Interview with David Constanza, March 22, 2021

Interview Summary

This is a second interview with David Constanza. Constanza grew up in San Francisco, California of poor immigrant parents, both of whom became doctors. He graduated from the University of Southern California in international relations and African development studies. A friend recommend he consider the Peace Corps given his international affinity and language interests. His first shock was meeting other trainees from around the U.S. and engaging with their similar and different backgrounds. Constanza was invited to Morocco for a Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) project from May 1986 to May 1989. He learned Arabic in training, but training lacked classroom management skills. Constanza was assigned to a school in Ouaouizeght in the Azilal province, a Berber town. He taught English at the high school and created books with a community-based vocabulary. He also helped build a library in Beni Mellal. Constanza enjoyed various Berber cultural festivals. His friendships ranged from his students and their families to his colleagues. He noted discrimination against women and harassment of female Volunteers.

Interview Keyword

California University of Southern California (USC) International relations African development studies Diversity Morocco (Country of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) Arabic (Language) Berbers Ouaouizert (Morocco) Azilal Province (Morocco) Mudir Welcome ceremony High schools Sickness from water Relationships Housekeepers Women Discrimination Harassment Curriculum development Mimeographs Beni Mellal (Morocco) Imichil Festival Tagueleft with festivals Djellaba Gongora 1986-1989 (Date of service) Education Sector

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Morocco Morocco 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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