Interview with Majorie Siebenmorgan Smith, March 8, 2023

Interview Summary

Marjorie Siebenmorgen Smith was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. She received a degree in English and teaching from Indiana State University (ISU). Offered various posts, she chose a TEFL project in Morocco. Marjorie staged in Atlanta and received Pre-Service Training in Rabat at a boarding school campus. She learned Moroccan Arabic, teaching methodology, and cultural dos and don’ts. Safety and security focused on the dangers of road travel, hitch hiking, and using butagaz fuel. Assigned to a Lycée in Sidi-Kacem, she taught TEFL classes with Arts and Language students and Science students. She spent a lot of time preparing for classes. She taught with a stern posture to limit discipline issues arising. Marjorie talked about her house and community. Marjorie also talked about her colleagues and friendships. She married a fellow PCV in her second year. Her biggest challenge was in presenting herself in a Muslim culture appropriately. She has maintained contact with former students and colleagues.

Interview Keyword

Morocco TEFL Terre Haute Indiana parents Indiana State University Peace Corps recruiter application Nepal Morocco Sub Sahara Africa Staging Atlanta Casablanca Stage group Rabat Moroccan Arabic French Berber Pre-Service Training boarding school Butagaz fuel dangers Lycée Sidi-Kacem town house Medina old town Hanut street vender Bigfoot toilet cooperogne service class preparation discipline Luc Maryvonne neighbors daily schedule Zohra Halima maids Souk farmer’s market Marche dedicated area Jamila Souad Naima sisters friends Pierre Habib teachers tribal Sidi-Slimane poor city First Things First text book vacation travels Ceuta Melilla Mechra-Bel-Ksiri city Ramadan Eid Al-Kebir food baccalaureate college entrance test corruption married behaving properly relationships acknowledged teacher

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