Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SURINAME
A P E A C E C O R P S P U B L I C ATI O N
FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
October 2010
A WELCOME LETTER
Dear Invitee:
Congratulations on your invitation to the upcoming pre-service training in Suriname. Like most invitees, you
likely have many questions about Suriname and being a Volunteer. This Welcome Book was developed by
Volunteers and staff to provide you with information, friendly advice, and resources to start you on your path
of discovery.
This book certainly will not answer all of your questions and may even raise more. There are many
perspectives on Suriname and Peace Corps service. In time, you will find your own answers to what it means
to be a Peace Corps Volunteer and you will develop your own appreciation for the rich heritage of the
Surinamese: the diverse blend of cultures, the beauty of the rain forest and rivers, and the hospitality of the
people who welcome you into their lives.
Your role as a Volunteer will change throughout your service. You will primarily be a learner at first as you
observe the culture, gain language skills, and become integrated into your community. As you work with your
counterpart(s) and community members to address your community’s needs, you will become a teacher, a
mentor, and a cheerleader. The sustainability of your impact will depend largely on what you don’t do yourself
but what you do with others as you help them help themselves.
A 27-month commitment to the Peace Corps is not made easily or casually. It is a commitment you will make
repeatedly and in many ways throughout your service. You will be challenged in every way imaginable and
your patience will be tried, but if you come with an open mind, a warm heart, a good sense of humor, and a
commitment to serve others and work hard, you will do well. Our trainers and staff members are here to
support you, but you are the primary architect of what your success as a Volunteer will look like. We offer
you an opportunity to serve the people of Suriname and to have an experience that may change the way you
view the world and yourself.
You are not “giving up two years of your life” when you join Peace Corps, rather, you are making a choice to
serve and to experience a different life. You will receive at least as much as you give. At the end of their
service, many Volunteers believe that they received far more than they gave. We believe that the exchange is
mutual and everyone benefits from the experience.
We are looking forward to greeting you upon your arrival in Suriname. In the meantime, read the various
books included in the resources page, and take care of things at home so you can give all your energy to your
new life and work in Suriname.
A WELCOME LETTER............................................................................................................... 1
CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................. 2
CORE EXPECTATIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS ........................................................................................ 4
PEACE CORPS/SURINAME HISTORY AND PROGRAMS .................................................. 5
History of the Peace Corps in Suriname .................................................................................. 5
History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Suriname................................................ 5
COUNTRY OVERVIEW: SURINAME AT A GLANCE ........................................................ 5
History...................................................................................................................................... 5
Government............................................................................................................................... 5
Economy ....................................................................................................................................6
People and Culture .....................................................................................................................7
Environment ...............................................................................................................................7
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ...................................................................... 8
General Information About Suriname .......................................................................................8
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Suriname ...............................................................9
International Development Sites About Suriname ....................................................................9
Recommended Books ................................................................................................................9
LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE ...................................................... 11
Communications ....................................................................................................................... 11
Housing and Site Location ........................................................................................................ 11
Living Allowance and Money Management............................................................................. 12
Food and Diet ............................................................................................................................ 12
Transportation ........................................................................................................................... 12
Geography and Climate ............................................................................................................ 13
Social Activities ........................................................................................................................ 13
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior ...................................................................................... 14
Personal Safety.......................................................................................................................... 14
Rewards and Frustrations .......................................................................................................... 15
PEACE CORPS TRAINING ......................................................................................................... 16
Overview of Pre-Service Training ............................................................................................ 16
Technical Training .................................................................................................................... 16
Language Training .................................................................................................................... 17
Cross-Cultural Training ............................................................................................................ 17
Health Training ......................................................................................................................... 17
Safety Training.......................................................................................................................... 17
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service ....................................................................... 18
YOUR HEALTH CARE AND SAFETY IN SURINAME......................................................... 18
Health Issues in Suriname......................................................................................................... 18
Helping You Stay Healthy ........................................................................................................ 18
Maintaining Your Health .......................................................................................................... 19
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit ................................................................................................. 20
Medical Kit Contents ................................................................................................................ 20
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist .................................................................................. 21
Safety and Security—Our Partnership ...................................................................................... 23
In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of promoting world peace and friendship, as a trainee
and Volunteer, you are expected to:
1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term of 27
months
2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work; and, in doing so, share
your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed
3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship, if necessary, and with the
flexibility needed for effective service
4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and confidence
you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community and culture
5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal conduct and
professional performance
6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect
7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and national laws of the country
where you serve
8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and well-being and that of
others
9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and community, as a representative of the people,
cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America
10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host country and community to
people in the United States both during and following your service
Peace Corps staff arrived in March 1995. The first two Volunteers—with two years of Volunteer experience in
another country—arrived in August. In September, the first training group, consisting of eight married couples,
began the Peace Corps’ 12-week intensive pre-service training program (PST). Since then, a new group has
arrived annually.
The Peace Corps/Suriname program has changed since its start in 1995. In 1998, Suriname welcomed the first
single Volunteers into the program, and in 1999, Volunteers were placed for the first time in the capital to
work with health agencies on health issues facing rural communities.
Peace Corps/Suriname collaborates directly with various Surinamese government agencies in assigning
Volunteers to rural communities. In addition to the Ministry of Regional Development (RGD), the Peace
Corps works with the Bureau of Public Health and the Ministries of Education, Health, and Natural Resources.
Through memorandums of understanding, Peace Corps Volunteers in Suriname also have worked with
organizations such as UNICEF, PAHO, IICA, the Foundation for Education of the Moravian Church, the
Medical Mission, and the World Wildlife Fund.
Hist ory and Fut u re of Pe ace Cor ps Progr amming in Surin ame
In 2006, Peace Corps, with the support of the government of Suriname, narrowed its focus to two new
projects: community health education (CHE) and community economic development (CED). The purpose of
the CHE project is to improve the general health status of community members (men, women, boys, and girls)
in all targeted communities through health, education, and capacity building in the areas of nutrition, water and
sanitation, and sexual and reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS awareness. The purpose of the CED
project is to improve lives by working with government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and
individuals to transfer business knowledge, skills, and abilities. The focus of the program is building sound
business practices for sustainable development, helping communities organize, and working with youth to
increase life skills and employability.
More than 300 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Suriname, and 40 are currently serving in the country.
Peace Corps/Suriname recruits both singles and couples. Peace Corps/Suriname anticipates welcoming
approximately 30 new Volunteers in 2011, most of who will be placed in rural communities.
COUNTRY O VERVIEW:
SURINAME AT A GLANCE
Hist ory
Suriname is named after her first inhabitants, the Surinen Indians. The first Europeans settled in Suriname in
1650, but conflicts with Indians and disease decreased their numbers. The first English settlers were sent by
Lord Willoughby, the governor of Barbados. The Dutch later gained control of Suriname as part of the Peace
After a troublesome period at the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th centuries, agriculture flourished
in Suriname. African slaves were brought in to work on the plantations and soon outnumbered the European
settlers. Suriname became infamous in the Caribbean region for its poor treatment of slaves. Many slaves fled
into the jungle. Known as Maroons, these escaped slaves often emerged from hiding to attack plantations and
free other slaves.
In the 1850s, Dutch farmers arrived to start small farms. They imported Javanese laborers from Indonesia, but
their attempt to establish the agricultural importance of Suriname was unsuccessful. Half of the Dutch farmers
died within a year, and the Javanese laborers left the plantations after their five-year obligatory work period.
Slavery in Suriname came to an end in 1863. The Dutch were the last Europeans to abolish slavery. When the
former African slaves left the plantations in 1873, they were replaced by Hindustani laborers from India. Like
the Javanese, these indentured laborers were required to work on the plantations for a set time period, after
which they could return to India or extend their contracts. About 37,000 Hindustanis were brought to
Suriname. A movement led by Mahatma Gandhi stopped the flow in 1916.
In the first half of the 20th century, the exploration of Suriname’s natural resources began. Rubber, gold, and
bauxite soon became important to the country’s economy. Alcoa, an American bauxite company, obtained a
large claim in the interior of Suriname for a period of 40 years. Bauxite from Suralco, the Surinamese
subsidiary of Alcoa, was probably Suriname’s most important contribution to the Allied forces during World
War II since aluminum made from bauxite was indispensable in constructing airplanes.
During the World War II German occupation of the Netherlands, Suriname was left to fend for itself. After the
war, the political status of the Dutch colonies changed. Suriname became an autonomous part of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands in 1954.
One of the legacies of Dutch control of Suriname is the separation of different ethnic groups. The results of
this segregation can be seen in the major political parties that emerged in the early 1950s. The National Party
of Suriname (now known as NPK) found support among the Creoles of African origin, and the Progressive
Reform Party (VHP) consisted mainly of Hindustanis.
After the 1973 elections, the NPK-backed government began negotiating with the Netherlands for
independence. Suriname became independent on November 25, 1975. As part of the negotiations, the
Netherlands agreed to support the young country with economic aid for 10 years, providing 4 billion guilders.
The years immediately following independence were challenging. A military coup in 1980, the withdrawal of
development aid by the Dutch, and high inflation rates led to periods of political instability. Despite these
challenges, democracy has prevailed in Suriname.
Gove rnme nt
The capital of the Republic of Suriname is Paramaribo. The country is divided into 10 administrative districts:
Paramaribo, Commewijne, Marowijne, Nickerie, Coronie, Saramacca, Para, Wanica, Sipaliwini, and
Brokopondo. Each district has a district commissioner, who is assisted by a district secretary and bestuur
opzichters, who are government representatives of the communities in the district.
Suriname is a constitutional democracy. The executive branch of the government is made up of a president,
vice president, and cabinet of ministers. Elections were held in May 2010. The outgoing president, Ronald
The president and vice president are elected by the National Assembly. If either one does not receive a
constitutional majority vote in the National Assembly after two rounds of voting, they are selected by the
larger People’s Assembly (with 869 representatives from national, local, and regional councils). The president
and vice president are elected for five-year terms.
The legislative branch consists of a unicameral National Assembly with 51 seats, with members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms.
Econ omy
The country has a strong agricultural base, producing rice, citrus fruits, sugar, and bananas. Shrimp fishing is
lucrative. The other main activities in this sector include livestock breeding and logging. Logging of
Suriname’s vast jungle interior occurs under a contract awarded to a Malaysian company. It is controversial
and the government has come under pressure from the international environmental community to restrict the
quantity of trees harvested. Mining, mainly of bauxite, is the principal industrial operation. Commercial gold-
mining operates in the interior. There are also thought to be substantial reserves of iron ore, manganese,
copper, nickel, and platinum, as well as moderate onshore oil deposits. Apart from processing ores and food
products, the industrial sector is largely devoted to the manufacture of cigarettes, beverages, and chemicals.
Dutch is the official language in Suriname, although for some ethnic groups (especially among the older
generation), it is actually a second language. English is also widely spoken. Sranan Tongo, the native language
of Creoles, is spoken by the younger Amerindian population, and is the lingua franca among others. Other
languages spoken in Suriname include Javanese, Hindustani, Chinese, and the Maroon languages of Aucan,
Saramaccan, Matawai, Saikiki, Kwinti, Paramaccan, and Aluku.
Environ me nt
Suriname lies on the northern coast of South America and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north,
Guyana to the west, French Guiana to the east, and Brazil to the south. The majority of Surinamese inhabit the
Atlantic coastal region. The total area is 65,308 square miles (163,270 square kilometers), about the size of
Florida.
The climate is tropical, with high temperatures and humidity, moderated by trade winds. The geography is
characterized mostly by tropical rain forest with a great diversity of flora and fauna. The main rainy season is
from April to July, with a shorter one in December and January.
Current environmental issues facing Suriname include deforestation (timber is cut for export) and pollution of
inland waterways by gold-mining activities.
Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps and Suriname 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 experience, 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. government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two people
experience their service in the same way.
www.countrywatch.com/
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the capital of Suriname to how to convert from the
dollar to the Suriname currency. Just click on Suriname and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.
www.state.gov
The State Department’s website issues background notes periodically about countries around the world. Find
Suriname and learn more about its social and political history. You can also go to the site’s international travel
section to check on conditions that may affect your safety.
www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm
This includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm
This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each country page contains links to
other sites, such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive historical, social, and political
background.
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for member states of the U.N.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about countries around the world.
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, comprised of former
Volunteers who served in those countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get together for social
events and local volunteer activities.
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.
www.topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/suriname/index.html
www.peacecorpsjournals.com/
4. Hoefte, Rosemarijn and Peter Meel (editors).Twentieth Century Suriname: Continuities and
Discontinuities in a New World Society. Kingston, Jamaica. W.I.: Ian Randle Publishers.2001.
5. Suparlan, Parsudi. The Javanese in Suriname: Ethnicity in an Ethnically Plural Society. Tempe:
Arizona State University Program for Southeast Asian Studies. 1995
2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre
Dame Press, 1985.
3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian
Institution Press, 2004.
2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.:
Red Apple Publishing, 2000.
3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. New York,
N.Y.: Picador, 2003.
4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.
6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington
Press, 1997 (reprint).
Communicat ions
Mail typically takes three weeks to a month to travel between the United States and Suriname by air. A
package sent by surface mail can take up to six months to arrive.
Mail for Peace Corps/Suriname is received at a post office box in Paramaribo. During pre-service training,
your mail will be picked up and delivered by staff to your training site once a week. Once training is
completed, mail is picked up by Peace Corps staff at the central post office and distributed to Volunteers’
mailboxes in the Peace Corps office in Paramaribo.
Mail can be sent from the central post office (Surpost) in Paramaribo, satellite post offices in districts, or a few
stores in the capital. Packages to the United States can only be mailed from one post office located two
kilometers from the Peace Corps office in Paramaribo.
On average, packages can take 3-4 weeks to arrive in Suriname from the U.S. It's typically hot in Suriname so
select the contents accordingly. All packages require an appropriate box or envelope, postage, customs form,
and customs form envelope. Check with www.usps.com for current rates. The appropriate customs form and
the customs form envelope can also be found at the www.usps.com website.
Te le ph one s
In the past three years, cellphone coverage in the interior has greatly increased and many PCV sites now have
regular access and PCVs report it is relatively cheap to call home to the U.S. Nonetheless, there are still a
number of sites without coverage (PCVs in these sites are typically issued satellite phones for use in
emergencies). Some villages in the interior of the country have landline telephone service, usually one phone
at a local store that serves the entire village. Other villages have only high-frequency radios for
communication. Where possibilities of making calls from the interior are limited, most Volunteers will call
home when they are in the capital.
Public telephones are available in the capital city and surrounding suburbs. To make a call from a land-line
phone, you will need to purchase a telephone card. Telephone cards are readily available in small corner stores,
at gas stations, and at any of the Telesur offices in Paramaribo. It is possible to place international calls using
these cards.
The sites in the interior are along the Suriname and Marowijne rivers or in the savanna region. Interior villages
often do not have running water or electricity, or have those services for a limited number of hours each day.
Houses are rustic, consisting of a thatch or tin roof and wood-plank walls. Because villages are asked to
provide housing for Volunteers, the size, condition, and style of housing can vary widely. Some Volunteers are
placed in District sites best characterized as small towns; or they may work in the capital city, Paramaribo.
Volunteers living in these areas generally have access to running water and electricity day and night, as well as
other conveniences.
It is important to manage your money. Setting up a system of budgeting will be important. The living
allowance is determined by an annual living allowance survey to ensure the amount is sufficient to meet basic
expenses. In the interior, there is little to spend money on other than food and beverages. However, things tend
to be more expensive in the interior, so most Volunteers buy a supply of food to take to their sites when they
are visiting the capital.
Transportation from and between interior sites is expensive. Volunteers are expected to live within the means
of the living allowance. Peace Corps discourages use of outside funds brought or sent from home as it prevents
you from living at the same level as the people in your community. You may, however, want to bring a small
amount of money for travel in Suriname and surrounding countries during your vacation time. Very few places
in Suriname accept credit cards, and those that do only accept American Express, MasterCard or Visa;
likewise, a few ATMs accept major credit cards. Bank fees between 1 percent and 5 percent are not uncommon
when using a credit card in Suriname. Some stores in the capital accept U.S. dollars.
Learning to prepare local cuisine can be rewarding. Suriname has many of the spices and ingredients needed to
prepare many ethnic dishes. Chinese, Indonesian, Creole, Indian, and American food is available at restaurants
in the capital.
Transport at ion
Most Surinamese in the city and district use public transportation, usually small buses that accommodate 15 to
26 people. These buses run on regular routes and are regulated by the government. Each route has a name or
number and an established fare (approximately 2 SRD). After 9 p.m., fares increase and some routes are not
available. Most Volunteers rely on buses. There are also several reputable taxi companies.
Roads to the interior are dirt and bauxite and receive little maintenance. During the rainy seasons, mud holes
and erosion are common. In the dry seasons, roads become dusty washboards. Travel on rural roads can be
rough.
Most Volunteers make a portion of the journey to their sites in mini-vans or “DAF trucks.” DAF trucks are
essentially semi-trailers filled with old airline seats or wooden benches. The ride is rarely comfortable, and the
trucks are typically filled to capacity with people and their cargo. Some Volunteers must then transfer to a
dugout canoe from the DAF truck to reach their site. The average travel time from the capital to a Volunteer’s
site is about six hours. For some, travel time may be twice that. Flights on small aircraft are required to reach a
minority of sites.
Peace Corps Volunteers are not permitted to operate any motorized vehicles or ride on the back of motorcycles
or mopeds. Part of the Volunteer settling-in allowance may be used to buy a locally appropriate form of
transportation, such as a bicycle or, upon approval, canoe. Life vests are issued to those using boats for
transportation. Helmets must be worn when riding a bicycle; a life vest must be worn whenever traveling on
water.
Professional clothing in the capital and more urban sites is more conservative than in the interior. Men dress in
casual business attire: short or long-sleeve collared shirts, trousers, and closed-toe shoes. Women's attire tends
to vary more, but skirts or slacks with a T-shirt or blouse and nice sandals or closed-toe shoes are common.
Women rarely wear their hair loose, so bring some hair ties or clips. Volunteers who live in a village setting
usually follow the norms specific to that community: traditional garments, shorts, sandals, tank tops, and T-
shirts.
To maintain the Peace Corps' professional image, men are not permitted to wear earrings or long hair (no
ponytails), nor are Volunteers initially permitted to wear nose rings or visable piercings, even though some of
these styles are found in parts of Surinamese society. Many Surinamese associate these styles with specific
groups or activities (tourists, counterculture lifestyles, drug enthusiasts, etc.) that are not compatible with the
image the Peace Corps wants to project. We believe the Peace Corps experience is worth making these
changes and adjustments. Once a Volunteer has successfully integrated into his/her community, it may be
possible to wear these styles of jewelry.
The people of Suriname are generally friendly. Greetings are very important. Handshakes are appropriate for
both men and women. In some settings, one is expected to greet each person at the gathering. When meeting
someone for the first time, handshakes and names are exchanged, surname first. You will receive more
information on Surinamese cultural norms during training.
Pe rsonal Safe t y
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 limited understanding of local language and culture, and
being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers
experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not
uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Suriname Volunteers
complete their two years of service without incident. 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 Suriname. Using these tools, you are expected
to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and Volunteer safety. There is a section titled
“Safety and Security in Depth.” Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, posts’ safety
support systems, and emergency planning and communications.
People do not follow strict times for meetings or gatherings. Functions may be canceled because of rain, a
death in the community, or some other reason. In Maroon communities, where people live close together,
privacy is not a strong value. People here have a different sense of personal space and think nothing of
touching or using what you may consider your personal belongings. In Amerindian villages, you may have
more personal space and privacy, but you may also experience feelings of isolation. Houses are farther apart,
and there is less emphasis on visiting daily with other members of the community. Members of both cultures
are quick to observe physical characteristics and comment on them. Volunteers sometimes are the subject of
comments such as, “You got fat!” or “You have a big butt!” In most cases, these comments are meant as a
compliment! Overall, Americans are well-received, but they are automatically viewed as wealthy. It is not
uncommon to be asked for one’s possessions. All of these things can take a physical and emotional toll on
Volunteers. On the other hand, Peace Corps Volunteers learn much more about the local cultures than most
people, even Surinamers. They also learn about themselves and their own culture. Being accepted into a
community and culture, learning about differences, discovering commonalities, and sharing your knowledge
while you learn from them make the frustrations worth it.
Peace Corps service offers you opportunities you may never find elsewhere. You are likely to leave the Peace
Corps a stronger person than you ever thought you could be.
Host families are chosen by the training staff based on suggestions from current Peace Corps Volunteers. The
families are carefully screened by the Peace Corps medical officer (PCMO) and the safety and security
coordinator (SSC). Some of the families live within walking distance of the training site; others require the use
of public transportation to reach the site. Most homes have electricity but use rain catchment systems for their
water. Since some people in these communities sleep in hammocks, it is possible you may be required to sleep
in one. PST staff is available to support you during this homestay. Staff members are also important resources
to help you process your experiences in cultural understanding and integration.
Trainees are divided into approximately seven groups or communities at a community-based training site. The
site placement is based on the language you will need during your assignment. The language and technical
trainers assigned to each training site conduct formal classes and support you in completing self-directed,
community-based projects and activities. Although you will spend much of your time in language classes, you
will also have classes on cross-cultural, technical, community development, and health and safety topics.
Assignments and projects in the community will provide trainees with experiential learning based on the
content of the classes.
In addition to community-based activities, you will occasionally join your full training group at a central
location for certain general sessions, such as medical, safety, and administration. These sessions also give you
time to reconnect with your group and share experiences. Another important aspect of pre-service training is
assessment, a process that continues throughout Peace Corps service. During training, you will evaluate
yourself and be assessed by training staff. The goal of assessment is to provide specific feedback concerning
your progress in relation to the pre-service training competencies for effective Volunteer service. Failure to
meet the competencies could prevent a trainee from becoming a Volunteer.
Trainees’ performance is evaluated on their ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that have
been identified as essential for initial Peace Corps service in Suriname. In addition to meeting the required
competencies, you must demonstrate personal behaviors that positively reflect and support the goals and image
of the Peace Corps in Suriname. As part of the assessment process, you will also complete a self-evaluation on
personal attributes, such as taking initiative, motivation, cultural and social sensitivity, responsibility,
flexibility, and emotional maturity. This process encourages you to reflect on your original motivation for
joining the Peace Corps and on your current level of commitment so that by the time you are invited to swear-
in as a Volunteer, you are making an informed, serious decision that will sustain you through two years of
service.
Te chnical Tr aining
Technical training will prepare you to work in Suriname by building on the skills you already have and helping
you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps staff, Suriname
Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Suriname and
strategies for working within such a framework. You will review your technical sector’s goals and will meet
with the Suriname agencies and organizations 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 activities and be a productive member of your community. Additional help and tutoring is provided to
trainees who need more support in learning the language.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are 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 at the heart of the training program. You must successfully meet minimum language requirements to
complete training and become a Volunteer. Suriname language instructors teach formal language classes five
days a week in small groups of four to five people.
Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to classroom time, you will
be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to get you to
a point of basic social communication skills so you can practice and develop language skills further once you
are at your site. Prior to being sworn in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language
studies during your service.
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.
He alt h Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and information. 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 Suriname. Nutrition, mental health,
setting up a safe living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) are also covered.
Safe t y 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 about your individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service.
In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, and project
development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served
for three to six months.
Midterm conference (done in conjunction with technical sector in-service): Assists Volunteers in reviewing
their first year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and planning for their second year of
service.
Close of service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their
respective projects and personal experiences.
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.
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. The Peace Corps in
Suriname 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 available in Suriname 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.
If your site is in the interior of Suriname, a malaria-endemic area, you will take mefloquine as a malaria
prophylaxis. Mefloquine has been shown to be the most effective and practical drug for preventing malaria in
areas with significant chloroquine resistance, but it is not foolproof. Therefore, you will need to use protective
clothing, insect repellent, and a mosquito net (provided by Peace Corps/Suriname) as well. For Volunteers who
are not able to use mefloquine, doxycycline is recommended. Although Malarone has been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a malaria prophylaxis, it is recommended only for Volunteers
who have a contraindication for, or intolerance to, both mefloquine and doxycycline. Volunteers must
Accidents associated with transportation are a serious concern in Suriname. You must wear a helmet when
riding a bicycle, and you should wear a seat belt when riding in motor vehicles that have them. You are not
allowed to drive a motorized vehicle and are not allowed to drive or ride on the back of a motorcycle under any
circumstance. You must always wear a life jacket (provided by the Peace Corps) on boat trips.
Eating a balanced diet and drinking a lot of fluids go a long way in maintaining your health. This takes
planning and creativity. Volunteers in small villages often deal with dehydration, which makes any other
health problem worse.
Every Volunteer receives a midservice and end of service dental check up. Dentists are available only in
Paramaribo, which may be far from your site. You will need to take great care in protecting your teeth by
brushing and flossing daily. And remember to watch for stones in rice!
During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical 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 three-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 at midservice and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical problem
during your service, the medical officer in Suriname will consult with the Office of Medical Services in
Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in Suriname, you may be sent out of
the country for further evaluation and care.
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 typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food
preparation in Suriname during pre-service training.
Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted
diseases. You are taking 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
Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
Your medical 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.
If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the local market, the Peace Corps
medical officer in Suriname will provide them. If you require a specific product, please bring a three-month
supply with you.
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 dentist 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 to 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 Suriname. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure.
Bring a three-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 three-month supply, it
will order refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you will be
dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed
medications, such as St. John’s 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 three-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 them, 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 ophthalmologist 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 participation in health care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance 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 orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the
Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you, it might be helpful
to see how this partnership works. Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in place to promote your
safety. We depend on you to follow those policies and to put into practice what you have learned. An example
of how this works in practice—in this case to help manage the risk of burglary—is:
Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will live and work
Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to established security criteria
Peace Corp provides you with resources to take measures such as installing new locks
Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country authorities in your new community
Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise
You lock your doors and windows
You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you live
You get to know neighbors
You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is appropriate for you
You don’t change residences before being authorized by Peace Corps
You communicate concerns that you have to Peace Corps staff
This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training;
and Your Health Care and Safety that all include important safety and security information to help you
understand this partnership. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to
function in the safest 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, reduce, and manage the risks you may encounter.
Before you depart for Suriname there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk:
o Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with someone you trust in the U.S.
• Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the community whenever
possible
• Make sure one’s personal appearance is respectful of local customs
• Avoid high-crime areas
• Know the local language to get help in an emergency
• Make friends with local people who are respected in the community
• Limit alcohol consumption
As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the
potential for being a target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does exist in Suriname. You can
reduce your risk by avoiding situations that place you at risk 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 are less likely to steal
from their neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for pickpockets.
While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress
conservatively, abide by local cultural norms, and respond according to the training you will receive.
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.
18.0 16.9
16.0
14.0
11.4
Incidence Rate
0.0
Sexual Other Physical Robbery Burglary Theft
Assault* Sexual Assault***
Assault**
*Sexual Assault includes the categories of rape, attempted rape, and major sexual assault.
**Other Sexual Assault consists of unwanted groping, fondling, and/or kissing.
***Physical Assault includes aggravated assault and major physical assault.
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that do occur overseas are investigated
and prosecuted by local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the victim of a crime, you will
decide if you wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace Corps will be there to assist you.
One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully informed of your options and understand how the local legal process
works. Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under the laws
of the country.
If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe location as quickly as possible and
contact your Peace Corps office. It’s important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as you can so Peace Corps
can provide you with the help you need.
The Peace Corps/Suriname office will keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety
through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in
memorandums from the country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be
contacted through the emergency communication network. An important component of the capacity of Peace
Corps to keep you informed is your buy-in to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is expected
that you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps staff members are kept apprised of your movements in-
country so they are able to inform you.
Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Suriname. 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 aspects, health, and other components of training. You will be expected to
successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas, including safety and security, as a
condition of service.
Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The 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
worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and
other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; different housing options
and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Suriname’s detailed emergency action plan, which is 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 gather with other Volunteers in Suriname at predetermined locations 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 immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. 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.
In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host countries, the Peace Corps is making special
efforts to assure 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 history. 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 Suriname, as in
other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a
cultural context very different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly
accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Suriname.
Outside of Suriname’s capital, residents of rural communities 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
Suriname are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in
which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present.
To ease the transition and adapt to life in Suriname, you may need to make some temporary, yet fundamental
compromises 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
limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity discussions during pre-service training and
will be on call to provide support, but the challenge ultimately will be your own.
In Paramaribo, it is not uncommon for women to receive stares, comments, and offers of dates or sex on the
street and in other situations. Caucasian women are obvious targets because they are so visible and have a
“One of the most difficult things to adjust to here is the inequality of chores for men and women. Women are
expected to do all the household chores, care for children, and work on farms, while men tend to do limited
farming, hunting, and fishing. Often, women who receive help from their husbands are considered lazy or bad
wives.”
“Most new Volunteers have a hard time with the way women are objectified. Catcalls, kissing sounds, and the
like are everyday occurrences on the streets of Paramaribo. Although you never quite get used to it, you learn
not to let it get to you.”
“Single women will have to work against the cultural norm of ‘if you are single, you should be seeking a man.’
Women tend to ‘take a man’ earlier here than in America, and ‘work’ is not really a legitimate reason not to
have a man. In some communities, it is not uncommon for men to have multiple partners. ‘No’ needs to be
firm and repeated.”
Because of the variety of ethnic groups represented in Suriname, African Americans, Asian Americans, or
Hispanic Americans may be seen as Surinamese. In some cases, this can be a benefit, but it can also be a
source of cultural misunderstandings. Volunteers of color, for example, may be expected to interact socially
with more ease, even though they face the same challenges in learning new cultural norms and languages. One
Volunteer comments: “One of Suriname’s strengths is the variety of ethnicities represented. While relations
among the various groups are generally good, each is heavily stereotyped. If you are not white, people will
assume that you are a member of one of the groups represented here in Suriname. The assumption is that most
Americans are white. People have no qualms about pointing out differences in skin color and applying the
local stereotype.”
Peace Corps/Suriname has been fortunate to have both younger and older Peace Corps Volunteers serving in
the country since 1995. Older Volunteers in Suriname typically report being treated with more respect, a
common practice in Suriname’s culture. However, there are other considerations, as one PCV comments: “Age
is something to be respected in Suriname, more so than in America. Elders are not expected to do much
physical labor, which may be frustrating for Americans who are used to being active. It is also tough adjusting
to live in the way a villager might.”
As a disabled Volunteer in Suriname, you may find that you face a special set of challenges. There are few
services available for people with disabilities in the capital. In the field, local support is likely to be inadequate
to accommodate a physically challenged Volunteer.
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Suriname and is based on their experience. Use it as an
informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect
list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, 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. And remember, you can get almost everything
you need in Suriname.
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 containers. This is an important safety
precaution.
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 addition to finalizing site selections with their ministry counterparts. If feasible, you may
have the opportunity to provide input on your site preferences, including geographical location, 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 or in rural villages and are usually within one hour from another Volunteer.
Some sites require a 10- to 12-hour drive from the capital. There is at least one Volunteer based in each of the
regional capitals and about five to eight Volunteers in the capital city.
Welkom in Sranan!
My friends from Philadelphia could hardly believe that the girl who once owned $2,000 worth of makeup was
going to live in a hut in the Amazon.
Make no mistake about it; you will give up a lot of the comforts of home when you decide to join Peace
Corps/Suriname. You will find yourself dying for Starbucks or willing to sell your soul for a bottle of
cranberry juice. However, after a recent trip to the States to attend a wedding, I realized that I missed just as
many things about Suriname.
Here in Suriname, I live in a small and isolated Amerindian village of less than 100 people. The village is
home to two types of ethnicities, the Arrowak and Carib Indians.
Amerindians are stereotypically shy people, and it took a while for the kids to warm up to me, but today they
spend hours in my house coloring, playing games or doing homework.
Getting to my site involves taking a thoroughly worn bus that runs six times a week. Breakdowns and
stranding are common. The trip takes anywhere from two to six hours depending on the season. I also have to
take a makeshift ferry boat or canoe and I frequently have to walk the 4 kilometers from the river to my house.
My house is very plain. I have a tin roof and wood board walls. I don't have running water, but there is
occasional electricity. I cook on a propane stove and wash my dishes and clothes in a jungle creek (on a
washboard, just like in Little House on the Prairie).
In the evening, when the heat of the day has dissipated, I go out jogging with some of the women in my
village. It is common to see monkeys, parrots, tarantulas, toucans, and even jaguars on our evening runs.
Over the last year and a half I have learned to speak both Sranan Tongo and Dutch. I have added the skill "can
build thatched roofs" to my resume. I have made my own traditional ceremonial outfit, which is the envy of
many of the women in my village. I have worked with my community to make casiri (a traditional homemade
liquor), bake cassava bread, and cleared a regulation size football field using only machetes. I have laughed,
loved, and cried with the women, men, and children in my village.
Though this remote little corner of the world couldn't be more different from the Philadelphia I left behind, I
am now happy to call it home.
You will soon be joining the 17th group of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Suriname. Suriname is a
beautiful country with a diverse mix of cultures and languages. Wherever you’re from, Suriname probably
doesn’t resemble home. Although each Volunteer’s experience is different, you can expect to learn a foreign
language (probably one you’ve never heard of), become a member of your community, and experience a
There is also a good chance that over the next two years you are going to face some troubling situations. At
first you may feel isolated in your community and have trouble relating to your neighbors. You may also get
sick of the summer heat that lasts all year. After a while you’ll adapt and get used to your surroundings. While
you’re at it, you’ll pick up the language, read a shelf of books, and start to enjoy village life. Even during your
toughest times you can be sure that there will be a group of Volunteers and a dedicated staff to provide
support.
Now that one of the toughest parts of Peace Corps is behind you, I hope you are excited about coming to
Suriname. You can be sure that the current Volunteers and staff are looking forward to your arrival.
Andrew Allenbaugh, SUR-14
Dear Trainee,
Welcome to Suriname! Five degrees north latitude, rainforest, jungle, heat, humidity, insects, and burning sun.
It’s gonna be a little different and maybe a tad scary at the outset. But I am amazed at how quickly and easily I
have adjusted and become comfortable with living, and life in Suriname. So will you. I am an older Volunteer;
in fact, I am older than the age of most any two Volunteers added together, so adaptability is not supposed to
be my long suit. You’ll be just fine.
There’ll be some solitude, more than you’re probably used to. Remember that alone isn’t the same as lonely.
It’s an opportunity to read the great literature you’ve always intended to if ever you had the time. It’s a gift of
time to smell the roses, or in this case, that fragile, exquisite blossom you can’t identify even from a flower
book.
Give comfort and take comfort from your friends. Be part of everything. Enjoy this time and this place.
You’ll be glad you came.
Welcome and congratulations on being chosen to start your training as a Suriname Volunteer. I remember
when I first received my email invitation to come to Suriname. I was overwhelmed with feelings of excitement
and joy and anxious about what lay ahead. We have been here one month. We arrived at 1 a.m., greeted by a
large gathering who gave us a warm welcome. We were told we were the newest members of the Peace
Corps/Suriname family.
We absolutely do feel as though we are part of a large new family and we are especially close to our fellow
trainees whom we rely on and confide in every day. Training is hard. If you are looking for a little R&R you
are not going to like it here. The Peace Corps is serious about training. We have already picked up a lot of
helpful information and are practicing our new development skills. We are up early and 12-hour days are not
unusual. There is no escaping the heat and humidity. That being said, we love what we have seen of Suriname
so far and love the people. We can’t wait to get to our permanent sites and start our new lives as Peace Corps
Volunteers.
You are about to embark on a journey that will change your life forever. Being a Peace Corps Volunteer is no
easy task. Even the path to become a Peace Corps Volunteer has its challenges, as I’m sure you already know,
but Peace Corps/Suriname is the next level. Here you will get the most real and raw experience you can
imagine.
You will become a stronger person in all aspects of your life by stepping up to the challenge.
It will be up to you to do what you will, but it is only through a journey like this that you will grow like no
other. Take this opportunity and make the most out of it, put yourself out there and you’ll see the rewards
throughout the rest of your life. This will change your life forever.
Matthew Day
SUR-16
Congratulations on getting one step closer to the start of your Peace Corps journey!
I know at this point you must be experiencing a handful of emotions and many bitter sweet goodbyes. I know
this because I was in your shoes just about a month ago (from the time I am writing this). It’s amazing how
fast this past month has gone by and how much I have learned within such a short time frame. Already, I have
the basic language skills to hold a conversation with a Surinamese local and I have seen the vast array of
cultures that Suriname hosts.
Right now I’m at my community-based training site in a village called Pikin Powakka. Although it has been
challenging trying to adjust to the lifestyle here, it has been rewarding to overcome my fears and to try new
things. By letting go of my apprehension I have been able to help in preparing traditional cassava bread, tasted
a variety of wild bush meat, swam in the Suriname River, and participated in community slagball games.
Like I said, I’ve only been in Suriname for a short time now, but I’ve experienced more here in one month than
I could’ve ever experienced in America. I’m excited for what’s to come in these next couple years. I’m blessed
to be here and I’ve already met people who I can call family. I look forward to meeting you all and hopefully
by that time I’ll have plenty more stories to share.
Good luck with all your last minute preparations and see you all real soon!
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Suriname and is based on their experience. Use it as an
informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect
list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, 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. And remember, you can get almost everything
you need in Suriname.
Suriname ha s a t ropical c limate with h igh hu midity a nd r ainfall. T emperatures r ange f rom 60 t o 1 00 de grees
Fahrenheit and tend to be cooler in the rain forest interior than along the coast. The climate in Suriname can ruin
some items, so do not bring things you would be heartbroken to lose. Although Volunteers are expected to project a
professional image at all times, dress in the capital of Paramaribo is more formal than in the interior communities. In
the capital, Volunteers work in office settings where “smart casual” attire is appropriate (trousers and collared shirts
for men; slacks or skirts and blouses for women). In the interior, clothing varies depending on t he culture and the
location of the community. Men tend to wear pants or shorts with T-shirts or other casual shirts and sandals or flip-
flops, while women wear skirts with T-shirts or other tops and sandals or flip-flops. Remember that Suriname is a
relatively poor c ountry. V olunteers w ith a l ot of pos sessions w ill a ppear r ich t o many S urinamese. Keep in
mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage, and that you can get almost everything you need in
Suriname.
General Clothing
Clothing should be sturdy, easily washable, permanent press, quick-drying, and modest. Volunteers
recommend that you try washing clothing and wringing it out by hand before packing to determine if the
clothing is suitable. Do not bring military-style clothing or camouflage garments. As mentioned earlier in the
Welcome Book, Americans usually underestimate the importance that Surinamese society places on looking
professional; your effectiveness can suffer as a result. See the section on professionalism, dress, and behavior.
For Men:
For Women:
• One dress or dressy outfit (skirt and top) suitable for a business meeting or Peace Corps swearing-in
ceremony
• Two casual, comfortable skirts
• Two p airs o f sh orts o r capris or B ermudas ( not too s hort, m odesty is c ulturally important a nd t he
shorter the pants, the higher the mosquito bites go)
• Pajamas (lightweight long pants or capris are nice in the evenings)
• A long-sleeve lightweight cotton shirt for sleeping to help protect you from mosquitoes.
• Five or more T-shirts or tank tops (not low cut, consider T-shirts with wicking properties, such as Dri-
Power shirts b y Russell Athletic, as r egular T-shirts can t ake s everal d ays t o d ry an d make y ou
miserable if you get caught in a rainstorm)
• One long-sleeved T-shirt (for cool evenings and jungle hiking)
• Poncho or rain jacket (ponchos are better than raincoats as they provide coverage for gear and afford
greater ventilation)
• Cap or hat for sun protection
• A ge nerous s upply of e asy-to-wash unde rwear, i ncluding br as ( cotton r ecommended). S turdy
underwear i s ha rd t o f ind i n S uriname a nd t he qu ality and s election i s not a s v aried a s i n t he U .S.
Cotton blends are better than synthetics. Sports bras are highly recommended. In some communities,
Volunteers can wear halter tops or sports bras for bathing and other informal activities.
• One swimsuit and two or three pairs of swim shorts (e.g., Umbros). In many communities in the
interior, bathing is done publicly in the river, so suits should be modest. At some sites, women may be
expected to wear lightweight shorts or sarongs (called pangi) over their suits to cover their thighs.
• One pair of jeans
Shoes
• One pair of running/tennis/walking shoes
• Two pair of flip-flops or other informal “slippers” (available in Suriname)
• One pair of sturdy, waterproof sandals with straps, such as Chacos
• A good pair of mid-calf, rubber rain boots
• For w omen: o ne p air o f d ress sa ndals o r sh oes fo r sp ecial o ccasions ( not p lastic flip-flops but t he
dressier looking sandals.
Note about shoes: Good, sturdy shoes are expensive on a Peace Corps budget. If you wear odd sizes (9 or
above, wide, or narrow) you will have trouble finding a good fit. Inexpensive “fashion” sandals are abundant,
but usually wear out quickly or may blister your feet. It is recommended to bring at least one good pair of flip-
flops, such as Reefs or Rainbows. These last a long time and withstand the mud and other conditions much
better than Surinamese flip-flops.
Miscellaneous
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 illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone number: 800.424.8580, extension
1470).
• Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front handbook to family and friends.
Passport / Trave l
• Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas.
• Verify that your 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.)
Me dical/ He alt h
• Complete any needed dental and medical work.
• Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills) you are
currently taking.
Insur ance
• 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 pre-existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. If
there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.)
Pe rsonal Pa pe rs
• Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
Vot ing
• 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.)
Pe rsonal Effe ct s
• 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.
• 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.
This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various
questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local numbers provided. Be sure
to leave the toll-free number and extensions with your family so they can contact
you in the event of an emergency.
Peace Corps Headquarters Toll-free Number: 800.424.8580, Press 2, Press 1, then Ext. # (see below)
Responding to an Invitation:
Readjustment Allowance Withdrawals, Power of Attorney, Staging (Pre-Departure Orientation), and Reporting
Instructions: