<h1>Erik Cunelius: It feels truly wonderful to have Dilijan and the stunningly beautiful nature right on our doorstep </h1>

<h2>About me</h2>
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I am a father of two from Sweden and currently in my fourth year as a staff member at United World College (UWC), an international school for peace and sustainability in Dilijan. My work focuses on health, safety, and sports — areas that align closely with my passion for promoting well-being in various ways.
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<h2>My life before moving to Dilijan</h2>
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Before moving to Dilijan, I had the opportunity to work as a Physical and Health Education teacher not only in Sweden but also in Vietnam, Thailand, and Norway. When our children were born, we stayed in Sweden for a few years, close to family and friends, before the desire to explore the world again became too strong to resist. My most recent position in Sweden was as a lecturer at the Swedish School of Sports and Health Sciences in Stockholm. Life largely revolved around taking care of the children, working, exercising, and playing football.
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<h2>A decision to move to Dilijan</h2>

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A significant factor in our decision to move to Dilijan and Armenia was the school, which offered education for our children and opportunities for both me and my wife, who is also a teacher. This, combined with our curiosity about Armenia and the entire region, which was new and unexplored territory for us yet incredibly intriguing, made the adventure highly appealing. Both of us had previously worked at the UWC school in Norway and have always felt that the UWC movement resonates deeply with us. We chose Dilijan and Armenia over other opportunities also because of the stunning nature, the clean and fresh air, and the perception of the country as safe in terms of personal security, such as crime and health risks.
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Living here in Dilijan is wonderful! Many of the differences between life now and before are due to the fact that we are now living on the boarding school's campus. This means we are close to work and our children's school, as well as to recreational activities like training. Three meals are served daily in the school canteen. Overall, this is like a paradise for a family with children, as it frees up time that would have otherwise gone to commuting, shopping, cooking, and washing up. However, we do miss our family and friends back in Sweden.
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<h2>The most rewarding aspects of living in Dilijan</h2>
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It feels truly wonderful to have Dilijan and the stunningly beautiful nature right on our doorstep. It’s invigorating to be able to look out over the breathtaking landscape every day, and I really appreciate the opportunity to hike in the surrounding mountains. Dilijan itself is a very genuine place, something I also value deeply.
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In general, people are incredibly friendly, accommodating, and nice. From our very first day, they have been welcoming and hospitable. I really like how proud they are of their culture, which encompasses so much that is beautiful, fascinating, and at the same time solid and functional. The food is very good — not least the fruits and berries, which are an absolute delight! Another aspect I truly appreciate is the ease of getting around at affordable prices, whether for shorter or longer distances, using public transport or shared and private taxis. There’s so much to explore!
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<h2>Some of the challenges and joys of working with students from diverse backgrounds at UWC Dilijan</h2>
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Of course, working with people always involves a certain degree of challenges, no matter where they come from. For me, though, it’s a genuine joy and privilege to live and work alongside students and staff from such a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. This diversity is one of the aspects that makes this school so unique and special — it’s incredibly enriching! For example, just in the past few days, I’ve learned more about the Dinka tribe in South Sudan, the political situation in Hungary, potential future developments in Myanmar, and the security conditions in Medellín, Colombia, and the suburbs of Mexico City — all shared by people with firsthand knowledge. On top of that, I’ve also had the chance to taste some Estonian candy. Fantastic!
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<h2>What makes Dilijan special</h2>
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A perfect day in Dilijan — apart from being part of an exciting football event — includes a hike, either short or long, through the surrounding nature and the town itself (while counting how many Ladas drive by). Time spent in Dilijan City Park (a true gem!) is also a highlight; it’s a place that’s constantly evolving and where expats and locals come together for relaxation, play, or exercise. Add to that a coffee break at a cosy café and a meal at one of the town’s great restaurants.
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For a shorter but pleasant walk close to the town centre, I’d recommend heading to the Drunken Forest, which offers a lovely view over the town. However, my personal favourite is the hike starting in the village of Semyonovka, located along the old road between Dilijan and Sevan (before the tunnel was built). The route takes you via the Maymekh mountain peak and down into Dilijan. Don’t forget to bring a camera!
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Anyone looking to explore, take in breathtaking views, and enrich themselves further can make a trip to the nearby village of Fioletovo to learn more about Molokan culture. That’s another piece of advice.
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Dilijan has made significant strides in development during the few years we’ve lived here, with an increasing number of charming cafés, for example. I hope to see that trend continue. However, if you visit Dilijan, it should be to experience the real Armenia — not for impressive amusement parks or giant shopping malls. Those simply don’t exist here.
As a resident, though, I would love to see a greater variety of sports activities available for children, which I believe would enrich the community further.
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<h2>One piece of advice for other families considering a move to Dilijan</h2>

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As my professor always told me: follow your heart. If it feels right, come! You are warmly welcome.
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