info #5

Safety
Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every volunteer. PC Medical programs emphasize the preventative, rather than the curative, approach to disease. The main health issues in Samoa for volunteers include diarrhea, skin infections, and upper respiratory system problems. Lovely. But as a volunteer, I must accept a certain amount of “responsibility for my own health”. I hope that people who know me would say I try to stay healthy as much as possible. Most important of these responsibilities in Samoa include taking preventative measures for skin fungus, heat rash, cumulative exhaustion, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Many diseases that affect volunteers are preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. PC medial officer provides volunteers with a medical kit that contains basic items that might be needed during service. I hope I don’t get sick or hurt before I go to Peace Corps, it might affect my “eligibility to serve”.

Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you. Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency. Carry a dummy wallet. Interesting tips. Make sure appearance is respectful of local customs.

When “anticipating peace corps volunteer service” review all safety and security information..
You will come to Samoa with all the safety knowledge you have gathered over the years and with all the “common sense with which you are blessed”.
Befriend as many people and families as possible. The more friends you have, the less likely someone will be to mess with you. Personal safety means seeing yourself as Samoans will see you. Adopt a “safety conscious life style”.

To ease the transition into Samoa you may need to make some temporary compromises in “how you “present yourself as an American” and an individual.
Be proud in “demonstrating the richness of American culture”.
Making jokes is a good way to keep things light and avoid uncomfortable conversations. Fa’a Samoa uses a lot of humor. “my usually response is a smile or a wave that puts the villagers at ease. Keeping an open mind, positive attitude, and a great sense of humor all contribute to success.

Anyone entering into the “Samoan monoculture” is seen as a visitor and treated with respect.