Interview with Pamela Estee Watkins, November 16, 2020

Interview Summary

Pamela Watkins taught English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia from 2013-2015 and as a Response Volunteer in Rwanda from 2016-2019. She tells many stories of her teaching experiences at the post-secondary level in both countries and how as an older, African American woman and experienced teacher, she used her encounters with host country nationals as a way to teach people about American diversity, especially African American culture. She talks about the personal lessons she learned from her service and thoughts about how Peace Corps can better recruit minority volunteers and prepare them for the unique challenges they will face during their service. She concludes by expressing her support for Peace Corps and her desire to serve again overseas as a curriculum development specialist.

Interview Keyword

Armenia (Country of service) Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) 2012-2015 (Date of service) Rwanda (Country of service) 2016-2019 (Date of service) Ijevan, Armenia Musanze, Rwanda Language training Peace Corps Response Volunteer Older volunteers Diversity in Peace Corps Impact of Peace Corps Older Americans

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Armenia Armenia Rwanda Peace Corps (U.S.)--Rwanda 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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