Interview with Arya Zarrinkelk, November 20, 2022
Project: Peace Corps: The Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Project
Interview Summary
Arya Zarrinkelk served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, from 2009 to 2011, as an Information Communications Technology volunteer. The son of immigrants from Iran, Arya felt he should give back to the country that accepted his family, and dedicated himself to a life of service. After applying to Peace Corps, he was recruited on short notice to teach Digital Literacy. His training began in Pantoja, with Spanish language, culture, and health. Sector specific training was conducted in El Seibo. Arya was assigned to Pepilla Salcedo (Manzanillo), Monte Cristi Provence, where he worked under the Office of The First Lady. He provided computer literacy training, and English classes. Secondary projects included a women’s empowerment group, and soccer team. He acted as a translator for medical missions, and helped other PCVs with projects in their communities. In collaboration with other PCVs, Arya produced a pilot episode for a soap opera, as a sexual and reproductive health educational project. Arya continues to work in public service as a career counselor.Interview Accession
Interviewee Name
Interviewer Name
Interview Date
Interview Keyword
Peace Corps (U.S.) Dominican Republic (country of service) 2009-2011 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Information Communications Technology teaching digital literacy Peace Corps (U.S.)--2000-2010 Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-2020 Spanish (language) Iranian immigrants Pantoja (training site) El Seibo (training site) Pepilla Salcedo (assignment) Manzanillo Office of the First Lady Diversity in Peace Corps Many Faces of Peace Corps #manyfacesofpeacecorps First Generation AmericansInterview Rights
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Zarrinkelk, Arya Interview by Julius Sztuk. 20 Nov. 2022. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Zarrinkelk, A. (2022, November 20). Interview by J. Sztuk. Peace Corps: The Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Zarrinkelk, Arya, interview by Julius Sztuk. November 20, 2022, Peace Corps: The Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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