Interview with Minor Anderson, September 30, 2020

Interview Summary

Minor Anderson grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin graduating with a degree in Engineering. Influenced by National Geographic magazine and a teacher’s visit to Guatemala, he became interested in other cultures. Accepted to the Dominican Republic in community development, his Pre-Service Training in Utuado, Puerto Rico consisted of an Outward Bound program: drown proofing, mountain climbing, survival treks. In addition, while Berlitz situational language training was excellent, very little advice on community development techniques left him unprepared for his assignment. Minor was first assigned to Jimani on the Haitian border working with the Office of Community Development. However, his surveyor skills moved him to work more regionally in building schools, bridges, irrigation systems, etc. A civil war broke out after a year in service. Volunteers were seen as either CIA agents or communists. Volunteers sent a letter to the New York Times supporting the rebels.

Interview Keyword

University of Wisconsin Engineers National Geographic (magazine) Refugees Utuado, Puerto Rico Outward Bound Training Berlitz situational language training Dominican Republic (Country of service) Dictatorships Office of Community Development (ODC) Surveyors Schools Irrigation systems U.S. Marines Civil wars Spanish (Language) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development 1964-1966 (Date of service)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 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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