Community Development Facilitator in Coastal Resource Management

Housing:

Housing conditions for Volunteers vary widely depending upon their community and can range from heavily urban to very rural. In underdeveloped areas, housing construction is typically a hollow concrete block or a mix of concrete, wood, and bamboo. Housing in more developed areas, can range from the same construction as in underdeveloped areas up to full concrete and modern design. Most houses have running water and electricity but do not have air conditioning. Access to internet will vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Host Family Situation:

Volunteers live with host families during the community-based portion of Pre-Service Training. Typically, Volunteers live with host families for the first four months in their permanent communities. After this period, Volunteers may choose to continue living with a host family or move into their own rented accommodations. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to continue living with host families to strengthen their language fluency and integration into the community.

Intercultural Challenges:

Volunteers will encounter very different social and cultural norms that will require patience and flexibility. The American sense of privacy, in terms of information-sharing or physical space, does not exist in many Philippine communities. Questions about topics that Americans may deem private, such as religion or marital status, are considered conversation starters in local communities. Some American women may experience challenges in adjusting to the limitations that are imposed on women by the culture. Views and attitudes about what is proper for girls and women can be very traditional such as being home by sunset or having a host family member or relative accompany them when going out with male friends or community members.

Intercultural Differences

Volunteers of an American racial, ethnic, or national minority or those whose religious or spiritual beliefs differ from the majority of the local community members may experience a high degree of curiosity or unwanted attention. An American without any religious affiliation might receive an unusual number of questions about why the Volunteer does not have a religious affiliation. They may expect to receive invitations to attend religious activities for exposure. These experiences can be uncomfortable, but Volunteers are encouraged to use these moments as opportunities to deepen local community members’ understanding of the U.S. through conversations and authentic engagement in building relationships and intercultural integration. Staff will address challenges and opportunities during Pre-Service Training and in individual consultations.

Climate:

The climate of the Philippines is tropical and characterized by relatively high temperatures and high humidity. Generally, the country experiences two major seasons; rainy season from June through November, and dry season from December to May.

Dress:

Philippine culture is traditional with strict norms related to appearance. Therefore, Volunteers must be prepared to abide by these guidelines to ensure a successful service. Volunteers with visible body and facial piercings or tattoos will need strategies to remove or conceal them, especially when they are teaching. Volunteers are looked upon as role models in the community and are therefore expected to be neat, clean, and well-groomed even in informal occasions. Men should wear their hair short and be clean-shaven or have neatly trimmed facial hair.

When Volunteers are in the Local Government Unit (LGU) office, they must wear business casual attire such as polo shirts and long pants (either jeans or slacks) for men, or blouses, skirts at or below the knees, jeans, and women’s slacks for women. All clothes must be neat and clean. Jeans may not be frayed or have rips/holes.

Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Philippines country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.