Professional Documents
Culture Documents
You're feeling "on top of the world;" you don't look for changes. Given however, that PCVs spend their 2 (or more) years in a foreign culture, the likelihood of ups and downs are more common and normal. This diagram was put together by a group of COSing volunteers in Senegal in the mid-1980's. It's applicable wherever you are. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF
2 PST
3-6
Fright Frustration with self and others Loneliness Weight/health changes Homesickness Uselessness
7-10
Develop in-country correspondence Host South African visitors Visit peers/friends Establish links with local organizations Do technical research for future use Language study, language study, language study Establish schedule, routine sense of "home" Simple projects: plant trees, plant garden, play with kids Reconnect with other PCVs Cards, letters home to forgotten relationships
Talk with friends about slow starts & failures Simple projects: cooking, personal crafts, meetings, garden for self Consolidate friendships with South Africans Refer to this sheet/culture shock sheets Holiday planning/mini vacation Review work plan, set new goals Review personal goals for service 1 year anniversary celebration
11-15
Mid service crisis Doubt about program, role, self, government Various failures over time
Reflection: Lethargy disillusionment, confusion, resolving frustrations with victories New trainees arrive in sector Holiday time
Haughtiness w/new trainees Develop new recreation options Write long lost acquaintances Explore better relations with government and NGO folks Return to language study and practice Visit new volunteers Physical activity - "get in shape" Focus on relationship in the town Re-examine goals and time frame Research post-PCV activities (talk to other PCVs, do web search) Explore work possibilities in neighboring towns
16-20
Increased/more defined work pace Project work Awareness of time constraints Realization of own limitations Consideration of "post PC" life
Hyperactivity or apathy Procrastination Self-recrimination Resignation Disappointment Downplay achievements Over-identification in behavior
21-23
Prep for COS: work/follow up Depression about perceived lack of accomplishment and/or lack of time Anticipated separation Demanding work pace
Monumental building
Vacation/travel
Panic Procrastination
Consideration of Frustration with self extension, post PC options Acknowledgment of chance for unmet goals Moodiness
Plan "closing out" and follow up Work with counterparts, government, town groups on planning for departure, follow up Collaboration with 1st year PCVs
Consider post-PC planning, first draft of resume Create a four months personal calendar Give quality time to colleagues/personal friendships Ask PCVs about trends, US popular culture Do self-analysis (i.e. factors of self-growth, work accomplishment) to consolidate self-confidence Work on self-image Shop for local art, crafts, etc. Write friends, make social plans
23-27
Trauma of departure Concerns about social reentry Bridging South African with US/former identity Re-definition of career Closer or re-definition of South Africa based on relationships
Giddiness Post PC travel plans Impatience Transfer work skills, area-specific knowledge to trainees Obsession with planning and Arrange for gifts to host family scheduling