Interview with Michael John Wanigasekera, September 12, 2020

Interview Summary

Michael John Wanigasekera served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cambodia in 2013 – 2015, in the Education Program. Michael’s parents immigrated from Sri Lanka to the U.S. and he is of Sri Lankan, Portuguese, and Dutch descent. He joined Peace Corps after completing a master’s degree in International Marketing. His training cohort, K7, was trained in Takeo Province. He lived with two host families during training. Training included Khmer language and culture. Michael’s assignment was at a school in Chrey Thom village, teaching grades 8 – 12. Secondary projects included a school library, clean water supply, construction of a basketball court, GLOW, and BREW camps. He participated in a round table discussion on gender equity with Michelle Obama in Siem Reap. After Peace Corps, he served as a VISTA volunteer, working with disadvantaged youth in Vermont. Interview includes discussion of his service, racial issues, and the lack of recognition that Peace Corps service receives.

Interview Keyword

Cambodia (Country of service) 2013-2015 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-2020 Khmer (Language) Sri Lankan Americans Asian Americans Cohort K7 (Training cohort) Takeo Province Chrey Thom (Assignment site) Clean water Girls Leading Others Wisely (GLOW) Boys Respecting and Empowering Women (BREW) Racism Diversity in the Peace Corps

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Cambodia Cambodia 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 Minorities Race relations Race discrimination Racism

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Interview Usage

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