Interview with James Archambeault, February 9, 1996

Interview Summary

James Archambeault opens with one of the scariest experiences he had in the Philippines while he was in the Peace Corps. He discusses the need to fly nearly everywhere due to the travel infrastructure in place in the country, including detailing some of the train systems. He also talks about experiences with boating and some of the scary experiences he had traveling from island to island. Archambeault describes some of the health issues he and other volunteers dealt with, including dysentery and malaria. He also discusses his experiences with vaccination and some of the issues that he faced while trying to get vaccinated. Archambeault discusses the things that led up to his decision to join the Peace Corps. He talks about his parents complete disapproval of it, and his fears of leaving home, describing some of his early life in the process. He also talks about his motivations for joining. He examines his life after the Peace Corps and talks about taking a job working for a news agency, and also talks about the possibility of him moving to the Philippines at the time. Archambeault discusses his career with United Press International, and the move to Lexington due to it. He also discusses leaving that job to work for Bob Stevens as an administrative assistant due to an article he wrote about him.

Interview Keyword

Work in the Philippines Self defense Travel systems Illnesses Sickness Vaccines Christianity Community development United Press International

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Philippines Philippines 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 be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.