Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-054
Stephen A. Jonathan served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo from 1975 to 1977 as an English teacher. He talks about his motivation to join the Peace Corps and have an on-the-ground experience in a developing country, despite the wishes of his parents. Jonathan's training was in Philadelphia and then continued in Atakpame, Togo. He received instruction in French and some local dialects, teaching methods, and some cultural training. Jonathan worked at a girls' Catholic private school. In addition to teaching English to middle school girls, he coached the girls' basketball team and enjoyed it immensely. He traveled extensively through Western Africa, mostly on his own, and spoke of observing some of the after-effects of colonialism and the many changes happening in Africa. Finally, Jonathan discusses how his degree in international relations and his Peace Corps experience guided his career in international business and currency exchange and what he might do after he retires. Interviewed and recorded by Candice Wiggum, February 10, 2019. 2 digital audio files (web streaming files combined into 1 file).