Interview with Ursula Pike, June 29, 2021

Interview Summary

Ursula Pike served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia from 1994-1996. She received her degree in economics from Portland State University in 1992 and enthusiastically applied to the Peace Corps. As an enrolled member of the Karuk Tribe, active in urban indigenous organizations, Pike was interested in joining a Peace Corps program in a nation with indigenous populations. Group training was in Cochabamba, Bolivia. With proficient skill in Spanish and some training in Quechua, she was assigned to volunteer at a Hogar de Niños (orphanage) in Aiquile. Pike served as an English tutor and began a bakery project with the children that successfully brought in funds. Pike discusses the problematic nature of developmental projects, the need for more diversity in Peace Corps, Americorps, the benefits of receiving a Coverdell Fellowship and an M.A. degree. Her memoir, "An Indian among los Indígenas : a native travel memoir," deftly describes her life in Bolivia.

Interview Keyword

Bolivia (Country of service) 1994-1996 (Date of service) Peace Corps Job: Youth in Development Native Americans Peace Corps training Americorps Network of Volunteers Implications of development Diversity Memoir of Peace Corps years Native American Peace Corps Volunteers Alumni networks Diversity in the Peace Corps

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bolivia Bolivia Peace Corps (U.S.)--1990-2000 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

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Interview Usage

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