Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-MR-2005-025-001
Cindy Annchild served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran from 1968 to 1972 as an English teacher. She joined with her husband; only couples were allowed to be stationed in Iran. Annchild trained in Vermont with intensive language training in Persian. In-country training consisted of cultural courses, especially on how to dress and act appropriately as a woman. Cindy and her husband both taught high school children in segregated boys and girls schools. During the first year, she found it difficult to do everything "correctly" and fit into the local culture, but says Iranians were the most hospitable and kind people she has ever met. The couple re-enlisted and served for another two years from 1970 to 1972. By this time all Peace Corps volunteers were training in-country and they joined the staff as cross-cultural directors. Interviewed and recorded by Ernest Zaremba, August 27, 2004. 2 tapes (web streaming files combined into 1 file).