Interview with Claire Gracia, August 17, 2020

Interview Summary

Claire Gracia was raised in a bi-cultural family. She earned a degree in global studies and Spanish from Bryant University. She had experience in youth development, which was the sector she was assigned to in Peru. Claire worked in Pedro Ruiz in Amazonas province. She lived with a host family during her tour. Pre-Service Training (PST) in Chaclacyo, while covering the basics, fell short of all needed to begin service. Assigned to two high schools, the municipal government, and a health center, her work began slowly, but expanded rapidly, until COVID-19 forced an evacuation of the country. Relationships with Peruvians were excellent, however, some harassing “cat calling” did occur. The evacuation was not expected, but soon became an immediate withdrawal that took eight days. Viewed as “white,” Claire’s bicultural heritage did not affect her relationships with the Peruvian or Peace Corps community. However, some Volunteers were harassed for “bringing COVID-19 to Peru.”

Interview Keyword

Peru (Country of service) 2018-2020 (Date of service) Youth Development Bi-cultural Bryant University Amazonas Pedro Ruiz Multiple host NGOs Career fairs Challenges Harassment Peace Corps support Diversity #Covid19 Diversity in the Peace Corps Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Youth in Development Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Peru Peru COVID-19 (Disease) Acculturation. Voluntarism Volunteers Communication and culture. Culture. Interpersonal communication and culture Language and culture. Language and languages.

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Interview Usage

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