Diaspora Engagement | AGBU Young Professionals Network

For the Armenian nation to succeed on a global scale, it is essential to build bridges between the Diaspora and the homeland. AGBU offers countless opportunities, both in-person and virtually, to link Armenians to their ancestral homeland. This cross-border cultural exchange promotes collective involvement in the future of Armenia and cultivates a broader identification with what it means to be and feel Armenian.

Starting in the formative teen years, AGBU offers a range of community service experiences and professional development programs for those wishing to spend time in Armenia. For young and established professionals, there are multiple avenues for engagement, ranging from mentorships to program creation. It’s true when we say AGBU offers something for everyone.

Armenie Terre De Vie Participant girls working in the school renovation

Service Programs

By all accounts, spending time in Armenia, whether as a tourist, student or volunteer, is truly transformative. AGBU Discover Armenia opens the eyes of youth to the depth and beauty of the natural terrain, rich with ancient history, as well as direct engagement with the locals and chances to give back. For young adults, UGAB Arménie, Terre de Vie and Armenians Come Together (AGBU ACT) offer a special opportunity to work with rural and urban families, distribute humanitarian aid, and rebuild and refurbish vital infrastructure and community spaces.

Develop Interests

Armenia is a unique place to explore professional and educational interests. AGBU has designed programs to expose university students and adult learners to different industries through our Global Leadership Program (GLP) and Musical Armenia Program (MAP). Both provide hands-on experience working for professionals in a certain field, while fostering bonds with like-minded peers. For those looking for a virtual setting, the Armenian Virtual College (AVC) brings experts in language, history and culture to life.

A Diasporan professional mentoring AGBU EmpowerHer participants to develop their businesses

Mentor and Give Back

AGBU offers a number of mentorship and coaching programs for professional or business development. Our initial program focused on support for civil society organizations, focused on drawing expertise from the Diaspora. Currently, we boast two active programs for volunteers: AGBU Business Mentors, which brings international know-how to the women of the AGBU EmpowerHer program; and ANI Language Coaching, which pairs English-speaking diasporans with program participants who wish to improve their conversational skills and confidence.

Minister Hakob Arshakyan talking to Dr. Yervant Zorian on a video call

Drive New Initiatives

Our vast Diaspora network plays a large role in developing projects in Armenia, driving and supporting positive change. Programs like the Hye Geen Pregnant Women Centers, to reconstruction projects, can only break ground through the dedicated efforts of Diaspora volunteers. Recent initiatives like journalism training for local reporters in Armenia, the YERIA foreign observers cohorts, or Virtual Bridge Accelerator were all successfully launched, thanks to Armenian professional networks outside of the homeland.