Interview with Alan Axworthy, February 11, 2021

Interview Summary

Alan Axworthy graduated from Stanford University with a degree in civil engineering. He was aware of the concept of community through the Baptist ministry of his grandfather. Alan was invited by Peace Corps to Nepal to work with communities building bridges. His pre-service training along with five other trainees was evenly split between Paaundi Khola and Godavari. He had intensive training in Nepali language as well as the basics of bridge cables through field trips, on-going projects, and experiential and open discussion cross cultural sessions. Alan did not work in one place, rather he was mobile, assisting Panchayats (local committees) with technical expertise on bridge building. Isolated communities communicated through Ham radio. His challenge early on was the limited diet available. Alan was quite task focused, and realized he needed to be more process oriented. He also supports national service because people have to spend time with people unlike each other. Alan also trained new Volunteers.

Interview Keyword

Stanford University Civil engineering Bridge building Gurkha Paaundi Khola Godavari River Ham radio Bhulbhule (Nepal) Raksi Police checkpoints Diet Panchayats Process orientation National service Trainers Relationships 1975-1978 (Date of service) Nepal (Country of service)

Interview LC Subject

Nepal. Nepali language Gorkha (South Asian people) Kathmandu (Nepal) Food habits. Gurkha soldiers. Bridges. Building. Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Nepal. Acculturation Communication and culture. Culture Culture shock Intercultural communication Interpersonal communication and culture Interpersonal relations Interpersonal relations and culture Language and culture Language and languages Lifestyles Manners and customs Voluntarism Volunteers

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.