Socialization

Socialization is good and key to practical survival. This is a small town of approximately 5,000. As of right now, I have been in the country for just over one week. I have been in my PST (PreService Training) site for about 5 days. It is has been an amazing ride so far. There is an average of about 20 trainees that are working towards becoming sworn in as volunteers. The swearing in process will happen after we have successfully survived two months. Key to that survival is the social aspect. By this, the Peace Corps strongly urges us to essentially integrate into the community without forgetting our national ideals in our attempt to share the American culture with Moldovans and share the Moldovan culture with Americans. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity. I just recently found out that after successful completion of my two years, I will have an official Peace Corps degree in TEFL which is recognized internationally. After our lessons each day, we typically get together and either go for a walk to explore the countryside or go out for American amenities like an ice cream or a soda pop which is something that many Moldovans do not take for granted. I have not met so many like-minded people in one area. It is certainly overwhelming.