Description

Spend two weeks volunteering and touring in Armenia! You will be joined by other volunteers from around the country and will help build homes for families in need. Volunteers will be building primarily with concrete and 'tufa,' which is a volcanic stone indigenous to Armenia. Global Builders construction includes mainly: mixing sand and cement, pouring water, preparing the mixture and carrying with buckets (as light as possible), carrying tufa blocks, plastering and painting the walls, sanding windows, doors and walls, and preparing an insulation layer for the roof.

Highlights

Having the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and work side by side with local families who are in need of decent, simple housing. You get to experience the joy of giving a family a light of hope by providing them with a home and helping them take a step towards a better life! While our work site is an active construction zone, it is also an active neighborhood with many families kids which you will have the opportunity to get interact with and get to know.

Your adventure begins as soon as you land. You are picked up by the Fuller Center and driven to the hotel. Once checked in, you are given a chance to catch up on your rest. Armenia is nine hours ahead of the East Coast of the U.S. There will be an orientation to learn about the organization and the villager family we are helping. You don’t speak Armenian? Not a problem. The Fuller Center Armenia team members speak English as well.

Our work day begins at 9:30 am with the Fuller Center Armenia taking us to the village. We meet and greet the family and then we get down to business. There are numerous breaks, cases of bottled water on hand, and we are always served a fresh homemade lunch. There is music on hand and an opportunity to dance. There is always someone with an I-pod.

We will work for six days and tour for five.
The food you eat in Armenia is fresh, has no chemicals added, and is the ultimate in organic food. Your tongue will come alive with the freshness. You will never look at tomatoes, cucumbers or fruits the same way again. If we are fortunate, we may get to see how lavash is made. This very thin bread is a staple at every meal and it goes with everything. Our meals and our tours are all included. We eat and tour as a team. There is never a lack of food on the table. The restaurants in Armenia are unique and unusual.

After dinner it would be your choice of what activity you would like to do. Some of the team members enjoyed walking back to the hotel and stopping by the water light show at Republic Square. This show is similar to Las Vegas. Just like the Bellagio along with music, which you will recognize. The rooms at the hotel are air conditioned which you will appreciate, as it does get a little warm in Armenia.

On our days off we go touring to see the countryside and various historical areas. Each place has its own very unique history. You will become enthralled with the monasteries and the churches. Then there is another bread called katah, this is a sweet bread made with sugar and butter. It just melts in your mouth. This bread is made by the local villagers in Geghard and you will find none other like it.

I forgot to mention the shopping. The Vernisage is the ultimate outdoor craft/flea market in Yerevan. Here you can buy jewelry, glassware, paintings done by local artists, lace table cloths, Armenian souvenirs, backgammon boards, wood carvings, oriental rugs and so much more. All for the right price and at times even better if you can bargain. So please come and join a team!!!! We welcome you with open arms (the Armenian way).

Qualifications

We welcome Global Builder volunteers ages 14+ and of all skill levels. Foreign-language skills are not necessary. We accept everyone who has a willingness to serve!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,500 - USD 1,800

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

The actual cost of the trip will vary depending on the location and length of the trip, among other factors. The costs listed below are estimates meant to include food, lodging, ground transportation, insurance, and a donation to the local project, but not site-seeing or airfare.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Young and old alike. Enthusiastic, has a heart for service and helping others, and enjoys new experiences and challenges.

Age Range

14+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

The Fuller Center for Housing's Mission Statement

The Fuller Center for Housing, faith-driven and Christ-centered, promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide.

Year Founded

2005

The Fuller Center for Housing is a Christian based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.