Interview with Bruce Hoppe, May 6, 2021

Interview Summary

Bruce Hoppe served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nigeria and Kenya in 1967 and 1968, in the Education Program. His preference was to serve in Africa, because of his education in biology, and interest in African wildlife. Peace Corps training was provided by the Educational Development Corp., in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and included homestays with families in underprivileged areas for a cross-cultural experience. Language training was Nigerian Pidgin English. A memorable event in training was a visit and talk by Buckminster Fuller. Hoppe was assigned to teach chemistry and biology at a high school in Obinomba, about 40 miles from Sapele. He was reassigned to Kenya after the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War. In Kenya, he taught at a high school near Nyeri. During a school break, Hoppe volunteered at a Serengeti Research Institute research station, assisting wildlife researchers. After completion of Peace Corps service, Hoppe worked with VISTA in several capacities for 10 years.

Interview Keyword

Nigeria (Country of service) Kenya (Country of service) 1967-1968 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Educational Development Corp. Nigerian Pidgin English (Language) Buckminster Fuller Obinomba, Nigeria Sapele, Nigeria Nigerian Civil War Nigerian-Biafran War Nyeri, Kenya Serengeti Research Institute Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Authors Musicians

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Nigeria Nigeria 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 Peace Corps (U.S.)--Kenya Kenya

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