On December 12, 2016, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr., welcomed dozens of alumni of U.S. exchange programs to the Embassy in Yerevan to unveil the new recruitment video to encourage Armenians to take advantage of these exchange programs. The video, produced by Bars media, features some of the alumni of various exchange programs who have gone to the U.S. and returned with new skills, knowledge, and abilities to build a stronger, more prosperous Armenia.

“In the time I’ve served as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, I’ve been struck by the strong, vital connection that Armenians have to their own country,” said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr. “It’s moving and inspiring to see how much you love Armenia and how devoted you are to building a bright and prosperous future for your country and fellow citizens.  And with your skills and dedication, you are Armenia’s best resources and most valuable assets. When you concentrate your efforts here, leveraging the new knowledge, ideas, and perspectives you gained during your exchange program in the U.S., you help build the type of country you want to live in.”

U.S. Exchange Programs

25 years – amount of time Armenians have been taking part in U.S. exchange programs

More than 25 – number of U.S. State Department exchange programs offered to Armenians during the past 25 years

More than 4,000 (the number grows each year) - number of Armenians who have taken part in exchange programs

Key current exchange programs Fulbright: Provides graduate study in certain fields Hovnanian-Fulbright: Initiated in 2016 through a grant from the Hovnanian family, provides graduate study in the U.S. in STEM+E (science, technology, engineering, math and entrepreneurship) Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX): Provides a year in a U.S. high school for Armenian teen agers Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD): Provides undergraduate study in different fields Professional Fellows Program (PFP): Brings emerging leaders in variety of fields to the United States for intensive fellowships designed to broaden their professional expertise Humphrey Fellowship: Professional enrichment and non-degree graduate-level study in the United States for accomplished mid-level professionals Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program: A six-week professional development program for secondary school teachers