Those are some wise words of advice from the current volunteers assisting us through our orientation retreat. Learning to speak Spanish through practice with locals and integrating into a new community will undoubtedly make us feel uncomfortable.
The Peace Corps stresses a hands-on approach (“discovery-oriented and self-directed”) towards becoming a local Nicaraguan. This means that our Spanish class to learn about food will be in the local food market and our lessons about teaching will be in front of classes full of students. The PC has planned out each day of training to the hour. Oodles of hours at that. During training we will accomplish the following:
The Peace Corps stresses a hands-on approach (“discovery-oriented and self-directed”) towards becoming a local Nicaraguan. This means that our Spanish class to learn about food will be in the local food market and our lessons about teaching will be in front of classes full of students. The PC has planned out each day of training to the hour. Oodles of hours at that. During training we will accomplish the following:
- Spanish for 6 hours a day, 4 days a week
- Start a community bank amongst the volunteers and create a service or good that we will then sell/promote
- *Fully integrate into the community (Can't be stressed enough)
- Hold business lessons (Charlas) for the community
- Teach 3 high school classes (my Spanish is at a 6 year old level or so…)
- Design and carry out youth programs (15-20 year olds), also hold two Charlas (1 about HIV/AIDS, the other optional)
- Maintain a journal to reflect upon
- Learn the history of Nicaragua and its economy
- “Meet everyone in your community”
- Advise small business owners
Honestly the list goes on and on… We have 11 weeks to fit all of this in AND read a sac (“Saco”) filled with literally 10 or more workbooks and textbooks. Intense is extremely appropriate.
They also tossed a curveball at us regarding our home stay. It is expected to get slightly chaotic as the November election comes (see future posts regarding why) and they have extended the home stay for the past two volunteer groups for 6 weeks and 8 weeks once they arrive at their sites. For us they have scrapped this 6/8 week nonsense and once we move to our site, we will be living with a family for 6 MONTHS. I have mixed emotions regarding this, but I am certain it will turn out for the best. My Spanish will indubitably be far better, I won’t have to cook my own meals, and will likely have a stronger network in my community. I’m reluctant to discuss some pessimistic points (not sure who will read this in the future), but privacy is a major one. It will be great, I’m not concerned.
The PC isn’t messing around. Their motto is “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” I just have to love it.
The PC isn’t messing around. Their motto is “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” I just have to love it.
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