Peace Corps Armenia Welcome Book - October 2006

THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO
ARMENIA
A P E A C E C O R P S P U B L I C ATI O N
FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
October 2006
Armenia
WELCOME TO ARMENIA
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 Armenians
have embraced democracy, free markets, and business, many,
especially older Armenians, long for the old Soviet days when
things were more stable and their livelihood was guaranteed.
Armenian organizations, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers

have identified a great need to work with rural Armenian
schools and in health, environmental, and business education.
There is also great interest in Armenia in the application
of information technologies. Volunteers are working with a
nationwide project that connects schools and communities to
the Internet.
The Peace Corps/Armenia staff is hard at work to ensure
that your assignment will be rewarding, your physical health
trouble-free, and your housing adequate. There are variables,
however, that are simply beyond anyone’s 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
by why you are 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

cross-cultural 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 dancing—all 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!
Patrick Hart
Country Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Map of Armenia
A Welcome Letter 1
Peace Corps/Armenia History and Programs 7

History of the Peace Corps in Armenia 7
History and Future of Peace Corps
Programming in Armenia 8-9
Country Overview: Armenia at a Glance 11

History 11-13
Government 13
Economy 13-15
People and Culture 15-16
Environment 16
Resources for Further Information 19
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 25

Communications 25-27
Housing and Site Location 27
Living Allowance and Money Management 27-29
Food and Diet 29-30
Transportation 30
Geography and Climate 30
Social Activities 31
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior 31-33
Rewards and Frustrations 33
Peace Corps Training 35
Overview of Pre-Service Training 35
Technical Training 36
Language Training 36
Cross-Cultural Training 37
Health Training 37
Safety Training 37-38
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service 38
Your Health Care and Safety in Armenia 41

Health Issues in Armenia 41
Helping You Stay Healthy 41-42
Maintaining Your Health 42-43
Women’s Health Information 43-44
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit 44-45
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist 45-46
Safety and Security—Our Partnership 47-53
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 47-48
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk 48-49
Support from Staff 49-53
Security Issues in Armenia 53-55
Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime 55-56
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training
and Volunteer Support in Armenia 56-57
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 59

Overview of Diversity in Armenia 60
What Might a Volunteer Face? 60
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers 60-61
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 61-62
Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers 62
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian,
or Bisexual Volunteers 62-63
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers 63
Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities 63-64
Frequently Asked Questions 67
Welcome Letters From Armenia Volunteers 73
Packing List 81
Pre-departure Checklist 87
Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 91

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 500 Volunteers have served in Armenia.
During the first years, conditions were very difficult, with
no electricity or heat. The country was reeling from the
aftermath of the 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. Yerevan, the capital, is an
increasingly modern city with a European atmosphere. More
restaurants, cafes, jazz clubs, and Internet cafés 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 85 Volunteers serving in

villages and towns throughout the country. Peace Corps is
well-established in Armenia and has a strong reputation for
effective grass-roots development work.
A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 7

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Armenia
Peace Corps/Armenia has four projects: teaching English

as a foreign language (TEFL), community and business
development (CBD), environmental education, and
community health education (CHE). 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 teacher-
training component was added. Teacher-trainer Volunteers
also work at teacher-training institutes and methodology
centers.
CBD Volunteers work with local nongovernmental

organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and
business support centers to build capacity for effective
participation in the emerging market economy. Almost all
Volunteers in this project support at least one local NGO
in capacity-building. They also help implement projects in
environmental protection, youth development, education,
career development, women in development, and computer
and English training. Several Volunteers are carrying out
small-scale projects in community development, such as Boys
Reaching Out (BRO) camps, sports tournaments for students,
and tourism development.
The CHE project aims to increase preventive health measures

at the community level and raise awareness of public health
issues. Volunteers in this project are placed in clinics,
educational institutions (e.g., schools and medical colleges),
and health NGOs. They work with partners to teach health
classes, conduct health workshops, develop grant proposals
for health improvement projects, conduct informal health
8 PEACE CORPS
education sessions with community residents, organize
environmental health awareness hikes and camps, develop
health curriculum guides and materials, and translate and
adapt health education materials for the Armenian context.
Community health education Volunteers encourage people to
understand the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and
to make good health a priority.
Peace Corps/Armenia started the environmental education

project in 2003. Volunteer work includes capacity-building for
environment-related NGOs; working with conservation areas
and reservations to develop strategies to minimize the impact
of human traffic and assisting with wildlife management
through data collection and monitoring; ecotourism (e.g.,
merging ecological concerns with tourism to develop programs
with a low impact on the environment); and incorporating
environmental education topics into the English and health
curriculum and into regular teaching assignments.
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,
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.

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 Persia’s
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 Rome’s 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 Roman and Parthian-
Persian rivalry that lasted until the third century A.D.
By converting the Arsacid King Tiridates III, the ruler of

Parthia, to Christianity, St. Gregory the Illuminator brought

about Armenia’s 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.
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 continued—with
a brief interlude of Armenian independence from 1722 to
1730—through 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
Russo-Turkish 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.
12 PEACE CORPS
In 1988, a massive earthquake leveled the northern cities of
Leninakan (now Gyumri) and Spitak, killing about 25,000
people and making tens of thousands homeless.
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 region’s
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 for 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, and
Foreign Affairs.
Economy
In 2004 the per capita Gross National Income in Armenia

was $1,120 and the purchasing power parity was $4,270. For
comparison the per capita Gross National Income in USA was

$41,400. The Armenian economy is based on the Armenian
Dram. One U.S. dollar is equal to approximately 400 drams.
The country’s chief crops are grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Livestock production includes sheep, goats, chickens, pigs,
and cattle. Armenia is rich in precious and semiprecious
metals and minerals, but it has no significant oil reserves. Its
natural resources include copper, zinc, aluminum,
and molybdenum.
Progress has been made in harnessing the Hrazdan River for

hydroelectric power. A Soviet-era nuclear plant (not of the
Chernobyl design) meets all of Armenia’s power requirements,
and Armenia exports some electricity to neighboring
countries.
The major industries are mechanical engineering, mining,

chemicals, textiles, and building materials. Current exports
include cut gems, jewelry, scrap metal, copper, molybdenum,
textiles, cognac, fresh fruits, processed agricultural products,
and some machinery. Most of the large factories that supplied
the Soviet Union are closed, with little hope for revival.
Although the transportation infrastructure in Armenia is

adequate, the entire country is currently under a limited
blockade (borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed),
which disrupts much of the former import-export system.
Businesses use alternative routes, and access to consumer
goods in the capital is excellent.
Several economic sectors show promise as replacements for

the former heavy industry in Armenia. Tourism has great
potential. Armenia has incredible ancient ruins, fortresses,
churches, and monasteries; Neolithic sites; and fascinating
places such as the “Armenian Stonehenge.” The country’s
performing arts, including a ballet and a symphony, are highly
developed. Its cuisine is an eclectic mix of European and
14 PEACE CORPS
Middle Eastern tastes, and it produces wool carpets, gold
jewelry, and other items attractive to tourists.
Armenia produces high-quality wines and excellent fruits,

including apricots, cherries, apples, and berries. In the
past few years, fruit juices, cheeses, and wines have been
developed for export markets. While the rate of export
remains small, it is increasing as consumers begin to recognize
the quality of these products.
Information technology is also a potential growth area; since

Soviet times the country has been a computer science center.
People and Culture
Census records indicate that there are more than 3 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 country’s 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 Nagorno-Karabakh (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 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, Armenia’s highland location at the junction of various
biogeographical regions has produced a variety of landscapes:
semidesert, steppe, forest, alpine meadow, and high-
altitude tundra.
16 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

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.
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 experiences, 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 of 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
www.countrywatch.com
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in
Yerevan to information about how to convert from the dollar
to the dram. Just click on Armenia and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site to learn all you need to know about any country
in the world.
www.state.gov
The U.S. State Department’s website issues background notes
periodically about countries around the world. Find Armenia
and learn more about its social and political history.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm
This site 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.
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.
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. This site includes links to all the
Web pages of the “friends of” groups for most countries of
service, made up of former Volunteers who served in those
countries. There are also regional groups who frequently get
together for social events and local volunteer activities.
http://www.rpcvwebring.org
This site is known as the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Web Ring. Browse the Web ring and see what former
Volunteers are saying about their service.
20 PEACE CORPS
www.peacecorpswriters.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.
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Armenia
http://groong.usc.edu/news
An Armenian news index.
www.armgate.com
ArmGate has links to a variety of resources on Armenia.
International Development, Government, and Business Sites
http://sunsite.aua.am/
A site maintained by the American University of Armenia,
sponsored by Sun Microsystems' worldwide Information and
Technology Exchange program.
http://www.usa.am/
The site of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.
www.armeniadiaspora.com
Armenia Diaspora, a site developed by the Armenian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
www.aiwa-net.org/
Armenian International Women’s Association.
Recommended Books about Armenia

1. Balakian, Peter. Black Dog of Fate: A Memoir. New
York: Broadway Books, 1998.

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.
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 1960’s. Cambridge,
MA: Harvard University Press, 2000.
2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace

Corps. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame
Press, 1985.
3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent

Shriver. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution
Press, 2004.
Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a
Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, CA: McSeas
Books, 2004.
2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan

Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, WA:
Red Apple Publishing, 2000.
3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two

Years in the Heart of an African Village. New York,
NY: Picador, 2003.
22 PEACE CORPS
4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze.
New York, NY: Perennial, 2001.
5. Kennedy, Geraldine (ed.). From the Center of the

Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica,
CA: Clover Park Press, 1991.
6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps

Chronicle. Seattle, WA: University of Washington
Press, 1997 (reprint).

LIVING CONDITIONS AND
VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE
Communications
Mail
Few countries in the world offer mail service comparable to

the United States and Armenia is no exception. Fortunately,
there have been improvements over the past few years. 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 won’t have to pay duty fees for items sent through
the U.S. Postal Service. (An agreement with the government
exempts Volunteers from duty fees.) 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.
You and your family and friends should number your letters so
you can ascertain what is and what is not arriving. In the past,
letters have taken as few as 10 days and as long as six weeks
to arrive. 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. If a serious problem were to
occur, Peace Corps/Armenia would notify the Office of Special
Services at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C.,
which would then contact your family.
Telephones
Long-distance telephone service is generally available but

expensive. Do not expect to have constant access to a phone
all of the time. You may have to use a neighbor’s phone or
travel by bus to another village or town if phones in your
area don’t work. If you call from outside the capital, it may
take longer to get a line. The cost of a long-distance call is
approximately $2.40 per minute, although many now use
Internet or callback services at lower costs. Staff members
have had success in using Sprint, MCI, and AT&T calling
cards from local telephones. If you wish to use this option,
obtain a card before you leave the United States. Inexpensive
international calling cards are also available in most towns and
in Yerevan.
Advise your family that in an emergency, they should contact

the Office of Special Services in Washington, D.C. The
daytime telephone number is 800.424.8580, extension 1470;
the after-hours number is 202.638.2574. This office will then
immediately contact Peace Corps/Armenia.
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access
E-mail and Internet access is becoming more available,

particularly in Yerevan and other large communities, but
service tends to be slow. Peace Corps/Armenia suggests you
obtain a free e-mail account with www.freenet.am; it is easier
to access than other services. You will probably not have
regular and easy access to the Internet. Please prepare family
and friends for this reality and inform them that responses to
e-mails may be delayed. Some Volunteers travel for hours to
get to an Internet café.
26 PEACE CORPS
Smaller communities are also gaining Internet access through
the school connectivity project. This project, managed by
Project Harmony, will connect all Armenian schools over the
next few years. The Peace Corps works closely with Project
Harmony, and Volunteers are helping schools apply for
connectivity and equipment. Volunteers also teach computer
applications and Internet use at these schools.
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 live with host families for a
minimum of four months at their permanent site. Living with
a host family provides several benefits including accelerated
language acquisition; a deeper and more profound cross-
cultural understanding; and an 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. Some
may be apartments or separate detached houses; some may
have European-style bathrooms while others might use "out-
houses" or "squat" toilets. Regardless of the situation, trainees
and Volunteers live as the members of their community do.
After the four-month period, Volunteers may remain with
host families or change to another living situation in their
communities depending on availability and
personal preferences.
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 of a wood stove
and wood or installation of adequate electrical wire for
electric heater use or to offset increased electricity costs
in winter).
Your monthly living and travel allowances, which are paid

directly to your account here every month, are intended to
cover food, utilities, household supplies, clothing, recreation
and entertainment, transportation, reading materials, and
other incidentals. Costs related to the living allowance are
reviewed annually (generally in February). 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 eligible for a tutor allowance to pay 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 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.
28 PEACE CORPS
Nevertheless, many Volunteers do bring extra money (in cash,
traveler’s checks, or credit cards) for vacations. Credit cards
can be used only in some of the more expensive hotels and a
few big stores in the capital, but are handy for travel outside
the country. They can also be used at ATMs in Yerevan to
obtain cash (in drams). Retail outfits in Armenia do not
accept traveler’s checks, but they can be cashed for a fee at
some banks.
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.
Transportation
Most Volunteers travel in the country in public buses, vans, or

taxis. Peace Corps/Armenia prohibits Volunteers from owning
or driving vehicles in Armenia for any reason. Violation of this
policy will result in termination of your Volunteer service.
Although the Peace Corps provides Volunteers with

transportation home at the end of their service, some choose
to remain in-country on their own or to travel to other
countries on their way home. If you choose to do this, you can
obtain a cash payment in lieu of the government-rate airplane
ticket to your home of record. This benefit is not available to
Volunteers who terminate their service early.
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,

Armenia’s 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
30 PEACE CORPS
elevations), with an average July temperature in Yerevan of
77 degrees Fahrenheit, which can rise as high as 108 degrees.
Winters tend to be moderately severe, with an average
temperature in Yerevan of 26 degrees. Autumn is generally
mild, sunny, and long, while spring is usually short and wet.
Social Activities
On weekends and in the evening, Armenians love to stroll

with their families and friends. In summer months, in some of
the larger cities throughout Armenia, sidewalk cafés appear
on every corner and in every shady spot. Armenians enjoy
relaxing at these cafés 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, tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. In
addition to participating in these activities, Volunteers enjoy
hiking and exploring local historical sites.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
Outside the capital, 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. 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 on-going challenge,
as water is rationed in many regions and it can be difficult to
heat water when you have it.
Since Armenia is fairly conservative when it comes to personal

appearance, long hair and/or ponytails on men are considered
unacceptable. (However, the hair you cut off could go to a
good cause and get you a free haircut! Locks of Love (www.
locksoflove.org) is a not-for-profit organization that provides
hair prosthetics for children that have developed long-term
medical hair loss. It is a great way to begin demonstrating
your cultural sensitivity and at the same time helping children
in need.) Nose rings and other facial piercings, in both
men and women, are also unacceptable. Throughout the
countries of the former Soviet Union, tattoos have a negative
connotation and historically have been associated with the
underworld, mafia, and prisons. When dressing, every effort
should be made to ensure that large obvious tattoos are
covered by clothing.
Personal identity and individuality is very important in

American culture and hair, piercings, and tattoos are some
of the ways that Americans express that individuality. The
challenge lies in balancing that expression and acceptance
32 PEACE CORPS
into your community and understanding of the culture. In the
end, your hair will grow back, your nose can be re-pierced,
and a T-shirt instead of a tank top can easily cover
your tattoo.
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 futility–usually 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 short-tempered 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 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.

PEACE CORPS TRAINING
Overview of Pre-Service Training
Pre-service training is approximately 10 weeks long. Training

takes place six days a week and may 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 depending on the community;
regardless of the situation, you will live as the majority of the
other members of your community.
During training, you will be evaluated on how well you

adapt to the culture, learn the language, and 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.

Technical Training
Technical training prepares you to work in Armenia by

building on the skills you already have and by helping you
develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of
the country. The Peace Corps staff, Armenian experts, and
current Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training
places great emphasis on 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 sector’s goals and will meet with the Armenian
ministries and agencies that invited the Peace Corps to
assist them.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills

are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during
your service. These skills are critical to your job performance,
they help you integrate into your host community, and they
can ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings.
Armenian language instructors teach formal language classes
in small groups of four to five people. The Armenian language
is also introduced in the health, cultural, and technical
components of training.
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 that you can practice and
develop language skills further once you are at your site.
36 PEACE CORPS
Prior to being sworn-in as a Volunteer, you will work on
strategies to continue language studies throughout your two
years of service.
Cross-Cultural Training
The experience of living with an Armenian host family 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 appropriate ways to enter a community and
establish productive relationships, gender and development,
nonformal and adult education strategies, political structures,
art, literature, and history.
Health Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical

training and information. You will be expected to practice
preventive healthcare 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, safety and security, 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 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.
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 cross-cultural skills. During your 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 skills while sharing their
experiences and reaffirming their commitment after
having served for three to six months.
• Mid-Service Conference: 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.
38 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

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 two full-time medical officers, who take care of
Volunteers’ primary healthcare needs. Additional medical
services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also
available at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will
be transported 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’s
not taking 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 and a medical kit (described later in this chapter).

During 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. You must bring a three-
month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they
may not be available in Armenia and it may take months for
shipments to arrive.
You will have physicals at the mid-service conference 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 Peace Corps Volunteer, you must accept considerable

responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will
significantly reduce your risk of contracting a serious illness
or sustaining a serious injury. The old adage, “An ounce of
prevention equals a pound of cure,” 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.
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 STDs. You are taking risks if you choose
42 PEACE CORPS
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 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 without charge from the medical officer.
Volunteers are required to wear a protective helmet when

riding a bicycle 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. In addition,
you are expected to comply with any therapies recommended
by the medical office or referral facility.
Women’s 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.

Tampons are provided by the Peace Corps medical officer in
Armenia. Sanitary napkins are available for purchase at
local markets.
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit
The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a

medical 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 own use
and can be periodically restocked at the medical office.
Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages
Adhesive tape
American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook
Antacid tablets (Tums)
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)
Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)
Band-Aids
Butterfly closures
Calamine lotion
Cepacol lozenges
Condoms
Dental floss
Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)
Insect repellent stick (Cutter’s)
Iodine tablets (for water purification)
Lip balm (Chapstick)
Oral rehydration salts
Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)
Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)
Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)
Scissors
44 PEACE CORPS
Sterile gauze pads
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)
Tinactin (antifungal cream)
Tweezers
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist
The Peace Corps’ 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 that
all medical and dental work and reports have been completed
prior to staging. You will not be allowed to attend unless you
have final medical and dental clearance.
If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental,

or dental—since 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 requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the
Office of Medical Services.
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact

your physician’s office, obtain a copy of your immunization
record, and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you
have had any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the
Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for their cost. The Peace
Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your
overseas assignment shortly after you arrive in Armenia.

Bring a three-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 three-month supply, it will order
refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which
can take several months—you will be dependent on your
own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for
herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. John’s wort,
glucosamine, 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 three-month supply of prescription drugs.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and
a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it, 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 because the necessary solutions are not available in-
country and the Peace Corps does not supply them.
If you are eligible for Medicare, are more than 50 years of

age, or have a health condition that may restrict your future
participation in healthcare plans, you may wish to consult
an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before
your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary
healthcare 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 healthcare benefits
described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You
may wish to keep an existing health plan in effect during
your service if you think age or preexisting conditions might
prevent you from reenrolling in your current plan when you
return home.
46 PEACE CORPS
Safety and Security—Our 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 thefts 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. In addition, more than 84 percent
of Volunteers surveyed in the 2004 Peace Corps Volunteer
Survey say they would join the Peace Corps again.
The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a

partnership with you. This Welcome Book contains sections
on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps
Training; and Your Health Care and Safety. All of these
sections include important safety and security information.
The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the

tools they need to function in the safest and most secure 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 and manage the risks you
may encounter.
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk
There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s

risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s control.
Based on information gathered from incident reports
worldwide in 2004, the following factors stand out as risk
characteristics for assaults. Assaults consist of personal
crimes committed against Volunteers, and do not include
property crimes (such as vandalism or theft).

• Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers
were in public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public
buildings). Specifically, 43 percent of assaults took
place when Volunteers were away from their sites.
• Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the
weekend during the evening between 5:00 p.m. and
2:00 a.m.— with most assaults occurring around
1:00 a.m.
• Absence of others: Assaults usually occurred when the
Volunteer was unaccompanied. In 82 percent of the
sexual assaults the Volunteer was unaccompanied and
in 55 percent of physical assaults the Volunteer
was unaccompanied.
• Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the
Volunteer did not know the assailant.
• Consumption of alcohol: Forty percent of all assaults
involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers
and/or assailants.
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk
Before and during service, your training will address these

areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face.
For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ:
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft:

• Know the environment and choose safe routes/times
for travel
• Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance
• Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency
• Carry valuables in different pockets/places
• Carry a “dummy” wallet as a decoy
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary:

• Live with a local family or on a family compound
48 PEACE CORPS
• Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock
box or trunk
• Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S.
• Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining
home security
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault:

• Make local friends
• Make sure your appearance is respectful of local
customs; don’t draw negative attention to yourself by
wearing inappropriate clothing
• Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors
• Travel with someone whenever possible
• Avoid known high crime areas
• Limit alcohol consumption
Support from Staff
In March 2003, the Peace Corps created the Office of

Safety and Security with its mission to “foster improved
communication, coordination, oversight, and accountability
of all Peace Corps’ safety and security efforts.” The new
office is led by an Associate Director for Safety and Security
who reports to the Peace Corps Director and includes
the following divisions: Volunteer Safety and Overseas
Security; Information and Personnel Security; Emergency
Preparedness, Plans, Training and Exercise; and Crime
Statistics and Analysis.
The major responsibilities of the Volunteer Safety and

Overseas Security Division are to coordinate the office’s
overseas operations and direct the Peace Corps’ safety and
security officers who are located in various regions around
the world that have Peace Corps programs. The safety and

security officers conduct security assessments; review safety
trainings; train trainers and managers; train Volunteer safety
wardens, local guards, and staff; develop security incident
response procedures; and provide crisis management support.
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 that the
Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed.
After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff
provide support by reassessing the Volunteer’s work site
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
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.
The country-specific data chart below shows the incidence

rates and the average number of incidents of the major types
of safety incidents reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/
trainees in Armenia as compared to all other Europe,
Mediterranean, and Asia (EMA) region programs as a whole,
from 2001–2005. It is presented to you in a somewhat
technical manner for statistical accuracy.
To fully appreciate the collected data below, an explanation of

the graph is provided as follows:
50 PEACE CORPS
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. An “incident” is a
specific offense, per Peace Corps' classification of offenses,
and may involve one or more Volunteer/trainee victims. For
example, if two Volunteers are robbed at the same time and
place, this is classified as one robbery incident.
INSERT COUNTRY-SPECIFIC GRAPH HERE
1The average numbers of incidents are in parenthesis and equal the average
reported assaults for each year between 2001–2005.

2Incident rates equal the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees
per year (V/T years). Since most sexual assaults occur against females, only
female V/Ts are calculated in rapes and minor sexual assaults. Numbers of
incidents are approximate due to rounding.
3Data collection for Armenia began as of 2001
Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification Surveillance

System (ANSS) and Epidemiologic Surveillance System (ESS); the
information is accurate as of 09/18/06.
The chart is separated into eight crime categories. These

include vandalism (malicious defacement or damage of
property); theft (taking without force or illegal entry);

burglary (forcible entry of a residence); robbery (taking
something by force); minor physical assault (attacking without
a weapon with minor injuries); minor sexual assault (fondling,
groping, etc.); aggravated assault (attacking with a weapon,
and/or without a weapon when serious injury results); and
rape (sexual intercourse without consent).
When anticipating Peace Corps Volunteer service, you should

review all of the safety and security information provided
to you, including the strategies to reduce risk. Throughout
your training and Volunteer service, you will be expected to
successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of
areas including safety and security. Once in-country, use the
tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and
secure as possible.
What If You Become a Victim of a Violent Crime?
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of violent crimes.

The Peace Corps will give you information and training in
how to be safe. But, just as in the U.S., crime happens, and
Volunteers can become victims. When this happens, the
investigative team of the Office of Inspector General (OIG)
is charged with helping pursue prosecution of those who
perpetrate a violent crime against a Volunteer. If you become
a victim of a violent crime, the decision to prosecute or not
to prosecute is entirely yours, and one of the tasks of the OIG
is to make sure that you are fully informed of your options
and help you through the process and procedures involved
in going forward with prosecution should you wish to do so.
If you decide to prosecute, we are here to assist you in every
way we can.
Crimes that occur overseas, of course, are investigated and

prosecuted by local authorities in local courts. Our role is
to coordinate the investigation and evidence collection with
52 PEACE CORPS
the regional security officers (RSOs) at the U.S. embassy,
local police, and local prosecutors and others to ensure that
your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under
the laws of the country. OIG investigative staff has extensive
experience in criminal investigation, in working sensitively
with victims, and as advocates for victims. We also, may, in
certain limited circumstances, arrange for the retention of a
local lawyer to assist the local public prosecutor in making the
case against the individual who perpetrated the violent crime.
If you do become a victim of a violent crime, first, make sure

you are in a safe place and with people you trust and second,
contact the country director or the Peace Corps medical
officer. Immediate reporting is important to the preservation
of evidence and the chances of apprehending the suspect.
Country directors and medical officers are required to report
all violent crimes to the Inspector General and the RSO. This
information is protected from unauthorized further disclosure
by the Privacy Act. Reporting the crime also helps prevent
your further victimization and protects your fellow Volunteers.
In conjunction with the RSO, the OIG does a preliminary

investigation of all violent crimes against Volunteers
regardless of whether the crime has been reported to local
authorities or of the decision you may ultimately make to
prosecute. If you are a victim of a crime, our staff will work
with you through final disposition of the case. OIG staff is
available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. We may be contacted
through our 24-hour violent crime hotline via telephone at
202.692.2911, or by e-mail at
violentcrimehotline@peacecorps.gov.
Security Issues in Armenia
When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace Corps,

you have to be willing to adapt your behavior and lifestyle to

minimize the potential for being a target of crime. As with
anywhere in the world, crime does exist in Armenia. Trainees
and Volunteers are always responsible for taking care
of themselves and their possessions. You can reduce your
risk by avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable
and by taking precautions. Some safety concerns in Armenia
follow.
Motor vehicle 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 cars and vans
are nonexistent. Pedestrians in cities have to be especially
cautious; although crosswalks exist, they are not usually
recognized by drivers. Also, it is common for drivers to not
turn on headlights at night, making it difficult to see
oncoming traffic.
Robbery/burglary. The homes of some Volunteers have

been robbed 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 and will
reimburse you for the costs of installing peepholes, proper
door locks, and hallway lighting. Do not bring valuables with
you to Armenia.
Border conflicts. Since the cease-fire agreement with

Azerbaijan in 1994, border incidents have been rare.
Volunteers are placed near some border areas, but only after
these areas have been free from incidents for several years.
There are occasional reports of incidents along the
“line of contact” (an area within Azerbaijan) between
Armenian and Azerbaijani forces.
54 PEACE CORPS
Harassment. Volunteers have reported varying levels of
harassment, such as having objects thrown at them by
teenagers, being called derogatory names, and overt sexual
comments. Strategies for coping with harassment will be
discussed during pre-service training.
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.
Threat of 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. Volunteers who take seriously the safety
training provided by the Peace Corps can minimize their risk.
Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime
You must be prepared to take a large degree of responsibility

for your own safety. Only you can make yourself less of a
target, ensure that your house is secure, and develop relations
in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of
crime. In coming to Armenia, do what you would do if you
moved to a large city in the United States: 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 may
require that you accept some restrictions on your
current lifestyle.

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.
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 two-year 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.
Armenia’s in-country safety program is outlined below.
The Peace Corps/Armenia office will keep Volunteers apprised

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,
Volunteers will be contacted through the emergency
communication network.
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
56 PEACE CORPS
and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces
risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety
training is offered throughout your two-year service and is
integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other
components of training.
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 Volunteer’s arrival and to
establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting
the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before a Volunteer’s
arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure
housing and work sites. 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.
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Armenia’s 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, Volunteers in Armenia
will gather 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
safety and security coordinator or medical officer. 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.

DIVERSITY AND CROSS-
CULTURAL ISSUES
In fulfilling the Peace Corps’ mandate to share the face of
America with our host countries, we are making special
efforts to see that all of America’s richness is reflected in
the Volunteer corps. More Americans of color are serving
in today’s Peace Corps than at any time in recent years.
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 Armenia’s 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 perception in some countries 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; 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.
60 PEACE CORPS
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 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 non-Caucasian-American culture. Because of ignorance,
stereotyped cultural perceptions, or the country’s 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 Comment
“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. Don’t
take offense at it. Don’t 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 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.
62 PEACE CORPS
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.
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 your service. Peace Corps/
Armenia staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make
reasonable accommodations in training, housing, job sites, and
other areas to enable them to serve safely and effectively.
64 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

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’ 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.
Because of heightened security since the events of September
11, 2001, do not pack items such as scissors or pocketknives
in your carry-on luggage.
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. We recommend tape players that
use “D” batteries because “C” batteries are a little harder to
find. “AA” and watch and calculator batteries are easy to find.
How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people
in their community. They are given a settling-in allowance
and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their
expenses. Often, Volunteers wish to bring additional money
for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and

traveler’s checks are not widely accepted in Armenia, but you
can obtain cash (in dollars or drams) from ATM machines in
the capital if your ATM card has a Visa logo. 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 driver’s license?

Volunteers in Armenia do not need to get an international
driver’s license because they are prohibited from operating
motorized vehicles. Urban and rural travel is by bus, van,
or taxi.
68 PEACE CORPS
What should I bring as gifts for Armenian 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 assigned to individual sites during
pre-service training. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in
rural villages. Some live in a town with other Volunteers, and
most are within one hour from another Volunteer. Some sites
require an eight- to 10-hour drive from the capital.
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,
extension 1470. After normal business hours and on weekends
and holidays, the Special Services duty officer can be reached
at 202.638.2574. For non-emergency questions, your family
can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace
Corps by calling 800.424.8580, extension 2423.
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 may want to bring AT&T, MCI, or Sprint

calling cards to minimize costs of international calls. You can
purchase international calling cards in Yerevan and in
towns/cities.
Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

No. Differences in technology make U.S. cellphones
incompatible with the Armenian system, so only cellphones
purchased locally will function in Armenia. While some
Peace Corps staff members are equipped with cell phones to
attend to emergency calls. the Peace Corps does not provide
Volunteers with cellphones, Some Volunteers choose to obtain
them locally on their own.
Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my

computer?
A growing number of businesses offer Internet access in the
capital and some of the larger cities. Because of the weaker
infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers posted to rural
sites may be limited to sending and receiving e-mail on
their occasional visits to the capital or regional hubs. Before
leaving the United States, many people sign up for free e-mail
accounts, such as Yahoo or Hotmail, which they can access
worldwide. Peace Corps/Armenia suggests that you obtain
a free e-mail account with www.freenet.am, as it is easier to
access in Armenia than other services.
Some 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. Also note that having Internet
access via your laptop is only a remote possibility because
very few Volunteers have adequate telephone lines in their
homes or in their place of work. The Peace Corps office in
Yerevan has three computers available for Volunteers to
conduct project research. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy
a high-quality surge protector; power lapses and surges are
70 PEACE CORPS
common. 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.

WELCOME LETTERS FROM
ARMENIA VOLUNTEERS
Welcome to Armenia, a small, post-Soviet country
with a long and deep history. I am a community business
development Volunteer working in market building for
a craft business, tourism, and growing a sustainable
women’s nongovernmental organization (NGO). I find it
very interesting to help this country rebuild from one that
once had full socialist employment to a growing market
economy. In a country that lacks communication between the
capital and regions, I work a lot on connecting and building
relationships and projects among organizations in my city and
other organizations and businesses that can make them grow.
Finding areas of hope for the future is of great importance
in Armenia and I can see it improving just by being here and
working with Armenians to develop new projects and
new ideas.
My wife (a TEFL Volunteer) and I live in a city of 14,000
in northeast Armenia. It is an incredibly impoverished yet
beautiful region. During Soviet times, it was a tourist area,
but new sources of income and a renewed market for tourists
are developing. Armenia has many opportunities for change
in everything from the health and education systems to the
mounting environmental issues to the changing and growing
economy. While being here we have gained great memories,
friendships, and self-understanding.
Keep in mind that Armenians typically dress formally unless
they’re at home; black is the primary color for everything (i.e.,
shoes, pants, and coats). Most food is available here, but bring
your favorite spices. Also, bring pictures of family and friends
for you and because Armenians love to see them. Bring music,
a flashlight, books, and rechargeable batteries. A laptop is
useful if you have one. For winter, bring long underwear and
a sleeping bag to stay warm. The language is difficult at first,

so get a head start before coming. Armenia is definitely an
assignment that requires perseverance and patience, but it
will bring many accomplishments and friendships. Good luck
and see you soon.
—Lars Andreassen
You are probably asking many questions about Armenia:

Where is it? What is it like? Will I like it there? Armenia is
wonderful. I knew little about it before I arrived, but I can’t
imagine being anywhere else right now. I really like my
town and feel comfortable here. You will, too, but it will take
patience, flexibility, an open mind, a sense of humor, and
an interest in becoming part of your community. It doesn’t
happen easily and it doesn’t happen right away. In time, you
will laugh when you think back to things that worry you now.
You might be surprised by how easy some things are to adapt
to, and other things you never thought about will constantly
frustrate you. It’s all part of being a Volunteer, but there are
many other people here—Volunteers, staff, and the people in
your community—who will help you.
Don’t worry about what to pack. The best advice I heard
was, “you’re moving to another country, not another planet.”
Most things you need can be bought here. Bring a few basic
clothes for summer and winter. Most clothing can be bought
here or shipped from home later. You will definitely want to
bring long underwear and you will need a winter coat. You can
get a coat here, but I was happy that I brought one along; it
got cold earlier than I expected.
Take advantage of training to focus on learning the
language. It’s a little scary at first, but the teachers are great,
and you’ll be living with Armenian families so you’ll have
plenty of opportunities to learn and use Armenian. Don’t be
afraid to use the language right away. Of course you’ll make
mistakes. I have been here a year and I still make mistakes
every day! You will find the people here are incredibly patient,
and are impressed by how much you know—even from the
first few weeks of training.
74 PEACE CORPS
I am a community health education Volunteer in a small
town in the mountains of northern Armenia. I teach health
lessons to children at an NGO, and teach English at the youth
center in town. I also helped organize a camp for youth about
the environment. If you have worked for a while like I have,
you will find it takes a while to adjust to the schedule here.
I work with a lot of people at a lot of different organizations,
on a lot of different things. It’s not the same old 9 to 5 I had
in America, but the longer I am here, the more I enjoy the
flexibility to help with things that I find are important to the
people here.
Enjoy the next few weeks before you get here. Spend time
with your family and friends, and we’ll see you when
you arrive!
—Don Kramer
Shnorhavor (congratulations) on being a Peace Corps/

Armenia Volunteer! Get ready for your great adventure in the
Caucasus region. When I learned I was coming to Armenia, I
focused on packing. Don’t stress too much, most things you
can find in the capital and it’s a small country. But here you
go: a full photo album of your life in the U.S.; clothes that will
last a long time because you’ll wear them over and over and
hand wash them; business wear because Armenians are more
formal, sensible shoes, waterproof boots, a few pairs of long
underwear, and a good winter coat; your favorite brand of
toiletries or makeup; a sleeping bag; music!!!, a camera (digital
or regular), a laptop, movies (they’re not necessary and things
of value are a risk, but Armenia’s generally safe and you’ll
be happy you brought them, just be discreet); a Swiss-army
knife or multiple fix-it tool is handy; peanut butter, parmesan
cheese, and spices (when you’re on your own, you’ll cook
everything from scratch!)
What to expect: Don’t expect anything! Come with loads
of patience, optimism, and an open mind. Things won’t
always go your way, and it’s better to accept this early and
act accordingly rather than fight it. That being said, you’ll

be living with two different host families for your first nine
months—about three months in training, six months when
you move to site. Although they say Peace Corps is a 24/7 job
that will challenge and reward you and give you an emotional
roller-coaster ride, living with an Armenian family will even
further break you in, change you, give you insight to the
Armenian mind, give you great friendships, and occasionally
drive you crazy.
You’ll quickly get used to the living conditions (water on
once a day, bucket baths, a long winter). Understanding the
language and culture takes longer and more patience, but
eventually you’ll get those, too. You’ll get stared at, called at,
especially if you’re a minority, but we Volunteers are close and
here for support. Bon voyage and welcome!
—Allison Young
You are about to arrive in a country with a rich history and

culture. You will be warmly welcomed by smiles and hugs
from those with whom you will live and work. It’s a challenge
to decide what to bring with you for the two-year trip. I hope
that as you prepare for your new adventure, in the midst of
your busy packing, you’ll consider some “mental packing”
as well. What can you mentally prepare for and which
“mental tools” can you bring with you to ensure a healthy
and productive Volunteer service? Consider these two very
important things: adaptability and activism.
Immersion into a new culture is simultaneously exciting
and overwhelming. Come desiring to taste and prepare new
foods, wash laundry by hand, walk a few miles to work,
wear the same outfit a few days in a row, and learn to dance
traditional Armenian style. Mentally prepare yourself for new
and unanticipated experiences and to take them with stride
and a sense of adventure. Be willing to adapt your habits
and go about daily life the Armenian way. When your class is
unexpectedly cancelled because children have to chop wood
for the winter, find an axe and go along. If the water’s out for
a few days and you don’t get to take a shower, put on more
76 PEACE CORPS
deodorant and a fresh shirt. When you’re late because the bus
or van broke down, relax, you’ll get there soon enough.
Be willing to adapt to a new pace of working and
relationship building. You may visit a co-worker for a meeting
to discuss a project, and end up having coffee and dessert
without any mention of the project. Enjoy the coffee and the
company as a beginning to a relationship that will develop
into a partnership. If you embrace new experiences as fun
opportunities and not view them as strange or uncomfortable,
you’ll find your time here much more fulfilling.
Your Volunteer experience will give you the opportunity
to accomplish a wealth of projects, make an abundance of
friendships and encounter a score of new experiences. Come
determined to get the best out of your time to make the
best possible impact. Avoid pre-departure project planning,
but freely dream about the possibilities and come ready to
perform. Be determined that if times get difficult at work or it
seems there’s little to do, you’ll keep seeking opportunities.
Arrive willing to work outside your specific assignment, not
neglecting it, but ready to branch into other areas where there
are community needs. If you’re a health Volunteer invited
to a local orphanage to read stories, consider it. If you’re a
business Volunteer asked by a school to present to teachers
about differences between Armenian and American schools,
try it. Find opportunities in your community to be active
outside your workplace as well. Play with the local soccer
team, take a baking class, or start a movie or book club for
your community.
So, get busy packing, but don’t forget that some of the most
valuable things you’ll need won’t fit into your suitcase.
—Tera Sprague
Welcome to the “Posh Corps!” Many of us call it that

because everything you could want to live comfortably is
available here, specifically, in Yerevan. Most Volunteers have
access to water at least a few hours a day; electricity 24/7 for
most; Internet service within a reasonable distance from site;
and many PCVs have natural gas for cooking and heating.

Like I did, you may have to pull out a map to figure out
where in the world this is. Some friends may be telling you
to “Have a great time in Albania, or Algeria,” or, “Where is it?
Romania?” After you’ve lived here a while, you’ll see how rich
Armenia’s culture and history are and you’ll begin to realize
who these Armenian people are and hopefully see we are
more similar than different. We all love our families, enjoy
eating BBQs and going to parties, and we all hope for the best
for the future.
Peace Corps service offers a myriad of experiences that
depend on your willingness to open your heart and mind.
Armenians are hospitable and generous, anxious to be your
friends. I find that the people who have the least are the
people who give the most.
Armenians love to share photos, so bring plenty to show
them your family, friends, home, city, school, etc. Maps are
useful; I found few here realize the actual size of the U.S.
People ask me how far it is from my home in San Diego to
D.C. When I ask in return, “by plane or car?” I see some
surprised faces.
A variety of clothes for seasons that range from really hot
to really cold is a must. I brought some of each with me and
had the rest sent to me. The darker the clothes the better, so
dirt doesn’t show. Armenians take pride in how they look so
make sure to bring at least one nice outfit for conferences,
meetings, etc. Sturdy shoes are a must for every occasion:
business meeting in dress shoes, walking on snow and ice in
winter boots, hiking on muddy trails in boots, or cruising city
streets in summer sandals.
Other recommendations: a sleeping bag for crashing with
other PCVs, “sick food” (saltine crackers or Ramen noodles)
for your first tummy ache, a journal to record revelations, a
watch to track how late the bus is, rechargeable batteries,
flashlight/headlamp to find your way to the outhouse in the
middle of the night, hobby items (guitar, knitting, books,
games) to keep your sanity during the long winter months,
CDs to introduce to other PCVs.
78 PEACE CORPS
Most importantly, bring patience and understanding. You are
about to embark on a journey that will enrich your life in ways
you won’t think possible. This country will challenge your
preconceptions, test your adaptability, and, most of all, it will
find a niche in your heart. Peace, Love and Progress,
—Leslie Blanchard

PACKING LIST
This list has been compiled by Volunteers
and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide
in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is
individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring
everything we mention, 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 a 100-pound weight limit on
baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you
need in Armenia.
When choosing luggage, remember that you will be hauling it

in and out of taxis and vans and sometimes lugging it around
on foot. The most important qualities are that it be durable,
lightweight, and easy to carry.
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
• 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 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)
• Cooking supplies (many items can be found locally)
• Basic cookbook
• Plastic storage bags
• Measuring cups and spoons
82 PEACE CORPS
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
• Favorite over-the-counter medical supplies (items
provided by the Peace Corps tend to be generic brands)
• A three-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
• Sturdy work gloves, especially if you like to garden
• Poncho and folding umbrella
• Fanny pack
• Small daypack without a frame (for shopping and
carrying books or work materials)
• Camera (film and processing are available locally)
• Voltage transformers and surge protectors (if you bring
110-volt appliances)
• 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)

• Batteries (rechargeable ones are best)
• CD or tape player/recorder and shortwave radio
• Cassette tapes or CDs
• 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 videocassette tapes of home (for yourself
and to share with friends and students)
• U.S. postage stamps (so that travelers going home can
hand-carry 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)
• Detergent for delicate fabrics (e.g., Woolite); dry
cleaning is limited in Armenia
• 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
• English language tapes
• Dictionary and thesaurus
• Word games
• Songbooks
• Calendars with colorful pictures
• Scissors
84 PEACE CORPS
• Small stapler with staples (available locally)
• Tape measure (with inches and centimeters)
• Novels and short stories (for yourself and your work)

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 (telephone number:
800.424.8580, extension 1470; after-hours duty officer:
202.638.2574).
❒ 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 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.

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
preexisting 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.
88 PEACE CORPS
Financial Management
❒ Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or
loan service.
❒ 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 papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks,
and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or
other caretaker.

CONTACTING PEACE CORPS
HEADQUARTERS
The following list of numbers will help you contact the appropriate
office at Peace Corps headquarters with various questions. You
may use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using
the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the Peace Corps toll-
free number and extensions with your family so they have them in
the event of an emergency during your service overseas.
Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800.424-8580, Press 2, then
Ext. # (see below)
Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20526
For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Responding to Office of
an Invitation Placement
Europe,
Mediterranean,
and Asia Ext. 1875 202.692.1875
Programming or Desk Officer Ext. 2423 202.692.2423

Country Information E-mail: armenia@
peacecorps.gov

For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Plane Tickets, Travel Officer Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Passports, (Sato Travel)
Visas, or Other
Travel Matters
Legal Clearance Office of Ext. 1845 202.692.1845

Placement
Medical Clearance Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

and Forms Processing
(including dental)
Medical Handled by a
Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772
Loan Deferments, Volunteer Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Taxes, Readjustment Financial
Allowance Withdrawals, Operations
Power of Attorney
Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Orientation) and
Reporting Instructions
Note: You will receive
comprehensive information
(hotel and flight arrange-
ments) three to five weeks
before departure. This in-
formation is not available
sooner.
Family Emergencies Office of Special Ext. 1470 202.692.1470

(to get information to Services 9–5 EST
a Volunteer overseas)
202.638.2574
(after-hours
answering service)
92 PEACE CORPS
P EAC E C O R P S
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW · Washington, DC 20526 · www.peacecorps.gov · 1-800-424-8580

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Peace Corps Armenia Welcome Book - October 2006

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THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

On behalf of the Peace Corps/Armenia staff, I would like to

We know you must be very busy right now, preparing for

Armenia is a fascinating country that is full of contrasts. It is

Armenian organizations, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers

During pre-service training, your host family will test your

The Peace Corps/Armenia staff and currently serving

Peace Corps/Armenia History and Programs 7

Country Overview: Armenia at a Glance 11

Resources for Further Information 19

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 25

Your Health Care and Safety in Armenia 41

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 59

Welcome Letters From Armenia Volunteers 73

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 91

The Peace Corps program in Armenia began in 1992. Since

Today, conditions have significantly improved. There is

After years of Soviet rule, Peace Corps Volunteers were the

There are now approximately 85 Volunteers serving in

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 7

Peace Corps/Armenia has four projects: teaching English

Volunteers in the TEFL project have been teaching English

CBD Volunteers work with local nongovernmental

The CHE project aims to increase preventive health measures

Peace Corps/Armenia started the environmental education

In addition to project-specific activities, Volunteers collaborate

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 9

Although repeatedly invaded, conquered, and ruled by others,

The foundations of Armenian civilization were laid in the sixth

With Rome’s conquest of the Seleucids in 190–189 B.C.,

By converting the Arsacid King Tiridates III, the ruler of

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 11

The annexation of Armenia by the briefly revived Byzantine

Beginning in the 16th century, Armenia was once more

The advance of Russia into the Caucasus early in the 19th

Following their conquest by Russia in 1916, Armenia, Georgia,

Armenia became independent from the collapsing Soviet

In the past few years, the “Minsk Group,” which includes

The Republic of Armenia has an executive branch that

Peace Corps/Armenia is currently collaborating with the

In 2004 the per capita Gross National Income in Armenia

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 13

The country’s chief crops are grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Progress has been made in harnessing the Hrazdan River for

The major industries are mechanical engineering, mining,

Although the transportation infrastructure in Armenia is

Several economic sectors show promise as replacements for

Armenia produces high-quality wines and excellent fruits,

Information technology is also a potential growth area; since

People and Culture

Census records indicate that there are more than 3 million

The country’s ethnic composition is 95.9 percent Armenian,

Armenia has a strong musical tradition. Many children take

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 15

Armenians are extremely hospitable and welcoming to

The historical area known as Greater Armenia covers more

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 17

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that

General Information About Armenia

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 19

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Armenia

International Development, Government, and Business Sites

Recommended Books about Armenia

A WELCOME BOOK · ARMENIA 21

3. Suny, Ronald Grigor. Looking Toward Ararat: