Interview with Jeffrey J. Kell, November 4, 2004

Interview Summary

Jeffrey "Jeff" Kell (Dominican Republic and Ecuador, 1962-1963; Well Digging Program and School Construction Program) discusses his life and educational background both before and after joining the Peace Corps, including his childhood in England. Kell details his Peace Corps training and evaluation experience. Kell also describes his experiences in the Dominican Republic, where it turned out his original assignment to the well digging program was not really needed. The interviewee explains how a military coup in the Dominican Republic caused him to be transferred to an assignment in Ecuador. Kell then relays his experiences in Ecuador building schools. Kell compares his living situation in the Dominican Republic to his circumstances in Ecuador. Kell provides an overview of the health issues found in both countries, such as parasites. Kell's adjustment period to both countries and recreational activities he participated in are examined. Kell's travels during his Peace Corps service are explored. Kell characterizes his interactions with locals and foreign nationals in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. The interviewee provides advice on how to handle the adjustment back to living in the U.S. after Peace Corps. Subsequently, Kell talks about his motorcycle trip back from Ecuador, and his adjustment to the U.S. Kell evaluates the impact of the Peace Corps on the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Kell then considers the influence of the Peace Corps upon himself and his family. The impact of the Peace Corps upon Kell's career is also discussed. The interviewee discusses his brief stint in research work in Kentucky as well as his state government career, also in Kentucky. Kell talks of the international travel he has done since the Peace Corps, and reveals how his Peace Corps experience has impacted his worldview. To conclude the interview, Kell provides his opinion on the future role of the Peace Corps.

Interview Keyword

Motorcycles School construction Well digging State government

Interview LC Subject

Dominican Republic Ecuador Kell, Jeffrey J. Kell, Jeffrey J.--Interviews Peace Corps (U.S.)--Dominican Republic Peace Corps (U.S.)--Ecuador Peace Corps (U.S.)--History Peace Corps (U.S.)--History--1960-1969 England Australia United Kingdom Health Kentucky Building

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.