Miassine
July 30, 2025, 5:55 p.m.
Q: Hello Eugène, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hello everyone ! I'm 20 years old and I've just graduated with a degree in social sciences, majoring in international relations. This summer, I've decided to return to Armenia, a country to which I'm very attached by my origins, but this time for a longer period and with a very special mission.
Q: What is your mission at Miassine?
I'm a volunteer intern for the association, where I assist in developing communications (including social media, videos, newsletters, etc.) and provide administrative support. I'm delighted to help promote Miassine's initiatives.
Q: Why do you think volunteering is important today?
Volunteering is a tangible way to make a difference for others and get involved in causes that are close to our hearts. In an often individualized world, it creates connections and meaning.
Q: And why is this particularly important in Armenia?
In Armenia, volunteering assumes an even greater significance. The country is rich in culture and history, yet it also faces numerous challenges, including social, economic, and geopolitical ones. Associations, solidarity projects, and citizen involvement are crucial to strengthening civil society.
Q: Did you already know Armenia before this course?
Yes, I came here for the first time six years ago to discover the country. It was a memorable experience. Returning today with an active role allows me to rediscover Armenia in a new way, through projects, exchanges, and human encounters.
Q: You started your internship with an intense project. Can you tell us more about it?
Absolutely! I was lucky enough to accompany a group of 23 Swiss people on a ten-day trip to Armenia organized by Miassine. It was a wonderful experience: we travelled through the country, visited monasteries, admired the scenery, shared meals, songs, laughter... and above all, we had some wonderful human encounters.
Q: Will we be able to relive some of this trip with you?
Yes, of course! We filmed several moments of the trip, and a series of videos will soon be posted on Miassine's social networks. They will allow everyone to discover, or rediscover, the best that Armenia has to offer.
Q: Why do you think traveling is such a transformative experience?
Above all, traveling is about changing your outlook. It's about getting away from your habits, questioning your certainties and learning to see the world differently. Every culture, every encounter, every landscape teaches us something about others, but also about ourselves. Especially when we travel in a human context, such as an associative project, we develop a real capacity for listening and curiosity.
Q: Was there a particular moment that stood out for you during your trip with the Swiss group?
Yes, one memory immediately comes to mind: our visit to Lake Arpi, this magnificent high-altitude spot in the heart of the Armenian mountains. After a heavy downpour, we stayed with a local. In his little stove-heated house, we shared a simple, warm moment: singing, talking, tasting. It was a moment of authenticity, which deeply touched the whole group and reminded us just how precious Armenian hospitality is. This place is of particular importance to the Miassine association, which is developing a reforestation project there, planting trees, renovating a house, and building tents for future immersion stays.
Q: Any last words?
I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have this experience with Miassine. The association plays a crucial role in raising Armenia's profile, and I look forward to continuing to contribute throughout my internship.