Interview with Elizabeth Ruben, March 12, 2022

Interview Summary

Elizabeth Ruben was born and raised in New York City. She graduated at 20 years of age from American University in international development with a minor in business administration. Liz saw Peace Corps as a point of reference, reality check from which to build her chosen career in international development. She was, at first, considered too young for Peace Corps. Liz was assigned to the Dominican Republic to a fisheries project supported by the Smithsonian Museum and funded by USAID. She received her Pre-Service Training through Entrena, including a practicum in the Turks and Caicos. She worked with fishermen in Azua to develop crab farming. The work provided a daily challenge. Ultimately, the project failed due to lack of sufficient research of its design. Liz developed many friendships among her neighbors, kids and colleagues and didn’t want to move to another region to finish her service. After the crab project ended, she was assigned to a business cooperative in Azua. Dominican Republic, 1985-1987, Community Economic Development (CED)/Fisheries

Interview Keyword

New York City United Nations American University of D.C. International Development Business Internship Peace Corps work study point of reference Spanish application too young Africa Latin America Pre-Service Training Entrena host family Smithsonian USAID Turks and Caicos coral reef algae scuba diving Caribbean Initiative Caribbean King Crabs mithrax spinosissumus Azua Buen Hombre guagua bus house living conditions crab farming fishermen project issues octopus eels research politization of jobs ESL mani peanuts friendships business cooperative lottery racism rubia white stalker neighbors boyfriend high school rip current drownings relationships micro versus macro development government intent handouts stepping stone NCE University of Pennsylvania international development appropriate technology CARE RTI life balance Peace Corps budget cornerstone of American diplomacy Environmental health

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