Some youth groups bring young people to Armenia as tourists. Others use the trip to offer intensive language and culture classes. Still others offer them the opportunity to volunteer or intern in public or governmental organizations. Altogether, some 500 youth from Europe, the Middle East and North and South America have visited the Ministry.

Groups have included the Armenian Assembly of America Youth Leadership Group, the BirthRight Armenia Depi Hayk volunteers, the Glendale College Summer Abroad participants, the Church Youth Mission to Armenia of the Armenian Church of America Western Diocese, the Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia, the Armenian Relief Society Youth Group, eleventh grade students from California¹s AGBU Demirjian- Manoogian High School, Pepperdine University, California State University at Fresno, the University of Michigan Summer Language Program, and others.

These young Armenians represent a vital part of our Diaspora community. More and more, they are coming to visit not just the historical homeland of Armenia, but the real, live, vibrant Republic of Armenia, and to take the time to truly understand its needs and the potential Armenia has as an independent state. I am delighted that they have chosen to visit our ministry and express a genuine interest in the needs and potential of Armenia, and in its governance,² said Minister Oskanian.