Interview with Amaly Johnson, February 26, 2023

Interview Summary

Amaly Johnson served in Bangladesh 2004-2005. She taught English in the Habiganj District, estimated population one million, until she left PC early to escape the aggression and political instability there. Amaly was the sole PCV and only white person in Habiganj. She did not feel safe as a white woman in Bangladesh. American women always had a self-defense mechanism handy, from keys to karate training. Her host families escorted her. Once, due to a dustup at school over admission to her class, she had a police escort. Toward the end of her service, there was bombing and fighting between political parties in the streets surrounding her apartment building. Amalay called Bangladesh an “incredibly challenging posting”. Despite her travails, she feels she was accepted by her community; she believes she had a positive influence on her students, teaching them about Americans. Amaly describes the Bangladeshi people as inquisitive, hospitable and creative.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Bangladesh (Country of service) 2004-2005 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Youth in Development Bangladesh India Japan Peace Corps (U.S.)--2000-2010 Peace Corps (U.S.)—Management Regional conflict English Bangla Peace Corps-related medical issues

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