Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Michael Smith can be contacted at michaelzsmithaverizondnet
Country of Service: Venezuela
Training Group: unknown
Cities you served in: Valencia
Arrival Year: 1962
Departure Year: 1968
Work Description:
Helped create first computer center at Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia. Taught calculus & various electrical engineering courses to students. Taught advanced English pronunciation to various professors.
Other Countries you served in, Training Group Name Arrival Year, Departure Year, Work Description:
none
Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:
Worked for IBM World Trade in Venezuela. Returned to US to do PhD in Computer Science. Consulted for UN in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. Consulted to Universitet i Oslo, Norway. Worked for Digital Equipment Corp. in Sweden, FInland, & USA. Did database consulting to many corporations in USA.
Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:
Training was excellent. Prep for my arrival was very good. Had close relationship with other volunteers in Valencia. Era was difficult, as there was much shooting by communist insurgents, both local & Cuban. Never had problems with communist student leaders, & was warned when not to appear at school due to planned anti-American protests. PC admin in Venezuela seemed inexperienced at dealing with foreign culture.
Originally posted: April 28, 2005
