Interview with Erik Waller, August 26, 2020

Interview Summary

Erik Waller served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras in 2008-2009, and Georgia in 2016, working in Community Economic Development. His first cross-cultural experience was through a pen-pal program in elementary school, and he remained interested in cultural exchange. He learned of Peace Corps through conversations with friends and family, and from recruiters at George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College. Prior to Peace Corps he worked with non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C. Spanish language, culture, and security training for Honduras was conducted in Tegucigalpa. His assignment was in Aramecina, where he worked with the municipal government, helping to develop grants. Housing was with host families. Secondary projects were English tutoring, and a Youth Arts and Education Program. Georgia training was in Ruisi, and his assignment was in Orzugeti. He lived with host families in both locations. The interview discusses motivation for joining Peace Corps, and experiences in both countries of service.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development Peace Corps (U.S.)--2000-2010 Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-2020 Honuduras (Country of service) Georgia (Country of service) 2008-2009 (Date of service) 2016 (Date of service) Spanish (Language) Georgian (Language) Tegucigalpa (Training site) Aramencina (Assignment site) Ruisi (Training site) Orzugeti (Assignment site) Black Americans African Americans Diversity in the Peace Corps

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Honduras Honduras Peace Corps (U.S.)--Georgia Georgia 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

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.