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Volunteering Abroad

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Johnny C:
I understand the context and I grasp the underlying sentiment but I still don't really agree with what he says. There are specific approaches that aren't helpful and there are specific approaches that indicate an attitude of superiority - likewise, there are specific approaches that are practical and useful and there are other approaches that act not out of an inflated cultural ego Like literally everything else there are shades of grey that he doesn't address and it does a disservice to both international volunteer work and the argument that he has.

I guess if you want to treat every action by a first world citizen as imperialistic you're welcome to it but it strikes me as a bit... is "xenophobic" the proper word here? I think it is.

Patrick:
This has nothing to do with the discussion that's evolved from the original topic, but may prove useful for RedLion's decision-making process.


--- Quote from: waterloosunset on 23 Jul 2008, 13:50 ---How about the Peace Corps?

--- End quote ---

I saw this topic and instantly wanted to suggest this. I'm good friends with many of the PCVs back home in Albania, and the best summary of what they've said can be condensed into "We get sent someplace unique completely free of charge, learn a new language for free, and have one of the most enriching and educational experiences anybody can have." It personally benefits other nations by providing such things as free English classes, health education, and computer education. It also serves as a chance for other countries to see the true face of the United States, not just the one that's seen in the news or entertainment media.

A less altruistic (but still very enticing) upside is that as a result of your low pay (you're paid the average daily wage of somebody living on the economy), your income for your two years of service in the Peace Corps will be, depending on location, something like $4000 a year at most. And when you file your taxes, having that low income on record will make it nearly impossible to be refused financial aid for higher education. You'd probably have to stab all the aid staff before they'd deny your application.

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