Peace Corps Bangladesh Welcome Book - October 2005

THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO
BANGLADESH
A P E A C E C O R P S P U B L I C AT I O N
FOR N E W V OLU NTE E RS
October 2005
A W E LC O M E LETTE R
Greetings from Bangladesh!
We hope that receiving your invitation to serve as a Peace

Corps Volunteer in Bangladesh is an exciting moment for you.
It's a high point for us, too, as we anticipate your arrival.
You must be wondering what it’s like in Bangladesh. For

starters, it’s hot, it’s humid, it’s flat, and it’s very green. It’s
also a fascinating place to live. The whole country is about the
size of Wisconsin, but with half of the U.S. population! At
around 140 million, it is one of the most densely populated
countries in the world. The capital, Dhaka, is a large city of 13
million people, many of them very poor. Rapid growth in
recent years has brought with it crowded streets, a profusion
of cellphones and Internet cafes, multistoried shopping malls,
and grocery stores that sell Snickers, Oreos, and Doritos.
The majority of people in Bangladesh are Muslim, and the

majority of Muslims are moderate. Bangladeshis are very serious
about their politics. They are an independent and industrious
people who are genuinely committed to improving their environ-
ment and standard of living. Women are playing an increasingly
important role in development, both working outside the home
and becoming more and more entrepreneurial at the village
level, even though they are still not fully emancipated.
A major concern of Peace Corps/Bangladesh is the safety and

security of Volunteers. These issues are emphasized and dis-
cussed in detail during pre-service training and in all subse-
quent trainings. Our emphasis on safety is reflected in the
rigor taken to select Volunteer work sites and host families.
Peace Corps/Bangladesh provides every Volunteer with a
mobile telephone, and Volunteers are assigned only to com-
munities where mobile phones can access a signal. Many
Volunteers also have Internet cafes in their communities.
Serving in Bangladesh will not be easy. It’s an extremely poor

country, with a very dense population, and you will be a
curiosity among that population. Because the population is so
large, there is a very different cultural view of personal space.
You will need to adjust to near constant attention. You will
also need to gain some fluency in Bangla to be a successful
Volunteer because few people outside the capital speak
English. These challenges, among others, make Bangladesh an
ideal country for the Peace Corps. With so much need here,
there is a great deal of good you can do. You will have the
opportunity to become part of an effort that will make a dif-
ference in the future of Bangladesh.
Before you decide whether to accept the invitation to serve

here, read all the materials in the invitation packet, including
your Volunteer assignment description and the Volunteer
Handbook. They will help you understand what your role and
responsibilities will be as a Volunteer in Bangladesh.
We hope you accept our invitation to join us in Bangladesh.

The Peace Corps/Bangladesh staff is here to support you in
the singularly unique and challenging job of being a Peace
Corps Volunteer. We welcome you to be part of our communi-
ty, and we are sure the experience will be a rewarding one.
We look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and
working with you during your service.
The Director and Staff of Peace Corps/Bangladesh
2 PEACE CORPS
TAB LE O F C O NTE NTS
Map of Bangladesh
A Welcome Letter 1
Peace Corps/Bangladesh History and Programs 7

History of the Peace Corps in Bangladesh 7
History and Future of Peace Corps
Programming in Bangladesh 7-8
Country Overview: Bangladesh at a Glance 11

History 11
Government 12
Economy 12-13
People and Culture 13
Georgraphy and Climate 14-15
Environment 15-16
Resources for Further Information 19
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 25

Communications 25-27
Housing and Site Location 27-28
Living Allowance and Money Management 28-29
Food and Diet 29-31
Transportation 31-33
Social Activities 33-34
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior 34-36
Personal Safety 36
Rewards and Frustrations 37-39
Peace Corps Training 41
Overview of Pre-Service Training 41
Technical Training 41-42
Language Training 42
Cross-Cultural Training 42-43
Health Training 43
Safety Training 43
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service 43-44
Your Health Care and Safety in Bangladesh 47

Health Issues in Bangladesh 47
Helping You Stay Healthy 47-48
Maintaining Your Health 48-49
Women’s Health Information 49-50
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit 50-51
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist 51-53
Safety and Security—Our Partnership 53-58
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 53-54
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk 54-55
Support from Staff 55-58
Security Issues in Bangladesh 58-60
Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime 60-61
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training
and Volunteer Support in Bangladesh 61-62
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 65

Overview of Diversity in Bangladesh 66
What Might a Volunteer Face? 66
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers 66-70
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 70-71
Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers 71-72
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers 72-74
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers 74-75
Possible Religious Issues Married Couples 75
Frequently Asked Questions 77
Packing List 83
Pre-departure Checklist 89
Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 93

P EAC E C O R P S / BAN G LAD E S H
H I STO RY AN D P R O G RAM S
History of the Peace Corps in Bangladesh
Peace Corps Volunteers first began serving in the area that is

now Bangladesh when it was known as East Pakistan, and the
Peace Corps remained active in the area throughout the
1960s. Tensions that had existed between East and West
Pakistan for years came to a head in 1970 when the central
government declared that Urdu would be the official language
of all Pakistan, thereby supplanting East Pakistan’s native
Bangla. In the midst of political tension and impending war,
the Peace Corps had to close its program in East Pakistan. At
the end of the war of independence in 1971, East Pakistan
declared itself an independent country called Bangladesh.
History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in

Bangladesh
The Peace Corps did not reestablish a program in the area till
November 1998, when the first group of Volunteers to serve in
Bangladesh arrived in Dhaka, the capital. With a tremendous
need to improve the English language skills of Bangladeshi
teachers, Volunteers initially worked exclusively as English
teachers at primary-teacher training institutes. Two more
groups of Volunteers arrived over the next three years, and
Peace Corps/Bangladesh was beginning to establish its roots
when the events of September 11, 2001, created concern for
the safety of Americans living abroad. When political tensions
heated up prior to Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections in
October 2001, Peace Corps/Bangladesh decided to suspend
operations. But less than a year later, in August 2002, a small
A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 7

group of Volunteers arrived to restart the program. This group
was assigned to work in youth development centers, which
provide vocational training to adolescents and young adults
from disadvantaged rural and urban backgrounds. These
Volunteers were free to develop projects based on community
needs. Because of the tremendous demand for teachers of
English as a foreign language, many of the Volunteers started
TEFL classes at the youth development centers. For that rea-
son, Peace Corps/Bangladesh now provides all Volunteers with
TEFL training, though Volunteers in this area remain free to
work with center staff to develop projects that reflect their
own knowledge and skills as well as community needs.
In February 2003 and August 2003, two more groups of

Volunteers arrived, with about half the Volunteers in each
group assigned to community development through youth
development centers and half assigned as TEFL teachers at
government secondary schools. In addition to their primary
assignments, Volunteers in Bangladesh have plenty of opportu-
nities to establish secondary projects in their communities,
including working with community health programs and other
worthwhile programs established by the many aid organizations
that operate in Bangladesh. In 2004, Peace Corps/Bangladesh
plans to initiate an environmental health project.
8 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

C O U NTRY O V E R V I E W:
BAN G LAD E S H AT A G LAN C E
History
The land that constitutes Bangladesh has seen many political

changes, and the area’s history is intertwined with the myths,
empires, epics, and wars of the Southeast Asian subcontinent.
In 1757, the land that is now Bangladesh became part of
British India and was called East Bengal. When India won its
independence from Britain in 1947, its vast territory was par-
titioned to create a Muslim nation, Pakistan, made up of West
Pakistan and East Pakistan. These two entities were bound by
a common religion but were separated by culture, language,
and 1,000 miles. With the central government located in West
Pakistan, East Pakistan felt dominated and exploited.
East Pakistan gained a powerful voice of protest with the rise

of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, popularly known as Mujib. Despite
Mujib’s occasional arrests, he founded the Awami League, a
political party that soon dominated East Pakistan’s seats in
the National Assembly. The Awami League initiated talks on a
division of power and the possible formation of a national East
Pakistan government. The discussions failed, and the presi-
dent postponed the National Assembly session. Widespread
civil disobedience in East Pakistan ensued, Mujib was arrested
again, and his party dissolved. Most party leaders fled to India.
There, they declared a provisional government, but a severe
crackdown by the Pakistani Army ignited a civil war. Many
Pakistanis fled to India during this war, increasing tensions
between India and West Pakistan. Finally, the Indian govern-
ment intervened on behalf of East Pakistan, and in December
1971 the state of Bangladesh was born.

Government
Bangladesh is a multiparty democracy with a unicameral par-

liamentary government. The 300 members of Parliament
(called the Jatiya Sangsad) are elected by direct popular vote
for five-year terms, and the president is elected by Parliament
for a five-year term. The leader of the party that wins the
most seats in legislative elections is usually appointed prime
minister by the president; other ministers are drawn from MPs
of the majority party.
The political life of Bangladesh enjoyed a short period of calm

and cooperation after independence, followed by years of auto-
cratic rule, martial law, struggling political parties, arrests, and
assassinations. In 1991, the democratically elected government
of Begum Khaleda Zia (widow of former President Ziaur
Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981) and her Bangladesh
Nationalist Party took office. In 1996, Sheikh Hasina Wajed,
daughter of independence leader Mujib, became prime minis-
ter when her party formed a coalition that won the majority of
seats in the election that year. The struggle for power contin-
ued with denunciations, intermittent strikes, and occasional
violence, leading up to the parliamentary elections in October
2001. In that election, the major opposition parties formed a
loose coalition and succeeded in unseating Sheikh Hasina’s
government; Khaleda Zia’s BNP won the election, returning
their leader to power as prime minister.
Economy
In spite of political tensions, Bangladesh has made great

strides over the past 25 years, which is due in part to increas-
ing government effectiveness. The nation has experienced
steady economic growth, at an annual rate of approximately 5
percent, over the past four years. Most Bangladeshis earn
their living from agriculture. Rice and jute are the primary
12 PEACE CORPS
crops, but wheat and tea are assuming greater importance.
Manufacturing of ready-made garments provides employment
for more than 1.5 million people, many of them women, and
generates nearly 80 percent of the country’s export earnings.
Women provide about one-quarter of the earned income, fre-
quently aided by microcredit loans from the Grameen Bank,
the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, small non-
governmental organizations, and other innovative credit
sources.
Although the industrial sector is growing, mainly in jute prod-

ucts and cotton textiles, unemployment and underemploy-
ment remain serious problems. The growing garment industry
employs tens of thousands of Bangladeshis, but this may
change when the lifting of a quota system is fully implement-
ed, allowing U.S. importers to buy their goods from any coun-
try without limit. Bangladesh will be forced to compete with
China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries where labor is
cheap and manufacturing skills better developed. The need
for other sources of employment will become even more criti-
cal for Bangladesh’s continuously growing population.
People and Culture
Bengalis make up the largest ethnic group in Bangladesh, con-

stituting 98 percent of the population. In addition, there are
Biharis (some of whom consider themselves stranded
Pakistanis), whose ancestors immigrated from the northeast
Indian state of Bihar, and the unique tribal peoples of the Hill
Tract regions in the north and east. Bangla (also known as
Bengali), the national language, is spoken throughout the
country, as well as in eastern India. The dominant religion is
Islam (83 percent), with a sizable population (16 percent) of
Hindus. Buddhists, Christians, and others make up 1 percent
of the population.

Geography and Climate
Although it is relatively small, Bangladesh is one of the most

densely populated countries in the world. It borders the Bay
of Bengal to the south and southeast, and India surrounds the
rest of the country, with the exception of a small part in the
extreme southeast that borders Myanmar (Burma). This bor-
der is currently closed.
Most of the country is low lying and flat, forming the delta of
three great rivers: the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the
Meghna. These rivers often change course, resulting in a com-
plex pattern of waterways crisscrossing the land. There are
low hills in the northeast and the southeast, where the land
rises to almost 900 meters. Every year a third of the low-lying
land becomes flooded, making communications and farming
difficult, though the flooding results in a regularly replenished
fertile alluvial soil. The region is also prone to earthquakes
and cyclones. A cyclone that hit the southeast in 1991 caused
massive damage. The most significant recent earthquake
occurred in 1997, causing considerable damage in Chittagong.
Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate. Rainfall is very

heavy; in fact, the wettest place in the world is just over the
border from Sylhet. Winter (December to March) is the
favorite time of year for most Westerners in Bangladesh. The
days are warm and sunny (20º to 25º Celsius, or 68º to 77º
Fahrenheit) and the nights cool (10º to13º C, or 50º to 55º F).
This is the driest time of year, and there frequently is no rain
at all during this period. On the other hand, mosquitoes flour-
ish in this season and are a real nuisance.
The period from mid-March to mid-June is very hot (33º to

37º C, or 91º to 99º F) and humid (80 to 95 percent). There
are frequent storms and even an occasional cyclone. The rain
tends to fall in short bursts, and flash floods are common. The
lightning is incredible at times, and there may be severe hail-
storms.
14 PEACE CORPS
The monsoon season from mid-June to mid-October is very
humid but slightly cooler (25º to 33º C) than the winter sea-
son. The monsoons differ in intensity, but it is not unusual for
rain to fall for days without stopping. Lightning storms are
less frequent, but flooding increases greatly across the coun-
try. Clothes rot, tempers fray, and people warmly welcome the
end of monsoon season.
In autumn (mid-October to mid-December) the weather

remains hot (28º to 33º C), gradually cooling off as winter
approaches. Night temperatures drop, falling to 15º to 20º C,
and rainfall decreases. As water levels go down or dry up,
however, mosquito larvae mature and the insects begin biting.
Environment
Roughly two-thirds of Bangladesh’s land is arable, and a little

over 10 percent remains forested. The country’s flood plains
represent one of the world’s most important wetlands, home
to hundreds of species of fish, plants, and wildlife and a criti-
cal habitat for migrating birds. The Sunderbans in southwest
Bangladesh is the world’s largest single mangrove forest and is
recognized as a World Heritage Site. Of note for bird-watch-
ers: The Sunderbans hosts more than 600 species of birds,
including mynahs, kingfishers, and fishing eagles.
Pressures on Bangladesh’s aquatic and terrestrial resources

are intense and growing because of the high population densi-
ty and the agricultural expansion into marginal lands that
development brings. Most of Bangladesh’s tropical forests and
almost all of its freshwater flood plains have been affected by
human activities that are detrimental to natural resources.
In the 1980s, scientists began finding evidence of arsenic con-

tamination in some well water, but it was not until the mid-
1990s that the crisis came into public awareness. The origin of

the pollution is geological, with arsenic released into ground-
water through naturally occurring conditions in the aquifer.
Peace Corps/Bangladesh tests all Volunteer sites for arsenic
contamination of the water supply and provides Volunteers
with their own testing kits.
16 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

R E S O U R C E S FO R
FU RTH E R I N FO R MATI O N
Following is a list of websites for additional information about
the Peace Corps and Bangladesh, and to connect you to
returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind
that although we try to make sure all these links are active
and current, we cannot guarantee it. If you do not have access
to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries offer free
Internet usage and often let you print information to take
home.
A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you

may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people are
free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their
own experiences, including comments by those who were
unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These
opinions are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. govern-
ment, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two people
experience their service in the same way.
General Information About Bangladesh
www.countrywatch.com
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in
Dhaka to how to convert from the dollar to the taka. Just click
on Bangladesh and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any coun-
try in the world.

www.state.gov
The State Department’s website issues background notes peri-
odically about countries around the world. Find Bangladesh
and learn more about its social and political history.
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical
information for member states of the UN.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and histori-
cal information about 228 countries.
Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees
www.rpcv.org
This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made
up of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all
the Web pages of the “friends of” groups for most countries of
service, made up of former Volunteers who served in those
countries. There are also regional groups who frequently get
together for social events and local volunteer activities.
http://rpcvwebring.netfirms.com
This site is known as the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Web Ring. A former Volunteer who served in Kenya maintains
it. Browse the Web ring and see what former Volunteers are
saying about their service.
www.peacecorpswriters.org
This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It
is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer
accounts of their Peace Corps service.
20 PEACE CORPS
www.joesvideos.com/sarah/bangladesh
To see some snapshots of Bangladesh, check out this Web
page set up by the family of a Bangladesh Volunteer.
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Bangladesh
www.citechco.net
The site of one of the major Internet service providers in
Bangladesh, a company owned by the Grameen Bank. The
bank’s innovative concept of microloans has provided the poor
in general and women in particular with the means to start
small businesses, starting a worldwide trend.
www.bangladesh.net/observer
Site of the Bangladesh Observer
www.independent-bangladesh.com
Site of the Independent
www.dailystarnews.com
Site of the Daily Star
www.webbangladesh.com
A Bangladeshi search engine
www.bangladeshinfo.com
A Bangladeshi Web portal
www.bangla2000.com
A Bangladeshi Web portal
www.banglacricket.com
A site for cricket fans

International Development Sites About Bangladesh
www.adb.org
Asian Development Bank
www.fao.org
Food and Agriculture Organization
www.ilo.org
International Labour Organization
www.unicef.org
United Nations Children’s Fund
www.undp.org
United Nations Development Programme
www.unhcr.ch
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
www.worldbank-bangladesh.org
Site of the World Bank’s Dhaka office
www.who.int
World Health Organization
Recommended Books
1. Collins, Larry, and Dominique Lapierre. Freedom at
Midnight. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1975.
2. Gardner, Katy. Songs at the River’s Edge: Stories

From a Bangladeshi Village. London: Virago Press,
1992.
3. Hartmann, Betsy, and James K. Boyce. A Quiet

Violence: View From a Bangladesh Village. London:
Zed Books, 1984.
22 PEACE CORPS
4. Monan, Jim. Bangladesh: The Strength to Succeed.
Herndon, Va.: Stylus Publishing, 1990.
5. Novak, James J. Bangladesh: Reflections on the

Water. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993.
Books About the Peace Corps

1. Banerjee, Dillon. So You Want to Join the Peace
Corps: What to Know Before You Go. Berkeley, Calif.:
Ten Speed Press, 2000 (paperback).
2. Herrera, Susana. Mango Elephants in the Sun: How

Life in an African Village Let Me Be in My Skin.
Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1999.
3. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the

Yangtze. New York: Harper Perennial, 2001.
4. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need Is Love: The

Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Cambridge:
Harvard University Press, 2000 (paperback).
5. Thomsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps

Chronicle. Seattle: University of Washington Press,
1969, 1997 (paperback).
6. Tidwell, Mike. The Ponds of Kalambayi: An African

Sojourn. Guilford, Conn.: The Lyons Press, 1990, 1996
(paperback).

LI V I N G C O N D ITI O N S AN D
V O LU NTE E R LI FE STYLE
Communications
Mail
Mail becomes a very important lifeline, especially in the begin-
ning when you are adjusting to a new culture, a new language,
and a new work situation. Unfortunately, however, mail serv-
ice between the United States and Bangladesh can be erratic.
Volunteers report that while most letters and packages even-
tually arrive, they can take anywhere from a few days to sev-
eral months to reach you. You can help improve the chances
of a speedy arrival by asking family and friends to write “Via
Airmail” or “Par Avion” on their letters. You might also want to
ask people to number their letters so you can keep track of
whether any have been lost.
Packages often take more than a month (and sometimes two

or three) to arrive, even when they have been sent by airmail.
In addition, a tax based on the value of the goods contained in
the package must be paid to receive it. Services such as DHL,
UPS, and FedEx are faster, but considerably more expensive
for both the sender and the Volunteer because of higher cus-
toms duties on express packages—sometimes up to $50.
Packages are sometimes opened en route, and the contents
may not be returned to the box intact. Small, flat manila
envelopes seem to make it through without an extra charge. It
is advisable to tell people to not send you anything valuable
and to list all the items sent somewhere on the inside of the
package.
Until you get your permanent address at the end of training,

your friends and family can send mail to you at the following

Peace Corps office address:
Peace Corps
House 10F Road 82
Gulshan 2
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Telephones
Telephone communications can be frustrating in
Bangladesh—land lines between towns are not always reliable,
and you may have difficulties getting through. However, cell-
phone service is developing rapidly, even in rural areas.
Because of heightened concern worldwide over the safety and
security of Americans abroad, Peace Corps/Bangladesh
recently decided to provide all its Volunteers with a cellphone,
which can be used to call any other cellphone in the country.
Volunteers are expected to use their cellphone for Peace
Corps-related purposes only and to maintain it in good condi-
tion.
Most cellphones purchased in the United States will not work

in Bangladesh because of the differing technology. Although
cellphones capable of making and receiving international calls
are available for around $600 in Dhaka (along with high
monthly fees), the Peace Corps does not provide this type of
phone.
Computer, Internet, and E-Mail Access
E-mail access in Bangladesh is growing rapidly, though it is

still not available in all towns. More and more cybercafes are
springing up in Dhaka and other major metropolitan areas,
and there are private e-mail services in some of the larger dis-
trict cities and towns. Charges for Internet and e-mail access
usually run less than $1 an hour, depending on how luxurious
the cybercafe is. Some places charge a flat rate for sending a
26 PEACE CORPS
message and another rate for receiving messages. If you do
not already have an e-mail account that you can access over-
seas, you may want to get one before you come to
Bangladesh.
An amazing accomplishment of Bangladesh is the widespread

degree of electrification in rural areas. When driving in the
countryside, you will see simple mud-brick and bamboo-mat
houses along the road with an electrical box attached to the
outside wall. Because of the ready availability of electricity,
most Volunteers in Bangladesh enjoy the convenience of elec-
tric lights and fans. If you have a laptop, feel free to bring it
with you. Although you will initially live with a host family
whose housing may be very basic, it should be possible to set
up a laptop computer if you move into your own apartment.
Although the heat, humidity, and dust could damage it, you
will probably be very happy to have a laptop with you for typ-
ing letters, lesson plans, etc. While you may not have room for
a printer, you can buy disks locally and take them somewhere
to have your materials printed out for a modest charge. If you
choose to bring a laptop, we strongly recommend that you
insure it.
Housing and Site Location
During pre-service training and for the first three months at

site, Volunteers live with host families to develop Bangla lan-
guage skills, gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of
Bangladeshi culture, and facilitate integration in the commu-
nity. Following this initial three-month period, Volunteers may
choose to continue living with their host family or seek other
accommodations. Volunteers generally find modest apart-
ments in their communities, which usually have electricity and

running water. Host family accommodations are reviewed and
approved in advance by Peace Corps staff. All housing select-
ed by Volunteers must also be approved by the Peace
Corps/Bangladesh office.
The communities where Volunteers live and work are identi-

fied by Peace Corps staff in conjunction with the host institu-
tions. Peace Corps/Bangladesh staff visit and evaluate all sites
for safety and suitability. Around the middle of pre-service
training, each Volunteer is assigned a site according to the
“best fit” between the individual and the site. Volunteers have
the option of being posted with another Volunteer—provided
the request is mutual—or being posted by themselves. In
training, you will develop some idea of where you would like
to be posted, and Volunteer preference is taken into account.
Before you are sworn in as a Volunteer, you will spend two to

three days at your assigned post, gaining some knowledge of
the community in which you will live and of the work that you
will do. This is an excellent time for you to reconsider your
commitment to two years of service as a Peace Corps
Volunteer. The experience is like no other, rich and rewarding
in ways that cannot be duplicated otherwise, but it does
require honest consideration of your ability to cope with the
stress and discomforts of living outside your culture and
working in an environment that is probably very different
from what you are used to.
Living Allowance and Money Management
You will receive a monthly living allowance that permits you to

live modestly in Bangladesh. The expectation is that you will
live at the same standard as your Bangladeshi counterparts,
but without endangering your health or safety. The living
allowance is calculated to cover costs for housing, utilities,
food, clothing, toiletries, household supplies, transportation to
28 PEACE CORPS
and from work, locally available recreation and entertainment,
and incidental expenses such as postage, film, and reading
materials. In Bangladesh, Volunteers receive a small additional
allowance to purchase a couple of outfits made in the local
style of dress.
Food and Diet
The food in Bangladesh is similar to that served in Indian

restaurants in the United States. The standard diet is rice with
spiced lentils (dal) and fish, meat, or vegetable curry. The sta-
ple food is rice, and low- to middle-income families eat rice
three times a day. Wheat is not part of the traditional diet but
is becoming more and more popular. It is used in delicious and
satisfying unleavened breads (e.g., chapati, nan, roti, etc.) and
snacks. Some Volunteers find it hard to adapt to what they
consider excessive oil and fried foods in the Bangladeshi diet.
The availability of fruit and vegetables varies according to the
area and the season. The winter provides a good variety of
fresh vegetables, whereas the best season for fruit (including
mangoes, pineapples, and papayas) is the summer. Bananas
are plentiful for most of the year.
Volunteers usually cook for themselves once they are settled

into their new home, but there are plenty of ready-made foods
available for those who are not kitchen inclined. Tasty, filling
prepared foods include samosas (meat or vegetables fried in a
triangular pastry), shingaras (potato and vegetables in pas-
try), and many kinds of mishti (small, cakelike sweets that
are sometimes served with a sweet sauce). Some Volunteers
are able to eat in a communal setting at their work site.
Cleanliness in food preparation is always an issue. Fresh fruits

and vegetables should not be eaten unless peeled first or
soaked in a bleach or iodine solution, and cooked food should

always be eaten hot. This issue will be addressed more thor-
oughly in pre-service training.
Vegetarians enjoy plenty of choices if they cook for them-

selves. Dried beans, canned beans, and tofu are available in
Dhaka, eggs are always available, and various kinds of
processed cheese that does not have to be refrigerated can be
found. If you are invited to eat at someone’s home, you may
face the difficulty of having to decline what is offered to you,
as fish and meat are part of most people’s diet. However, if
you explain your diet before you arrive, your hosts may be
able to cater to your needs. In Bangladesh, being a vegetarian
often means that one eats fish or chicken, so it is advisable to
be very explicit about your dietary needs. In addition, the con-
cept of veganism is not familiar to the vast majority of
Bangladeshis. Vegan Volunteers should be prepared to edu-
cate their host families about their dietary preferences and to
make adjustments to their diet if necessary.
Alcohol is illegal in Bangladesh and virtually unavailable. What

little alcohol is available is brewed or distilled illegally and
sold on the black market. There are regular incidents in
Bangladesh of people dying of poisoning from drinking bad
alcohol. Do not even think about trying it.
In Bangladesh, as in many cultures, a distinction is made

between the use of the left and right hands. The left hand is
used for cleaning one’s body after using the toilet and is there-
fore considered unclean. Writing with the left hand is not a
problem, but food must not be touched with the left hand.
Since Bangladeshis generally eat using their fingers, you
should always use your right hand to eat even if you are left-
handed. There is no need to worry about making a mess, as
everybody else does.
30 PEACE CORPS
It is also considered offensive to offer things or make gestures
with your left hand. Similarly, it is important to try to use your
right hand to accept letters, pass papers in the workplace, pay
for things, etc. The only exception to this is at mealtimes,
when food is passed with the left hand as the right hand is
normally covered with rice and dal. In pre-service training, we
will discuss strategies for left-handed Volunteers to be cultur-
ally sensitive in a right-handed culture.
An incidental note about using one’s hands incorrectly: The

thumbs-up and A-OK gestures that are common in the United
States are considered obscene in Bangladesh. Although they
are seen often enough in American films and advertising to
have become somewhat less offensive in Dhaka, outside the
capital city, and especially in rural settings, these gestures
should be avoided.
Transportation
Bicycle rickshaws are the most common form of transport for

small distances. The rickshaws have three wheels, with a sofa-
like seat for two behind the driver and a hood that can be put
up for rain. A rickshaw ride can be quite rickety, so passen-
gers often have to brace themselves with hands or feet. Riding
in a rickshaw on an open road with a cool wind in your face
can be very pleasant, but riding in one in Dhaka during rush
hour is a completely different experience. Many rickshaws
have poor brakes and can be stopped only by running into the
back of a rickshaw in front. Auto rickshaws, also called “baby
taxis,” are motor-driven three-wheelers whose back seat can
hold up to three people. (One or two extra people sometimes
sit next to the driver when there are no police around.) These
taxis are convenient, but traveling in them can be a night-
mare, as the drivers often ignore traffic rules and collisions
are frequent. “Tempos” are taxis that hold 10 to 20 people and

follow set routes for a low fee. (In rural areas you might find
yourself sharing them with chickens, goats, or calves.)
Rickshaw safety will be discussed during training.
Local buses can be irritatingly slow. Long-distance buses tend

to travel at unsafe speeds, but companies are beginning to
impose penalties on drivers who arrive earlier than their
scheduled time. Some long-distance buses have modern
coaches with air conditioning, offering relatively comfortable
travel. Accidents and crime are more frequent during
overnight bus travel, however, so Volunteers are prohibited
from traveling at night.
Train travel is usually a pleasant experience. Although local

trains tend to be overcrowded, long-distance trains are com-
fortable and reliable. First-class, air-conditioned sleeping com-
partments are available on some routes, and most trains have
fans. Rail service to the west is complicated by numerous river
crossings; on these routes, travelers have to get off the train
and onto a ferry to rejoin the railway line on the other side.
Travel to the southwest may mean taking a short ferry trip

across a small river or up to three hours for a larger river.
Waiting time for getting onto a ferry varies enormously, the
current record being 15 hours. Because ferries commonly
have accidents, they present a real safety risk. You will learn
about traveling safely on water during pre-service training.
Another means of travel to the southwest is via launches.
These boats vary in quality but can be very relaxing, and it is
worth booking your trip in advance to travel on one of the
better ones. The Rocket, a favorite, is a modern ship with a
television in the main lounge, a dining hall, and other ameni-
ties. Launches can be fogbound during the winter.
Airplane travel is relatively cheap. A 20-minute flight from

Dhaka to Rajshahi is much more appealing than an eight-hour
ordeal by bus and ferry, but flights are often delayed. Walking
32 PEACE CORPS
is by far the safest method of travel in Bangladesh, though the
concept of walking for pleasure is not widely understood
(probably because it is too hot and muggy most of the year).
When walking, one should never assume that traffic will come
from only one direction, even on one side of a divided roadway.
Social Activities
In Bangladesh, most social activities center on the home or

cultural events such as theater, music, and dance. Because
Bangla became the nation’s official language after independ-
ence, English has been de-emphasized in education for the
past 30 years and many educated Bangladeshis speak limited
English. The number and quality of friendships you develop,
therefore, will depend on your own efforts to develop lan-
guage skills that help you traverse the Bangla-English divide.
However, this does not mean Bangladeshis are not eager to
host English-speaking guests, and as you get to know the peo-
ple in your town, you are likely to be invited to their homes
often. If the hospitality becomes a burden, you will have to
practice the same sensitivity you would practice in the United
States in turning down social invitations. Participating in local
cultural activities is a good way to meet people and to learn
more about the country. Such events take place mostly in
Dhaka, but there are also occasional concerts by touring pro-
fessionals and amateur musicians and various groups perform-
ing traditional drama in some of the district centers.
Social life is relatively quiet in smaller towns and villages, and

weddings and religious or national holidays are common occa-
sions for celebration. As a Volunteer, you may be invited to a
wedding of people you barely know. Going out to eat is not
common, but most midsize towns have at least one Chinese-
style restaurant. Many towns also have cinemas that show

films in Bangla and Hindi. Larger towns have more variety in
cinemas and restaurants, and Dhaka boasts many high-quality
restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Italian food.
Badminton, cricket, soccer, and volleyball are popular sports

in Bangladesh, and many Volunteers posted in rural areas par-
ticipate. There are also tennis and squash courts in Dhaka and
a few other places. Note that because Bengali women tradi-
tionally do not participate in sports, it is much more difficult
for women than for men to engage in sports or other kinds of
physical activity outside of the expatriate clubs in Dhaka. This
may prove frustrating to some female Volunteers.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
In trying to fit into the local culture, you will inevitably retain
your own cultural identity, but there are behaviors you can
adopt that will allow you to assimilate more easily and feel
more comfortable in social and professional situations. A pro-
fessional demeanor is very important. Though you will be in
Bangladesh as a Volunteer with the Peace Corps, you will be
working as a representative of a Bangladeshi agency or organi-
zation and will be expected to dress and behave accordingly.
Inappropriate dress may be construed as a sign of disrespect
for one’s colleagues and can reflect badly not only on you but
on the Peace Corps as an assistance organization. However,
we can only provide you with guidelines; when you arrive in
Bangladesh, you will make your own observations that will
give these guidelines meaning.
Dressing modestly is essential for female Volunteers in

Bangladesh. Many Western women who live outside of Dhaka
choose to wear local fashions, but if you wear Western
clothes, they should be loose fitting, cover your upper arms,
and cover your legs down to the ankles. Slips must be worn
34 PEACE CORPS
with see-through fabrics, and tight T-shirts, sleeveless tops, or
low-cut garments will attract unwelcome attention. Shorts are
inappropriate except when you are alone in your home or at
an expatriate facility in Dhaka. Traditional dress for
Bangladeshi women consists of either a shalwar kameez (for
younger, unmarried women) or a sari (for married women),
but these distinctions do not apply so rigidly to Western
women. A shalwar kameez consists of long, baggy pants worn
with a loose-fitting tunic and a long scarf (orna) draped
around the front to cover one’s chest. A wide variety of shal-
war kameez outfits are available for 500 taka (about $10). In
Dhaka, because of the their popularity among Western
women, larger sizes are being made for sale off the rack, but
you can also have them made to order by local tailors (bring a
favorite pair of pants for copying by the tailor to get the right
fit). Women assigned to rural areas often wear saris, which
require a petticoat and blouse, available locally in all colors
and sizes for about 100 taka (about $1.75). A basic sari costs
about 300 taka ($5), but one made of hand-painted or embroi-
dered silk could cost several thousand taka.
Male professionals wear either Western-style clothing or, espe-

cially for formal occasions (including going to a mosque), a
punjabi, which consists of baggy pants (usually white) worn
with a tunic. Most male Volunteers wear lightweight cotton
pants and shirts, both of which can be tailored locally for less
than it would cost to buy the same clothes in the United
States. (Tailored pants cost about $8 or $9 and shirts cost
about $4 or $5.) Shorts are not appropriate for male
Volunteers except when participating in sports. Most
Bangladeshi men who do manual labor wear a lungi, a thin,
ankle-length skirt that is wrapped around the waist and can
be pulled up to resemble shorts. Some male Volunteers wear
lungis around the house, but they are not appropriate at work
or when out in public. Sandals are the most common footwear

for both men and women, and women often wear earrings,
nose studs, and bangles.
A Volunteer is often the only American in a Bangladeshi com-

munity. Hence, in addition to the responsibility for their con-
duct as individuals, Volunteers, whom host country citizens
inevitably see as examples of American culture and customs,
have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner
reflecting credit on the Peace Corps and their country. At the
same time, Volunteers are expected to show respect for
Bangladesh’s culture and customs.
Personal Safety
More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach to

safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but
it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As
stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps
Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in
an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limit-
ed understanding of local language and culture, and being
perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a
Volunteer at risk. Most Volunteers experience varying degrees
of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and bur-
glaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexu-
al assault do occur, although most Bangladesh Volunteers
complete their two years of service without personal security
incidents. The Peace Corps has established procedures and
policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance
your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in
addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in
Bangladesh. At the same time, you are expected to take
responsibility for your safety and well-being.
36 PEACE CORPS
Rewards and Frustrations
Following are some Volunteers’ comments on this subject:
“When I received our group’s welcome book, the first thing I

did was flip through and read everything that the
Volunteers themselves had written. It’s good to know what
the monsoons will be like or what the religious makeup of
the country is, but what is really important is what the peo-
ple who have gone through the experience make of it. I had
one burning question: ‘Are they happy with their decision?’ I
answer this question ‘Yes.’ Now, being happy with one’s
decision isn’t an all-the-time, jump-up-and-down-with-glee
reaction. My personal experience has been one of intense
feelings, running the entire spectrum from elation to dejec-
tion. In this country, you will find the poorest of the poor
and the richest of the rich; the most hospitable people and
the rudest people; abundance and want; horrible pollution
and striking beauty; serenity and chaos; noise that will
pierce your eardrums and silence that will pierce your
heart. Bangladesh is, in this sense, a microcosm of our
world—all that is wonderful and all that is awful are packed
into this country.”
—Peace Corps Volunteer
“In Bangladesh you will smell the sweet scent of champa

flowers, and the overwhelming smell of garbage. You will
hear the constant noise of rickshaw bells, hawkers, and
hydraulic horns, and you will hear nothing but your own
breath. You will see the most amazing of sunsets, and the
most disturbing sights you’ve ever seen. You will taste the
sweetest food, and the most spicy. You will find the most
peaceful of places and the busiest.”

“Some Bangladeshis refuse to believe that not everyone in
the United States is rich and white, despite what they see
and read about our country. While it’s true that the poverty
in Bangladesh is much more severe than the poverty in
America, I think it’s important for them to understand that
our country has problems. It might be good to arm yourself
with some facts and figures about diversity and poverty.”
“From the moment you step out of the airport terminal, you
should expect to be mobbed by young Bangladeshis staring
at you and fighting to help you with your bags in return for
some baksheesh. Expect to be stared at with unflinching,
close-up stares. When you stop anywhere in public, such as
at a bus stand, a crowd will encircle you and stare. You are
different from them and they are curious. Plus, the concept
of personal space is unknown here, and you may feel claus-
trophobic in public places.”
“I thought I would never know what it was like to be a rock

star, but living in Bangladesh definitely gives you celebrity
status. I’ve caused many accidents in my days here: People
tripping and running into things are a common occurrence.
The best was when a rickshaw walla (puller) actually
missed his pedal and fell off his bike while turning to look at
me. Unfortunately for him, the human head cannot turn 180
degrees. However weird it may seem, you get used to being
the object of everyone’s attention and sometimes even enjoy
it.”
—Dawn Loudermilk
“I advise everyone to research Bangladesh and gather as

much information as possible before coming here, but know
38 PEACE CORPS
that you can never truly prepare yourself for the reality of
this country. Keeping an open mind will help with the harsh
transitions and vast differences. Don't take on more than
you can handle and allow yourself some comforts or breaks
when you need them. It can be hard to say no to constant
requests and demands at times, but as Volunteers we do
have control over our lives. Survival is an accomplishment
and many rewards will come along with that.”
—Wendy Cipolaro

P EAC E C O R P S TRAI N I N G
Overview of Pre-Service Training
Prior to being sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will

participate in an intensive nine-week training program. This
training takes an experiential approach to learning, in which
each Volunteer lives with a host family in order to experience
the language and culture firsthand. In addition, trainees take
group trips on public transportation to visit other towns and
learn about the country outside the confines of classroom
training.
An invitation to attend pre-service training is not a guarantee

that you will be sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Throughout the program, you will be evaluated on your lan-
guage skills, motivation, cross-cultural sensitivity, emotional
maturity, and technical competence as they pertain to your
ability to serve successfully as a Volunteer in Bangladesh.
However, this does not mean that you will be in a situation of
constant observation and criticism. Those who are sincere in
their commitment to Peace Corps service will receive all the
support they need to satisfactorily complete training and
assume their duties as Volunteers.
Technical Training
Technical training will prepare you to work in Bangladesh by
building on the skills you already have and helping you devel-
op new skills appropriate to the needs of the country and your
work assignment. Training emphasizes learning how to trans-
fer the skills you have to the community in which you will
serve as a Volunteer.
Technical training will include sessions on the economic and

political environment in Bangladesh and strategies for working

within such a framework. You will review your technical sector’s
goals and will meet with the Bangladesh agencies and organiza-
tions that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You will be
supported and evaluated throughout the training to build the
confidence and skills you need to undertake your project activi-
ties and be a productive member of your community.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills
are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during
your service. These skills are critical to your job performance,
they help you integrate into your community, and they can
ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings.
Therefore, language training is the heart of the training pro-
gram, and you must successfully meet minimum language
requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer.
Your language training will incorporate a community-based

approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given
assignments to work on outside the classroom and with your
host family. The goal is to achieve enough facility with Bangla
that you can communicate with Bangladeshis on everyday
matters such as taking public transportation, asking for direc-
tions, and buying food and use any specialized vocabulary per-
tinent to your assignment. We anticipate that you will reach
functional fluency in your first six months on the job, but dur-
ing training you will work on strategies to continue language
studies on your own.
Cross-Cultural Training
Living with a Bangladeshi host family during pre-service train-
ing is designed to ease your transition to life at your site.
Sharing meals, spending free time, and celebrating holidays
with your Bangladeshi host family during training are excel-
lent opportunities to practice speaking Bangla and to learn
about the cultural differences between Americans and
42 PEACE CORPS
Bangladeshis. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting friend-
ships with their host families.
Cross-cultural and community development training will help

you improve your communication skills and understand your
role as a facilitator of development. You will be exposed to
topics such as community mobilization, conflict resolution,
gender and development, nonformal and adult education
strategies, and political structures.
Health Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical
training and information by the Peace Corps medical officer,
who will also be available to deal with any medical emergen-
cies that arise. You will be expected to practice preventive
health care and to take responsibility for your own health by
adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to
attend all medical sessions. The topics include preventive
health measures and minor and major medical issues that you
might encounter while in Bangladesh. Nutrition, mental
health, safety and security, setting up a safe living compound,
and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other STDs are also covered.
Safety Training
During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a
lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and during
your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies
for coping with unwanted attention and learn about your individ-
ual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service.
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service
In addition to pre-service training, Peace Corps/Bangladesh

conducts regular in-service training events in which
Volunteers can reexamine their commitment to Peace Corps
service and upgrade their language, technical, and project

development skills while sharing information, experiences,
and strategies with other Volunteers. The number, length, and
design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific
needs and conditions. The key to the training system is that
training events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-
departure orientation through the end of your service, and are
planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the
training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.
44 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

YO U R H EALTH CAR E AN D
SAFETY I N BAN G LAD E S H
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good
health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical
programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative,
approach to disease. Peace Corps/Bangladesh maintains a
clinic with a full-time medical officer, who takes care of
Volunteers’ primary health care needs. Additional medical
services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also avail-
able in Bangladesh at local hospitals. If you become seriously
ill, you will be transported either to an American-standard
medical facility in the region or to the United States.
Health Issues in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is an extremely challenging assignment with

regard to the health issues Volunteers face. The International
Center for Diarrheal Diseases and Research is located in
Dhaka for good reason. Food-, water-, air-, and mosquito-
borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, hepatitis,
cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis exist in Bangladesh, along
with environmental problems (i.e., air, water, and noise pollu-
tion). Volunteers should also expect to encounter health prob-
lems related to heat and humidity, limited dietary choices, and
stress from unwanted attention or harassment.
Helping You Stay Healthy
The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoc-
ulations, medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon
your arrival in Bangladesh, you will receive a medical hand-
book. At the end of training, you will receive a medical kit
with supplies for taking care of mild illnesses and first-aid
needs.

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic med-
ical supplies through the medical officer. However, you will be
responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any
other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace
Corps will not order these items during training. Please bring
a six-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since
they may not be available here and it may take several months
for shipments to arrive.
You will have physicals halfway through your service and at

the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical prob-
lem during your service, the medical officer in Bangladesh will
consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington,
D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated
in Bangladesh, you may be sent out of the country for further
evaluation and care.
Maintaining Your Health
As a Volunteer, you must accept a certain amount of responsi-

bility for your own health. Proper precautions will significantly
reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage “An
ounce of prevention …” becomes extremely important in
areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to
the standards of the United States. The most important of
your responsibilities in Bangladesh is to take preventive meas-
ures for diarrheal disease, mosquito-borne diseases (i.e.,
malaria and dengue fever), respiratory diseases (i.e., sinusitis,
bronchitis, and tuberculosis), transportation- or sports-related
injuries, and emotional problems.
Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely

preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken.
These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections,
hepatitis A, dysentery, Guinea worms, tapeworms, and
48 PEACE CORPS
typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific stan-
dards for water and food preparation in Bangladesh during
pre-service training.
Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection

with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You are tak-
ing risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk,
use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner
is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do
not assume this person is free of HIV or other STDs. You will
receive more information from the medical officer about this
important issue.
Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of

birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your med-
ical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate
method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods
are available without charge from the medical officer.
It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the

medical office or other designated facility for scheduled
immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know
immediately of significant illnesses and injuries.
Women’s Health Information
Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer

health conditions that require medical attention but also have
programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible
for determining the medical risk and the availability of appro-
priate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given
the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in
Bangladesh and the fact that a pregnant single woman would
likely find it difficult to sustain her position in the community,
it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical and programmatic
standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met.

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to pur-
chase on the local market, the Peace Corps medical officer in
Bangladesh will provide them. If you require a specific feminine
hygiene product, please bring a six-month supply with you.
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit
The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a

kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat
illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be peri-
odically restocked at the medical office.
Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages
Adhesive tape
American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook
Antacid tablets (Tums)
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)
Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)
Band-Aids
Butterfly closures
Calamine lotion
Cepacol lozenges
Condoms
Dental floss
Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)
Insect repellent stick (Cutter’s)
Iodine tablets (for water purification)
Lip balm (Chapstick)
Oral rehydration salts
Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)
Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)
Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)
Scissors
Sterile gauze pads
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)
50 PEACE CORPS
Tinactin (antifungal cream)
Tweezers
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist
If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental,

or dental—since you submitted your examination reports to
the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of
Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries,
allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may
jeopardize your eligibility to serve.
If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your
physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office
of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update
your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant
has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or
repair, you must complete that work and make sure your den-
tist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the
Office of Medical Services.
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact

your physician’s office, obtain a copy of your immunization
record, and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you
have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the
Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace
Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your
overseas assignment, either at your pre-departure orientation
or shortly after you arrive in Bangladesh. You do not need to
begin taking malaria medication prior to departure.
Bring a six-month supply of any prescription or over-the-

counter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth
control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you
for this six-month supply, it will order refills during your serv-
ice. While awaiting shipment—which can take several

months—you will be dependent on your own medication sup-
ply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed
medications, such as St. Johns’ wort, glucosamine, selenium,
or antioxidant supplements.
You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions

signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they
might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about
carrying a six-month supply of prescription drugs.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and a
spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it, using
the information your doctor in the United States provided on
the eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace
Corps discourages you from using contact lenses during your
service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or
other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have
appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with the
use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or
replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an oph-
thalmologist has recommended their use for a specific medical
condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical Services has
given approval.
If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or

have a health condition that may restrict your future partici-
pation in health care plans, you may wish to consult an insur-
ance specialist about unique coverage needs before your
departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health
care from the time you leave for your pre-departure orienta-
tion until you complete your service. When you finish, you will
be entitled to the post-service health care benefits described
in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You may wish to
consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your
service if you think age or preexisting conditions might pre-
vent you from reenrolling in your current plan when you
return home.
52 PEACE CORPS
Safety and Security—Our Partnership
Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and

security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environ-
ment, a limited understanding of the local language and cul-
ture, and the perception of being a wealthy American are
some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Petty
thefts and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of physi-
cal and sexual assault do occur, although almost all
Volunteers complete their two years of service without seri-
ous personal safety problems. In addition, more than 83 per-
cent of Volunteers surveyed say they would join the Peace
Corps again.
The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partner-

ship with you. This Welcome Book contains sections on:
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps
Training; and Your Health Care and Safety. All of these sec-
tions include important safety information.
The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools
they need to function in the safest and most secure way possible,
because working to maximize the safety and security of
Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we provide you
with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we
teach you to identify and manage the risks you may encounter.
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s
risk, many of which are in the Volunteer’s control. Based
on information gathered from incident reports worldwide in
2003, the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for
assaults. Assaults consist of personal crimes committed
against Volunteers, and do not include property crimes (such
as vandalism or theft)

• Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers were in
public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public buildings).
Specifically, 47 percent of assaults took place when
Volunteers were away from their sites.
• Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the weekend
during the late evening between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.—
most often occurring around 1:00 a.m.
• Absence of others: More than 75 percent of crime incidents
occurred when a Volunteer was unaccompanied.
• Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the Volunteer
did not know the assailant.
• Consumption of alcohol: Almost a third of all assaults involved
alcohol consumption by Volunteers and/or assailants.
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk

Before and during service, your training will address these
areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face.
For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ:
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft:

• Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for
travel
• Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance
• Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency
• Carry valuables in different pockets/places
• Carry a “dummy” wallet as a decoy
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary:

• Live with a local family or on a family compound
• Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock box
or trunk
• Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S.
• Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home security
54 PEACE CORPS
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault:
• Make local friends
• Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs;
don’t draw negative attention to yourself by wearing
inappropriate clothing
• Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors
• Travel with someone whenever possible
• Avoid known high crime areas
• Limit alcohol consumption
Support from Staff

In March 2003, the Peace Corps created the Office of Safety and
Security with its mission to “foster improved communication,
coordination, oversight, and accountability of all Peace Corps’
safety and security efforts.” The new office is led by an
Associate Director for Safety and Security who reports to the
Peace Corps Director and includes the following divisions:
Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security; Information and
Personnel Security; and Emergency Preparedness, Plans,
Training and Exercise. The safety and security team also
tracks crime statistics, identifies trends in criminal activity,
and highlights potential safety risks to Volunteers.
The major responsibilities of the Volunteer Safety and Overseas

Security Division are to coordinate the office’s overseas opera-
tions and direct the Peace Corps’ safety and security officers
who are located in various regions around the world that have
Peace Corps programs. The safety and security officers conduct
security assessments; review safety trainings; train trainers and
managers; train Volunteer safety wardens, local guards, and
staff; develop security incident response procedures; and
provide crisis management support.
If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace

Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps

posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime
committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in
the aftermath of an incident is to ensure that the Volunteer is
safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring
the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff provides support
by reassessing the Volunteer’s work site and housing arrange-
ments and making any adjustments, as needed. In some cases,
the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing
transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with pre-
serving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the perpe-
trators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report
incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer
Volunteers, but also to preserve the future right to prosecute.
Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to
proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this option may
no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been pre-
served at the time of the incident.
The country-specific data chart below shows the incidence

rates and the average number of incidents of the major types of
safety incidents reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/trainees in
Bangladesh as compared to all other Europe, Mediterranean,
and Asia (EMA) region programs as a whole, from 1999–2003.
It is presented to you in a somewhat technical manner for sta-
tistical accuracy.
To fully appreciate the collected data below, an explanation of

the graph is provided as follows:
The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of

crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. It is
expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and
trainee years (or V/T years, which is a measure of 12 full
months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to
compare crime data across countries. An “incident” is a spe-
cific offense, per Peace Corps’ classification of offenses, and
56 PEACE CORPS
may involve one or more Volunteer/trainee victims. For exam-
ple, if two Volunteers are robbed at the same time and place,
this is classified as one robbery incident.
1
The average number of incidents is in parentheses above the bar and equals
the average number of reported incidents for each year from 1999–2003.
2
Incidence rate equals the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees
per year (V/T years). Since most sexual assaults occur against females, rates
of rapes and minor sexual assaults are per 100 female V/T years. Numbers of
incidents are approximate due to rounding.
3
Due to a temporary suspension of the Peace Corps program in Bangladesh in
2001–2002, the data reflects only the time in which Peace Corps V/Ts were in-
country.
Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification. Surveillance
System (ANSS) and Epidemiologic Surveillance System (ESS), as of 7/29/04.
The chart is separated into the eight most commonly occur-

ring assault types. These include vandalism (malicious deface-
ment or damage of property); theft (taking without force or
illegal entry); burglary (forcible entry of a residence); robbery
(taking something by force); minor physical assault (attacking
without a weapon with minor injuries); minor sexual assault
(fondling, groping, etc.); aggravated assault (attacking with a
weapon, and/or without a weapon when serious injury
results); and rape (sexual intercourse without consent).

When anticipating Peace Corps Volunteer service, you should
review all of the safety and security information provided to
you, including the strategies to reduce risk. Throughout your
training and Volunteer service, you will be expected to suc-
cessfully complete all training competencies in a variety of
areas including safety and security. Once in-country, use the
tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and
secure as possible.
Security Issues in Bangladesh
When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace Corps,

you have to be willing to adapt your behavior and lifestyle to
minimize the potential for being a target of crime. As is the
case anywhere in the world, crime exists in Bangladesh. You
can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that make you feel
uncomfortable and by taking precautions. Crime at the village
or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people
know each other and generally will not steal from their neigh-
bors. Tourist attractions in large towns, for instance, are
favorite work sites for pickpockets.
Following are some aspects of Bangladeshi culture that you

should be aware of because they could affect your safety and
security:
Bangladesh has a very conservative culture, and to live and

work successfully in the country you will constantly have to
consider your behavior, appearance, and lifestyle within a
Bangladeshi context. If you show respect for the culture, your
co-workers and members of your community will look out for
you, and you are likely to feel safer than you ever have before.
If you ignore or violate their cultural expectations, they may
care less about your welfare, and you could experience the
consequences. Because you are an adult, you will make your
58 PEACE CORPS
own choices. But if you do not heed the expectations about
dress and behavior, you will compromise not only your own
safety but possibly that of other Volunteers. That being said,
foreigners have a lot of leeway, and you will eventually become
better equipped to decide what you absolutely must conform
to and where you can take liberties without compromising
your reputation and thereby your safety.
Bangladesh is particularly hard for female Volunteers in that

its male-dominated society leaves women with limited person-
al rights. For instance, women and girls are not free to walk
around their own town without being harassed. The lack of
social interaction between men and women means that dating
is not part of the culture, and premarital sex is so taboo that it
is rarely discussed. The frustrations of young males spill out
onto the streets, and passing females often become the target
of catcalls, touching, and sometimes violence. Though this issue
is regularly discussed in the national newspapers, a general
disregard for the value and individuality of women remains
integral to the social order. Female foreigners are also vulnera-
ble to harassment wherever they go, and it is not uncommon
for them to be yelled at, teased, and sometimes touched while
walking along the street, with bold invitations to engage in sex-
ual activity. Male Volunteers are also called names.
Unmarried female Volunteers have to be careful to avoid giving

even the slightest sign that they are “friendly.” People in
Bangladesh generally do not smile at strangers, so it is inap-
propriate to smile at a passing stranger of the opposite sex.
On the job, Volunteers also have to avoid the ease and
friendliness with co-workers of the opposite sex they may be
used to at home—the idea of men and women being “buddies”
is not understood. To avoid unwanted advances, female
Volunteers must at least start out being all business. As you
get to know your town, your workplace, and your co-workers,

you will begin to learn the ropes of appropriate social behav-
ior. You will learn where and when you can relax, and where
and when you must keep up your guard.
Personal safety will be discussed by current Volunteers during

pre-service training, and you will be provided with coping
strategies. Volunteers do learn how to deal successfully with
the stress of always being observed and even the rudeness of
inappropriate remarks. In the end, they have a rich and
rewarding two years of living and working in Bangladesh.
Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime
You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibil-

ity for your own safety. Only you can make yourself less of a
target, ensure that your house is secure, and develop relation-
ships in your community that will make you an unlikely victim
of crime. In coming to Bangladesh, do what you would do if
you moved to a new city in the United States: Be cautious,
check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighbor-
hood, know where the more risky locations are, use common
sense, and be aware. You can reduce your vulnerability to
crime by integrating into your community, learning the local
language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps poli-
cies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in
Bangladesh may require that you accept some restrictions on
your current lifestyle.
Volunteers attract a lot of attention both in large cities and at

their sites, but they are likely to receive more negative atten-
tion in highly populated centers than at their sites, where
“family,” friends, and colleagues will look out for them. While
whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street,
this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, avoid
eye contact, and do not respond to unwanted attention. In
60 PEACE CORPS
addition, keep your money out of sight by using an undergar-
ment money pouch, the kind that hangs around your neck and
stays hidden under your shirt or inside your coat. Do not keep
your money in outside pockets of backpacks, in coat pockets,
or in fanny packs. And always walk with a companion at night.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training

and Volunteer Support in Bangladesh
The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to

help you stay safe during your two-year service and includes
the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site
selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and pro-
tocols for reporting and responding to safety and security inci-
dents. Peace Corps/Bangladesh’s in-country safety program is
outlined below.
Information sharing—The Peace Corps/Bangladesh office will

keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer
safety. The country director will offer regular updates in the
Volunteer newsletter and in memorandums. In the event of a
critical situation or emergency, you will be contacted through
the emergency communication network.
Training will include sessions on specific safety and security

issues in Bangladesh. This training will prepare you to adopt a
culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that
promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and
while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service
and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and
other components of training.
Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe hous-

ing for Volunteers before their arrival. Peace Corps staff works
closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to
help prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to establish

expectations of their respective roles in supporting the
Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s arrival
to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing
and work sites. Site selection is based in part on any relevant
site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and other
essential services; availability of communications, transporta-
tion, and markets; different housing options and living
arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Bangladesh’s detailed

emergency action plan, which may be implemented in the
event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When
you arrive at your site, you will complete and submit a site
locator form with your address, contact information, and a
map to your house. If there is a security threat, you will gath-
er with other Volunteers in Bangladesh at a predetermined
location until the situation is resolved or the Peace Corps
decides to evacuate.
Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to

the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers imme-
diately report any security incident to the Peace Corps country
director or medical officer. The Peace Corps has established
protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a
timely and appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates
safety and security data to track trends and develop strategies
to minimize risks to future Volunteers.
62 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

D I V E R S ITY AN D C R O SS-
C U LTU RAL I SSU E S
In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host
countries, the Peace Corps is making special efforts to see
that all of America’s richness is reflected in the Volunteer
corps. More Americans of color are serving in today’s Peace
Corps than at any time in recent years. Differences in race,
ethnic background, age, religion, and sexual orientation are
expected and welcomed among our Volunteers. Part of the
Peace Corps’ mission is to help dispel any notion that
Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish that
each of us is as thoroughly American as the other despite our
many differences.
Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways,

however, it poses challenges. In Bangladesh, as in other Peace
Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, back-
ground, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very dif-
ferent from their own. Certain personal perspectives or char-
acteristics commonly accepted in the United States may be
quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in
Bangladesh.
Outside of Bangladesh’s capital, residents of rural communi-

ties have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures,
races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical
American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as
the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and
blue eyes. The people of Bangladesh are justly known for their
generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the
community in which you will live may display a range of reac-
tions to cultural differences that you present.

To ease the transition and adapt to life in Bangladesh, you
may need to make some temporary, yet fundamental compro-
mises in how you present yourself as an American and as an
individual. For example, female trainees and Volunteers may
not be able to exercise the independence available to them in
the United States; political discussions need to be handled
with great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best
remain undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and
personal strategies for coping with these and other limita-
tions. The Peace Corps staff will be on call to provide support,
but the challenge ultimately will be your own.
Overview of Diversity in Bangladesh
The Peace Corps staff in Bangladesh recognizes the adjustment

issues that come with diversity and will endeavor to provide
support and guidance. During pre-service training, several ses-
sions will be held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms.
We look forward to having male and female Volunteers from a
variety of races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual orien-
tations and hope that you will become part of a diverse group of
Americans who will take pride in supporting one another and
demonstrating the richness of American culture.
What Might a Volunteer Face?
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

In Bangladesh, the virtues of the ideal woman include
patience, obedience, endurance, and self-sacrifice. Although
women are visible in public, particularly in Dhaka, the majori-
ty have limited opportunities outside the home and even face
discrimination within their own families. What follows is an
outline of the typical rural woman’s life.
66 PEACE CORPS
When a girl is born her birth is rarely celebrated and no call
for prayer is given, as it would be for a boy. From early child-
hood, girls are made aware that, unlike their brothers, they
are liabilities rather than assets to the family. In a country of
great scarcity, what little is available—from food to clothing to
education to health care—is offered first to males. Over 50
percent of girls ages six to seven months have stunted growth,
and the death rate for girls ages one to four is 15 per 1,000,
compared with 12 per 1,000 for boys of the same age.
Girls are trained to take on the only socially acceptable role

for a woman, that of wife and mother. From a young age, a girl
helps her mother with household chores and looks after
younger children. Only 50 percent of girls enroll in primary
school, compared with 70 percent of boys. In secondary
schools, girls’ attendance is less than half that of boys.
Beginning at about age 10, segregation of the genders
becomes stricter. Some families observe purdah, a Muslim and
Hindu practice in which a girl’s movements outside the home
are restricted to protect her chastity and reputation. How
strictly a young woman observes purdah depends on her eco-
nomic status, as poorer women in villages need freedom of
movement to fetch water, tend animals, and so on.
Rural women generally perform tasks at home—cooking,

cleaning, and child care—while men negotiate with the out-
side world as they work in the fields or go to the market. Thus
Bangladesh differs from other predominantly Muslim coun-
tries where women can freely work in the fields and go to the
market. In addition, rural Bangladeshi women generally do not
share in tasks that involve earning an income.
The legal age of marriage is 18; however, 20 percent of women

have their first child before age 15, 66 percent before age18,

and 80 percent before age 20. Dowries are illegal in
Bangladesh but are still very common, as is wife beating. After
marriage, a wife’s position is inferior to that of other women in
her husband’s household. The twin threats of polygamy and
divorce, both sanctioned by Muslim law, help husbands to
ensure their wives’ obedience. If a husband instigates divorce,
the wife has no choice but to accept the decision, as Muslim
law allows a man to divorce his wife on any grounds simply by
saying “I divorce you” three times. (Women have the right to
initiate divorce but are discouraged from doing so by societal
pressure.) An unattached woman, whether single, widowed,
or divorced, has little or no social standing, so a wife banished
from her husband’s home usually returns to her parents, leaving
her children behind.
As long as they lack an independent means of livelihood and a

broader social movement to back them up, women are likely
to respond to male domination with only small acts of self-
assertion. In urban areas women are more openly assertive,
politically conscious, and organized, partly because of the
opportunities for wage employment, albeit in low-paying jobs
such as garment factory labor and street cleaning. Middle-
class urban women have greater opportunities for education
and careers, but they are usually employed in traditionally
female occupations such as teaching and nursing. There is,
however, a small but growing group of extremely well-educated
and articulate professional women who are acting as a catalyst
for change by helping women get educated, gain employment,
and become leaders in their communities. Many organizations
work specifically with women’s groups, raising awareness and
providing opportunities for women to work together in starting
and running their own businesses.
68 PEACE CORPS
Volunteer Comments
“I am happy to be a Peace Corps Volunteer in a Muslim

country despite both the subordinate role of women and the
fact that they are not valued as highly as men. It is a chal-
lenging experience to be a free, independent American
woman in Bangladesh, but you learn to adapt, compromise,
and negotiate what you are willing to change. I try to fit in
as best as I can without compromising who I am as a person
and as a woman. For example, I wear local dress, and when
I lived with a Bangladeshi host family, I always returned
home by dusk. My Bangladeshi sisters would always come
home before dark, even though my brothers did not. Some
female Volunteers choose to stay out past dark, but that is a
personal choice, and you must also think about how the
community will perceive you. Still, being an American
makes you distinct and allows you certain freedoms
Bangladeshi women do not have, so it’s not like you have to
walk around in a burkha! In Dhaka and other large cities,
there are women who are educated, who have professions,
and who contribute to household decisions. But there are
many women who rarely leave their house and who defer to
their husbands and sons on all matters. The great thing is
that we can empower girls and women by our example, and
let them know how they can educate themselves and be
successful.”
“Living in a Muslim country as a woman is as difficult as you

might expect. Almost every female Volunteer develops a
thick skin within the first few months of service. Expect to
work triply hard to gain respect from others here, particular-
ly if you are a young single woman. Daily, I must explain that
I enjoy my single life. Most people cannot understand why.
In one incident a student I’d had almost no personal contact
with suddenly proclaimed his love to me. At first I was

shocked and, truth be told, a little flattered. However, that
quickly turned to annoyance and then to alarm as he became
more persistent, returning to propose to me four or five
times. Unfortunately, the American method of letting some-
one down easily to save face doesn’t work here. Most men
have very little experience with women and often see such
approaches as just games or come-ons. Your only option is to
make a racket. I told everyone I knew that he was disturbing
me, and eventually I had to talk to his supervisor.”
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color
Volunteer Comments
“Being Asian American has definitely made my experience

distinct from that of my fellow ‘white’ Peace Corps
Volunteers. Quite often (99.9 percent of the time), I am
asked, ‘What is your country?’ I reply, ‘I’m American.’ The
response is usually, ‘No! You are from China or Japan!’ I
must explain that my parents immigrated to America in the
1950s and that I was born in America and that I am an
American citizen. It doesn’t bother me that some
Bangladeshis don’t know how diverse and free our country
is.”
“My skin color is the aspect of my identity that I’ve had to

deal with the most, as I am part Filipino, part Mexican, part
Native American, and part Caucasian. My skin color is
brown, and as the days get hotter naturally I tan. So I look
Bangladeshi. Unfortunately, and to my disappointment,
many Bangladeshis are not proud of their brown skin. Many
believe that dark skin is ugly and that fair skin is beautiful.
In addition, skin cream for “fairer skin” is advertised on tele-
vision. As a result of my skin color and facial features, many
Bangladeshis do not believe that I am American. I’ve been
told numerous times, ‘You look just like a Bangladeshi.’ I
70 PEACE CORPS
think sometimes my resemblance to Bangladeshis makes
people feel more at ease with me. Other times, however, I
feel as if I’m regarded as less important than the white-
skinned, blue-eyed, blond-haired person sitting next to me.
So how do I deal with all of this nonsense? I try to keep an
open mind and understand their perspective.”
“Here a Caucasian can expect to be harassed on the street

with ‘hey sexy’ and cat sounds. But you can also expect
people to shower you with praise and tell you how beautiful
and white your skin is. African-American Volunteers should
get used to people thinking you’re from the African jungle
and calling you words like Negro, or thinking you’re
Nigerian by default. This sounds like a lot to deal with, but
you’re also lucky because there are considerably fewer
images of you (brown-skinned folks) running around in biki-
nis. You’ll get less harassment, especially of the sexual kind.
You’ll also get less harassment because Bangladeshis believe
that most Africans are Muslim.”
Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

As a senior Volunteer, you may sometimes feel isolated within
the Peace Corps community because the majority of
Volunteers are in their 20s. Other Volunteers may have little
understanding of the lives and experiences of senior
Americans. You may also find that while younger Volunteers
cannot offer you support, they still look to you for advice and
support. While some seniors find this a very enjoyable part of
their Volunteer experience, others choose not to fill this role.
Training may present its own special challenges. Older
trainees sometimes encounter a lack of attention to their
needs for a particular learning environment, including timing,
presentation of materials, and physical comfort. You may need
to be assertive in developing an effective individual approach
to language learning, and, when possible, you may need to

collaborate on identifying the sites most appropriate for an
older Volunteer. Before leaving for Bangladesh, you should
consider how you will deal with issues such as family emer-
gencies, maintaining lifelong friendships, and assigning some-
one power of attorney for attending to your financial matters.
Volunteer Comments
“I recently had the opportunity to spend time with some

election observers from the European community. As it
turned out, one of them was the same age as I am. Although
she was from Europe, she was the first person in seven
months I was able to talk to who had seen or experienced
the same things as I. There will be times when you feel
lonely and isolated. There will be times when you experi-
ence discrimination, although more likely than not, it will be
unintentional and benign in nature.”
“As an older Volunteer, my experiences have been somewhat

different from those of younger Volunteers. Bangladeshis
generally treat older people with a great degree of deference
and respect. In my classes especially, I have encountered the
most courteous and obedient types of behavior. In dealing
with the general public, though, you may be the object of
some scorn or ridicule (in jest or not) and the focus of an
almost pathological curiosity. But my superintendent, a
majority of the teachers and students, and other members of
the community have acted in a most kindhearted and gra-
cious fashion toward me, and I believe my age must be a
contributing factor to some of this treatment.”
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

Local laws prohibit homosexuality, and it is viewed as immoral
by local norms. Although homosexuals certainly exist in
Bangladesh, it is hardly with the same level of acceptance as in
72 PEACE CORPS
the United States. You may serve for two years without meet-
ing another homosexual or bisexual Volunteer, and you may
not get adequate emotional support from other Volunteers for
concerns related to your sexual orientation. Relationships with
host country nationals can happen, but as with all cross-cultur-
al relationships, they may not be easy. Lesbians, like all
American women, are likely to have to deal with constant
questions about boyfriends, marriage, and sex. Wearing an
“engagement ring” may help. Gay men may have to deal with
machismo: talk of sexual conquests, girl watching, and dirty
jokes.
Volunteer Comments
“Homosexuality is not generally accepted in Bangladeshi

culture. You will probably not face any problems as a result
of your hairstyle or wearing jewelry. In fact, most people will
never even consider that you might be gay. Physical affec-
tion (holding hands and hugging) between men is common
in Bangladesh, but it is not usually a sign of sexual attrac-
tion. You will get constant questions about when you plan to
get married, and saying you will get married when you
return to the U.S. usually works fine. Probably the best poli-
cy is not to disclose your sexual orientation to Bangladeshis.
Rumors spread quickly here, and you could put yourself at
risk by discussing such a taboo subject. Relationships with
host country nationals should also be considered carefully.
The main problem is likely to be loneliness, though you may
find people to talk to about your frustrations among the
local Peace Corps community. Remember that all Volunteers
are subject to repression and a lack of understanding some-
times.”
“One should not expect the liberty of freely identifying one-

self to Bangladeshis as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Indeed, the

freedom of any Volunteer to discuss personal romantic rela-
tionships is quite limited. But the idea of sexual intimacy
with a person of the same sex carries a greater stigma than
that of extramarital relationships between men and women.
Most Bangladeshis would categorize both as sinful but
would see same-sex intimacy as an especially ‘great sin,’ and
a person who is believed to have committed such a sin
could be the target of disdain and possibly violence. One
should observe caution in discussing one’s sexual orienta-
tion, even among fellow Volunteers, some of whom may not
understand (or respect) the need for maintaining discretion
in unsafe circumstances.”
“Homosexuality is a taboo subject in Bangladesh, but in my

opinion, it is more common than people will admit. Still, I
would never disclose my sexual preference to a Bangladeshi
or try to have a lesbian relationship here. It would take 20
years to recover my reputation. Because of this, one ends
up constantly pretending to be something that one is not. It
can be very tiring and annoying.”
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Although Islam was declared the state religion in 1988, free-
dom of religion is a legal right in Bangladesh. As the dominant
religion, Islam is also the major social and cultural force in
Bangladeshi society. The Koran forbids drinking alcohol, eat-
ing pork, gambling, and money lending for profit. It also lays
down the rules for marriage and divorce and the penalties for
crimes. Islam seems to give many Bangladeshis enormous
patience in the face of extreme poverty and frequent natural
disasters. An expression one often hears is “Inshallah,” which
means “As Allah wills it, so it will be.”
Most Bangladeshis view religious identity as a basic fact about

a person and are likely to ask about your religion almost as
74 PEACE CORPS
frequently as they ask how many brothers and sisters you
have. Many assume that all Americans are Christians, and
Volunteers who are not Christian may experience some chal-
lenges. Jews in particular may encounter negative attitudes.
Although Muslims and Hindus in Bangladesh interact freely on
a professional level, there are some animosities between
Hindu and Muslim communities. People who are atheists or
seem ambiguous about their religious identity may be regard-
ed as foolish or morally reprehensible, as rejecting the religion
one is born into is considered a serious matter. Some
Volunteers without a specific religion have found calling them-
selves “humanist” to be a good compromise.
Possible Issues for Married Couples
Volunteer Comment
“As a married female in Bangladesh, I forgot that I ever had

a first name because all anyone can seem to remember is
that I am ‘Pabey’ (sister-in-law). My husband has gotten
used to being the one to whom all the questions are direct-
ed, but I still haven’t! I have to speak a little louder to be
heard and be a little more forward than men in the profes-
sional world. But because I am married, I don’t have to deal
with aggressiveness or crushes from male colleagues or stu-
dents, as some of the single women do. Being married is
something that is familiar to everyone here, and people are
usually eager to compare Bengali and American marriage
ceremonies and traditions. It makes it easier to integrate
into the community because my neighbors don’t wonder
why I am still single and my parents have allowed me to
come here. I do have to fend off questions about why I have
no children or when I will.”
—Miranda Beckman

FR E Q U E NTLY AS KE D Q U E STI O N S
How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Bangladesh?
Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess
charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits.
The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will
not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these
limits. The Peace Corps’ allowance is two checked pieces of
luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to
exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on
bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked bag-
gage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum
weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.
Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets,

weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are
permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas
assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such
as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol con-
tainers. This is an important safety precaution.
What is the electric current in Bangladesh?

It is 220 volts, so 110-volt appliances from the United States
will not work without voltage converters. Converters are avail-
able locally but are quite expensive.
How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people
in their community. You will be given a settling-in allowance
and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your
expenses. Often Volunteers wish to bring additional money for
vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and traveler’s
checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra
money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans
and needs.

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?
Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of serv-
ice (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during train-
ing, the first three months of service, or the last three months
of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emer-
gency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after
pre-service training and the first three months of service as
long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended
stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permis-
sion from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able
to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assis-
tance.
Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for per-
sonal effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the
safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you can
purchase personal property insurance before you leave. If you
wish, you may contact your own insurance company; addition-
ally, insurance application forms will be provided, and we
encourage you to consider them carefully.
Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Bangladesh do not need to get an international
driver’s license because Volunteers are prohibited from oper-
ating privately owned motor vehicles. Most urban travel is by
bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from trains, buses, and
minibuses to trucks and lots of walking. On very rare occa-
sions, a Volunteer may be asked to drive a sponsor’s vehicle,
but this can occur only with prior written permission of the
country director. Should this occur, the Volunteer may obtain
a local driver’s license. A U.S. driver’s license will facilitate the
process, so bring it with you just in case.
78 PEACE CORPS
What should I bring as gifts for Bangladeshi friends and my
host family?
This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient.
Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pic-
tures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from
your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos
to give away.
Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and

how isolated will I be?
Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until
after they have completed pre-service training. This gives
Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainee’s
technical and language skills prior to assigning sites, in addi-
tion to finalizing site selections with their ministry counter-
parts. If feasible, you may have the opportunity to provide
input on your site preferences, including geographical loca-
tion, distance from other Volunteers, and living conditions.
However, keep in mind that many factors influence the site
selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee
placement where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers
live in small towns and are usually within one hour from
another Volunteer. Some sites require a 10-to-12-hour drive
from the capital.
How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services provides assis-
tance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and
Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States,
you should instruct your family to notify the Office of Special
Services immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious
illness or death of a family member. During normal business
hours, the number for the Office of Special Services is
800.424.8580; select option 2, then extension 1470. After nor-
mal business hours and on weekends and holidays, the Special
Services duty officer can be reached at 202.638.2574. For

nonemergency questions, your family can get information
from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling
800.424.8580, extension 2412 or 2414.
Can I call home from Bangladesh?

Calling home is possible in Dhaka and in some of the larger
towns, but obtaining an international line can be difficult with-
out prior planning. Low-cost calling cards for international
calls are available throughout the country.
Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

Most cellphones manufactured for the American market do
not work in Bangladesh. All Peace Corps/Bangladesh
Volunteers are issued mobile telephones for use in-country.
Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my

computer?
Internet service is growing rapidly, so you are likely to find a
cybercafe in or near the town where you are posted. The rate
for access is reasonable, usually less than $1 an hour.
While dust, high humidity, and frequent power fluctuations

can damage computers, a laptop could be a very useful tool.
The possibility of theft is also a consideration, but crime
against foreigners has not been a major problem in
Bangladesh.
80 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

PAC KI N G LI ST
This list has been compiled by Volunteers
serving in Bangladesh and is based on their experience. Use it
as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind
that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You
obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider
those items that make the most sense to you personally and
professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As
you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-
pound weight limit on baggage. Because you will acquire a lot
of stuff during training (e.g., books, bedding, a mosquito net,
and a medical kit), you should leave some space in your lug-
gage for these items or plan to purchase an additional bag
after you arrive in Bangladesh. Do not bring anything of great
monetary or sentimental value, and consider obtaining insur-
ance for valuable belongings before you leave the United
States. Remember that you can get almost everything you
need in Bangladesh.
Cotton is the most comfortable material for clothing, including

underwear, in hot and humid weather, but you may also want
to bring some warmer clothes for travel (e.g., fleece). The tai-
lors in Bangladesh will copy clothing for a reasonable price, so
you might want to bring a few pictures or patterns with you. If
you plan to go trekking in another country, such as Nepal or
India, bring some hiking shoes or boots, preferably already
broken in. Regular shoes can be purchased locally in sizes up
to 9 for women and 10 for men.

General Clothing
For Women
• Several cotton dresses with sleeves or skirts and tops
• At least three pairs of lightweight, baggy pants
• Several loose-fitting T-shirts
• Enough cotton underwear for two years (i.e., at least
eight bras and 12 pairs of underpants)
• Cotton nightgowns (can easily be made in Bangladesh)
• Two sweaters or sweatshirts and two pairs of jeans or
sweatpants for colder weather
• One lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho
• One warm jacket for the winter season and travel
• Cotton socks
• One swimsuit (not available locally)
• One outfit for formal occasions with suitable shoes
For Men
• At least three pairs of lightweight cotton pants
• Several lightweight cotton shirts, both long and short
sleeved
• One pair of jeans or other durable pants
• One pair of baggy shorts
• Several cotton T-shirts
• At least 12 pairs of underpants (boxers are cooler)
• Two or three cotton undershirts, if you wear them
(available locally)
• Swimming trunks
• Pajamas (if you wear them)
• Two sweaters or sweatshirts for colder weather
• One lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho
• One warm jacket for the winter season and travel
• A jacket and tie for formal occasions with suitable shoes
84 PEACE CORPS
Shoes
• Flip-flops and sandals (slip-on sandals are good for easy
removal when entering someone’s home; smaller sizes
can be purchased cheaply in Bangladesh)
• Sneakers (available locally in smaller sizes)
• One pair of dress shoes for formal occasions
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Tea tree oil (helpful for acne, cold sores, heat rash,
insect bites, fungus, etc.)
• Sunscreen—although the Peace Corps medical kit con-
tains sunscreen, if you have sensitive skin or a favorite
brand, you may want to bring some of your own
• Towel
• Enough shampoo, toothpaste, etc. for your first few
days in-country
Kitchen
• Plastic food storage bags of all sizes (also good for pro-
tecting papers and other items during the rainy season)
• Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene brand, available at
outdoor stores)
• Can opener
Miscellaneous
• Film (all kinds of film are available in Dhaka, but the
selection outside the capital may be limited)
• Pocket-size flashlight (useful during power cuts and for
travel to places without electricity)
• Tape player or Walkman (also available in Dhaka) and
your favorite CDs or cassettes

• Batteries—rechargeable ones with a 220-volt charger
are especially useful (Volunteers recommend the
Rayovac charger and alkaline batteries)
• Backpack for travel
• Lightweight sleeping bag (for travel on trains and buses
or in guest houses where bedding is not provided)
• A small musical instrument (not a valuable one) and
music, if you play or sing (note that good-quality guitar
strings are not easy to find locally and that instruments
can warp in Bangladesh’s climate)
• Photos of your family and home
• Portable games like Scrabble, chess, and playing cards
• Diary or journal
• Travel guides for Bangladesh and any nearby countries
you hope to visit
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Combination locks for your home and luggage
• Swiss army knife or Leatherman tool
• Travel alarm clock
• Money belt or pouch
• One or two large plastic containers to protect food and
valuable belongings such as cameras from moisture and
pests (available locally but the quality varies)
86 PEACE CORPS
NOTES

P R E-D E PARTU R E C H E C KLI ST
The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider
as you prepare to live outside the United States for two years.
Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does
not include everything you should make arrangements for.
Family
❒ Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Office
of Special Services at any time if there is a critical ill-
ness or death of a family member (telephone number:
800.424.8580, extension 1470; after-hours duty officer:
202.638.2574).
❒ Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front handbook to
family and friends.
Passport/Travel
❒ Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork
for the Peace Corps passport and visas.
❒ Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for
international travel.
❒ Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after
your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will
expire three months after you finish your service, so if
you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)
Medical/Health
❒ Complete any needed dental and medical work.
❒ If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.
❒ Arrange to bring a six-month supply of all medications
(including birth control pills) you are currently taking.

Insurance
❒ Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.
❒ Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage
while you are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is
responsible for your health care during Peace Corps
service overseas, it is advisable for people who have
preexisting conditions to continue their supplemental
health coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is
often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.)
❒ Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.
Personal Papers
❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
Voting
❒ Register to vote in the state of your home of record.
(Many state universities consider voting and payment
of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)
❒ Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you
overseas.
❒ Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you
overseas.
Personal Effects
❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from
the time you leave your home for service overseas until
the time you complete your service and return to the
United States.
90 PEACE CORPS
Financial Management
❒ Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or
loan service.
❒ Execute a power of attorney for the management of
your property and business.
❒ Arrange for deductions from your readjustment
allowance to pay alimony, child support, and other
debts through the Office of Volunteer Financial
Operations at 800.424.8580, extension 1770.
❒ Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks,
and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or
other caretaker.

C O NTACTI N G P EAC E C O R P S
H EAD Q UARTE R S
The following list of numbers will help you contact the appropriate
office at Peace Corps headquarters with various questions. You
may use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using
the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the Peace Corps toll-
free number and extensions with your family so they have them in
the event of an emergency during your service overseas.
Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800.424.8580, Press 2, then
Ext. # (see below)
Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20526
For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Responding to Office of
an Invitation Placement
Europe,
Mediterranean,
and Asia Ext. 1875 202.692.1875
Programming or Desk Officer Ext. 2412 202.692.2412

Country Information E-mail:
bangladesh@
peacecorps.gov
Desk Assistant Ext. 2414 202.692.2414

E-mail:
bangladesh@
peacecorps.gov

For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Plane Tickets, Travel Officer Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Passports, (Sato Travel)
Visas, or Other
Travel Matters
Legal Clearance Office of Ext. 1845 202.692.1845

Placement
Medical Clearance Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

and Forms Processing
(including dental)
Medical Handled by a
Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772
Loan Deferments, Volunteer Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Taxes, Readjustment Financial
Allowance Withdrawals, Operations
Power of Attorney
Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Orientation) and
Reporting Instructions
Note: You will receive
comprehensive information
(hotel and flight arrange-
ments) three to five weeks
before departure. This in-
formation is not available
sooner.
Family Emergencies Office of Special Ext. 1470 202.692.1470

(to get information to Services 9–5 EST
a Volunteer overseas)
202.638.2574
(after-hours
answering service)
94 PEACE CORPS
P EAC E C O R P S
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW · Washington, DC 20526 · www.peacecorps.gov · 1-800-424-8580

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THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

We hope that receiving your invitation to serve as a Peace

You must be wondering what it’s like in Bangladesh. For

The majority of people in Bangladesh are Muslim, and the

A major concern of Peace Corps/Bangladesh is the safety and

Serving in Bangladesh will not be easy. It’s an extremely poor

Before you decide whether to accept the invitation to serve

We hope you accept our invitation to join us in Bangladesh.

The Director and Staff of Peace Corps/Bangladesh

Peace Corps/Bangladesh History and Programs 7

Country Overview: Bangladesh at a Glance 11

Resources for Further Information 19

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 25

Your Health Care and Safety in Bangladesh 47

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 65

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 93

Peace Corps Volunteers first began serving in the area that is

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 7

In February 2003 and August 2003, two more groups of

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 9

The land that constitutes Bangladesh has seen many political

East Pakistan gained a powerful voice of protest with the rise

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 11

Bangladesh is a multiparty democracy with a unicameral par-

The political life of Bangladesh enjoyed a short period of calm

In spite of political tensions, Bangladesh has made great

Although the industrial sector is growing, mainly in jute prod-

People and Culture

Bengalis make up the largest ethnic group in Bangladesh, con-

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 13

Although it is relatively small, Bangladesh is one of the most

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate. Rainfall is very

The period from mid-March to mid-June is very hot (33º to

In autumn (mid-October to mid-December) the weather

Roughly two-thirds of Bangladesh’s land is arable, and a little

Pressures on Bangladesh’s aquatic and terrestrial resources

In the 1980s, scientists began finding evidence of arsenic con-

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 15

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 17

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you

General Information About Bangladesh

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 19

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Bangladesh

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 21

2. Gardner, Katy. Songs at the River’s Edge: Stories

3. Hartmann, Betsy, and James K. Boyce. A Quiet

5. Novak, James J. Bangladesh: Reflections on the

Books About the Peace Corps

2. Herrera, Susana. Mango Elephants in the Sun: How

3. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the

4. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need Is Love: The

5. Thomsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps

6. Tidwell, Mike. The Ponds of Kalambayi: An African

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 23

Packages often take more than a month (and sometimes two

Until you get your permanent address at the end of training,

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 25

Most cellphones purchased in the United States will not work

Computer, Internet, and E-Mail Access

E-mail access in Bangladesh is growing rapidly, though it is

An amazing accomplishment of Bangladesh is the widespread

Housing and Site Location

During pre-service training and for the first three months at

A WE LCOM E BOOK · BAN G LADESH 27