Armenia: An Internship to Cherish

4 min read

Introducing Olivia Lutz, a passionate third-year student from Ohio University, who has joined the American University of Armenia (AUA) as an intern through a partnership with the Scripps School of Journalism and The Armenia Project. Olivia is currently interning at CivilNet and AUA; at AUA, she has joined the Office of Communications, working on the Media Lab Project. This project is funded by a generous grant from ASHA/USAID and aims to provide quality journalism by offering courses in media literacy, journalism, trainings, and workshops. As an intern, Olivia actively participates in seminars, collaborates with civil society organizations, and engages with media professionals. She is also involved in developing the outreach component of the Media Lab Project on promoting American best practices in media and journalism.

My name is Olivia Lutz. I am a third-year student at Ohio University, pursuing a degree in Media Arts Production. I made the choice to travel to Armenia for my internship to pursue my passion for exploring new places and my curiosity for learning about diverse cultures. As I started becoming accustomed to living in Armenia, I began to realize the profound impact this country is having on my life. Through the incredible communities I have encountered along my path and the meaningful work I have been fortunate to take on, Armenia began to weave into the fabric of my being, forever changing my worldview. 

Setting foot in Armenia, I didn’t know what to expect. It was my first solo trip, traveling to a new hemisphere and immersing myself in an unfamiliar culture. With limited knowledge of the Armenian language and traditions, I was filled with both excitement and apprehension. Little did I know that this adventure would become a life-changing experience. My arrival in Armenia placed me in a dual internship at CivilNet and AUA. 

As a journalism intern at CivilNet, my role involved covering stories that focused on various aspects of Armenia’s socio-economic landscape, including eco-tourism, sustainability, women’s entrepreneurship, and the local economy. A project I’m currently working on revolves around exploring the significance of local vegan restaurants in supporting regional farmers and promoting both environmental and economic sustainability. The internship with CivilNet has been an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It has also provided me with the chance to take cross-country road trips to different places and events, such as the B’Arev festival in Sevan, where I interacted with people from around the world and conducted interesting interviews with many. The fast-paced schedule at CivilNet has helped me cover a lot of ground and hone my skills in research, article writing, video production, and even photography.

Simultaneously, my internship at AUA has enriched my academic perspective. The distinguished faculty at AUA has been intellectually stimulating, encouraging me to delve deeper into various topics and enhance my skills in public outreach, content creation, and article writing. Engaging in discussions and attending seminars have challenged me to ask thought-provoking questions and seek answers. I am currently conducting research on external media labs to gather implementation ideas emphasizing equality for the forthcoming launch of AUA’s Media Lab Project. Moreover, I collaborate with diverse stakeholders by compiling a list of focus group questions tailored for both independent journalists and media organizations based in Armenia. The supportive and hardworking individuals in this fun environment have made my time at AUA truly enjoyable. Particularly, creating social media content and promoting the University have allowed me to prioritize the value of higher education.

Additionally, attending insightful discussion panels at AUA has expanded my understanding of journalism from an international standpoint. Case in point: after listening to the World News and Digital Disruption Panel, collaboratively hosted by AUA and the Ohio University School of Journalism, I wrote an in-depth reportage of the prominent event and the journalistic topics that were discussed. Additionally, I had the opportunity to be an attendee at the gathering of local and international media professionals at the renowned EVN Media Festival, which provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and networking opportunities. Listening to the panelists, I learned the vital role journalists play in shaping society’s perceptions, which emerged as a paramount lesson during the course of my experience.

Beyond the realm of work, my time in Armenia was filled with memorable encounters and explorations. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people, both locals and fellow travelers, who have added depth and richness to my experience. Exploring the charming city of Yerevan and its surroundings has also been delightful. Recently, I embarked on a weekend trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, with friends and attended the Tbilisi Open Air Festival. I also had the chance to visit Vanadzor and other picturesque towns, monasteries, and historic places throughout Armenia.

In late May, I attended a festival celebrating Armenia’s First Republic Day, where I tried local cuisine, listened to traditional music, and watched traditional dances. The breathtaking view of Mount Ararat from my dorm balcony and the other awe-inspiring mountain ranges I’ve seen on my road trips have left memories I will keep for years.

I am immensely grateful to AUA and CivilNet for providing me with this extraordinary opportunity. Special thanks to Dan Perry for sending an email regarding this internship out to the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and both Ohio University and Scripps College for funding this remarkable journey. Traveling to Armenia has allowed me to get a taste of how rewarding it is to learn through travel. This has been an invaluable experience that has helped me grow both professionally and personally. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.