In this interview, we hear from Christopher Wizda. Christopher is a Peace Corps volunteer working as a Education volunteer in Mongolia. What Christopher shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers do. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Christopher talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Christopher’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity during Service
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Tell us more about serving as an Education volunteer in Mongolia?
Teaching and Community Engagement
As an English Education and Community Development Volunteer, my role has two main components. I am based at a local public school as my primary host country agency, where I co-teach English with local Mongolian teachers and facilitate school clubs that promote language learning, skill development, and cultural exchange. This school-based role allows me to directly support students and teachers, enhancing English proficiency and engagement. This component constitutes about 70-80% of the logical project framework (LPF).
Beyond the school, I dedicate the remainder of my time to community-driven development initiatives, enabling me to address broader needs that align with both my interests and the community’s goals. I have worked on various projects, from digital literacy initiatives to social enterprise consulting. My background is in area studies and international business development, which I was able to apply in an NGO capacity before joining the Peace Corps. However, I lacked substantial “true business” and analytical experience, so I use my work with social enterprises to build these skills while adhering to the objectives of the required LPF.
A Typical School Day
A typical day involves going to school Monday to Friday, aiming for a standard 9-5 schedule for normalcy. During the day, I co-teach 2 to 3 classes and collaborate with teachers on lesson planning and teacher development activities. I also maintain an “open door” policy where students and teachers are welcome to drop by to discuss anything from homework to life advice. Although I don’t have a private office, I work from a desk in a shared teachers’ room with about 30 others, I try to make myself available and approachable. I also host a club meeting once or twice a week, though this can be challenging due to students’ and teachers’ varying schedules and occasional room availability issues.
During downtime at school, I often use social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to identify community events and opportunities since most things are posted there since I live in the center of the capital city. This has allowed me to participate in many unique initiatives that benefit both myself and my school such as finding an intensive “Earth School” program that had SDG topics and interactive activities with students for four months.
Social Enterprise Consulting and Skill Building
Additionally, I provide informal consulting for social enterprises and NGOs or individuals in the early stages of their business or project ideas. This consulting, often facilitated through Facebook since almost everything is run there in Mongolia, keeps me engaged and available within the community. When necessary, I’ll meet with these contacts in person or at a nearby coffee shop, though I try to limit these meetings to late afternoons when my school duties are generally finished.
After school on occasion, I host community workshops or evening lectures on topics such as writing skills or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. On weekends, I focus on personal development and support for social enterprises, such as the Mongolian Quilting Center which has unofficially become my community counterpart. This organization empowers individuals with disabilities and women in difficult economic circumstances by teaching them quilting and crafting skills, helping them generate income through their work creating products to sell.
In addition to their business activities, I’m also drawn to their artistic creativity as a passionate art enthusiast who values human expression deeply. In my free time, I actively seek out art exhibitions and performances, whether in visual arts or live music, as I believe human expression is one of the most significant aspects of humanity.
Advice for Future Volunteers
The overarching message I want to convey to future volunteers is to truly embrace the phrase, “Service is what you make it.” Your service country is not your forever home so do what I am doing- striving to make the most of my time by building on my existing skills and seeking opportunities to develop those skills I will need after my service. If you’re a mid-career professional or an ambitious individual, I highly recommend this program. I feel that I am able to leverage my service to my advantage while genuinely benefiting the locals I interact with.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Mongolia?
Prior to Mongolia, I had been living and working in Russia on and off for almost ten years, with six of those years spent uninterrupted. I had immersed myself so deeply that, essentially, my life was there. However, due to certain events involving Ukraine, I decided to leave and found myself in the awkward position of not really knowing where to go or what to do next. Since my parents were also military until I was 25, I never really had a home base in the USA, which added to the complexity. I just knew that I needed to find someplace and something where I could apply my skillset and experience.
In Russia, I worked as an English teacher and was also an extremely active, almost full-time United Nations Volunteer to maintain my MSc skills in project management and international development. However, I hadn’t set up a safety net or a clear professional path for the future. When I returned to the USA, I was in the challenging position of having virtually no contacts or a “home,” so adapting to what had essentially become a new country for me was difficult. Finding work opportunities was also tough since I’d been out of the loop for so long.
Choosing PC for Career Growth and a Unique Global Experience
To give myself a leg up, the Peace Corps seemed like the perfect option – not only because of the NCE (non-competitive eligibility) but also for the opportunity to use my skills in an international context within a professional American organization. I saw it as a path that could potentially lead to a career in government or the private sector due to its prestige.
When I applied, I was open to going anywhere and was offered a series of options. I began the process for several placements, but each time, returning volunteers filled the spots, which kept bumping me to a different location. Finally, I was offered a spot in Mongolia, which I accepted. I think this placement came through because I had studied in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia for a year during my BA and had lived in Russia, so, on paper, Mongolia didn’t seem that drastically different. However, Mongolia has definitely turned out to be its own unique experience!
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation:
Initial Adjustments and Living Arrangements
My cohort was the first to return to Mongolia after the pandemic, so there was still some fear and trepidation about COVID-19. Initially, we were quarantined in a hotel for two weeks, and then we moved into apartments, each paired with another PCV. After our pre-service training, we found out about our site placements and moved into our own apartments with help from our host country agency counterparts.
Location, Warden Responsibilities, and Apartment Choice
I specifically requested an older, preferably unrenovated apartment, as I feel more comfortable in such spaces. In my experience, unrenovated apartments also tend to come with kitchen supplies and other home essentials already in place, so I didn’t have to buy much for move-in besides basic self-care products and food. My apartment has a cozy “grandma style,” which I enjoy, and it’s surprisingly comfortable and reliable – it was built in 1958 and has been problem-free so far (knock on wood).
Interestingly, my apartment complex used to house embassy staff from Soviet satellite states, and mine specifically housed Czechoslovak staff. Since my dad’s side of the family is Slovak, this connection feels significant and quite ironic.
Being in the city center, I have easy access to everything I need, which is a real convenience. However, this level of convenience isn’t always the case for PCVs, so it’s essential to be open to whatever comes your way.
Mongolian Diet and International Flavors
Mongolian food deserves its own discussion. If you enjoy dairy, meat, and unfortified flour, this is definitely the place for you, as these form the bulk of the diet here. Fortunately, more places are starting to sell fruits and vegetables, as a reaction to nutrition education, and people traveling abroad more and developing a taste for variety.
There’s also an interesting trend toward vegetarianism, which I think stems from both travel abroad and what I call “meat fatigue.” Another surprise in Mongolia is the prevalence of Korean food – you can find Korean restaurants on almost every corner, so I’ve definitely developed a taste for it.
One fascinating aspect of food here is the variety of international products available – it feels like you really are at the crossroads of the world! This is especially interesting to me because my MSc thesis focused on consumer products in Eurasia. A typical market trip can result in a unique mix of goods from all over the world. For instance, your bag might contain Mongolian beef (which is amazing by the way), Korean kimchi, Russian buckwheat, Japanese soy sauce, Polish pickles, and Egyptian candy. Every trip feels like a small adventure, and I always try to sample products from different countries.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
Honestly, it’s tough to narrow it down to just a few memorable experiences. The most impactful ones have come from my involvement with the art community here in Mongolia. As I mentioned, I’m a huge art enthusiast, so I try to attend as many events as possible. The modern art scene here is truly unique and, in my opinion, deserves a much bigger spotlight. It’s modern yet deeply rooted in cultural authenticity, evoking themes from both the past and present. It stands out as something distinctly Mongolian, with its own voice and artistic language.
I’ve attended everything from performance art pieces to gallery exhibitions, each showcasing different perspectives and techniques. One of the highlights was joining an art camp in the north of the country, where I traveled alongside local artists, observed their techniques up close, and engaged in conversations about their sources of inspiration. This experience allowed me to gain insight into how Mongolian artists interpret their history and environment, merging tradition with innovation in ways that feel both fresh and meaningful.
These interactions have given me a new appreciation for how art can reflect a nation’s identity and evolution, and it’s been incredible to witness how Mongolian artists blend heritage with modernity to create something that resonates on a universal level yet feels distinctly theirs.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about education and development challenges in Mongolia?
What surprised me the most was the general public and teachers’ eagerness to learn and improve their skills in nearly any context, regardless of whether a PCV or foreigner is involved. They truly have a thirst for knowledge! However, interest tends to be particularly high if a certificate of participation is provided. They greatly value printed certificates as proof of attendance, so a useful tip would be to offer a certificate for participation. This small gesture can significantly increase both attendance and participant retention in your programs.
6. What challenges did you face while working on projects?
One of the biggest surprises has been seeing how people here excel in short-term, high-intensity tasks and assignments but often lack the stamina for sustained long-term initiatives. This poses a challenge for program development because as Americans, we’re planners and tend to always plan for the long-term.
In my experience, I’ll develop a well-thought-out new program that in my mind will be amazing and will initially attract a lot of interest and active participation, only for that enthusiasm to wane after about six weeks causing me to be disappointed. To address this, I’ve found that setting short-term goals and celebrating small wins is essential for maintaining momentum, like adding a shovel of coal to a steam engine. This is something I would highly recommend future PCVs keep in mind when working here, as many volunteers may feel frustrated and abandon a plan or program only to restart something else without tackling this underlying challenge.
7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
Since our logical project framework (LPF) is primarily focused on the school, my community projects are more of a secondary focus. Some of the main community initiatives I’ve worked on involve digital literacy skills, drawing on my background in analytics for youth, business development projects, and consulting for social enterprises and individuals. The projects that have been involved in aimed to equip participants with essential digital skills that support both personal growth and broader community development. Additionally, I have been involved in very short, sometimes one day, projects that are related to the environment such as planting trees or cleaning up a park.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Education volunteer in Mongolia?
Go for it! Honestly, I had a rough idea of what service would be like, but I wasn’t expecting just how much I would enjoy it. Coming over in my 30s, I was excited but a bit uncertain how this would fit in with my professional plans, especially since most of my group was younger. However, it turned out to be a great fit. Service truly is what you make of it!
Navigating Cultural Differences in Mongolia
One practical consideration is Mongolia’s cultural differences, shaped by its long history of rural living. Social norms and interactions here can differ significantly; because many Mongolians for a millennia haven’t typically had frequent close interactions with others as nomads, behaviors that might seem unusual or even rude to outsiders may simply be unfamiliar to them or even have an awareness of the behavior. That being said, while most behaviors are rooted in cultural context if you ever feel genuinely uncomfortable or sense an interaction was intentionally rude, it’s okay to address it calmly.
Additionally, certain lifestyle factors such as long work hours, limited dietary variety with its contents’ nutrients diminished over the past century, and limited access to effective management/leadership training and modeling can create unique social and work quirks. I encourage future PCVs to approach these challenges with patience and understanding; avoiding frustration and staying open-minded will lead to a more positive and fulfilling experience.
A Culture of Authenticity and Pride
Overall, Mongolia is a celebration of authenticity, a place where tradition and modernity harmonize across vast landscapes, from remote villages to bustling cities. Despite global influences like K-pop and international cuisine, Mongolians embrace their own culture with pride, maintaining a profound respect for their heritage. This unique balance is evident in their arts, professional life, and social interactions, where genuine sincerity and cultural pride prevail. My first experiences with this spirit were in the contemporary art scene, where Mongolian artists blend global techniques with distinctly Mongolian elements, creating works that are both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. So if you want to go serve in a unique location that’s truly its own microcosm, Mongolia is for you!
9. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
Since this isn’t my first rodeo abroad by any means, the training on adapting to life abroad felt like more of a review. However, the sessions on integrating English education with community development and proactively seeking local opportunities were incredibly valuable. Although I had previously taught and served as a UN Volunteer, I’d never combined the two or actively sought ways to contribute directly within the community without a watching supervisor telling me where to go and what to do. This training helped me see how to merge my skills into a cohesive approach.
I recently came across the term “strategic opportunism,” and while it wasn’t explicitly covered, the training provided insight into making the most of unexpected situations, both positive and negative. For instance, if a workshop doesn’t go as planned, it encouraged me to adapt by leveraging any positives or new opportunities that I could exploit to turn it into a success whether it be in its original focus or a different context.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Mongolia volunteers?
Winter clothing can be bought here and is often more adapted to the environment and of better quality. By not packing this, you’ll save space and acquire a unique, local wardrobe.
Bring crisp new $100 bills. While the suggested list they sent me mentioned $20 bills, these can be difficult to exchange. Although the salary is sufficient, there isn’t much wiggle room for non-essential purchases, so bringing some extra money to exchange is advisable. A good pair of winter boots, for instance, costs around $80 for leather and wool to $300 for fur.
Pack deodorant if you need it. While you can purchase spray scents and colognes here, bringing a supply will be more cost-effective. If you have dry skin, the climate here can be quite harsh. Bring specialized lotion if needed. Unscented products may be harder to find but not impossible.
For work attire, bring durable work clothes and shirts. I recommend a minimalist approach, similar to Steve Jobs. I’ve been wearing the same three no-iron shirts from Lands’ End for over two years.
The food can be greasy here, and you will find yourself in humid rooms with a strong mutton odor. To avoid smelling like food, you’ll need to wash your clothes frequently.
11. How has learning the language been?
The language itself is quite interesting linguistically. While it has some influence from other languages, it’s largely its own unique thing so I recommend learning basic grammatical structures and vocabulary before arriving. The sounds are quite interesting, and if you’re in an area where it’s exclusively used, language skills are essential. In the city, many people speak English, so a low level of Mongolian may not be a significant problem. However, projects and interactions will be smoother and more engaging with a stronger language foundation.
Lastly, I caution future PCVs against entering service with the mindset of assuming that Mongolian is useless after service. By putting in minimal effort, you’ll miss out on a more connected and positive service experience.
Social Identity during Service
12. Service Experience
Navigating Identity as a Slovak American in Mongolia
As a Slovak American with distinctly Slavic features and close ties to the Slovak community in the U.S., I’m often mistaken for Russian here in Mongolia, given Russia’s historical presence in the region. My fluent Russian doesn’t help, as it allows me to respond immediately in the language, which only reinforces the assumption. Working as an English teacher has posed unique challenges: some students greet me in English, while others jump into Russian conversations, leading me to explain that I’m actually American. While this isn’t exactly problematic, it opens opportunities to discuss the diversity of American backgrounds.
Mongolia’s population is largely homogeneous, so I stand out wherever I go. Given some local attitudes toward Russians, these interactions can vary widely – some have been neutral, while others have felt tense, with comments that made me uncomfortable despite my efforts to clarify my background. While I’ve been in situations abroad where I was the only white person in a room, this is my first time navigating these experiences alone, without a group or tour.
Gaining Perspective on Identity and Diversity
Although we had training on cultural adaptation, the realization of truly standing out and representing myself and my work as a solo Peace Corps Volunteer initially felt intense, as if all eyes were on me. In one experience, I was out with an Asian-American Fellow who remarked that she was initially afraid of standing out like in the US or other countries but often blends in here and is mistaken for Mongolian, while I’m the one who visibly stands out.
From this experience, I’ve learned that, yes, I do stand out, and while I can never fully understand the experiences of minorities elsewhere, I now have a more personal sense and understanding. I recognize the importance of being true to myself while also being mindful of how I interact representing my “personal brand.” The Peace Corps experience is an opportunity to share the diversity of America while gaining a deeper understanding of my place in the world and my role as an American abroad.
Final Thoughts
13. Any last comments or observations you’d like to pass on to future Mongolia volunteers?
Embrace this incredible opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. You’ll not only be contributing to a meaningful cause but also embarking on a personal journey of growth and self-discovery. This isn’t just a temporary assignment; it’s a chance to shape your future. You’re welcome to reach out to me on LinkedIn, I’d be happy to discuss more!
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Christopher’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Mongolia Government.
