Interview with Michael J. Dockry, September 10, 2020

Interview Summary

Michael J. Dockry served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia from 1997 through 2000, in the Agriculture and Environmental programs. Dockry is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, a federally recognized American Indian tribe. He learned of Peace Corps in college, and applied after obtaining a master’s degree. His motivation for joining Peace Corps was a desire to learn Spanish, and to serve others. Dockry’s group was the fifteenth after Peace Corps' re-entry to Bolivia. Language, culture, and technical training was conducted in Cochabamba, where he lived with a host family. His assignment was in Independencia. He worked with an agricultural university in a distance learning program for the indigenous population to study in their own communities. Other languages spoken were Quetchua and Aymara. Dockry extended his service and worked at the Amborò National Park. He married his Bolivian girlfriend after completion of service. This interview includes discussion of experiences in training, service, recreation, and with indigenous people across the Americas.

Interview Keyword

Bolivia (Country of service) 1997-2000 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Agriculture Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Environment Peace Corps (U.S.)--1990-2000 Spanish (Language) Quechua (Language) Aymara (Language) Citizen Potawatomi Nation American Indians Native Americans Cochabamba (Training site) Independencia (Assignment site) Amboro National Park Diversity in the Peace Corps

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Bolivia Bolivia Acculturation Communication and culture Culture shock Culture Intercultural communication Interpersonal communication and culture Interpersonal relations and culture Language and culture Language and languages Volunteers Travel Voluntarism Volunteer workers in horticulture Volunteer workers in education

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Interview Usage

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