Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Mike Major can be contacted at mongolmike8ayahoodcom
Country of Service: Mongolia
Training Group: M-11
Cities you served in: Erdenet
Arrival Year: 2000
Departure Year: 2002
Work Description:
English teacher, School #4. Worked with seven Mongolian English teachers on improving lesson methods and language resource center
Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:
After finishing Peace Corps, I stayed in Mongolia for almost 4 more years, continuing to learn about Mongolian language and culture, teaching English privately. I have just returned to the USA and will begin teaching in DC soon.
Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:
Even with the mistakes I made, I realize that I have accomplished so many things that most Americans will never have the chance to do. It was the spirit of the people that kept me there even after Peace Corps, and this is something that I will always carry with me. Their straightforwardness, hardiness, ability to fix almost anything, their short-tempers and their quick laughter...well what I am trying to say is...its the blood of Chingiss, the all-hell-fury-damnthetorpedoes way of...and yeah I've got a little bit of that in me too along with a Mongolian wife and son.
Anyone you are looking for or would like to hear from?:
nope
Any message for returned volunteers?:
Time moves so fast. DONT WASTE IT. on the first day, or the first week, sit down with all of your teachers, or co-workers and have a get-to-know-you chat with just you and them. No bosses or principals. Ask them to write down a list of things they want to accomplish during your tenure. Let them know that you are family now; if you are roughly same age, they will treat you like a brother. If you are younger they will treat you like a son. Collect,read discuss, throw out and expand on some topics. tell them all about you(they're dying to know). take questions. Give honest answers and begin your 2year incredible journey.
Originally posted: February 21, 2007
