REPORT ON THE PEACE CORPS, TIME Magazine, 1961.

According to Shriver, what is the long-term goal of Peace Corps involvement?

To train “middle manpower” in developing countries so that progress becomes self-sustaining without ongoing U.S. presence.

What types of roles were Peace Corps volunteers typically invited to fill in host countries?

Teaching math, science, and English—e.g., 36 out of 66 PCVs in Nigeria were secondary school teachers.

What risks did Peace Corps volunteers face according to the article?

Harsh climates, disease (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis), and cultural misunderstandings—framing the experience as a noble and risky duty.

What cultural training did volunteers receive beyond language skills?

They learned local games and dances—emphasizing the importance of interpersonal connection over purely technical aid.

How were volunteers prepared to counter anti-American sentiment?

Through refresher courses in U.S. history, equipping them to respond to Cold War-era propaganda.

What was Camp Hammarskjold in Puerto Rico used for?

A training base where volunteers received additional preparation, including cultural and technical instruction.

How did volunteers engage with local communities through American culture?

They hosted baseball games in Tanganyika and folk music performances in Pakistani villages—spreading U.S. culture and building soft power.

What did TIME magazine suggest made volunteers so respected in host countries?

Their willingness to work “shoulder to shoulder” with locals—showing humility and a break from traditional, top-down diplomacy.

What does Robert Morris’s quote reveal about the democratizing impact of the Peace Corps?

It allowed ordinary young Americans to contribute directly to foreign policy—making global service accessible beyond elite diplomatic channels.