Edward O.

1. What inspired you to apply for this Peace Corps position?

Simply put, I was inspired to apply for this Peace Corps position due to my lifelong desire to be of use to others. I was living in Budapest, Hungary, at the time I applied and wanted to stay in Europe. My teammate, who was Albanian, recommended Albania or Kosovo to me.

2. Tell us about a moment that sticks with you from the first week at your site.

The natural beauty of Kosovo impressed me from my first week at my site and it still does today. The people are also very welcoming.

2. What is your main job?

My main job is co-teaching English with my counterpart. I have also started an after-school and summer program at my school. I am currently working on creating a classroom solely dedicated to English, which will allow for more immersive learning.

3. What strategies have you used to integrate into your community?

I have a long history of living in different communities. Sports and in particular soccer, has always been a way for me to integrate into communities. The same is true in this instance. Additionally, having coffee with my colleagues and other community members has also been very effective. Kosovo has a strong coffee culture.

4. What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me starts at 8 a.m. on most days, and ends at 1 or 2 p.m., if there is an after-school program session. I usually teach 4-5 classes a day, from pre-K to ninth grade.

5. What is a highlight of your time in service so far?

A highlight of my service is being able to pursue my love for soccer while in service. Other Volunteers come watch me play and I’ve made several new friends from my community and surrounding areas while playing.

6. What have you enjoyed most about the community where you are serving?

I enjoy the enthusiasm of my students to learn, especially the younger ones. Their English skills are exceptional and continue to amaze me.

7. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from your community?

I learned to be very resilient and resourceful from living in my community.

8. How do you spend time when not working on a project?

I spend my leisure time writing. I have been working on a fictional historical epic novel for some years now.

9. Tell us about the strongest relationship you’ve developed while in the country.

The strongest relationship I have developed while in the country is with my host brother and his cousins. We keep in touch on social media and hang out whenever we get the chance. I have been to soccer matches, and many more with them.

10. What are you looking forward to in your remaining time as a Volunteer?

I am looking forward to completing my English classroom project in my remaining time as a Volunteer.

11. Tell us your favorite phrase in the local language.

My favorite Albanian phrase is “Qka me bo,” meaning “what to do.” It’s similar to “it is what it is.”

12. What will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

When I return to the U.S., I will be more eager to engage and explore the many different cultures and traditions across the many states.

13. What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Peace Corps?

I advise anyone thinking of joining the Peace Corps to do it. It will be an experience of a lifetime and it will broaden your horizons.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kosovo.