Diaspora - Step Toward Home

Step Toward Home

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In order to preserve and develop a national identity among Diasporan youth, the Republic of Armenia’s Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs is launching the two-week, educational and informative "Step Toward Home" program in Armenia.

The program includes:

14-day camp program
Armenian language courses (Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian)
Armenian studies courses
National song and dance courses
Informative visits to Armenian historical and cultural monuments, museums, academic institutions, rural communities
Meetings with state and public officials, cultural and art figures
Sports and cultural events

All in-country costs for the 14-day program are paid for by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, including all camping costs, room and board, sightseeing, meetings, etc.

The program is open to young men and women from the Diaspora ages 13-18 who are not citizens of the Republic of Armenia (with the exception of those with dual citizenship) and who:

Did not previously participate in "Ari Tun" and "Step Toward Home” programs
Will cover transportation costs to and from Armenia at their own expense
Will purchase two-week travel insurance at their own expense and ensure they have a negative COVID-19 test within a maximum 72-hour period

The 2021 Step Toward Home program will commence from June 21 - August 14 in 4 phases.

The application period will close on May 1st.

Taking into account the limited number of places, we report that the selection of participants will be made on the principle "First apply-first accepted"

Those interested in participating should apply quickly to join their desired phase.

_Caution

_{Please refrain from purchasing airline tickets or addressing other transportation costs until you receive an official notification from us.}

During the program, all pandemic measures will be observed.

APPLICATIONS

► Applications for the “Step Toward Home” program are already being accepted, click here.

PHOTOS

REVIEWS

“The ‘Step Toward Home’ program has made me a more patriotic and well-rounded person. I’ve taken my step, it’s your turn now.”

Izabella Meyroyan, Russia, 2019

“I don’t know how to express my feelings and the impressions left on me during those 14 days. I remember every second spent in an atmosphere of warmth and I get emotional. The ‘Step Toward Home’ program provided an opportunity for me to quench my thirst for the homeland and become acquainted with kindred spirits, who take up a special corner of my heart.”

Milena Petrosyan, Georgia, 2019

“The ‘Step Toward Home’ program gave me many things, I already have peers from many countries and I am glad that I have these connections.”

Edward Khachatryan, USA, 2019

"The most important thing is that we strengthened our Armenian language skills during the program, and learned many, many new stories about Armenian heroes, Armenian holidays and the history of Armenia and Artsakh.”

Vardan Samsonyan, Iraq, 2019

"Is there any other program out there where hundreds of young people from different countries can come together for the same idea, and that idea is getting better acquainted with the homeland? For me, that program is "’Step Toward Home.’”

Nune Gevorgyan, Ukraine, 2019

“I came here to get to know Armenia better. Thanks to the ‘Step Toward Home’ program, I already have many friends.”

Sirekan Hovhannisyan, Spain, 2018