Work and Travel in Armenia

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN ARMENIA FOR TRAVELLERS

Armenia is the oldest Christian nation still in existence. With a history dating back over four thousand years, Armenia is also a nation that experienced a revolution as recently as 2018, which shook off the shackles of its time under the Soviet Union.

And due to the rise of the Caucuses as a backpacking destination, now has never been a better time to work and travel in Armenia.

This travel guide to Armenia is going to show you everything you need to know about where to find volunteer opportunities in Armenia.

1. Teach English in Armenia

Armenia is quickly embracing Western culture. Yerevan is starting to resemble a Western European capital, with its tree-lined streets and café culture.

That means there’s a big demand for teaching English in Armenia. Native English speakers from around the world have plenty of positions to choose from in Yerevan.

You don’t need to have any qualifications, but if you do hold a TEFL qualification you’ll find it simple to find a job in a school or on a more informal basis.

2. Help Businesses Get Online in Armenia

As part of the westernisation of Armenia, many businesses are starting to get online for the first time. There’s a new flurry of activity in companies trying to create an online presence for themselves.

The easiest way to find this type of work in Armenia is to team up with a hotel or guesthouse. In exchange for helping them with their website, you’ll be able to get free accommodation. And sometimes they even throw in meals free of charge.

It’s a great way to gain experience in web design and marketing.

3. Join an Eco Tourism Camp in Armenia

Locations like Kapan and Goris are big destinations for those who’re interested in eco travel in Armenia. New eco camps are springing up all the time.

Working in one of these camps will bring you closer to Armenian culture and show you a side of the country the majority of travellers will never get to see.

You could be working on independent living, supporting the growth of forests, or just working with animals. Every eco camp is different.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR ARMENIA

Armenia is connected by air and open borders with Georgia and Iran. Unfortunately, the majority of budget flights come into Georgia, so if you want to travel in Armenia cheaply you might want to look at our work in Georgia page first.

The majority of nations are able to get 180 days on arrival, without the need to pay a fee. This applies to all of Europe, the US, Australia, Russia, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand.

Countries like Canada, Mexico, and South Africa have to either get a visa-on-arrival at Yerevan Airport, or apply for the Armenian eVisa in advance.

If successful, the eVisa entitles you to stay for 120 days. Make sure you check to make sure that your specific eVisa allows for multiple entries, though.

Bear in mind that you do need a separate visa for Nagorno-Karabakh. This is acquired on the border and then through registration in Stepanakert. Make sure you don’t get a stamp in your passport as this will prevent you from ever visiting Azerbaijan.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN ARMENIA

SPRING WORK

Spring in Armenia is one of the best times to head to the south of the country and join in with the eco camps there. After the winter, there’s a lot of work to do and it’s an ideal time to begin working here. They’re gearing up for the new tourism season and they’re always in need of help.

As an alternative to heading south, you could also look for volunteer jobs in Armenia around the Lake Sevan area, just north of Yerevan. It’s an area of natural beauty and a popular place for eco camps.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer in Armenia is busier than ever before. Many backpackers do a full trip around the Caucus region at this time of year. Thousands of backpackers enter Armenia every summer, so you may want to consider working in a hostel.

The majority of hiring locations are in Yerevan, but you can find work in other areas of the country, including in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is under de facto Armenian control.

AUTUMN

The autumn season doesn’t change much from summer. Temperatures are still extremely hot and the jobs mentioned in the previous two sections are still valid at this time of year.

It’s possible to work on an Armenian farm at this time of year, as you move around the country. Autumn is one of the easiest times of year to involve yourself in a homestay with a real Armenian family.

Finally, you may want to consider finding English teaching work in schools. Autumn is a time of high demand for English teachers everywhere. You can find work in Armenia throughout the whole year in this field, but you have a higher chance of finding longer term appointments if you’re in Armenia in autumn.

WINTER

Winters get bitterly cold in Armenia and snowfall is common. If you have previous experience in skiing, you can consider becoming a volunteer ski instructor.

The country’s main ski resort is Tsaghkadzor, which is northeast of the capital. It’s easy to get there and if you apply a few months in advance this type of work in Armenia is possible to find.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN ARMENIA

Armenia was closed off from the rest of the world for so long, therefore locals are often delighted to meet backpackers, particularly outside of Yerevan. This goes doubly so if you decide to venture to Nagorno-Karabakh, where most locals are surprised to see any foreigners at all.

Do bear in mind that there are a lot of political and cultural sensitivities here. The conflict with Azerbaijan and the Turkish genocide of Armenians in 1917 are topics you should avoid at all costs.

As long as you’re not Turkish, Azeri, or look like one of them you shouldn’t experience any problem at all here.