Armenian Interns of MIASSINE: Engagement in Geneva, the United Nations, and the Diaspora
In recent years, the MIASSINE, in collaboration with the French University in Armenia, has been offering internship opportunities aimed at providing young Armenian students with internationally oriented professional experience.
As part of this Armenia–Switzerland initiative, three students joined the program in 2026: Lusine Mesropyan, Lusya Adamyan, and Gevorg Hayrapetyan.
The program aims to combine academic education, practical experience, and international exposure in an environment where young Armenians can develop professional skills while engaging in international mobility and cross-cultural collaboration.
Communication, Mentorship and Local Initiatives
Lusine Mesropyan and Lusya Adamyan, fourth-year marketing students at the French University in Armenia, were involved in developing MIASSINE’s communication strategy.
Their work included structuring the foundation’s digital communication tools, particularly launching its LinkedIn platform, creating newsletters, and strengthening the foundation’s visibility among international partners.
The two students also participated in a mentorship initiative organized in Gyumri, during which around ten students supported Miasin beneficiaries in developing their projects.
Engagement with International Institutions
The program also included diplomatic and institutional components.
The interns attended the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, where they participated in conferences, discussions, and international meetings.
At the same time, part of the internship took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Switzerland. Within this framework, Gevorg Hayrapetyan contributed to activities related to the United Nations and the Armenian delegation.
“This involvement provides an opportunity to practically understand the mechanisms of international relations and diplomacy,” he notes.
Meetings and the Armenian Diaspora
Beyond their professional experience, the students also had the opportunity to discover the role of the Armenian diaspora in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland.
They participated in several community events, including the Armenian Games and commemorative events dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.
The students also met with the Mayor of Geneva, Alfonso Gomez, discussing topics related to international cooperation and civic initiatives.
During the visit, they traveled through several French-speaking Swiss cities, including Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, Morges, and Nyon. They also visited the Bulukian Foundation in Lyon, an important center for Armenian memory and culture in France.
International Mobility and the Formation of an Engaged Generation
Through this program, the Miasin Foundation and the French University in Armenia aim to support the development of a new generation of young Armenian professionals capable of thriving in multicultural and international environments.
In the context of the consequences of the 2020 war and the ongoing economic challenges in Armenia, such experiences also provide young people with an opportunity to reflect on their future while maintaining a balance between preserving national identity and remaining open to the world.