During PST, I often heard that every volunteer’s experience
is very different. This seems obvious because everyone has their own past
experiences that then influence how they view their current situations and
circumstances. Not only this, but each volunteer lives in a different village
and teaches at a different school. It seemed crazy to think though, that each
of the volunteers in my group would have such different experiences solely
because of their living situation. This is vastly different from volunteer to
volunteer. I recently went to visit PCV Kat and was reminded once again just
how different each of our home lives are.
Oh hey Kat!
As a side note, I have gone to stay with 4 other volunteers in my group so I am speaking from all of these experiences, not simply visiting one other volunteer.
When it comes to being a volunteer in Samoa, each volunteer has a host family. This means different things though. Some volunteers live in
their own fale (house) that is on their family’s compound. Other volunteers live on a school or church compound in their own fale. Some volunteers live in a room in their family’s house. This alone can lead into such vast experiences. While some volunteers see their family all day, every day, others may only spend time with their family for dinner (or less) depending on the relationship they have with their family.
their own fale (house) that is on their family’s compound. Other volunteers live on a school or church compound in their own fale. Some volunteers live in a room in their family’s house. This alone can lead into such vast experiences. While some volunteers see their family all day, every day, others may only spend time with their family for dinner (or less) depending on the relationship they have with their family.
Not only is the living situation different for each
volunteer, but each family can be so different in terms of size and makeup of the family. My family who lives in my house is so small. I simply have my host mom and a host brother who is only home on the weekends. Other families can have upwards of 15 or more people living in the house. Even people who live in their own fale may have a small or large family. Some families have several children in the family who typically do the chores and/or cooking for the family. This then changes how much the volunteer can and will do at home in terms of cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, etc. Because I have such a small family, I often clean and cook and I do my own laundry. I know other volunteers, however, who do none of this simply because there are so many people in their family who already do these things.
volunteer, but each family can be so different in terms of size and makeup of the family. My family who lives in my house is so small. I simply have my host mom and a host brother who is only home on the weekends. Other families can have upwards of 15 or more people living in the house. Even people who live in their own fale may have a small or large family. Some families have several children in the family who typically do the chores and/or cooking for the family. This then changes how much the volunteer can and will do at home in terms of cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, etc. Because I have such a small family, I often clean and cook and I do my own laundry. I know other volunteers, however, who do none of this simply because there are so many people in their family who already do these things.
Each family is also different in terms of their level of English. This may sound trivial, but it can really affect a volunteer’s experience. I live with a family who speaks very good English so I can have
some really meaningful conversations with them about life, school, etc. I don’t think I could have these conversations with them if their English was more limited because my Samoan is more limited. There are some volunteers whose families may even know English, but really want their volunteer to speak Samoan so they will only speak Samoan to the volunteer.
some really meaningful conversations with them about life, school, etc. I don’t think I could have these conversations with them if their English was more limited because my Samoan is more limited. There are some volunteers whose families may even know English, but really want their volunteer to speak Samoan so they will only speak Samoan to the volunteer.
The amenities that a volunteer has in their house are very different from volunteer to volunteer as well. By amenities, I do not mean a pool or hot tub…unfortunately none of us have those. I mean things like running water, washing machines, ovens, microwaves, etc. This is really where I was inspired to write this post. I feel grateful that I consistently have running water at all times because we get water from the government (although it means we also pay a water bill). While I was at PCV Kat’s fale, her water for her shower was out so we had to bucket shower. We had to fill a bucket with water from a water tank and then use a smaller bucket to pour water on us in order to shower. This was the first time I had to do this because I always have water. It is definitely something I took for granted in America.
Other amenities that volunteer may have are a washing machine (the best perk), a microwave (convenient, but not necessary), a tv
(again nice, but unnecessary), couches/benches/chairs (a mat works just as
well), an oven (mostly good if you want to bake), and I’m sure there are other things I just can’t think of.
(again nice, but unnecessary), couches/benches/chairs (a mat works just as
well), an oven (mostly good if you want to bake), and I’m sure there are other things I just can’t think of.
It is nice to visit other volunteers and experience their living situations because then I can gain more perspective on my own life and experiences (both positive and negative). I want to give a special shout out to all the volunteers who have allowed me to stay with them: PCVs Sam, Kat, Hannah, Susie, and Jan and Paul. I really appreciate being a guest in all of
your homes!
your homes!
