Interview with Darrel Young, April 18, 2021

Interview Summary

Darrel Young was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia from 1961 to 1963. He recalls being inspired by John F. Kennedy's inaugural address to learn more about Peace Corps and attended the national student conference at American University in March 1961, which was intended to give student input into the shaping of Peace Corps. His training was at Rutgers University, and the program received a lot of press attention at the time. Young's training also involved a lot of psychological testing. Once in Colombia, the press attention continued as he worked as a community development volunteer in a remote mountain town. He felt volunteers were received very warmly, and on his return he encountered a lot of reverse culture shock. In fact, for several years afterwards, Young felt that he was trying to find other experiences that would recapture the thrill of Peace Corps but was unable to. After working with USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) in Vietnam in the mid-1960. Young earned his PhD in economic development and became a professor, first in Mexico, and then at the University of Texas where he worked until the end of his caree

Interview Keyword

Colombia (Country of service) Sargent Shriver John F Kennedy Media Fundraising Political power Deselection USAID 1961-1963 (Date of service) San Pablo (Colombia)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Colombia Colombia Acculturation Communication and culture Culture Culture shock Intercultural communication Interpersonal communication and culture Interpersonal relations Language and culture Language and languages Lifestyles Manners and customs Voluntarism Volunteers American University Community development Horses Psychological tests Rutgers University Training United States. Agency for International Development Vietnam University of Texas Economics Education Professors Teaching Economic development Nariño (Colombia : Department)

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