Interview with Imhotep Simba, September 25, 2020

Interview Summary

Imhotep Simba served as a Peace Corps Urban Youth Development Volunteer in Ecuador from 2017 to 2019. Part of Imhotep’s motivation for serving was being a beneficiary of similar programs as a youth in Baltimore. He heard about Peace Corps from AmeriCorps volunteers while participating in the Choice Program. He later saw Peace Corps service as a step toward a career in International Development. Imhotep applied four times before receiving an interview and an invitation to serve in Ecuador. Pre-Service Training included Spanish language, cross-cultural awareness, health, safety and security, and technical training in Monteserrin, Quito. Imhotep’s site was in Conocoto, in El Valle de Los Chillos, Quito. He worked with at-risk boys aged 8 to 18, at Casa de la Niñez #2, and with youth 6 to 24 at Manna Project International. The interview discusses Imhotep’s experience prior to applying to Peace Corps, the application process, Pre-Service Training, Peace Corps service, experience as an African American in Ecuador, and views on Peace Corps service.

Interview Keyword

Ecuador (Country of service) 2017-2019 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Youth in Development Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-2020 Spanish (Language) Diversity in the Peace Corps Black Americans African Americans AmeriCorps Monteserrin, Quito (Training site) Conocoto (Assignment site) El Valle de los Chillos Casa de la Niñez #2 Manna Project International Racism

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Ecuador Ecuador Acculturation 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 Minorities Race relations Voluntarism Volunteers

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Interview Usage

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