coming with an open mind. Things will be different, and you have to have patience for this. I encourage you to pick up and read some books on the Armenian culture as well. These are two things that will help you prepare for your commitment. However, despite all the training and assistance, just remember it is only you who can accept the challenge of serving in the Peace Corps. The capital city of Yerevan provides you with most items you could need. However, trips to Yerevan are quite limited, and you will not see this city for the first three months! Bring semiprofessional clothes for teaching, winter boots, winter coat, fun scarves and mittens, a sleeping bag (for staying at others places), camera, towels (the ones in the States are so much better), and any fun items that you find entertaining and a must. I have found my cheap laptop to be VERY useful, but it is not a necessity. The list in this book is a very good one to judge what to pack. Finally, bring your open mind and passionate heart; these are the most important dont leave them in the States! Heres wishing you the best. Time goes fast here, so again, be prepared for a wonderful and courageous journey! I look forward to meeting each one of you! Syd Merz TEFL Volunteer
Bari Galust! Welcome! So, youre coming to Armenia! A year ago, I was in your positionexcited and eager and a little apprehensive. Now that Im actually here, I can assure you that
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your enthusiasm and willingness to be of service will be important qualities in your success. If you already have teaching experience, you will be more comfortable, confident, and believable. If you have never taught, you will gain a great deal of knowledge in PST. I advise you to take it seriously. Teaching is not an easy job and just because you have been in school for 17 or more years, it doesnt mean you are aware of everything that your teachers did to help make learning interesting and easy. Education in Armenia is going through major changes. The National Institute of Education has called for reforms in all subjects. During service, sessions are offered at a number of teachers houses throughout the country. The need for change is obvious but the motion of change is sluggish. Armenia is moving from Soviet-era teacher-centered classrooms where memorization, recitation, and indoctrination were the norms to student-centered, interactive classrooms where creativity, critical thinking, and the active participation of every student are the goals. Most English language teachers have been teaching for many, many years and are not comfortable or skilled in the newer methods. Especially in the villages, you may find teachers with little training and limited skill in English. How exciting to be a part of these changes! Im an older, retired teacher with white hair and a big smile. I have found that the Armenian people, children and adults, are friendly, helpful, and encouraging. Because I work at a Teachers House and have visited in many classrooms and met literally hundreds of students, wherever I walk in my town, I am greeted with exuberant shouts of Hello, Penny! I always stop to say hello in response. I feel a little bit like a famous person and I will miss the excitement of being a celebrity when I return home. Especially in villages, you will be an interesting addition to a very predictable day. People dont stare, but they are very aware that I am not Armenian. Ive had great conversations with curious people on the bus or on the street. The shopkeepers are kind and praise me for learning Armenian, even though it is badly fractured. I feel safe wherever I go. Im from coastal California, so I am experiencing a real winter for the first time. Its been
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snowing all day and the trees are wearing white cloaks and looking very beautiful. What would be helpful to bring with you? I had a friend mail me permanent, colored markersSharpie is a good brand. Create a picture file by taking pages out of magazines. You can collect pictures that are colorful and relate to themes such as family, children,sports, nature, foods, clothing, and pets. You will use the pictures in many teaching situations in the classroom and in language clubs to introduce vocabulary or to serve as story or conversation starters. You will find that very few people are fluent in English, but everybody wants to speak English. Creating an English Conversation Club may be one of the most important contributions you make here. Armenia may be one of the few places in the world where America and Americans are respected and admired. Armenians have a well-deserved reputation for being hospitable. You will be welcomed and fed and welcomed and fed and fed. Enjoy! Penny Porter TEFL Volunteer
Welcome new Volunteer! Youre about to embark on a huge adventure. Your mind is probably full of questions right now. Relax; take it one step at a time. Armenia has great things to offer you and you have great things to offer Armenia. Come with big dreams and an open mind. Packing for a two-year stay in another country can be overwhelming. Try not to worry about it too much. Most things you really need, youll be able to buy in Armenia, and remember, if the local people can live without it, you can too. Bring clothes for all seasons, sensible shoes, a sleeping bag, and a few luxury items to remind you of home (your favorite music or DVDs, spices and seasonings, photos of family and friends, etc.) A laptop is helpful too, but not necessary. I am an environmental education Volunteer at a school in the southernmost region of Armenia. Most of my work involves
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encouraging students to appreciate nature and recognize they have an impact on their environment. I want the students to experience nature, not just learn about it in the classroom. One of my favorite activities for my environmental club to do is simply take a walk through town or hike in the mountains and talk about the environmental problems we see around us. The school system in Armenia is largely focused on memorization and recitation. I like to give students the opportunity to learn through experience. The most rewarding part of my Peace Corps service is the relationships Im building with my students, neighbors, and community. I know my service is successful when my students invite me to go dancing with them at the local disco or my neighbors invite me over for dinner. The technical skills and knowledge we bring to our communities are certainly important, but the greatest impact we can make is to bring encouragement, enthusiasm, and hope to the people around us. So, pack your bags and prepare yourself for a great adventure. Welcome to Armenia! Sarah Snowbarger Environment Volunteer
Hi to the 50+ invitees, My name is Patti Hachiya and I am a 62-year-old, JapaneseAmerican A-15 who is in Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. I wanted to write to you to tell you some of the exciting and not so exciting things that are a part of our lives here and perhaps to correspond with some of you on a more personal basis. When I first heard of my assignment, I immediately wanted to hear from someone who was there in the trenches so I could get a personal feel for the country, the people, and what life would be like for two years. So I hope that you will take this opportunity to read, absorb, and perhaps learn something about PCVs in Armenia. I wont go into the basics, but I want to tell you some of the opportunities and challenges that we face as older Volunteers, which are different than the young 20-year-olds just out of college.
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I think one of the first challenges I faced after my invitation to join was what to do with all of my stuff. I have a condo, a car, retirement income, investments, and all of that stuff that we accumulate as we go along in life. I think the first thing I did was to take a deep breath and find a close friend or relative that I trusted to serve as my Power of Attorney. She agreed to take over my checking account, pay my bills, make sure that my taxes were filed, and take care of anything else that might come up in the two years I would be gone. Luckily we have email (sometimes) so we can keep in touch and I can let her know what is going on and vice versa. All of this took quite a bit of time, so start early. I had to contact all of my creditorscredit card companies, banks, accountant, etc. Every time I thought I was done, there was another! I sold my car, rather than having it sit there for two years, and I rented out my condo. I also rented a storage space for all of my worldly belongings and I need to say that there were a lot of those. I think the next challenge was what to take. I packed and repacked and then I did it again. I ended up bringing things I didnt need and needing things I didnt bring. The main thing to remember is that if you have a network of friends in the States, you can always ask for things. Bring things you know you cant live without, the comfort things that you want with you. Armenia is a small country but the weather varies a great deal. So far, I have experienced sunshine, heat, cold, rain, snow, hail, thunder and lightning, and everything in between. I think the only thing that is missing is a flood and I certainly hope we dont have that. The summers are usually hot throughout the country so be prepared for that sort of weather and the winters are generally quite cold. The clothing here is very interesting. I did not pack my dressy clothes, thinking that I wouldnt need them in a Third World country Wrong! The women here dress up to go to the store. They may wear the same thing over and over, but it is clean and they certainly dress. I do not feel the need to dress like that on a daily basis. Slacks and flat shoes are fine. I wear running shoes a lot. For the men, I would say that as long as you are neatly dressed
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and not wearing shorts or tattered clothing, you will be fine. The men here tend toward black leather jackets and pointy-toed Italian-style shoes. I brought two suitcases, which is what we were allowed, and filled one with clothes and one with other stuff. The thing to remember is that PST is very different from your actual site. At PST, and for your first three months at site, you will not need any household goods, but if you move into your own housing then you might need everything. It is a hard call. Again, I urge you to find someone who can send you stuff. Shipping is expensive, about $7$8 a pound, but definitely worth it. A box with household items to be sent when you settle into your own place might be something you would want. However, the situation is different for everyone. There is a huge range in living accommodations, although the Peace Corps makes every attempt to accommodate us over-50s.I specifically asked for indoor plumbing squatting outside is hard when your knees are creaky. Both of my host families also had indoor showers, which was a luxury from some of the stories I have heard. Patti Hachiya Health Volunteer
Dear 50+ invitees, Id like to add my welcome to Pattis. She and I corresponded via email a good bit before I arrived so I felt I already had a friend in my group. That was a big plus. I had several Powers of Attorney named. One was for day-today business to the person who manages my house rental. She can write checks on my behalf and is responsible for bookkeeping on the apartment and tax preparation. I had a general durable Power of Attorney in my two sisters, so if I become incapacitated, they can make decisions for me. That one included medical decisions (living will) and the right to override the other Powers of Attorney. A final POA went to friends who are helping me manage an out-of-state property that is on the market (and, sadly, still is and probably will be by the time I get home). I used the
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Peace Corps invitation as an opportunity to rid myself of some of the clutter in my life. I took three carloads to Goodwill and could have probably pared down further. I think everyone manages to bring something unnecessary and forgets or doesnt think about an important essential. I agree with Patti that you are better off finding someone who will send things to you and not to worry about it for the initial trip. During PST you are so busy studying and adjusting, there are not many things you need one thought, bring index cards for making flash cards for study. Youd be surprised how hard it is to find staples like index cards. Also, paper clips and rubber bands. While they are available, it would not hurt to tuck some of those in your bag, along with some scissors. I like to cook and am fussy, so I brought a sharp knife, an assortment of teas, and a French press. I was very glad for the latter on those afternoons when I really wanted a cup of green tea. Ive had various spices sent to me, but my suggestion is to wait until you are settled into your own place. I packed one suitcase with clothes and shoes and other things, such as my laptop and a printer. Im glad I brought the printer. Its a small one and came in very handy during language training (printing out verb lists to carry with me). Living accommodations do vary greatly. Some of the PCVs experience weeks without water in wintertime because all of the pipes in their villages or towns freeze. My experience in a city was much less severe I am able to keep my apartment fairly well heated and, while I have experienced power outages, they have not lasted longer than a day or so (knock on wood). While I have a shower now, I experienced bucket baths until I got to my permanent site and that was not a real hardship. For me, the hardest adjustment has been to accept the fact that my language skills are meager at best and I learned at a much slower pace than many of the Volunteers. It was my first experience as a slow learner and I hated that. It still comes slow to me, although I have to say Im better now than I was at the end of PST. So learning can occur. It just may take longer than you are used to.
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Another adjustment challenge was living with a family after nearly four decades of my own house. Of course, everything is so strange at the beginning, the communal living is just one more strange thing in a world of strange things. The adjustment was helped by having a great family to start out with and getting another great one when I went to my permanent site. One of the advantages of being a tateek (grandmother, at least in age) is it is fairly easy to get people to listen to you and you can avoid the stares some of the younger women experience. Also, if you are working in classrooms, it is easier to get the attention of the class. Stern looks also help. Overall, Im very glad I made this choice. It has been and continues to be quite an enriching experience. Looking forward to meeting all of you, Elizabeth Pou Business Volunteer
Dear invitees, If you are feeling the same things I did, then you might be wondering what you just signed up for and questioning your sanity. Let me assure you that you are quite sane and you are in for one of the most memorable times of your life. I am writing you this letter after only being in Armenia for a little more than a month. As an A-16, you can be assured my perspective is freshI only ran out of American toilet paper two weeks ago. I talked with some of the other A-16s and we came up with the following advice for you. First, go ahead and send yourself a package or two from the States just before you leave. It will reduce what you need to carry with you and it is really nice to get something from home after you have been here a week. Be sure to include something nice for yourself in the box. It gives you something to look forward to when you arrive. Expect the first week to be a little crazy. You are going to get a lot of information at orientation, then spend a day traveling only to land in a foreign country and have four days of lessons and
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activities, followed by meeting your new family. If that is not a stressful week, I dont know what is. Rest assured that once you get settled into your new home things quiet down and you can establish a routine. Dont stress about the language, I did and I regret that now. The language teachers are terrific and really work hard to help you learn. The first couple weeks in your house you will feel bad for not being able to talk to people and you will probably carry your dictionary everywhere. After a couple weeks you will notice you dont use it nearly as much as you did and you can actually talk to people. I can tell you from experience that the first real conversation you have will be a memorable occasion that you will cherish. Packing was a really stressful activity and I talked to a lot of other A-16s, both before leaving the States and once we got here. Everyone has a different opinion, so pack what you want. Here is my advice: Pack a sleeping bag, preferably one that packs down really small and tight. I have one that goes into a stuff bag and it is great. I used it the first four nights, as did many others. It is also useful when visiting other Volunteers and during the winter (so I hear). If you want to stay in touch with the world, then pack a small shortwave radio. I have one that cost $35 and it works great. I listen to the BBC at night and in the mornings and I feel I know a little about what is happening in the world. Finally, just a word of advice on the flights. No matter what anyone tells you, expect to go through security in your connecting airport. Also be careful what you carry on. A number of things that were OK with security in America got confiscated by security when we flew through Paris. These included a skateboard, small scissors, and some small hand weights. If you are in doubt, pack it in your checked bags. Good luck with your preparations. We are all looking forward to meeting you! Hajol Majol Brian Gilmer Business Volunteer
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PACKING LIST
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Armenia and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Armenia.
General Clothing Although you can buy clothing in Armenia, much of it is synthetic and it may not meet your tastes. Variety in clothing is not as important as how it looks. Bring sturdy clothes that will last a long time. You can have some clothes made locally, so it is a good idea to bring patterns or pictures of clothes you like. Be sure to pack a good supply of underwear; polypropylene, wool, and cotton socks and glove liners; and long underwear of different weights (e.g., wool and silk).
For Women Dressy and casual clothing for winter and summer: skirts, dresses, blouses, knit tops, slacks, and jeans, including one formal outfit (skirts and dresses should fall below the knee) At least two pairs of flat shoes, along with dressy sandals, tennis shoes, winter boots, and hiking boots if desired (quality is important) Jewelry and makeup (women in Yerevan wear both, but they are not necessary) Slips
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Leggings Shorts, for wearing at home or while jogging early in the morning (Armenian women do not wear shorts in public) Warm coat, hats, and scarves
For Men An assortment of winter and summer clothing, including collared shirts for work and at least one dressy outfit (sport coat, tie, dress shirt, and slacks); Volunteers suggest dark colors because they look clean longer than light colors Shoes for work, tennis shoes, winter boots, sandals for summertime, and hiking boots if desired (quality is important) Warm coat and wool hats and wool or ski-type gloves Shorts, for wearing at home or for sports (Armenian men do not usually wear shorts unless playing sports)
Kitchen
Good can opener Spices (your favorites may be difficult to locate, especially in winter) No need to bring cooking supplies (can be found locally) Basic cookbook Plastic storage bags Measuring cups and spoons
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Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

Favorite over-the-counter medical supplies (items provided by the Peace Corps tend to be generic brands) A six-month supply of any prescription drugs you take (to give the Peace Corps ample time to order them) Two pairs of eyeglasses, if you wear them (replacements can take several months to arrive) Contact lens supplies (not available locally and not supplied by the Peace Corps) Towels, absorbent and of good quality Hair-coloring products, if you prefer a certain brand
Miscellaneous
Watch (durable, water-resistant, and inexpensive); batteries can be purchased in Armenia Travel alarm clock (battery operated is best) Sunglasses, for dusty road travel and for winter and summer glare Poncho and folding umbrella Fanny pack Small daypack without a frame (for shopping and carrying books or work materials) Digital camera (note: if you prefer film cameras, film and processing are available locally)
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Variable voltage adapter, which switches the current from AC to DC and can reduce the need for battery replacements (also available in Yerevan electronics stores) Flashlights (available in Armenia, but choices are limited) MP3, CD, or tape player/recorder and shortwave radio One or two sets of double-size flat sheets (available locally) Small tool kit (available locally) Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool Sewing kit Pictures and video recordings of home (for yourself and to share with friends and students) U.S. postage stamps (so travelers going home can handcarry mail for you) U.S. and world maps, which make good teaching aids and can serve as wall hangings Inexpensive gifts (e.g., toys, costume jewelry, magazines, key chains, kitchen gadgets, such as potato peelers) Games (e.g., Scrabble, chess, Trivial Pursuit) Sports equipment (e.g., Frisbee, baseball, volleyball, soccer ball, etc.) Detergent for delicate fabrics (e.g., Woolite); dry cleaning available only in the capital city
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Sleeping bag rated for minus 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and a pad (Volunteers also suggest a compactable bag and fleece liner)
Work-Related Materials Netbook, Noteboo, or Tablet PC Unlocked cellphone English language audio material Dictionary and thesaurus Word games Songbooks Calendars with colorful pictures Scissors Tape measure (with inches and centimeters) Novels and short stories (for yourself and your work)
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside the United States for two years. Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does not include everything you should make arrangements for.
Family
Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps Office of Special Services at any time if there is a critical illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone number: 800.424.8580, extension 1470). Give the Peace Corps On the Home Front handbook to family and friends.
Passport/Travel
Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas. Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel. Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire three months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)
Medical/Health
Complete any needed dental and medical work. If you wear glasses, bring two pairs. Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills) you are currently taking.
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Insurance
Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage. Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is responsible for your health care during Peace Corps service overseas, it is advisable for people who have pre-existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.) Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.
Personal Papers
Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting
Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state universities consider voting and payment of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.) Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas. Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas.
Personal Effects
Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home for service overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the United States.
Financial Management
Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S. Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service.
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Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your property and business. Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child support, and other debts through the Office of Volunteer Financial Operations at 800.424.8580, extension 1770. Place all important papersmortgages, deeds, stocks, and bondsin a safe deposit box or with an attorney or other caretaker.
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CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free number and extensions with your family so they can contact you in the event of an emergency.
Peace Corps Headquarters Toll-free Number:
800.424.8580, Press 2, then Ext. # (see below) Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps 1111 20th Street, NW Washington, DC 20526
Peace Corps Mailing Address:

Headquarters
For Questions About:

Responding to an Invitation
Staff
Office of Placement Business and Information Technology Desk Education Desk
Toll-free Extension
Direct/ Local Number
Ext. 3042
202.692.3042
Ext. 3044
202.692.3044
Programming or Country Information
Desk Officer Email: Armenia@ peacecorps.gov
Ext. 2421
202.692.2421
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For Questions About:

Plane Tickets, Passports, Visas, or Other Travel Matters Legal Clearance
Staff
Toll-free Extension
Direct/ Local Number

202.692.1170
Travel Officer Ext. 1170 (CWT SATO Travel)
Office of Placement
Ext. 1845
202.692.1845
Medical Clearance Screening Nurse and Forms Processing (including dental) Medical Reimbursements Handled by a Subcontractor
Ext. 1500
202.692.1500
800.818.8772 Ext. 1770 202.692.1770
Loan Deferments, Volunteer Taxes, Readjustment Financial Allowance Withdrawals, Operations Power of Attorney Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Orientation) and Reporting Instructions
Note: You will receive comprehensive information (hotel and flight arrangements) one month prior to departure. This information is not available sooner.
Ext. 1865
202.692.1865
Family Emergencies Office of Special (to get information to Services a Volunteer overseas)
Ext. 1470
202.692.1470
(24 hours)
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Peace Corps Armenia Welcome Book - April 2012

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Peace Corps Armenia Welcome Book - April 2012

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THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

David Lillie, Country Director Peace Corps/Armenia

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

Security Issues in Armenia Crime Data for Armenia

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS/ARMENIA HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Armenia

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

Country Overview: ARMENIA at a Glance

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

People and Culture

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

General Information About Armenia

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

Peace Corps/Armenia Facebook page

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Armenia

Local news, global audience

Other online newspapers

International Development Sites About Armenia

United Nations Development Programme

World Health Organization Armenia

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

World Vision Armenia

History, Culture & Language Tutorials

Culture, politics, people, places, etc.

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute

ArmGate guide to a variety of resources

Learn Armenian good, interactive online basic language lessons (free)

Road to Armenia The Ancient Land in Words, Music, and Pictures

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The Armenian Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

President of the Republic of Armenia official site

Government of Republic of Armenia official site including the

U.S. Embassy to Armenia

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PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE

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Housing and Site Location

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

Food and Diet

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |

Geography and Climate

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

PEACE CORPS | ARMENIA | WELCOME BOOK |