Interview with Albert Nekimken, September 10, 2021

Interview Summary

Albert Nekimken was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkey from June 1966 to September 1968 in the education sector. He always had a curiosity about the world. He also saw the Peace Corps as an alternative to service in the Vietnam War. Nekimken received a degree in French and English. He was assigned to a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) project in Turkey. His Pre-Service Training at the University of Texas used Turkish graduate students as language and cross-cultural instructors. Nekimken taught in a high school in Tokat, a provincial capital in Central Anatolia. On a typical day, he had 4-5 classes of 40-50 students. The curriculum was focused on a national test. However, practical English was also taught. Nekimken also assisted in a youth camp sponsored by the Rotary during vacations. In addition, he also visited other towns and cities around Turkey. For pleasure, he met with other teachers for cards and drinks. Nekimken was challenged by the physical punishment teachers used to manage classes. He maintains contact with multi-generational friends.

Interview Keyword

Bachelor’s degrees French (Language) English (Language) Vietnam War Turkey (Country of service) Pre-service training University of Texas, Austin Language instructors Turkish graduate students Psychiatrists Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) Gatenby Series 1920s Central Anatolia Tokat (Turkey) Youth camps Local travel Israel Leisure time Classroom management Tourism Corporal punishment Cultural exchange 1966-1968 (Date of service)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Turkey Turkey 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 Teachers Teaching

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