NAME: Shinae Kim
DATE OF EXPERIENCE: June 12 - August 12, 1998
LOCATION OF EXPERIENCE: Paraguay

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIENCE: I traveled to Paraguay with the organization: Amigos de las Americas. The objective of this program focused on human immunizations and education regarding general public health issues: dental hygiene, nutrition and AIDS education. I lived with a host family in an urban city named Fernando De La Mora for six weeks. I had a partner that lived in the same city with another family. I worked with my partner in coordinating and providing health talks at the clinic and out in the community: schools, parks and waiting rooms. I traveled with nurses to local schools preparing syringes for immunizations. My partner and I painted two murals depicting nutrition and health in two local schools. Once a week, I assisted a doctor by taking blood pressures on high school students as he was providing yearly health assessments/examinations.

DID YOU MEET YOUR OBJECTIVES? All objectives were met with the exception of not being able to perform actual vaccinations due to Amigos protocol. Amigos protocol did not authorize volunteers to perform immunizations in the dorsogluteal site (due to liability) therefore, I was not able to participate. Vaccinations were typically given at this site. My main objective was to promote health education/awareness.

My cultural experience was great. Paraguayans are very friendly and hospitable. My host family was wonderful and so kind, they made my stay very rewarding. My host mother was one of the head nurses at the local clinic and my host father was an engineer at a bank. I had two host brothers, Ramon (10), Claudio (5) and a host sister, Yeruti (7).

DESCRIBE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WHAT YOU EXPECTED AND WHAT YOU ENCOUNTERED: Prior to departure, I did not know in detail what to expect once I arrived in Paraguay. I thought my main focus would be on providing immunizations. I thought I would travel with a nurse, and go to schools and other facilities where people would be waiting for their vaccinations. However, that was not the case; there was a proactive role on my part by brainstorming an effective and creative means to convey the need for various health topics/issues to the local Paraguayans. My partner and I had quite a bit of control in terms of the different projects we wanted to do. It took some time to get to that point, based upon uncertainty of cultural respect being compromised. Many of the people we spoke with were very helpful and very receptive to our ideas. We would always encourage ideas and feedback from individuals that were working with us directly/indirectly.

DESCRIBE YOUR WAYS OF COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CLIENTS: This was a very challenging area for me and I learned very quickly to use my hands and to give examples. Towards the beginning I would use my dictionary quite often but as the weeks went on I learned the basics and spoke slowly as well as giving examples to assist in illustrating my point. I would prepare note cards for the different health talks and many times my partner would have to translate when the topic required a deeper understanding for she was more fluent. Also, my host family was very patient with my Spanish and helpful.

DID YOUR CLIENTS ACCEPT YOU? Yes, for the most part, I felt accepted. In some cases, I did not feel accepted by the nursing staff.

WAS TRUST IMMEDIATE, OR DID YOU HAVE TO EARN TRUST? It varied from setting to age to the topic. The health talks went very well. Some of the teachers and students were open to the AIDS talk, but it was apparent that some were not. A couple teachers appeared rather annoyed with the matter and did not appear to appreciate the information being discussed. Others were very open and encouraged information and dialogue.

WERE YOU ABLE TO MINGLE AND MAKE NON-PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS? Yes, most certainly. The Paraguayans are very friendly and open. They are very curious and inquisitive people. I have/had a great relationship with my host family and became quite connected. They wanted to show me different parts of Paraguay and to teach me their culture. I would also share my "American" culture. I intend to stay in contact with them and hopefully visit them sometime in the future. I made friends at the local park and intend to keep in touch with one of them.

WERE THERE ANY CULTURAL SHOCKS? I think the hardest aspect was the language. There were many times in the beginning I wondered why or for what reason I was doing in Paraguay when I was not even able to communicate proficiently. There was the economic/social aspect. In Paraguay as in most third world countries, the rich are very rich and the poor are very poor. It was difficult to see the extreme "blatant" social stratification and inequality. In reality, I suppose it's not that different from the United States. In the U.S. there is more opportunity.

I had a difficult time with their disposal system. Many streets and neighborhoods were littered with trash. It was not very safe or sanitary but many people appeared not to care and freely littered the streets.

MOST FAVORABLE CULTURAL DIFFERENCE NOTED: The lack of "urgency", the lifestyle was much more relaxed. There wasn't a strict schedule to follow. People took the time to visit with family and friends while drinking mate (Paraguayan tea).

Drinking mate, it can be served hot or cold, but it was a very social type of drink. There was one "cup" and one "pourer". The pourer would hand the cup to each individual and on to the next as friends and family gathered to talk.

Family connections.

LEAST AGREEABLE CULTURAL DIFFERENCE NOTED: The male dominated society and how that reflected women's roles and status in Paraguay.

Poverty and the social/economic impact.

WAS YOUR PREPARATION ADEQUATE? Personal: Yes, I've always wanted to travel to another country and I prepared by asking others that have traveled abroad. I read different materials regarding Paraguayan culture.

Cultural: I asked many questions to the organization and for those that may have experienced something similar. I searched for information on the Internet and bought and read books regarding Paraguayan culture/lifestyle. I took a quarter of Spanish through the experimental college; however, I did not feel as though that was adequate up my arrival in Paraguay.

Professional: Through my course work, labs and clinical settings, I felt I was prepared. I studied the different vaccinations and the timetable at which each should be received.

Organizational: I felt I could have worked on this area. There were many projects that could have benefited with more knowledge and time.

ANY PERSONAL SAFETY CONCERNS? Physical illness was a concern, but I maintained good health with the exception of a cold. Obtaining parasites was also a concern prior to departure but once I found out I would be living in an urban area, that wasn't as much of an issue. I stayed away from street vendors and "open foods."

MOST VALUABLE THING/IDEA/METHOD YOU LEARNED: I learned so many things…it is difficult to name one point. I learned to take chances and to not be afraid of trying something new. To appreciate and enrich yourself (with the opportunity) to different culture and ideas. To be more pro-active in whatever situation, whether it be social inequality or misrepresentation of a people or group. Be open and to make friendships. Try to see from "another's" point of view. Have fun and be creative while trying to share ideas. Having a good sense of humor.

WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN? Most definitely, yes!

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS FOR OTHER STUDENTS? I certainly would. I think it would broaden one's perspective on social, economic and health issues. It would allow one to be challenged in demonstrating creativity, leadership and problem solving skills. To be immersed and to experience a different culture first hand is something that can never be replicated in a classroom or by a book. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER? I would recommend making an effort to learn the language and not to be afraid to try and make mistakes. I suppose it would depend on the duration of time being spent in a particular country, but it is important not only for communication but for what you are reflecting of yourself and your willingness to be a part of one's culture. Make the most of everyday and take opportunities to learn about yourself and your surroundings. Build friendships. This made my stay that much more worthwhile. Make the best of it and take chances.