Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Marie Skertic can be contacted at marieskerticayahoodcom
Country of Service: Ecuador
Training Group: Omnibus 67 (I think!)
Cities you served in: Riobamba and Guaranda
Arrival Year: 1993
Departure Year: 1995 (then returned on my own: 1998-2004)
Work Description:
I worked in Youth Development, helping street kids. We planned projects, worked with ONGs a bit, and helped some kids live a little better life.
Other Countries you served in, Training Group Name Arrival Year, Departure Year, Work Description:
I arrived in Ecuador on Feb. 11, 1993, as part of Omnibus 67 (if I remember correctly.) I left PC in Nov., 1995, then returned in May, 1998 and lived there until the year 2004. I taught English and Spanish and did translations for governmental agencies and ONGs.
Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:
Peace Corps changed the way I look at my world. It helped me to see how very lucky I am, I made some great friends, had the chance to travel, learn another language, and understand myself more. Every culture and people view the world differently.
Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:
I should have done it sooner!
Anyone you are looking for or would like to hear from?:
Anyone who would like to keep in touch, or anyone going to Ecuador or another Latin American country, who would like "the scoop" on how to survive and actually thrive in another culture. You don't have to bring three sets of clothing to Ecuador, like the old manual used to (or still does??) tell new recuits!!
Any message for returned volunteers?:
I'd be happy to receive any info. from anyone. Anyone who knows me knows that I love to write, so keep in touch!! marieskertic@yahoo.com
Originally posted: October 23, 2004
