And, though we are serving in the poorer "western" (central) China, the contrast of a wealthier coastal counterpart doesn't overwhelm our high standard of living. In fact, most volunteers serve in cities of several million people - like Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Guiyang. We all have running water, electricity, and large apartments. Most have electric or gas cooking options, and everyone has access to the Internet - it's just a question of whether or not we pay for it on our own (about 60% must pay).
China Peace Corps Volunteer Dustin Ooley writes: China is far different than any other Peace Corps country, partly due to the fact that it happens to be the wealthiest
Peace Corps China
When people hear "Peace Corps," certain pre-conceived ideas appear in their minds. Most people will probably think of vast African plains - a hut on the outskirts of the Sahara being home to a young adventurous American. Some think of South America and imagine motorcycle maintenance to be included in Volunteer Training; perhaps it evokes the image of a lone rider against a backdrop of coffee plantations and a hot sun. Or maybe the vision is one of dynastic China: rice paddies and wide-brimmed hats, peasants who inevitably appear after the word "China" is mentioned.
China is far different than any other Peace Corps country, partly due to the fact that it happens to be the wealthiest. And, though we are serving in the poorer "western" (central) China, the contrast of a wealthier coastal counterpart doesn't overwhelm our high standard of living. In fact, most volunteers serve in cities of several million people - like Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Guiyang. We all have running water, electricity, and large apartments. Most have electric or gas cooking options, and everyone has access to the Internet - it's just a question of whether or not we pay for it on our own (about 60% must pay).
But beyond these basics are luxuries that people would hardly expect when joining Peace Corps. Several volunteers have hired people to clean their apartments, slowly teaching them the exact way they want it cleaned. Others have gone further and asked these people to wash their vegetables or make simple meals. What's more surprising is that volunteers are accomplishing this on a $200 Peace Corps living stipend because labor is so cheap in our part of China.
The greatest luxury of all is in Guiyang, where a shower, hot tub, sauna, and 90 minute massage goes for 38 yuan (about $6). I don't hesitate to spend money on this. It's not because I think I've earned it, but because it's there.
Posted by at February 9, 2009 8:13 p.m.
