Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-016
Julius (Jay) Sztuk served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Fiji from 1974 to 1976 on an architecture project. Sztuk resided in Loloma Flats while training in the Fiji capital of Suva. He was assigned to the Public Works Department in Suva as an architect co-worker. He gradually earned the respect of colleagues as he helped design the maternity ward for the hospital and several rural community medical clinics. Sztuk discusses his initial difficulty learning Hindi but spending time with local men helped him to assimilate and become close to the community. Storytelling, card playing, and drinking kava were important forms of entertainment. Sztuk visited local families in his neighborhood, hosted friends for meals, and met his future wife. He also had opportunities to tour other islands in the country. After returning to the U.S., getting married, starting a family, and working full time, he earned his architecture license in 1983. Interviewed and recorded by Patricia Wand, September 3, 2018. 3 digital audio files (web streaming files combined into 1 file).