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TERJENIAN-THOMAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Terenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program provides college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to gain exposure to the policy-making process in our nation's capital for eight weeks each summer. Since 1977, the Armenian Assembly of America has assisted over 1,000 participants in securing placements in prominent congressional offices, government agencies, media outlets, think-tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Washington.
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For internship FAQ's click here.
Internship Placement
The Assembly will guide and assist you through the process of securing an internship placement in Washington, DC. Applicants may pursue an internship placement independently; however they must still commit to participating in the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program and all of its activities. Most internship placements involve a standard eight-hour work day five days a week. The internships are unpaid, and interns are given responsibilities on the basis of their educational background and on-site performance.
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For a list of previous placements, please click here.
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For internship testimonials, please click here.
Adrian Kromelian
Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia & Piruzyan Medical Center, 2019
I recommend this internship for anyone that wants have a better idea of Armenian culture, Armenian history, and politics.
Capitol Ideas
Provides interns with the opportunity to meet with Senators and Representatives in their Capitol Hill offices. The program provides interns a forum to ask questions of our elected officials about topics that are important to the Armenian-American community and about current events taking place throughout the world. Capitol Ideas events generally take place during the work day, and placement hosts or offices are notified in advance of the interns daily schedule. These meetings are mandatory for all participants.
Lillian Avedian
Hetq News Agency, 2018
Armenian Assembly DC Intern, 2019
I feel like this summer has energized my desire to come back to Armenia and live here and open my eyes to the ways that I can help Armenia, what the issues are, and what is needed. Come to Armenia and do this program!
Lecture Series
Focuses specifically on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community. It is designed to inform and encourage discussion on a range of issues, including U.S. foreign policy toward Armenia and Artsakh. Lecturers provide insight on their career and provide a networking opportunity for students. The Armenian Assembly invites experts and leaders in their fields to review current political issues, with a focus on the South Caucasus. These lectures are mandatory for all participants. Lectures are usually held at the Assembly headquarters unless specified otherwise.
Raffi Barsamian
ArmComedy, 2018
The Assembly gives you a platform and an outlet to really discover what Armenia is about, what it’s like, and also puts yourself in a position where you are able to give back.
Housing
All participants are housed at the prestigious George Washington University. Participants reside in a single studio with private kitchen and bathroom. The residence hall is steps away from Whole Foods, and the Foggy Bottom metro station, allowing for ease of access for students.
Chartered in 1821 by the United States Congress, George Washington University is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. Located in Washington DC's historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood, a few blocks from the White House, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, State Department and the National Mall.
Mané Berikyan
CivilNet's Regional Studies Center, 2023
The program was not only culturally enriching, but also helped me better imagine a professional future for myself in Armenia.
Application & Selection Process
Participants are chosen for this competitive program on the basis of their educational credentials, writing ability, maturity, and a demonstrated interest in the community and public service. A limited number of scholarships are available which help cover the cost of housing at The George Washington University, where the interns reside.
Zachary Antoyan
Armenian Center for National and International Studies, 2012
With the help of the Armenian Assembly, I was able to connect with and learn about a whole new community for me, something I consider to be one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my life.
Program Support
The Terienian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program is made possible by the Memorial Fund established through the generosity of Aram Terienian, Annie Thomas and Florence Terienian of Belmont, Massachusetts. Additional support comes from the Richard Tufenkian Memorial Fund, the John Hanessian Scholarship Fund, the Armen Astarian Scholarship Fund, the Ohanian Memorial Fund, the Estate of Haig J. Boyadian, the Estate of George Judge Karabedian (George Kay), Mr. & Mrs. James and Connie Melikian and the Knights of Vartan.
Aram Kavoukjian
Armenian Development Agency, 2010
I would strongly recommend this program to anyone considering interning in Armenia.
Selection Process
Participants are chosen for this competitive program on the basis of their educational credentials, writing ability, maturity and a demonstrated interest in the community and public service.
Armen Toumajan
Armenian Assembly DC Intern, 2000; Armenia Intern, 2001
I wish every young Armenian-American could experience a program of this type, in which one has the possibility of doing something for Armenia, while living like a Hayastantsi for a summer. Not many programs provide students that opportunity.