Interview with Charles Matthews, March 29, 2001

Interview Summary

Charles Matthews served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji from 1967 through 1969 in the Agriculture Program. Matthews wanted to do something positive and experience other cultures. He thought of Peace Corps as an extension of his education and a personal challenge. In the final days of training for India, his group’s deployment was cancelled. He was then invited to be part of the first group to serve in Fiji. Language, culture, and technical training were conducted in Hilo, Hawaii by Fijian trainers. Matthews’ assignment was on the island of Vanua Levu, based in Korotasere village. His work consisted of an agriculture survey, requiring extensive treks throughout Cakaudrove Province, where he would meet and stay with local planters. Matthews became very fluent in Fijian language through his work and immersion in village life. The interview discusses motivation for volunteering, training, working and living in rural villages, observations of Fijian culture, close relationships formed with locals and fellow volunteers, and lessons learned through Peace Corps service.

Interview Keyword

Fiji (Country of service) 1967-1969 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Agriculture Fijian (Language) Diversity in the Peace Corps Black Americans African Americans Roosevelt University Chicago (Ill.) Hilo, Hawai'i Korotasere, Fiji Cakaudrove, Fiji Vanua Levu, Fiji Savusavu, Fiji

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Fiji Fiji Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 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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