In this interview, we hear from Jorge Zamora. Jorge is a Peace Corps volunteer working as a Education volunteer in Armenia. What Jorge 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. Jorge talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Jorge’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. Can you tell us more about serving as an Education volunteer in Armenia?
Of course! I currently serve as an Education volunteer here in Armenia in the beautiful city of Vanadzor. It’s the 3rd largest city in the country, with around 75,000 people. I teach in a Basic school, which goes from 1st to 9th grade. My main focus is teaching with an Armenian counterpart, but I also run English Clubs by myself a couple of days a week. Within the classroom I usually assist with pronunciation, reading, and any potential cultural exchanges if they apply to the lesson; I basically try to give students as much exposure to native English speaking as possible.
A typical day for me tends to be about 3-4 classes (each 45 minutes), and with a club or two after that. The hours and grades I teach depends on the day, but all in all it amounts to roughly 15 hours a week. I’ve always been cautious to not over commit for fear of burnout, and all throughout my service I’ve had a steady and consistent workload. (Thank goodness!)
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Armenia?
I’m doing the Peace Corps for a mix of both professional and personal reasons. I definitely fall a little into the PC stereotype of a volunteer: recent grad, doesn’t know what their next step should be, wants to travel, etc. With that being said, I’m also doing PC for the international experience. I’m from the Central Valley in California, and so there wasn’t really a path for me toward an international career. Peace Corps provides a great experience abroad that I hope will translate to starting a career in International Development! Coming from California, I was a little familiar with Armenian culture, and I thus I chose Armenia for that reason. It’s been a great decision!
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
Being blessed in a city, I live in my own apartment. I did live with a host family for the mandatory 3 months post-PST, but I moved out mid-autumn. As for my day-to-day life, I really can’t complain! I think my site’s as Posh Corps as it gets: running water, plenty of restaurants, comfortable apartment, shops galore, gyms- you get the deal. It’s sort of funny because this is my first time living alone, as I stayed home for college.
I can’t speak for other sites or PC countries, but I’d like to think my situation is a rare occurrence and something I think about (and sometimes feel guilty about) from time to time. Nonetheless, I’m blessed to have it and I don’t take it for granted.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
I always think back to my first summer here in Armenia. Several volunteers and I went on a hike. This was at the end of June, and we were fresh out of PST. This hike ended with a waterfall, but it was a long hike in the middle of nowhere. Transportation there was doable, but we were very unprepared for the way back.
When it was time to come back, there was no taxi we could order. If we did manage to get one taxi, we couldn’t possibly explain where we were at. Some volunteers and I walked to a nearby village for some help. The families in the village were so kind to us; they took us in and gave us candies, pastries, and juice. Thankfully, our PC staff saved the day, but I distinctly remember how surreal it all was. We were in the middle of nowhere, in a village with Armenian families, enjoying their company and speaking Armenian. It felt like a classic PC experience! It really speaks to Armenians and their kindness.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about Education challenges in Armenia?
Education here in Armenia is very different than back in the US. There’s many things that have shocked me, but I’ll pick just one: attitudes about time! Classes can get moved around like nothing and meetings can start way later than the assigned start time. It’s something that my American mind has gotten used to now, and I’ve definitely benefited from it a few times.
Classroom expectations and procedures also tend to be a bit different, but I’ve adjusted well enough that it hasn’t been a chronic issue.
6. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
Early last year I applied for a SPA grant for an English Resource Center. My school is on the smaller side, and a dedicated English classroom was a valuable resource to strive for. Months later after a lot of budgeting and deliberation, we finally opened our English classroom. It includes nice chairs for the students, a computer and printer, a bookcase with tons of English books (thanks Darien Book Aid!), and a smartboard! It was so nice to give back to the school and be a part of something that’ll last well after I’m gone.
We use this classroom for all our English lessons and it’s made them much more interactive and engaging. SPA grants are a lot of work, but I’d recommend it to all PCVs if it’s possible!
Advice and Support
7. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Education volunteer in Armenia?
Be flexible and adaptable! I think they’re important traits across the board, but man do you need them as an Education volunteer. Whether it’s classroom management, schedule changes, cultural shocks, or anything else thrown your way, it’s important to be adaptable to it all.
Every school in Armenia is different, every counterpart is different, and although there are commonalities that’ll help you relate to your fellow PCVs, at the end of the day your school experience is unique to you.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
8. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Armenia volunteers?
As someone who did a tooooon of research before coming to Armenia, I still don’t have a clear answer.
You sort of have to tailor it towards the things that are important to you. Some PCVs here love cooking, and so bringing your favorite spices and such would be a good move (many things are available here, but it can be expensive, and many things are also not available). If you like having a variety of outfits, as I do, then dedicate space to bringing the clothes you want. This philosophy applies for anything that’s important to you.
I don’t feel there was anything I left back home that I should’ve brought. The only thing is that things like skincare run out, but that’s normal as I’m not going to bring 6 cases of Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel. Thankfully, Yerevan has pretty much everything you can ask for, so unless you need a super specific type of something, don’t worry about covering every single base. Pack what’s important to you and what will get you through 27 months of service!
9. How has learning the language been?
Learning Armenian was a great experience, and I attribute that strongly to my peers and LCF. By the end of PST I got to a decent level, and by the end of our first summer and our post PST lessons I felt relatively comfortable with my language. One regret I do have is not continuing language lessons at my site. I do think my service could have been enhanced by continuing my Armenian language studies.
One piece of advice I’d share is to speak to locals! As obvious as that may be, it can be very easy to not speak to locals or use English in areas where it may be spoken. Trying to speak the language to locals for whatever reason is the best way to get more comfortable with the language (and instant gratification when you do well). Although a lot of language is spoken during PST with host families and such, speaking to the grocery clerk or the taxi driver is a habit that shouldn’t be lost.
Social Identity during Service
10. Service Experience:
Coming from a Hispanic family and culture, I realized the similarities between Mexican and Armenian households. Of course, there are still some differences, but there are a lot of things in common in regard to family dynamics, expectations of others/genders, and cultural norms. With this in mind, the way I interact with older Armenian folks is the same way I’d interact with my uncle or my grandparents. This approach has served me well generally speaking. I think I was very lucky to enter a culture that is very similar to the one I grew up in, so the transition was relatively smooth, and I didn’t experience any giant culture shock.
11. Challenges and Triumphs:
The only challenge I’ve experienced has been the images or stereotypes of being American. Some folks assume I can teach them English on the side, some folks assume I’m rich, and some ask me about the U.S.’s role in geopolitical affairs. The way I’ve navigated it has been through being clear on certain things and playing aloof on other things. For example, if folks request that because I speak English I’ll be able to teach them English, I must tell them and be clear that I can’t. However, if someone asks me why the American government supports a cause, I have to play aloof as my answers can perhaps put me in an awkward situation, or offend someone.
Given my looks, I’ve been lucky that I don’t get stares or offensive stereotypes thrown my way; in fact, most folks think I am Armenian. However, I can’t say the same for other volunteers.
Final Thoughts
12. Any last comments or observations you’d like to pass on to future Armenia volunteers?
Armenia is a great place to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer. As with any PC service, there are challenges and cultural differences to overcome. I’ve been super blessed to have the experience that I’ve had so far.
To future Armenia PCVs, enjoy all aspects of the country as much as you can. The food, the culture, the nature, and especially the people!
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Jorge’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 Armenia Government.
