Peace Corps Samoa Welcome Book - April 2010

THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO
SAMOA
A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
April 2010
SAMOA MAP
This map is used with permission from the State Department.

A WELCOME LETTER
Tlofa (greetings) and malo (congratulations) on being invited to become a Peace Corps Volunteer in Samoa. Having
made it through various paperwork, interviews, medical and dental exams, and other aspects of the application
process thus far, you must be excited to finally receive a formal invitation.
As to what awaits you here, Samoas tremendous natural beauty and fascinating culture are making the country an
increasingly popular international tourist destination. But it is important that you not have unrealistic expectations
that you are coming to a tropical paradise where all will be easy, good, and fun. Although Volunteers here
experience all of these things, Samoas development environment presents significant challenges to Peace Corps and
to Peace Corps Volunteers. As with assignments anywhere in the world, Volunteers have to surmount obstacles, deal
with mistakes and setbacks, be adaptable and resilient, wonder what the Peace Corps has gotten them into, think
about what they have gotten themselves into, and summon reserves of patience, understanding, dedication, and
perseverance that most probably have not realized they possessed.
Most Volunteers assigned to Samoa complete their service and highly value the experience. Peace Corps Volunteers
in the past 40+ years have contributed a great deal to Samoas development and to building strong bonds between the
United States and Samoa. Volunteers have touched the lives of so many Samoans that the people here have an
extremely high regard for Peace Corps and its Volunteers. New Volunteers will become part of a very distinguished
tradition.
As with any Peace Corps program, however, some Volunteers decide that the benefits of the experience are
outweighed by the disadvantages, and they go home early. This is hard on them and the people and organizations they
have been helping. Therefore, its important to think before you leap.
To find out more about the challenges and opportunities in Samoa, please consider carefully the information provided
in this invitation kit. These materials are not all-inclusive, and conditions here can change quickly, so consult other
resources, too. Likewise, please contact the Pacific country desk unit at Peace Corps headquarters if you have further
questions.
In Samoa, there is an expression, O le ala i le pule ole tautua, which means, The path to a leadership position is
through service. Samoan chiefs, or matai, gain their titles through service to their families and communities. Once
offered a title, the decision to accept comes only after deep reflection and consideration and is a serious commitment
and responsibility. Peace Corps service parallels this tradition. Making a commitment to two years of Peace Corps
service is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
If you decide this invitation to serve in Samoa is appropriate for you, there are many rewards awaiting you, including
perhaps the ultimate honor that Samoans sometimes bestow upon Volunteers for their service, and that is to be named
as a matai.
Dale Withington
Country Director
PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

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A WELCOME LETTER .......................................................................................................................... 1
CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS ......................................................... 4
PEACE CORPS/SAMOA HISTORY AND PROGRAMS .................................................................... 4
History of the Peace Corps in Samoa ................................................................................................... 4
History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Samoa ................................................................ 5
History .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Government .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Economy ............................................................................................................................................... 6
People and Culture ................................................................................................................................ 6
Environment ......................................................................................................................................... 6
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION .................................................................................. 7
General Information About Samoa ....................................................................................................... 7
Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees ....................................................................... 7
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Samoa ............................................................................... 8
International Development Sites About Samoa.................................................................................... 8
Recommended Books ........................................................................................................................... 9
LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE................................................................ 10
Communications ................................................................................................................................. 10
Mail ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Telephones .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Computer, Internet, and Email Access ............................................................................................... 11
Housing and Site Location.................................................................................................................. 11
Living Allowance and Money Management ...................................................................................... 11
Food and Diet ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Geography and Climate ...................................................................................................................... 13
Social Activities .................................................................................................................................. 13
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior ................................................................................................ 13
Personal Safety ................................................................................................................................... 14
Rewards and Frustrations ................................................................................................................... 14
PEACE CORPS TRAINING .................................................................................................................. 16
Overview of Pre-Service Training ...................................................................................................... 16
Qualifying for Service ........................................................................................................................ 16
Ongoing Learning ............................................................................................................................... 17
YOUR HEALTH CARE AND SAFETY IN SAMOA ......................................................................... 18
Health Issues in Samoa ....................................................................................................................... 18
Helping You Stay Healthy .................................................................................................................. 18
Maintaining Your Health .................................................................................................................... 18
Womens Health Information ............................................................................................................. 19
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit ........................................................................................................... 19
Medical Kit Contents .......................................................................................................................... 19
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist............................................................................................ 20
Safety and SecurityOur Partnership................................................................................................ 21
Support from Staff .............................................................................................................................. 23
Crime Data for Samoa ........................................................................................................................ 24
Volunteer Safety Support in Samoa ................................................................................................... 25
DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES .............................................................................. 26
Overview of Diversity in Samoa ........................................................................................................ 26

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What Might a Volunteer Face? ........................................................................................................... 27
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS................................................................................................. 30
WELCOME LETTERS FROM SAMOA VOLUNTEERS ................................................................... 33
PACKING LIST ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Following are some suggestions for both men and women:............................................................... 35
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST ......................................................................................................... 44
Family ................................................................................................................................................. 44
Passport/Travel ................................................................................................................................... 44
Medical/Health ................................................................................................................................... 44
Insurance ............................................................................................................................................. 44
Personal Papers ................................................................................................................................... 44
Voting ................................................................................................................................................. 44
Personal Effects .................................................................................................................................. 45
Financial Management........................................................................................................................ 45
CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS .......................................................................... 46

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CORE EXPECTATIONS
FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS
In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of promoting world peace and friendship, as a trainee and
Volunteer, you are expected to:
1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term of 27
months
2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work; and, in doing so, share
your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed
3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship, if necessary, and with the
flexibility needed for effective service
4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and confidence
you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community and culture
5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal conduct and professional
performance
6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect
7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and national laws of the country
where you serve
8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and well-being and that of
others
9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and community, as a representative of the people,
cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America
10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host country and community to
people in the United States both during and following your service
PEACE CORPS/ SAMOA

HISTORY AND PROGRAMS
Hist ory of t he Pe ace Cor ps in Samoa

In 1967, after experiencing a difficult year and a devastating cyclone, Samoa invited the Peace Corps to the country.
The first Volunteers worked in rural villages, leading health and hygiene projects for the Samoa Department of
Health. These early Volunteers remain well-known for the introduction of water seal toilets, now affectionately called
fale Pisikoa (Peace Corps houses).
The next groups to follow were civil engineers, architects, accountants, statisticians, and economic planners who
served under the Public Works Department. One early Volunteer was the architect and construction supervisor for the
present Parliament building at Mulinuu and the supporting offices of the Legislative Assembly.
Volunteers also had a significant impact on infrastructure development, such as the Faleolo International Airport
terminal and school buildings. Some took up prominent executive positions in various government departments, such
as acting directors of Public Works.
In health care, Volunteers have served as researchers in filariasis control (filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by a
blood nematode), and have worked at the National Hospital as nutrition educators and dietitians. Other Volunteers
have worked as small business advisors and as youth development workers.
While Volunteers have served in most sectors and departments during the 40-year history of the Peace Corps in
Samoa, the largest numbers have served in the Department of Education as classroom teachers and advisors. Peace
Corps Volunteers have taught and been involved in educating tens of thousands of Samoan children.

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They have helped build the capacity of local teachers by serving in classrooms for two years, allowing Samoan
teachers to attend the National University of Samoa full time, enhancing their education and teaching skills.
Volunteers have taught in a variety of subject areas, including science, business, mathematics, and computer studies.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other Samoans are happy to share stories about their favorite Pisikoa
who taught them in school or lived with their family. To date, more than 1,790 Volunteers have served in Samoa.
Hist ory and Fut u re of Pe ace Cor ps Progr amming in Samoa

Having worked for several decades on building the capacity of educators in Samoa and wanting to focus on other
project areas, the education project was graduated in December 2003.
In June 2001, in cooperation and partnership with the government of Samoa, Peace Corps/Samoa began two new
projects: village-based development (VBD) and capacity building (CB). The VBD project includes the Future
Farmers of Samoa (FFS) program and an integrated coastal management (ICM) initiative, while the CB project
includes information and communication technology (ICT), special needs and inclusive education (SNIE), second
chance education (SCE), and mentoring in technical and professional areas (MTPA). These projects remain the core
of the Peace Corps development assistance to Samoa.
In the VBD project, Volunteers work with rural communities to help them articulate their common vision for the
future and to assist them in identifying their assets, mobilizing local resources, and accessing additional services to
help them achieve their vision. As part of these efforts, Volunteers often facilitate, with their village counterparts, the
design and management of small-scale projects in numerous sectors, including health, agriculture, youth, and income
generation. Volunteers with the FFS project are helping make agriculture a profession of first choice in Samoa. ICM
Volunteers work with various local organizations and communities to incorporate marine education and awareness
into science classes, develop environmental projects, and assist with monitoring and protecting marine resources.
ICT Volunteers work primarily in schools and sometimes in offices as teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum
developers, network programmers, systems administrators, and systems analysts. SNIE Volunteers build
understanding and skills in the schools and communities of Samoa for students with special needs and in early
childhood and inclusive education. SCE Volunteers work with the technical schools to provide training in areas such
as carpentry, welding, plumbing, and life skills to those who leave school early and students going into vocational
trades. MTPA Volunteers work with local development agencies and government ministries on strategic planning,
capacity building, program design and management, and systemizing day-to-day operations.
In 2007, Peace Corps/Samoa updated its vision to the following: A dynamic, community service-focused post,
working in partnership with Samoa to achieve its vision by identifying and initiating new, enhancing current, and
graduating sustainable programs, through the support of diverse, well-trained, safety-oriented, adaptable Volunteers
in meaningful assignments, committed to building understanding and capacity. Samoa's vision as defined in the
Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2005-2007 document is: "Improved Quality of Life for All," with the theme
of "Enhancing People's Choices."
In 2008, the post requested some assistance from Peace Corps headquarters in reviewing its projects to ensure that the
programs are the most effective in terms of development impact, management and budget efficiencies, and
satisfaction levels of Volunteers. The review team sent by Peace Corps/Washington recommended that PC/Samoa
focus all of its attention on a single project in either primary school English literacy or health awareness and
education. The post is moving ahead with the development of a school-based community development project, in
which Volunteers would co-teach English in primary schools and also assist communities with development projects.

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Hist ory
The modern history of Samoa began with the arrival of John Williams and his team from the London Missionary
Society in 1830. British, German, and American consulates were later established in Apia. By the 1890s, Samoa was
divided between Germany and the United States. The former administered Western Samoa, while the latter retained
control of Eastern Samoa, now known as American Samoa.
When war broke out in Europe in 1914, the New Zealand military forces occupied Western Samoa. In 1919, the
League of Nations granted New Zealand a territorial mandate over Samoa. In 1946, Samoa was made a United
Nations Trusteeship under New Zealand. In 1961, a plebiscite showed overwhelming support for independence, and
on January 1, 1962, Samoa became an independent nation.
Gove rnme nt
Samoas parliament is modeled after the British Westminster system. The country had a head of state, who was
appointed for life at the time of independence. With his death in 2007, the head of state appointments now serve five-
year terms. The House of Representatives has 49 members, voted in through universal suffrage (since 1992). From
independence until 1992, mataimen and women who hold chiefly titleswere the only citizens eligible to vote.
Members represent their constituencies for a term of five years. For over 20 years, the Human Rights Protection Party
(HRPP) has dominated the local political sphere with a scattering of opposing political parties.
Econ omy
Samoas economy is agriculturally basedprimarily on the cultivation and exportation of crops such as copra (dried
coconut) and bananas. Nonu and coconut oil are the newer major exports. Taro, formerly the main cash crop, is
making a comeback following the taro leaf blight of the early 1990s. Similarly, cocoa is starting to make a comeback.
The fishing industry has become an important part of the export economy in the past few years. Additional income is
gained through small-scale factories with products such as electrical components and parts, beer and soft drinks,
cigarettes, and garments. Tourism is a growing sector, which may soon replace all of the above areas in terms of
overall economic importance. Finally, remittances from Samoans living overseas play a considerable part in Samoas
economic growth and development.
Pe ople and Cult u re

The Faa Samoa, or the Samoan way of life, is the dominant social force. Samoan life revolves around the family
group, called the aiga, which includes a wide group of relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption, that acknowledges
one person as the headthe matai. A matai is the holder of a title, either a high chief or a talking chiefan orator.
Relations and interactions within the family are governed by love, respect, and reciprocity. The Samoan family is a
communal entity where work, success, and reward are shared and revered by all. There are specific roles played by
each member of the family, especially in regard to the upkeep and welfare of the family. Males do the more physical
work, such as cultivation of the land and fishing. Women do the domestic chores (e.g., cooking, keeping the house
and lawns neat and tidy, and weaving).
Environ me nt
The islands of Samoa lie about 1,600 miles northeast of New Zealand and about 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii.
The narrow coastal plains on the four inhabited islands support most of the people, while the rugged interiors are
covered by dense rain forests. The islands are protected by coral reefs and lagoons. Sea breezes temper the tropical
climate, and temperatures average about 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Samoa has a wet season from November
to April, and cyclones can occur during this time of the year. The cooler, dry season is from May to October.
Although rain is an almost daily event, most of the 115 inches of annual average rainfall occurs between October and
March.

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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps and Samoa and to connect you to
returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind that although we try to make sure all these links are
active and current, we cannot guarantee it. If you do not have access to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries
offer free Internet usage and often let you print information to take home.
A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which
people are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own experience, including comments by
those who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are not those of the Peace
Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two people experience their service in the
same way.
Ge ne ral Informat ion Abou t Samoa
www.countrywatch.com/
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the capital of Samoa to how to convert from the dollar to
the Samoan currency. Just click on Samoa and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.
www.state.gov
The State Departments website issues background notes periodically about countries around the world. Find Samoa
and learn more about its social and political history.
www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm
This site includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm
This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each country page contains links to other
sites, such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive historical, social, and political background.
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for member states of the U.N.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about countries around the world.
Conne ct Wit h Re t u rne d Volunt e e rs an d Ot he r Invit e e s
www.rpcv.org
This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find
links to all the Web pages of the friends of groups for most countries of service, made up of former Volunteers who
served in those countries. There are also regional groups who frequently get together for social events and local
volunteer activities.
http://www.rpcvwebring.org
This site is known as the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Web Ring. Browse the Web ring and see what former
Volunteers are saying about their service.

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www.peacecorpswriters.org
This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer
accounts of their Peace Corps service.
http://peacecorps.mtu.edu/
This site is maintained by the Michigan Technological Universitys Peace Corps Masters International (MI) program
coordinators, who are returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and faculty members on campus. Peace Corps
Volunteers in the field and RPCVs who are affiliated with the MI program at Michigan Tech make regular
submissions to this site. Submissions include information about countries of service and day-to-day life as a Peace
Corps Volunteer, as well as synopses of technical projects and links to technical resources that are helpful to
Volunteers in the field.
Online Art icle s/ Cu r re nt Ne ws Sit e s About Samoa
www.samoana.org
Provides links to Samoan news, weather, and cultural information, along with brief language lessons.
www.samoalive.com
This sites theme is Bringing Samoans Together and has links to various Samoa-related sites.
www.samoaobserver.ws
The online link to Samoas main daily newspaper. Note that the site is updated intermittently.
www.ewc.hawaii.edu/pidp-pi.asp
Website for the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP), offering daily news reports about the Pacific region.
http://coombs.anu.edu.au/WWWVL-PacificStudies.html
Australia National University's virtual library containing links to global resources about the Pacific region.
www.meteorology.gov.ws
This is the official site for the Samoa Meteorology Division. Weather reports for Samoa are updated several times
daily, and the site includes highlights of current weather-related news from the Pacific region and worldwide.
Int e rnat ional De ve lopme n t Sit e s About Samoa
http://www.who.int/en/
World Health Organization
http://www.australianvolunteers.com/home
Australian Volunteers International
http://www.jica.go.jp/english/index.html
Japan International Cooperation Agency
www.undp.org.ws
United Nations Development Programme, including links to the United Nations Volunteers Programme
www.unesco.org
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
www.sprep.org
South Pacific Regional Environment Programme

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Re comme nde d Books
1. Alailima (Calkins), Fay G. Aggie Grey: A Samoan Saga. Honolulu, Hawaii: Mutual Publishing Company,
1988.
2. Anderson, Charles R. Melville in the South Seas. Mineola, N.Y.: Dover Publications, 1966.
3. Beaglehole, John C. The Exploration of the Pacific (third edition). Palo Alto, Calif: Stanford University
Press, 1983.
4. Calkins, Fay G. My Samoan Chief. Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1971.
5. Figel, Sia. Where We Once Belonged. New York, N.Y.: Kaya Press; Kaya Press edition, 2003.
6. Stevenson, Robert Louis. In the South Seas. Middlesex, England: Penguin Books Ltd., reprinted 1998.
Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Cambridge,
Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.
2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFKs Peace Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame
Press, 1985.
3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution
Press, 2004.
Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Banerjee, Dillon. So You Want to Join the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go. Berkeley, Calif.: Ten
Speed Press, 2000.
2 Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red
Apple Publishing, 2000.
3. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, Calif.: McSeas Books,
2004.
4. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. New York, N.Y.:
Picador, 2003.
5. Herrera, Susana. Mango Elephants in the Sun: How Life in an African Village Let Me Be in My Skin. Boston:
Shambhala Publications, 1999.
6. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.
7. Kennedy, Geraldine. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.:
Clover Park Press, 1991.
8. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington Press,
1997 (reprint).

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LIVING CONDITIONS AND
VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE
Communicat ions
Mail
Your mailing address as a trainee is:
Your Name, PCT
Peace Corps
Private Mail Bag
Apia, Samoa
South Pacific
Your address remains the same throughout your Volunteer service. Outgoing mail from Samoa to the United States
leaves on Tuesdays and Fridays every week. Incoming mail from the United States to Samoa arrives on Mondays and
Thursdays. An office messenger picks up Peace Corps mail on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week, and then places
it in Volunteer boxes in the hallway outside of the resource center. Mail for Volunteers on the island of Savaii is
distributed once a week.
Mail transit between the United States and Samoa (and vice versa) averages two to three weeks but can take up to two
months. Family and friends should be forewarned that the postal workers in the U.S. may get confused between
Samoa and American Samoa. If the post office wants to include a zip code with the address, then chances are the item
will be sent to American Samoa and may or may not eventually make it to Samoa. Adding Western or
Independent in front of Samoa often helps to cut down on the confusion.
Te le ph one s
There have been recent, major improvements to cellphone service, and a majority of Volunteers now have a personal
cellphone with good service. Cellphones are available fairly inexpensively in-country, or even a SIM-card ready
phone from the U.S. can be brought and a phone number acquired in Samoa. However, even phones that claim to be
the correct GSM to work in Samoa might not work. Volunteers with iPhones and some GSM phones have been
unsuccessful in getting them to work in-country. It is cheaper and easier to purchase a phone in Samoa. Most
Volunteers receive phone calls from overseas easily, and can even text message back home. Volunteers are
responsible for all related expenses. During training, telephone access is possible, usually with a local village
telephone.
In your first 10 days of training in Apia, you can use the telephone at the training hotel for receiving phone calls and
for making local and collect calls. Collect calls from Samoa to the United States and abroad are quite expensive. If
making a collect call, Volunteers usually relay the number to which the person can call them back directly. Rather
than making collect calls, except in an emergency, Volunteers usually make arrangements ahead of time, via email,
letter, or previous phone conversation with family and friends on a date, time, and number to call them in Samoa.
Overseas phone cards do not work from Samoa. There is, however, an international call center in Apia where you can
buy phone cards and make direct calls to the U.S. Internet calling cards and Internet calling (V.O.I.P.) are the least
expensive option when it comes to conversing. For example, Skype calls are possible even from dial-up ISP accounts
that have very slow speeds of 40 to 50 kbps.

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Comput e r , Int e rne t , and Email Acce ss
Computer, Internet, and email services are available at local Internet cafs in Apia, which trainees and Volunteers can
access when they are in town. Computer and limited Internet and email access are also available at the Peace Corps
office once trainees become Volunteers. Many Volunteers bring their own laptop computers, but if you bring one,
you will need to take steps to protect it from humidity and power surges, which occur often in Samoa. Vacuum-seal,
space-saving storage bags, such as the Space Bag, can come in handy for storing and protecting the computer from
humidity and can double as an overnight bag for short trips. Since the tropics are hard on appliances, many
Volunteers pay extra for a good warranty on their laptops or other expensive appliances so they can get them repaired
or replaced when they return to the U.S. Theft may also occur. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase
personal articles insurance for your computer and any other items of value. The Peace Corps is not responsible for
personal belongings.
Housing and Sit e Locat ion

All Volunteers are provided with adequate and safe housing. As part of their contribution to having a Volunteer, host
country agencies and/or communities must provide adequate housing.
Capacity-building Volunteers usually live in houses provided by the Samoan government or a local nongovernmental
organization (NGO). Most Volunteers in Apia share a house either with another Peace Corps Volunteer, a volunteer
from another overseas organization, or a Samoan counterpart. Houses in and around Apia have electricity, running
water, and indoor toilets and showers. Some Volunteers in this project may live in a village-based setting similar to
that described in the next paragraph.
Volunteers working in the village-based development project either live in a room with a Samoan family or in a small
house on a family compound. Volunteers in this project need to be prepared to live with or very close to a family for
their entire two years of service. This is a requirement of working in the project. Most villages have electricity,
although it may only be on for certain times of the day, and some families and compounds may not have it at all.
Most (but not all) villages have running water within the family compound, but not necessarily inside the house. Most
village houses will have flush toilets, but a few will have water seal latrines. The toilets and showers may be inside,
but many are outside of the house. Some family villages still use separate cooking houses (umukuka) for cooking
food. Living with a family enables Volunteers to gain important insights into the Samoan culture and helps to
minimize safety and security concerns. You will likely develop a love and respect for your Samoan family and an
appreciation for having a second family away from home.
Living Allowance and Mon e y Man age me nt

Every trainee and Volunteer has a local bank account where his or her monthly living allowance is deposited.
Currently included in the living allowance payment is $24 each month for leave allowance. Volunteers accrue two
days of vacation time for each month of active service after being sworn-in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Since the
amount of the vacation leave allowance is legally fixed in dollars, it must be adjusted monthly to the local currency.
Therefore, the amount may vary slightly, reflecting a change in the exchange rate. ATM machines are available in
Apia at the Westpac Bank where you will have your account, and there is a Westpac branch office in the wharf town
of Salelologa on the island of Savaii. Your living allowance is sufficient to cover the purchase of food, transport,
other essentials, and some entertainment for the month. You are encouraged to live on the living allowance provided
to you by the Peace Corps. Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as their local counterparts so additional
money you choose to bring with you from the U.S. should be reserved for vacation travel, not day-to-day living
expenses. The ATM machines in Samoa with ANZ Bank also usually accept debit or check cards from U.S. banks.

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Food and Die t
Rural areas where school-based Volunteers will live have less in the way of fresh foods, but canned, dried, or package
foods are readily available. Locally grown foods (e.g., papayas, bananas, taro, and breadfruit) and fish are generally
available everywhere. The staplesrice, flour, sugar, salt, and breadare relatively inexpensive. Butter and meat are
also reasonably priced. Beans, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sour cream, cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt are
available in the main towns, but may be more expensive. Good-quality powdered milk and high-temperature treated
milk in boxes that have a long shelf life are available and are reasonably priced.
Vegetarians are sometimes challenged in Samoa, but it is possible to remain a vegetarian and eat a healthy diet. In
Apia, vegetarians can do pretty well, as cheese, granola-type cereals, peanut butter, and fresh vegetables are available.
Tofu is also available sporadically, but tends to be expensive. Thus, it serves as a nice treat, but not necessarily a
regular source of protein. At least seven different kinds of beans (soy, black, kidney, garbanzo, lentils, blue peas, and
split peas) are usually available. Grains readily available are oatmeal, brown and white rice, and barley. A few of the
bakeries make whole wheat and whole grain breads, and pasta is readily available and affordable. Ice cream bars,
salsa, fancy salads, nuts, and other goodies can be found, but like other imported items, they tend to be more
expensive.
When initially getting settled into a host family situation or receiving an invitation to a gathering, vegetarians find
that patience and understanding go a long way. Although they may have explained to their hosts what they mean by
vegetarianism, they may find that they are still served foods with canned or fresh fish, soups made with meat broths,
or eggs and vegetables fried in lard or meat drippings. Having a stash of peanut butter and crackers in your room or at
the training site for those early adjustment days can help as longer-term strategies are developed.
Transport at ion
Peace Corps/Samoa issues bicycles to Volunteers who need them as a principal form of transportation. A bicycle
helmet is issued to all Volunteers who receive a bicycle. Helmet use is mandatory.
Buses in Apia are fine, reasonably priced, and fairly quick. Most run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buses to rural villages are
often crowded and generally uncomfortable, but usually reliable. Taxis are plentiful, and the fare can be split between
riders. Volunteers are not allowed to drive a vehicle during their service, except in rare job-related or vacation
situations, which require the country director's advance written approval. Motorcycle use is not permitted.
Buses in rural Savaii are usually unpredictable. Volunteers who plan to travel to the main town and wharf area of
Salelologa early in the morning for shopping or travel to Apia must allow at least two hours before the usual
departure time, in case the bus leaves before the scheduled time. Also, ferries sometimes leave early, especially
during the peak public holidays when they get crowded quickly.
Volunteers living and working on the island of Manono-tai are required to carry life jackets with them every time
they travel to and from Manono-tai to any of the other Samoan Islands. The same goes for travel to and from
Apolima-tai. If Volunteers are planning to engage in deep-sea fishing or other boat and water-related activities, they
must inform the Peace Corps medical officer or safety and security coordinator and obtain a life jacket in advance.
Failure to do so may result in administrative separation.
Peace Corps/Samoa office vehicles generally are not available to support a Volunteers work or projects (this support
is supposed to come from a Volunteers host agency), or for any kind of personal use, such as taking supplies,
groceries, etc., from Apia to living and worksites.

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Ge ography and Climat e
May through October is considered the cool, dry time of year in Samoa. Temperatures drop by an average of a few
degrees, and it only rains a couple of times each week. Nighttime temperatures during this period are generally very
pleasant. The rainy season begins in November, and you can expect some rain almost every day. Luckily, much of the
rain comes at night. The temperatures are not much higher than during the cooler season, but the additional humidity,
in addition to the direct sunlight, can be intense. People tend to avoid being out in the heat of the day. Cyclones
(hurricanes) can also occur during the rainy season, although Samoa does not lie in the normal path of Pacific
cyclones. On average, one to two cyclones hit every 10 to 11 years. The rainy season also brings occasional spells of
hot and humid weather with little to no windespecially at night. However, the southeast trade winds help cool the
islands for most of the year.
Social Act ivit ie s

Village life is generally relaxed. The men go to the plantations in the early morning, while women tend the house and
children, wash clothes, and gather shellfish at low tides. Families rest in the heat of the afternoon. In the late
afternoon, fishing, yard work, sports, and food preparation take place. Evenings are filled with prayer meetings (lotu),
choir practice, easy conversation, bingo, evening strolls, dominoes, and the ubiquitous card gamesuipi.
Apia, on the other hand, works on a schedule of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday. In 2007, Samoan government offices switched to a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Some nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) and stores followed suit, but many did not. Few shops are open outside of these hours. Sundays
are incredibly quiet in Apia, with most people attending church services and enjoying Sunday afternoon toonai
(traditional umu feast) with their families. Only a handful of stores, bakeries, restaurants, and movie rental places
open for a few hours. Employment in the numerous businesses, shops, and government offices provides people with
an alternative to fishing or working on the family plantation. In the evenings and on weekends in Apia, people rent
movies to view at home or go to Magik Cinemas, dine at local restaurants, walk on the seawall, and dance at local
clubs.
Social activities in the village and Apia also center around families, the church, and the village (most Samoans living
in Apia still maintain close relations with their villages). Some important social activities for Samoans include
preparing for a wedding or funeral; opening a church or school; playing cricket, rugby, soccer, or volleyball; hosting
visiting village members or dignitaries; learning traditional songs and dances for festivals and celebrations; and
playing bingo for leisure and/or fundraising for the church.
Profe ssionalism, Dre ss, an d Be h avior

A lot is said by the way you dress. To rephrase an old saying, A new book is judged by its cover. Follow your co-
workers examples. Appearance is an issue that can easily get in the way of building trust and credibility within your
community. Clothes for office, school, and village meetings are along the lines of slacks or the local lava lavas
(wraparound skirts) and sport shirts rather than jeans, cut-offs, and T-shirts for men. Women are expected to dress
modestly. Knee-length or longer skirts and dresses are appropriate, as are short-sleeved shirts rather than tank tops or
sleeveless shirts. Normal common sense works well in the village. Dress should always be modest, as your
appearance reflects not only on you, but also on your host family, Peace Corps, and other Peace Corps Volunteers.
For female trainees and Volunteers, immodest dress (by Samoan standards) could lead others to believe you are
promiscuous and available, which can damage your ability to get things done at work and also increase the risk of
sexual harassment and assault. Although younger women in many villages are increasingly wearing shorts and other
clothes that are more revealing than traditional Samoan attire, its best for Volunteers to dress more conservatively,
particularly when settling into a village. This allows you to determine what is acceptable and enables others in the
community to know you more as a person and not as a stereotype. Local tailors can make appropriate clothing pretty
inexpensively, and having clothes made in-country can be a source of enjoyment, as you can choose your own fabrics
and designs.

13
As far as male/female relationships go, you should exercise caution. The term friend, or uo, usually denotes
something far different in Samoa than what it typically means in the U.S. In a village, you should not have friends of
the opposite sex stay overnight in your home. If they want to visit you, it is best if your Samoan neighbors make
arrangements for their sleeping accommodations. Your neighbors may be curious to know just who your overnight
visitors are, and there will always be talk about your lifestyle. Privacy in the U.S. sense does not exist in the villages.
Remember, everybody knows everyones business here.
In Apia, Volunteers are not as confined from a lifestyle perspective, but sound judgment in culturally sensitive
matters is still required. The various nightclubs in the area may be an attraction to you, but do not go to or leave them
by yourself. The best policy is to be in the company of at least one male friend or a small group of men and women.
Bars can present sticky situations where tact is a useful tool. Some specific strategies in this area will be discussed
during pre-service training. Samoa provides the perfect setting for living in the proverbial fishbowl. Your own
personal discretion in keeping with your role as a Peace Corps Volunteer and good judgment in culturally sensitive
areas should enable you to live in reasonable harmony within the Faa Samoa.
Pe rsonal Safe t y
More detailed information about the Peace Corps approach to safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety
chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a
Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes
alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the
factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and
harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur,
although most Samoa Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal security incidents. The Peace
Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety and
security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Samoa. At
the same time, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the support they need to
successfully meet the challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and productive service. We encourage
Volunteers and families to look at our safety and security information on the Peace Corps website at
www.peacecorps.gov/safety.
Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and Volunteer safety. There is a section titled Safety
and Security in Depth that lists topics ranging from the risks of serving as a Volunteer to posts safety support
systems to emergency planning and communications.
Re war ds an d Frust rat ions

Samoans have proudly maintained their culture despite the many and increasing external influences over the past 150
years. Faa Samoa, or Samoan Way, is still the basic framework underlying most activities. Concepts of time, work,
privacy, property, family, raising children, etc. can be very different from what you are used to, and can sometimes be
a source of frustration and confusion. For example, living with a Samoan family also can be challenging at times.
Your privacy and individualism will probably be compromised, and you will be expected to participate in family
activities and share in family experiences.
After adapting to their new surroundings in Samoa, however, many Volunteers recognize that each culture has
aspects that seem odd to others, but that each culture also has aspects that are improvements on our own, such as
respect and care for the elderly and the strong focus on family. Many Volunteers find it difficult to let go of these
aspects when they return to the United States and experience reverse culture shock.

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Although individual work situations may be as varied as living conditions, most Volunteers are faced with the
frustration of limited equipment, materials, supplies, and a lack of funds to repair the equipment that is available.
Lack of trained or skilled counterparts also causes concern among many Volunteers. In cases where counterparts are
available, different attitudes toward work can be frustrating. In this kind of situation, some teachers will be eager for
partnership and others wont be interested, with a group in the middle as well.
You may find the classroom management techniques and styles used by some colleagues or supervisors difficult to
tolerate. Corporal punishment is illegal in Samoa, but the law is not regularly enforced. Many teachers still use the
practice, and some quite strongly.
In 2010 Samoa should graduate from the group of Least Developed Countries as its economy grows, remittances
from Samoans overseas continue to increase, and its human resource development indicators improve. If Volunteers
expect that the Peace Corps only works in the poorest of countries, or at least in countries that have a significant
percentage of people who are the poorest of the poor, they might face shock and disappointment after arrival in
Samoa. Samoa does not really have abject poverty in terms of people not having basic shelter, those who are starving,
etc. There is relative poverty here, particularly in villages, and there are still many rungs on the development ladder
that many people in Samoa still want and need to climb, and for which Peace Corps Volunteers can provide
assistance. Furthermore, the Peace Corps is both a development and cross-cultural exchange institution, as is evident
in the organization's three basic goals. There are certainly rewards for Volunteers willing to adapt. Among them are
learning to speak Samoan, becoming intimately familiar with another culture, and making friends with people whose
life experience is vastly different from your own (including other Peace Corps Volunteers and volunteers from other
nations). You will also be playing a role in the development of another country and, of course, will achieve some
level of personal satisfaction in knowing that you were able to meet the unique challenge of two years of Peace Corps
service in Samoa.

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PEACE CORPS TRAINING
Ove rvie w of Pre -Se rvice Training

Pre-service training is the first event within a competency-based training program, which continues throughout your
27 months of service in Samoa. Pre-service training ensures that Volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills,
and attitudes to effectively perform their jobs. On average, nine of 10 trainees are sworn in as Volunteers.
Pre-service training is conducted in Samoa and directed by the Peace Corps with participation from representatives of
Samoan organizations, former Volunteers, and/or training contractors. The length of pre-service training varies,
usually ranging from 8-12 weeks, depending on the competencies required for the assignment. Samoa measures
achievement of learning and determines if trainees have successfully achieved competencies, including language
standards, for swearing in as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Throughout service, Volunteers strive to achieve performance competencies. Initially, pre-service training affords the
opportunity for trainees to develop and test their own resources. As a trainee, you will play an active role in self-
education. You will be asked to decide how best to set and meet objectives and to find alternative solutions. You will
be asked to prepare for an experience in which you will often have to take the initiative and accept responsibility for
decisions. The success of your learning will be enhanced by your own effort to take responsibility for your learning
and through sharing experiences with others.
Peace Corps training is founded on adult learning methods and often includes experiential hands-on applications,
such as conducting a participatory community needs assessment and facilitating groups. Successful training results in
competence in various technical, linguistic, cross-cultural, health, and safety and security areas. Integrating into the
community is usually one of the core competencies Volunteers strive to achieve both in pre-service training and
during the first several months of service. Successful sustainable development work is based on the local trust and
confidence Volunteers build by living in, and respectfully integrating into, the Samoan community and culture.
Trainees are prepared for this through a homestay experience, which requires that trainees live with host families
during pre-service training. Integration into the community not only facilitates good working relationships, but it
fosters language learning and cross-cultural acceptance and trust, which help ensure your health, safety, and security.
Woven into the competencies, the ability to communicate in the host country language is critical to being an effective
Peace Corps Volunteer. So basic is this precept that it is spelled out in the Peace Corps Act: No person shall be
assigned to duty as a Volunteer under this act in any foreign country or area unless at the time of such assignment he
(or she) possesses such reasonable proficiency as his (or her) assignment requires in speaking the language of the
country or area to which he (or she) is assigned.
Qualifying for Se rvice

The pre-service training experience provides an opportunity not only for the Peace Corps to assess a trainees
competence, but for trainees to re-evaluate their commitment to serve for 27 months to improve the quality of life of
the people with whom Volunteers live and work and, in doing so, develop new knowledge, skills, and attitudes while
adapting existing ones.
Peace Corps/Samoas competencies are designed to be accomplished throughout the Volunteers 27 months of
learning. A trainee may not be able to complete all learning objectives for a competency during pre-service training;
however, he or she must show adequate progress toward achieving the competencies in order to become a Volunteer 1.
Evaluation of your performance throughout service is a continual process, as Volunteers are responsible 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week for personal conduct and professional performance. Successful completion of pre-service training
is characterized by achievement of a set of learning objectives to determine competence.
1
Peace Corps Manual section 201.305.4.

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Failure to meet any of the selection standards by the completion of training may be grounds for a withdrawal of
selection and disqualification from Peace Corps service.
Progress in ones own learning is a dialogue between you and the training staff. All of the training staffincluding
the training manager, and the language, technical, medical, safety and security, and cross-cultural trainerswill work
with you toward the highest possible competencies by providing you with feedback on learning objective
performance throughout training. After reviewing and observing your performance, the country director is responsible
for making the final decision on whether you have qualified to serve as a Volunteer in the host country.
Upon successful completion of training, trainees who qualify for Peace Corps service are required by law to swear or
affirm an oath of loyalty to the United States; it cannot be waived under any circumstances. The text of the oath is
provided below. If you have any questions about the wording or meaning of the oath, consult a staff member during
training.
I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of
America against all enemies, domestic or foreign, that I take this obligation freely, and without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge my duties in the Peace Corps (so help
me God).
Ongoing Le arning
You are expected to improve your knowledge and skills in the areas of technical, language, cross-cultural, diversity,
health, and safety throughout your service as a Volunteer. Training staff provide learning objectives during the 27-
month continuum to help guide Volunteers throughout service. The manner in which you do this may be formal,
through tutoring or workshops organized by the host government or in-country staff, or informally, through
conversations and reading. Your learning will continue after you become a Volunteer, formally and through in-
service training opportunities, specialized language or technical workshops, and a close-of-service workshop to help
you evaluate your service and prepare for your return to the United States.
Formal opportunities for ongoing learning in Samoa include the following:
In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, and project
development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for
three to six months.
Midservice conference: Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first year, reassessing their personal and project
objectives, and planning for their second year of service.
Close of service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their
respective projects and personal experiences.
The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the
training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through the
end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps
staff, and Volunteers.

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YOUR HEALTH CARE AND
SAFETY IN SAMOA
The Peace Corps highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical
programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. The Peace Corps in Samoa
maintains a clinic with a full-time medical officer, who takes care of Volunteers primary health care needs.
Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in Samoa at local hospitals. If you
become seriously ill or in-country medical services cannot provide further medical treatment that you may urgently
require, the medical officer in Samoa will consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is
determined that your condition cannot be treated in Samoa, you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation
and care. Possible destinations are New Zealand, Hawaii, or the mainland U.S.
He alt h Issue s in Samoa

The main health issues in Samoa for Peace Corps Volunteers are diarrhea, skin infections, and infections and
discomfort related to the upper respiratory system. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have also been on the
increase in Samoa, thus HIV/AIDS awareness and STD prevention are emphasized.
He lping You St ay He alt hy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy.
Upon your arrival in Samoa, you will receive a medical handbook. At the end of training, you will receive a medical
kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first aid needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this
chapter.
During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the medical officer. However,
you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any other specific medical supplies you
require, as the Peace Corps will not order these items during training. Please bring a three-month supply of any
prescription drugs you use, since they may not be available here and it may take several months for shipments to
arrive.
You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical problem during
your service, the medical officer in Samoa will consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it
is determined that your condition cannot be treated in Samoa, you may be sent out of the country for further
evaluation and care. As dental facilities are limited in Samoa, Volunteers may, with prior approval of the medical
officer, have this checkup while in the U.S. or another country if traveling off island on vacation leave.
Maint aining You r He alt h

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will significantly
reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage An ounce of prevention becomes extremely important in
areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United States. The most important of
your responsibilities in Samoa is to take the following preventive measures:
Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water precautions are
taken. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A, dysentery, Guinea worms, tapeworms,
and typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in Samoa
during pre-service training.
Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You
are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every time you have sex. Whether
your partner is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this person is free of
HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more information from the medical officer about this important issue.

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Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your
medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive
methods are available without charge from the medical officer.
It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for scheduled
immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses and injuries.
Wome ns He alt h Infor mat ion

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require medical attention but also
have programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the
availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the circumstances under which
Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps medical and programmatic
standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met.
Feminine hygiene products are available for you to purchase on the local market. If you require a specific product,
please bring a supply with you.
Your Pe ace Corps Me dical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat
illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office.
Me dical Kit Cont e nt s

Ace bandages
Adhesive tape
American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook
Antacid tablets (Tums)
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)
Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)
Band-Aids
Butterfly closures
Calamine lotion
Cepacol lozenges
Condoms
Dental floss
Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)
Insect repellent stick (Cutters)
Iodine tablets (for water purification)

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Lip balm (Chapstick)
Oral rehydration salts
Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)
Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)
Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)
Scissors
Sterile gauze pads
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)
Tinactin (antifungal cream)
Tweezers
Be fore You Le ave : A Me dical Che cklist

If there has been any change in your healthphysical, mental, or dentalsince you submitted your examination
reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose new
illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your eligibility to serve.
If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than two years old, contact the
Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental
consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you must complete that work and make sure
your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services.
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physicians office to obtain a copy of your
immunization record and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any immunizations prior to Peace
Corps service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide all the
immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment, either at your pre-departure orientation or shortly after you
arrive in Samoa. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure.
Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a regular basis, including
birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply, it will order refills
during your service. While awaiting shipmentwhich can take several monthsyou will be dependent on your own
medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. Johns wort,
glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements.
You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but
they might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with youa pair and a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it,
using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. The
Peace Corps discourages you from using contact lenses during your service to reduce your risk of developing a
serious infection or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate water and sanitation to
support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or
associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the
Peace Corps Office of Medical Services has given approval.

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If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your future
participation in health care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before
your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health care from the time you leave for your pre-departure
orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the post-service health care
benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan
in effect during your service if you think age or pre-existing conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your
current plan when you return home.
Safe t y and Se curit yOur Part ne rship

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar
environment, a limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy
American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are not uncommon.
Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service
without serious personal safety problems.
Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you, it might be helpful to see
how this partnership works. The Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in place to promote your safety.
We depend on you to follow those policies and to put into practice what you have learned. An example of how this
works in practicein this case to help manage the risk of burglaryis:
Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will live and work
Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to established security criteria
Peace Corps provides you with resources to take measures such as installing new locks
Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country authorities in your new community
Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise
You lock your doors and windows
You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you live
You get to know neighbors
You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is appropriate for you
You dont change residences before being authorized by Peace Corps
You communicate concerns that you have to Peace Corps staff
This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and
Your Health Care and Safety that all include important safety and security information to help you understand this
partnership. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to function in the safest way
possible, because working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we
provide you with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we teach you to identify, reduce, and manage
the risks you may encounter.
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteers risk, many of which are within the Volunteers control. By
far the most common crime that Volunteers experience are thefts. Thefts often occur when Volunteers are away from
their sites, in crowded locations (such as markets or on public transportation), and when leaving items unattended.

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Before you depart for Samoa there are several measures you can take to recuce your risk:
Leave valuable objects in the U.S.

Leave copies of important documents and account numbers in the U.S. with someone you trust
Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet as a decoy
Purchase personal articles insurance
After you arrive in Samoa, you will receive more detailed information about common crimes, factors that contribute
to Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For example, Volunteers in Samoa learn to:
Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the community whenever
possible
Make sure ones personal appearance is respectful of local customs
Avoid high-crime areas
Know the local language to get help in an emergency
Make friends with local people who are respected in the community
Limit alcohol consumption
As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the potential for
being a target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does exist in Samoa. You can reduce your risk by
avoiding situations that place you at risk and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or town level is less frequent
than in large cities; people know each other and generally are less likely to steal from their neighbors. Tourist
attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for pickpockets.
Volunteers tend to attract a lot of attention both in large cities and at their sites, but they are more likely to receive
negative attention in highly populated centers, and away from their support network friends and colleagueswho
look out for them. While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced
if you dress conservatively, abide by local cultural norms, and respond according to the training you will receive.
In 2007, 2008, and 2009, these were the following types of security incidents in Samoa:
2007 2008 2009
Rape: 1 0 0
Other Sexual Assault: 1 1 1
Major Physical Assault: 1 0 0
Other Physical Assault: 0 1 1
Intimidation: 1 2 0
Burglary: 2 0 3
Theft: 5 2 7

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Vandalism: 1 0 2
Unknown: 5 4 9
Threat: 0 0 3
Attempted Break-In; 0 0 1
Total: 17 10 27
There has been a significant increase in the number of reported incidents for 2009 compared to 2008 and 2007. Its
very difficult to determine the reasons for the spike in incidents. There has been some speculation that the worsening
economy in the global recession forces more people to engage in criminal activities.
Unknown incidents, were recently renamed as Other Security Incident, had the highest number of incidents
(nine) reported in 2009, followed by Thefts, with seven.
Examples of unknown incidents are Volunteers witnessing a security problem without being directly involved or
affected, leaving a telephone in a taxi and not getting it back, hearing gunshots, etc.
Threats occur when a Volunteer is placed in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or
other conduct, including actual or perceived stalking. Two examples recently from Samoa are from an angry ex-
boyfriend and another person very irate about someting a Volunteer wrote in a blog.
Staying Safe: Dont Be a Target for Crime

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility for your own safety. You can make yourself less of a
target, ensure that your home is secure, and develop relationships in your community that will make you an unlikely
victim of crime. While the factors that contribute to your risk in Samoa may be different, in many ways you can better
assure your safety by doing what you would do if you moved to a new city anywhere: Be cautious, check things out,
ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be
aware. You can reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the local language,
acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Samoa will
require that you accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle.
Support from St aff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace
Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority
for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as
needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff response may include reassessing the
Volunteers worksite and housing arrangements and making any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of
the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving
their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report
incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the future right to prosecute.
Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this
option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident.

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Crime Dat a for Samoa
The country-specific data chart below shows the average annual rates of major types of crimes reported by Peace
Corps Volunteers/trainees in Samoa compared to all other Region programs as a whole. It can be understood as an
approximation of the number of reported incidents per 100 Volunteers in a year 2.
Incidence Rates of Reported Incidents in PC/Samoa and

IAP Region, 2004-2008
12.0 10.9
10.5
10.0
Incidence Rate
8.0 Sam oa
6.2
IAP
6.0
4.1
4.0
2.7
1.6 1.6 1.6
2.0 1.0 1.1
0.8
0.0
0.0
Sexual Other Physical Robbery Burglary Theft
Assault* Sexual Assault***
Assault**
*Sexual Assault includes the categories of rape, attempted rape, and major sexual assault.
**Other Sexual Assault consists of unwanted groping, fondling, and/or kissing.
***Physical Assault includes aggravated assault and major physical assault.
1. Incidence rates equal the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees per year (V/T years). Since most
sexual assaults occur against females, only female V/Ts are calculated in sexual assaults and other sexual assaults.
2. Due to the small number of V/T years, incidence rates should be interpreted with caution.
Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification Surveillance System (ANSS), Epidemiologic
Surveillance System (ESS), Crime Incident Reporting Form (CIRF) and Consolidated Incident Reporting System; the
information is accurate as of October 16, 2009.
Prior to CIRF and prior to 2006, Other Sexual Assaults were termed Minor Sexual Assault.
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that do occur overseas are investigated and
prosecuted by local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the victim of a crime, you will decide if you
wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace Corps will be there to assist you. One of our tasks is to
ensure you are fully informed of your options and understand how the local legal process works. Peace Corps will
help you ensure your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under the laws of the country.
2
The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. It is
expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and trainee years (or V/T years, which is a measure of 12 full months
of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to compare crime data across countries.

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If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe location as quickly as possible and contact
your Peace Corps office. Its important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as you can so Peace Corps can provide
you with the help you need.
Volunt e e r Safe t y Support in Samoa

The Peace Corps approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your service and includes the
following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and
protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Samoas in-country safety program is outlined below.
The Peace Corps/Samoa office will keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety through
information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in memorandums from the
country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be contacted through the emergency
communication network. An important component of the capacity of the Peace Corps to keep you informed is your
buy-in to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is expected that you will do your part in ensuring that
Peace Corps staff members are kept apprised of your movements in-country so that they are capable of informing
you.
Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Samoa. This training will prepare
you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your
home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is integrated into the language,
cross-cultural aspects, health, and other components of training. You will be expected to successfully complete all
training competencies in a variety of areas, including safety and security, as a condition of service.
Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps
staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteers arrival and
to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the
Volunteers arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and worksites. Site selection is based,
in part, on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of
communications, transportation, and markets; different housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer
support needs.
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Samoas detailed emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event
of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, you will complete and submit a site
locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to your house. If there is a security threat, you will
gather with other Volunteers in Samoa at predetermined locations until the situation is resolved or the Peace Corps
decides to evacuate.
Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers
immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps has established protocols for
addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and
security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.

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DIVERSITY AND
CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES
In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host countries, the Peace Corps is making special efforts to
see that all of Americas richness is reflected in the Volunteer corps. More Americans of color are serving in todays
Peace Corps than at any time in recent years. Differences in race, ethnic background, age, religion, and sexual
orientation are expected and welcomed among our Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps mission is to help dispel any
notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the
other despite our many differences.
Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways, however, it poses challenges. In Samoa, as in other Peace
Corps host countries, Volunteers behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very
different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States
may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Samoa.
Outside of Samoas capital, residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures,
races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception,
such as the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Samoa are justly
known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in which you will live may
display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present.
To ease the transition and adapt to life in Samoa, you may need to make some temporary, yet fundamental
compromises in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For example, female trainees and
Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence available to them in the United States; political discussions
need to be handled with great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. You will need to
develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will
lead diversity and sensitivity discussions during pre-service training and will be on call to provide support, but the
challenge ultimately will be your own.
Ove rvie w of Dive rsit y in Samoa

The Peace Corps staff in Samoa recognizes the adjustment issues that come with diversity and will endeavor to
provide support and guidance. During pre-service training, several sessions will be held to discuss diversity and
coping mechanisms. We look forward to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of races, ethnic groups,
ages, religions, and sexual orientations, and hope that you will become part of a diverse group of Americans who take
pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the richness of American culture.
Volunteer Comment:
Ive found that one of the easiest ways to avoid a conversation that makes me uncomfortable or makes them
uncomfortable is to make a joke. It can be a good way to let someone know that a topic makes you uncomfortable.
Faa Samoa uses a lot of humor. Its a major part of the culture. One popular topic of conversation here is who youre
dating, and if you want to date a Samoan. Most Volunteers get asked this on a regular basis. To avoid a potentially
awkward conversation and change the topic, I make a joke. For instance: Do you want a Samoan boyfriend? I
already have one, The Rock. We all laugh, and awkwardness is avoided.

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Wh at Might a Volunt e e r Face ?
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Sexual harassment can occur to both women and men anywhere in the world. However, there is no arguing that
female Volunteers are more likely to be targeted. Women can be verbally harassed and experience unwanted sexual
advances at work, on the road, and in public places. It is important for Volunteers to realize they are not alone or
isolated. Volunteers are trained in methods and apprised of existing policies that will allow them to deal effectively if
they become a target of such harassment.
Volunteer Comments:
Picture this: Youre on your bike, tooling down the road, enjoying the scenery and sounds of Samoa, and suddenly,
out of the blue, the serenity is broken by the howling call of, Hey, baby. I love you! Talk about crashing back down
to the reality of living here. There are several streams of thought on this topic and how to react to it. What I usually
do is give them an irritated look, quickly followed by a smile, and tell them to stop in Samoan, Aua, Sole! This
usually will stop them and also elicit a smile or laugh (which Samoans are quick to do), and it makes me laugh or
smile as well.
Ive found its useful to put yourself in the role of innocent little sisterparticularly in the village. Some things,
such as drinking a beer, might seem commonplace to us. However, in a village setting, it is often taboo for women to
drink. While a villager will most likely allow you to drink, and even offer you a drink, accepting it may be looked
down upon.
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color

Volunteers of color contribute a lot in educating Samoans about the diversity of American society. It would be untrue
to say that racism does not exist in Samoa. Asian-American and African-American Volunteers have experienced
racial remarks or comments in one instance or another. Most of the remarks can be innocent enough, born out of
ignorance and misunderstanding, perhaps resulting from how Americans of color are represented in the media.
Helping Samoans to remove the stereotype that all Americansespecially Volunteersare white does help a great
deal.
Volunteer Comments:
Tlofa lava! As an African American, I am often mistaken to be from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, or even Papua New
Guinea. The new identity that the Samoan people have bestowed upon me is not an unwelcome one, but it does
interfere with my Volunteer service at times.
Historically, Pacific Island nations have not always been the best of friends. Wars, fautasi (long boat) competitions,
and rugby matches have contributed to some of the noticeable affray. Anyone entering into the Samoan monoculture
is seen as a visitor and treated with respect. If you happen to resemble a Melanesian Pacific Islander, as I do, and not
the typical American image, you may attract some attention. The attention is not always good.
In the capital city of Apia, where I work and reside, my ethnicity is not often an issue, but while traveling in kua
(rural areas), I often meet people, especially small children, who have never encountered an African American. Stares
and finger pointing often occur when I am seen walking around the village. My usual response is a smile or a wave
that puts the villagers at ease.
Overcoming racial and cultural differences in Samoa was relatively easy. Keeping an open mind, a positive attitude,
and a great sense of humor all contributed to my success in bridging the gap between the two cultures.

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Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers
Being a senior Volunteer may offer additional challenges to Peace Corps service. However, older Volunteers have
served admirably and have overcome these challenges. A concern for some senior Volunteers worldwide has been
accommodations and transportation. It is important for all Volunteers to remember that the amenities offered in most
housing will be very basic. Moreover, transportation is also basic and limited to the use of public transport (often on
crowded buses), a bicycle, or walking. However, Samoa has adequate transportation infrastructure in terms of good
roads and site accessibility. Another concern for some senior Volunteers prior to service is language acquisition. Rest
assured that if you are interested and willing to try, the Peace Corps training staff will work closely with you to
overcome that hurdle.
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

It is currently illegal for anyone to engage in homosexual behavior in Samoa. Legal authorities have noted that many
of Samoas civil laws are dated and have been since the country became independent in the 1960s. Having said that,
in general, most Samoans tolerate and accept gay, lesbian, and bisexual Volunteers. We have not received any
negative reports or had complaints lodged against such Volunteers. However, most Volunteers opt to remain closeted
to the Samoan community, and are able to be freely out with the Peace Corps community, including Volunteers and
staff members. As long as Volunteers are discreet, their sexual preference should not have a negative impact on their
Peace Corps service.
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Since Samoa is a Christian country, Volunteers may face the tag of being non-church going or an atheist if they do
not attend church on Sundays. Sunday observance in Samoa is enforced, especially within the villages. Volunteers,
despite their religious beliefs or affiliations, often find that participation in certain church services or activities, like
singing in the choir, are useful for community integration and can be viewed as another aspect of the cross-cultural
experience. For those who do not attend church services, you should refrain from any activities outside or inside the
home that may be interpreted as being disrespectful of the holy day.
Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services determined that you were
physically and emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform a full tour of Volunteer
service in Samoa without unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service. The Peace Corps/Samoa
staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations for them in training, housing, jobsites,
or other areas to enable them to serve safely and effectively.
Volunteers with disabilities may receive stares of curiosity as some Samoans may fail to realize that staring is
inappropriate. The government of Samoa has put an emphasis on increasing services for people with disabilities and
on improving education for students with special needs. These efforts are beginning to lead to greater awareness,
understanding, and positive change.
Possible Issues for Married Volunteers

Couples will be housed together during training and service in Samoa. Nevertheless, they may face their own set of
issues. While couples will do many activities together, they should be prepared and willing to work on separate
projects and assignments. These may require one of the spouses to commute to another village or site during the day
or even to stay at a separate location for a few days at a time.
Couples should consider how varying degrees of enthusiasm about Peace Corps service, adaptation to the physical or
cultural environment, and homesickness will affect their lives. A husband and wife may have to deal with changed
marital roles due to societal expectations. A married man may be encouraged to take on a more dominant role in the
relationship, while a married woman may find herself in a less independent role than she is used to. This may create
tension for a couple at work (e.g., a wife being expected to perform traditional domestic chores instead of working)
and at home (a husband being ridiculed for performing domestic tasks or for refusing to have extramarital affairs).

28
Finally, responding to and coping with competition (e.g., one spouse learning more quickly than the other) or differences
in job satisfaction may also be issues couples should consider before beginning their service.
Volunteer Comments:
Age is revered in Samoa. Some young Volunteers have found it harder to be taken seriously because of their age.
Even though I am a young Volunteer, being a married woman has increased my status. Also, I believe that the
Samoan men at my school are less hesitant to work with me because I am already married and there will be no rumors
about our relationship when we work together.
My husband is the cook in the family and has also sewn clothes for himself and me. He takes some gentle ribbing at
his school over these tasks, but nothing to make him uncomfortable. In general, the response to his sewing and
cooking is surprise and admiration.
I have never had any issues related to my marital status. Personally, I appreciate being able to share this experience
with my husband. I come home to a sympathetic ear and source of support every night, which has made my service
that much easier.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Samoa?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those
limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that
exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of
both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than
45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one
bag.
Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are
permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids
such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution.
What is the electric current in Samoa?

240 volts, 50-cycle. Anything electric from the United States must have a transformer to change the local 240-volt,
50-cycle electricity to 110-volt output safe for appliances. If the electrical devices lists input as AC100-240V ~ 50-
60Hz, then it will most likely work in-country without a transformer. However, all U.S.-made electrical appliances
will require a plug adaptor of the Australian/New Zealand configuration regardless of their compatibility with voltage
and cycles. The power supply in Samoa is questionable and it is recommended to use surge protectors with all
electrical devices you dont want to see fried. They are sold in-country at a reasonable price. However, they are for
Australian/New Zealand plugs. Also, U.S.-made electrical appliances will require a plug adapter of the
Australian/New Zealand configuration.
How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. You will be given a settling-in
allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your expenses. Often Volunteers wish to bring
additional money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and travelers checks are preferable to cash. If
you choose to bring extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. ATM cards from
overseas bank accounts that are backed by major credit card companies normally work at the Westpac and ANZ
ATM machines in-country.
When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during
training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized
emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and the first three months of
service as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and
may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa,
medical, or travel assistance.
We strongly recommend that your visitors come during your school break periods, which usually are mid-May to
early June, mid to late September, and from early December until the end of January. During the rest of the year, you
will be very busy working in the schools.
Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for
the safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you can purchase personal property insurance before you
leave. If you wish, you may contact your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application forms will be
provided, and we encourage you to consider them carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items
overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in
many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available.

30
Do I need an international drivers license?
Volunteers in Samoa do not need an international drivers license because they are prohibited from operating
privately owned motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and
minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. On very rare occasions, a Volunteer may be asked to drive a
sponsors vehicle, but this can occur only with prior written permission of the country director. Should this occur, the
Volunteer may obtain a local drivers license. A U.S. drivers license will facilitate the process, so bring it with you
just in case.
What should I bring as gifts for Samoa

friends and my host family?
This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the
house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that will not melt or
spoil; or photos to give away.
Volunteer Comment:
If you go to a dollar store and buy a bunch of toys, you cannot go wrong and you will make the children in your
training family very happy.
Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?
Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after they have completed pre-service training. This
gives Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainees technical and language skills prior to assigning sites,
in addition to finalizing site selections with their ministry counterparts. If feasible, you may have the opportunity to
provide input on your site preferences, including geographical location, distance from other Volunteers, and living
conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps
cannot guarantee placement where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in rural
villages and are usually within one hour from another Volunteer. Some sites require a 10- to12-hour drive from the
capital. There is at least one Volunteer based in each of the regional capitals and about five to eight Volunteers in the
capital city.
How can my family contact me in an emergency?

Due to greatly improved cellphone coverage in Samoa in the past couple of years, it is very likely that your family
will be able to reach you directly and immediately in an emergency. The Peace Corps Office of Special Services
provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the
United States, instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an emergency arises, such
as a serious illness or death of a family member. During normal business hours, the number for the Office of Special
Services is 800.424.8580; select option 2, then extension 1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and
holidays, the Special Services duty officer can be reached at the above number. For nonemergency questions, your
family can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 800.424.8580, extensions 2523
or 2522.
Can I call home from Samoa?

You will be able to call home easily as there are several vendors in Apia that sell calling cards, which you can
purchase to make calls from Samoa to the United States. Many Volunteers call home using Internet phone services,
such as Skype, from local Internet cafes or using their own dial-up Internet connections at their sites. Remember that
calls, especially collect ones, from Samoa to the U.S. are expensive.
Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

No. Many phones, even ones that claim to be the appropriate GSM for Samoa, will not work in-country (including
iPhones). Also, the phones here are cheap and disposable. As your phone will most likely disappear or break at least
once during service, it is a bad idea to bring an expensive phone from home. Local cellphone service is pre-paid, easy
to acquire, and text-ready. The settling-in in allowance that you will receive upon swearing-in as a Volunteer includes

31
an amount for a simple, locally available mobile telephone. Since the swearing-in ceremony occurs at the end of your
pre-service training, most trainees use personal funds (approximately $60) to buy a mobile telephone as soon as they
arrive in Samoa.
However, most Volunteers find that they have to cut back on cellphone time due to their modest living allowance, and
usually text message or make extremely brief calls to each other to stay in touch. Most Volunteers regularly receive
calls from overseas with very little trouble. Some Volunteers also have land lines installed, for both calls and Internet
access, and this is encouraged.
Will there be email and Internet access?

Should I bring my computer?
Nearly every Volunteer chooses to bring a computer as it can be a valuable asset, and computers are highly
recommended. Computers can be used for work, email, watching DVDs, and sometimes Internet access. The Peace
Corps is also moving to a system of computerized Volunteer reporting on activities and accomplishments. Some
Volunteers are having telephone lines installed in their residences and getting dial-up Internet access accounts from
local ISPs.
If you do not have a laptop, it is much less expensive and more convenient to buy one in the United States and bring it
with you. Computers are very expensive here, and the choice is limited. It also is very expensive to ship computers
from the U.S. to Samoa. It is recommended to get a relatively inexpensive one since the hot, humid, and often salty
air are hard on electronics, and you might need funds later to replace it. As a general rule, dont bring anything that
you would be heartbroken to lose, have stolen, or broken.
Peace Corps/Samoa strongly recommends purchasing personal articles insurance to protect your equipment.
If you come without a computer, there are several Internet cafes in Apia where you can access the Internet. Internet
services are becoming more widely available in other parts of the country. Internet is even available in the computer
centers of some rural villages and schools, but you should not count on having Internet access at your site.
Peace Corps/Samoa has two computers in the resource center in the main office in Apia. There also is one in the
small office for Volunteers in Salelologa, Savaii, but this office is donated by a host ministry for a project that is
being phased out, so we dont know if this office will continue to be available after August 2010. Peace Corps office
computers are meant only for quick checks of email and work-related use, and not meant to provide unlimited
personal Internet access for all Volunteers, downloads of music or video, interactive games, working on blogs,
sending and receiving a lot of pictures, etc. As such, browsing the Web will have to be done at one of the local
Internet cafes or from personal ISP accounts.

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WELCOME LETTERS FROM
SAMOA VOLUNTEERS
Tlofa lava!
When I climbed aboard the plane to come to Samoa, I wasnt really nervous. I remember thinking, Finally. After
months of filling out applications and getting medical clearances, I wasnt sure what things were going to be like, but
I felt confident that I could handle any situation that came up. Then I stepped off the plane and encountered the heat. I
had never really lived in a humid place, and it was hot. I thought for sure I would die of the heat, having to drink
numerous bottles of water every day. Six months into my service, I was sleeping with a blanket.
You may be wondering how you will adapt to the change in living conditions or the different culture. The hardest
thing about the Peace Corps is not the physical conditions; you can adapt to those. Nor is it adapting to a new culture,
for you can learn how to move about in the culture. The hardest part is the mental stuffletting go of the
expectations you had of loving every minute of your time, becoming a real member of the community by learning
all the customs, and being the most culturally sensitive person you can be. You will have problems, but who doesnt
in some way in every job of their life? You will be a member of the community, but relationships in communities
dont take a year to build, theyre established over lifetimes. There is no way you can learn everything about a
cultureyou only have two years. Plus, there will be things that happen that you never understand.
Chances are, you met someone in the Peace Corps and heard about their experience and thought, So thats what the
Peace Corps will be like. Every persons Peace Corps experience is different, not only around the world, but around
the country you will live in. Once you get to Samoa, take a couple of months to figure things out, and then you can
start establishing expectations of what your experience will be like. The Peace Corps will be what you make of it.
And that is the best part. You get to decide. I expected to be a business teacher at my school, but found what they
really needed was a computer teacher. I found I loved working with computers and have gotten involved in
curriculum and computer development planning for the country. I have also decided to go back to school after the
Peace Corps.
Samoa is a beautiful place, with lush vegetation and sandy beaches. There will be torrential downpours during the
rainy season and sunny days that are sometimes breezy. You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, play rugby, and play
soccer. Shops are springing up all over the main town, Apia. There is a coffee bar, a movie theater, an Internet caf,
even a McDonalds. I mention this because you will feel homesick, and its nice to have a place you can go for a
couple of hours and rejuvenate. You can learn songs, dancing, and how to open bottles without a bottle opener. As for
the food, there is the traditional oven called an umu (a lava rock oven) where fish, taro (like a potato), breadfruit, and
palusami (a delicious bundle of taro leaves in coconut cream) are all baked.
You will come home from your job tired and sweaty, and with anticipation, jump into a cold shower. There will be
days when youve had a miserable experience, gotten frustrated, or were flabbergasted with what happened. Youll
develop coping mechanismsexercising, reading a book, cooking, cleaning, and going to see a fellow Volunteer.
There will be time for naps on weekends and, if you like to look at the stars, a whole southern sky to discover.
Valerie Hopkins
Business Advising Volunteer, 1999-2001

33
Welcome to Samoa, a land of raw beauty and intense traditional culture. We have been in-country for eight months
and feel very lucky to be living in our village of Fusi. Here we are known as Losi ma Susana, or simply Pisikoa. We
are working on a water project and are receiving a lot of support from our village leaders. Everyone has given us a
warm welcome and continued encouragement. Samoans love to laugh and want you to be happy. Taking anything too
seriously, yourself included, will only bring frustration, so we have been laughing quite a lot. This humility seems to
be a good place to begin discovering the many layers of faa Samoa. The cultural traditions are still very strong and at
times can be complex to unravel. But life here is relatively simple and is usually as easy as eating (a lot!), resting,
playing, and going to church.
Being married in the sphere of a Samoan village has been a challenging adjustment. For instance, the level of privacy
is much lower than we were used to. As a couple, we have each other to depend on, which can be a huge benefit in
the slow-paced village life, or when the faa Samoa may be too much on any given day.
As family is seen as an important institution here, people are happy to accept us as our own little family (even
though we are members of an even larger extended Samoan aiga, too). This means they worry about us less and leave
us alone more. This can be good and also difficult. We have to make extra effort to involve ourselves in the
community and to practice our Samoan because we have each other to easily fall back on for support and comfort.
This is definitely a growing experience, and being here together, we are growing and changing together. Spending all
day, every day, with each other in a little village with few escapes besides the ocean, reading, and sewing, weve
learned to talk through problems quickly, stop holding grudges, and give each other space when there is little space to
give. But in general, its like being a single Volunteer, just more fun! Tlofa lava!
Kind Regards,
Ross and Suzanne Pickering
Community Service Volunteers, 2003-2005

34
PACKING LIST
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Samoa and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal
guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously
cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and
professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have
an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Samoa.
General Clothing
Clothes should be lightweight, easily washable, quick drying, and the less ironing, the better. Cottons or cotton blends
are cooler and more comfortable than most nylon or other synthetics. Most synthetics do not breathe, hold in
moisture, and create breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. However, some Volunteers are finding that some hot-
weather clothing made of synthetic, breathable material that wicks away moisture is very comfortable and keeps them
dryer and they prefer it to cotton. Many manufacturers produce this material; just be sure it is described as
breathable and wicking. Don't bring leather items (e.g., shoes or journals) because they get moldy quickly.
Modesty and neatness and presenting a professional appearance are important. Closed-toe shoes appropriate for
casual business wear in the U.S. will probably just be tucked away for potential vacations to colder-weather climates.
Inexpensive dressier sandals with straps are useful to wear for more professional and formal occasions. For work,
including every day for most teachers, and formal occasions, women wear puletasis, which is a fitted blouse and long
skirt, while men wear button-down shirts with an ie faitaga or pocket lava lava (wraparound skirt). For other
everyday use, especially in the villages, a neat T-shirt and lava lava (less formal than a men's pocket lava lava) are
worn. Please note that clothes can be made or purchased inexpensively in-country. A lava lava ranges from around $5
to $10 (U.S.), an ie faitaga $10 to $15, and puletasis start around $30 and cost more depending on the quality of
fabric and style. Also, there are a few secondhand stores where clothes can be purchased cheaply ($3 to $5).
Therefore, when trying to make the luggage weight limits, do not stress over clothing. Less in terms of clothing is the
way to go.
Following are some sugge st ions for bot h me n an d wome n:

One pair of good flip-flops. Inexpensive rubber and plastic shower thong-style flip-flops can be purchased
in-country, but are not durable and break at the wrong moments, leaving you barefoot for longer than you
want or is good for you. Good flip-flops come from manufacturers such as Teva (mush, Agate Thong, Bowen
Stitch and other models), Chaco (flips), Cros (flip-flops), Island Slipper (webbing and deck models) and
others.
One pair of sport sandals (e.g., Teva, Keen, Old Navy, etc.) is highly recommended. With a heel strap and
other features, sports sandals provide more support, stability, and security for your feet for more activities
than just walking around the village or Apia. Sports sandals can fill in for some athletic/sports activities, light
hiking, etc.
One pair of nicer, dressier sandals. Occasionally for work, church or other more formal occasions, something
nicer than flip-flops or sports sandals is more appropriate. Some examples of suitable and not-too-expensive
styles for men are the J.C. Penney St. Johns Bay models (Ridge or Oahu). Sandals of this style are available
in Samoa.
One or two pairs of running/walking shoes (depending on your exercise habits and level of comfort using
flip-flops and sport sandals for daily walking and exercise).
For people serious about poking about tide pools, rocky beaches, snorkeling, surfing, etc., bring a pair of reef
shoes.

35
Really serious hikers should consider bringing in a pair of lightweight boots for Samoas rough trails or to
use for New Zealand treks if that is a holiday destination. Otherwise, most trails Volunteers use can be
walked with sports shoes or sports sandals.
If you are going to play a lot of sports that require them, bring a few pairs of socks, which also are needed if
you plan to visit colder places like New Zealand on your breaks.
One or two canvas, web belts (not leather and without metal grommets, as those will rust and ruin your
clothes).
Five to six pairs of modest shorts (knee-length preferable; cargo shorts work well, but are difficult to wash
and dry by hand). Board shorts are highly recommended by Volunteers because they dry quickly and are
good for wearing over swimsuits, especially for women. Volunteers tend not to use bicycle shorts as they are
hot and constricting, so you should consider these only if you anticipate doing a lot of longer-distance
bicycling in the country or on vacations outside of Samoa.
One long-sleeved shirt for breezy evenings.
Warm clothesif you plan to travel to New Zealand or Australia (some Volunteers have these shipped to
them when they need them or they can be purchased cheaply at secondhand stores in Samoa).
Athletic clothing appropriate for your sports and leisure preferences. Rash guards are recommended for
surfers and frequent snorkelers, scuba divers, and swimmers.
Two or three towels (the quality is not the same as in the U.S.; one chamois-type towel is convenient for
carrying around in your backpack when traveling). Micro-fiber towels are also recommended by Volunteers.
Good sun hats are important protection against sunburn and skin cancer. If you are particularly sun sensitive
you should bring a durable, wide-brimmed hat. Youll look more like a tourist, but youll be protected. For
others, hats of various styles are available here, but the selection of styles and sizes at any one time will be
limited.
Some Volunteers prefer umbrellas to rain jackets, which can get too hot. Others are very happy with
breathable rain jackets they can put on over a small backpack to protect a laptop and other things. If you are
going to bring an umbrella, bring a really good one, and big, too, that can stand up to Samoas winds and
torrential downpours. Umbrellas purchased locally usually break quickly. Rain jackets can be purchased
locally, but they are generally of the non-breathable style.
For Women
Bring a few work outfits. Summer dresses or mixed tops and bottoms are best. Dresses and skirts should be
at least knee-length, and mid-calf to ankle-length are better, and the design should not be too straight, as you
will be sitting on the floor a lot, so you want something that lets you get up and down easily and protects
your modesty as you are doing so. However, remember that you can have puletasis made here, and these are
ideal for work and more formal occasions,
Women rarely, if ever, wear pants in Samoa, especially in professional and village settings. They do
sometimes wear them under lava lavas and in informal settings (e.g., playing sports, going to a beach picnic,
or shopping in Apia). A pair or two of lightweight pants (such as capris or khakis) and/or a pair of jeans (if
you normally wear them in hot, humid weather) should prove sufficient for informal occasions. Business
casual dress pants are not worn and unnecessary to bring along.

36
Four to six T-shirts for around the house and non-work occasions (dark colors are recommended as they do
not show the dirt and stains as much).
Nicer T-shirts, which cover the shoulder, for casual work situations and running errands, are also useful to
mix and match with skirts and lava lavas.
Tank tops are not worn in public by Samoan women, as they are considered too revealing and immodest, but
some PCVs use them for exercising in their houses and for sleeping.
Two-year supply of underwear and bras. Bras wear out very quickly here. Bring more bras and underwear
than you can possibly imagine ever needing and you will not be disappointed. Cotton sports bras work best;
avoid synthetic fabrics. Boxers work well under lava lavas. Underwear is a favorite dinner of moths and ants
and will acquire holes quickly. (Packing half of the underwear and bras in a sealed bag and opening after a
year helps to preserve the elasticity from being eaten away quickly by the humidity.)
One half slip or one long slip (for white puletasis).
Have a white top and modest white skirt in your luggage. Within a week of arrival (possibly too soon for you
to have purchased white clothing in the country) will be White Sunday and you will need to wear all white to
church.
One one-piece swimsuit is recommended but only for off-island holidays. The most recommended swimwear
for female Volunteers while in Samoa is board shorts and a rash guard T-shirt, as the normal swimwear for
Samoan women is T-shirts, shorts, and lava lavas. Anything remotely skin exposing isnt culturally
appropriate.
One or two outfits for going out to restaurants or nightclubs occasionally in Apia or while on vacation. Be
sure to seriously consider purchasing personal articles insurance to protect your equipment.
Volunteer Comment: Sometimes you want to feel cute. I didnt bring any cute clothes, I regret that.
For Men
Two or three light- to medium-weight pants (khakis or similar type). Men wear lava lavas here all the time so
do not worry about pants too much. Volunteer Comment: Bring your favorite pair or two of jeans, those are
probably all you need.
Three or four short-sleeved collared shirts (polo or button-down).
One short-sleeved, white dress shirt can come in handy for church functions, although you can get one in-
country or may be given one by your host family.
Four to six T-shirts for around the house and non-work occasions (dark colors are recommended as they do
not show the dirt and stains as much).
One tie for formal occasions (primarily for church-related functions). These can be purchased in-country.
Two-year supply of underwear. Cotton boxers are recommended and bring plenty as they are hard to find
here. (Packing half of the underwear in a sealed bag and opening after a year helps to preserve the elasticity
from being eaten away quickly by the humidity.)
Undershirts are handy for wearing under white church clothes, but otherwise are not worn often.

37
Two to four pairs of board shorts (they dry very quickly and are lightweight), which also are the
recommended swimwear.
One to two pairs of cargo shorts (the lighter weight the better).
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

You can find most toiletries and necessities in Samoa, but if you prefer certain brands, bring them with you.
Deodorant is widely available in-country, but the quality varies, so you may want to bring some extras with you or
have some mailed later. Tampons are available in the capital, Apia, but at prices slightly higher than in the United
States.
Lotion, baby powder, and leave-in conditioner are useful. Lotion often has SPF in it; plus, with the sun you
will be getting, it will keep your skin from getting leathery. Baby powder absorbs moisture. Diet, stress, and
humidity can result in thinner hair, so leave-in conditioner will help keep sunned hair moist and healthy; it
can also be a de-tangler. These items can be found in Samoa, but usually at higher prices than in the U.S.,
and the quality varies.
Mach 3 shavers and refills are available in Samoa at decent prices. If you are particular about what you shave
with, consider bringing an ample supply with you, as what you like might not be available here. Shaving
cream is available in-country.
Contact lens solution, for those authorized in advance by the Office of Medical Services to bring along
contacts, is available in-country, but is very expensive, so bring lots of extra solution with you. Alcohol gel
solution is nice, especially if you wear contacts. This will help prevent eye infections, especially for
Volunteers living in villages, where hand soap is not always available. Peace Corps does not provide contact
lense solution.
Individually wrapped antiseptic/antibacterial wipes (like those you would get at a restaurant) or small bottles
of leave-on antibacterial soap (as found in bath and body specialty shops) are great to keep in your pocket or
purse, as hand soap and toilet paper are not always standard in bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Volunteers can get sunscreen from the Peace Corps medical officer, but if you have a favorite brand, bring it.
Waterproof sunscreen is also recommended.
Quality hair ties and clips can be difficult to find here, so bring plenty of extras if you use them.
A plastic container or dish to keep a bar of soap in while traveling.
Kitchen Items
Most items can be found in Samoa, but are generally expensive and/or of poor quality. Food items (fresh fruits and
meats cannot be brought through customs) should be double bagged and air tight. Ants and humidity can get to
almost anything.
Many of the following items you can have shipped so they arrive before you go to your site after training.
Tupperware (useful for storing food. GladWare can be purchased in Apia, but higher-quality Tupperware is
expensive)
Specialty cooking items and utensils (basic cookware can be bought in Samoa)

38
A good kitchen knife, and perhaps a knife sharpener (be sure not to pack them in your carry-on bags)
Vegetable peeler
A good spatula/flipper or two
Spices are generally available here, but if you have a favorite mix, bring it. Specialty spices are hard to find,
and spices overall can be pricey and of lesser quality.
Can opener
A travel mug for tea and/or coffee
Ziploc bags (various sizes)
Favorite recipes and/or cookbook
If you drink coffee, bring a small French press or any other kind of small, non-electric coffee maker (such as
a cone filter and filter holder). Most coffee here is instant,but decent ground coffee is now available in Apia
grocery stores.
For tea drinkers, there is plenty of standard black tea, with green, oolong, and herbal teas becoming a bit
more common. If you drink chai tea, bring some with you as the quality in-country is not good. If you prefer
loose tea, bring it and a tea ball.
If you are a big fan of chewing gum, bring a few packs of your favorites, but be sure to bring the kind in
plastic containers, rather than paper wrappers, as the humidity can cause gum to mold.
Drink mixes (e.g., Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, iced tea mixes, etc.), though some are available locally.
Dried fruits like raisins, dates, and cranberries are around, but hard to find and expensive; fancier items like
dried apricots are rarely available.
Peanuts are readily available, but any other kind of nut can be expensive and hard to find. If nuts are essential
to you, ship some yourself or ask someone to send you care packages every now and then.
Electronics
Rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA) and charger. This is practically a must. Batteries go very quickly here.
The ones you can purchase at the markets are not of the same quality, so they do not last very long. (Some
Volunteers suggest IC3 rechargeable batteries, which can be purchased at RadioShack or Target. They
charge in 15 minutes, and can be recharged thousands of times.)
Most Volunteers dont recommend bringing a heavy transformer. If for some reason you discover you need
one, you can have it shipped in a flat-rate box through the U.S. Postal Service for relatively cheap.
Laptop computer with at least two USB ports. Computers are a great tool for work, and one with a DVD
player is even better, so it can be used to watch DVDs that you can rent or borrow them from other
Volunteers. The climate here is hard on computers, so its not recommended to buy the latest, greatest and
most expensive model available. The Peace Corps/Samoa main office uses HP computers, Microsoft XP,
and Microsoft Office software, so for the greatest ease of file and information exchange and compatibililty,
Apple computers are not as useful, but some Volunteers have them.

39
A small and portable printer also is very, very useful, letting you do more at your site rather than waiting to
travel to Apia. Bring several printer cartridges in case your brand is not readily available here.
Digital camera. This is preferred to a regular camera as film is expensive and gets moldy in the humidity;
developing photos is also expensive. There is no need to purchase a digital camera, but they are nice to have.
Samoans (even ones you do not know) love having their picture taken and will ask you to take theirs. With a
digital camera, you can delete unwanted pictures without wasting film.
Reusable silica gel packs. For anything electronic, especially computers, get some of these (camera shops
often carry them). These will help keep your electronics from getting ruined in the humidity. Gel packs also
help keep moisture out of wood-based musical instruments.
An MP3 player and speakers. Look into speakers that are durable and outdoor-friendly.
Battery-powered AM/FM radio and/or shortwave radio (available here, but expensive). These are vital for
receiving news updates in case of emergencies such as cyclones, tsunami warnings, etc.
Blank CDs (and/or cassettes, if you bring a cassette player). These are useful for copying other CDs, digital
photos, work documents, etc. (these are available here, but expensive).
USB key/Flash Drive. Very useful for transferring documents and sharing photos; also great for traveling due
to their compact size. Available locally but more expensive.
Flashlight. Volunteers suggest Mag-lite brand as they outlast the humidity pretty well. Avoid cheap plastic
ones.
Headlamp. Some Volunteers find these very useful for going to the bathroom outside at night, when the
electricity is out, etc. Volunteers recommend a Petzl or other brand that runs on rechargeable batteries.
External hard drive filled with new music, movies, and TV shows. These can be used to swap media with
other Volunteers or store your own in the case of a computer problem.
A simple set of tools to repair computers, other electronics, etc., such as small flathead and Phillips
screwdrivers.
Miscellaneous
Travel alarm clock
A book about your state or region with lots of pictures
Small bag for weekend or overnight trips. A sealable, dry bag also is useful for storing computer, camera,
etc., while traveling.
Swiss army knife/Leatherman tool (remember not to pack this in carry-on)
Wristwatch (water-resistant)
Locks for luggage
Calculator
One or more boxes of pens (pen quality is poor here)

40
Sharpies, magic markers
Posters
Sunglasses with strong UV protection are a must! Volunteers also have suggested that even if you use
contacts, its a good idea to bring a pair of prescription sunglasses. Otherwise, if you experience problems
with your contacts and have to temporarily use eyeglasses, you will not be able to wear sunglasses.
Favorite music
Sturdy water bottles , some prefer Nalgene, others like aluminum or stainless steel
Games, cards, Frisbee, hobby equipment, etc.
Arts and crafts supplies
Musical instruments
Address book
English Bible to read at church (avoid leather covers) if you typically read the Bible at church in the U.S.
Paperback English dictionary and thesaurus
Duct or Gorillatape
Putty (to use for mounting pictures)
Basic tools (available here, but expensive); Allen wrenches are very useful for bikes
Dryer sheets (keeps stored clothes from smelling of mildew)
Bed sheets (twin or double twin size; available in-country, but expensive and different quality than in the
U.S.)
Pillow (available in-country, but quality varies). Avoid foam pillows; the ants love them.
Snorkeling gear (consider a rash guard if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water; it also helps protect you
from getting sunburned and coral scrapes)
Goggles if you like to swim
Travel sewing kit
Safety pins
Calendar/daily planner
Books. Mail them via M Bag at the post office before you leave (even a month or two earlier, which should
arrive by the time you swear in). The Peace Corps office has a large library of books for you to use as well.
Magazine subscriptions. Most U.S. magazines will deliver internationally, but at a higher rate, and delivery
can sometimes be slow and irregular.

41
Pictures of your family, friends, and home (very importantyour new Samoan friends will want to see what
your family is like)
Toys for kids (quantity, not quality; available at local dollar stores in the U.S., e.g., crayons, coloring books,
balls, playing cards, board games, etc.)
Maps (e.g., world, U.S., your state). These are perfect teaching tools (oftentimes free at AAA).
At least one of your favorite junk food items to save for later.
Samoa does not have a bicycle shop, so some possible things to bring are bar ends (if you use them), toeclips
or clipless pedals (if you use them), biking gloves, and a light for riding at night.
Special Notes
You will probably exchange gifts with your host family at the end of training. Expensive gifts are not necessary.
Suggested items include inexpensive perfumes and T-shirts or hats with logos (e.g., Nike, FUBU, Adidas, basketball
teams, U.S., your state, university names, etc.) or that have to do with The Rock. American items like flags, posters,
pens, and pencils are wonderful. Taped action movies/DVDs are quite popular. A tourist book or wall calendar of
where you live is always fun to give.
Care Package Considerations

Of great interest is how to get care packages here, and whether they will actually arrive. The mail varies greatly even
from where you send it in the U.S. Following are some tips for getting mail here a little more quickly and smoothly.
Mail comes twice a week so there is no point in ever having something shipped next day or express mail.
The smaller the box, the better. Up to 12-by-12-by-6 seems to do well getting here. The larger the box, the
more time it seems to take, the more beaten up it is, and the more appealing it is to others.
Be sure a customs form is filled out with it. Otherwise, it gets held up.
Be sure Western Samoa is on the label, and the U.S. post office is clear on where it is going. Postage
should not be at domestic rates; otherwise, it may go to American Samoa, where it is sent back to the U.S. or
never arrives.
It is good to write, God is Watching or God Bless This Package on the box. Just a safety precaution.
Boxes usually get here, but just in case.
If sending valuable goods by mail, insure them, or, better yet, do not send them. Find someone to personally
carry them to Samoa.
Faster is not always well, faster. Airmail packages can get here in three weeks or three months. If
someone wants to send you something timely (e.g., for a birthday or Christmas), he or she should send it very
early, by airmail or otherwise. Note that Christmas is horrible for sending packages. If your loved ones want
to send a Christmas gift, be sure they send it early or let them know you are OK if it arrives in February or
later.
Pack well. Anything that can rattle in the box can get broken. If the smallest box available still has air spaces,
candy makes great packing material (hint, hint). Avoid using Styrofoam peanuts; Samoa is a small country
and trash accumulates quickly.

42
Put anything you would hate to have come out of the packaging in a Ziploc bag.
Use the flat-rate boxes through the U.S. Postal Service. They are cheap and easy and it doesnt matter how
heavy the items in them are.
Dont panic! Mail usually arrives just fine, it just takes a while.

43
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside the United States for two
years. Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does not include everything you should make
arrangements for.
Family
Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps Office of Special Services at any time if there is a critical illness
or death of a family member (24-hour telephone number: 800.424.8580, extension 1470).
Give the Peace Corps On the Home Front handbook to family and friends.
Passport / Trave l
Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas.
Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.
Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire
three months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)
Me dical/ He alt h
Complete any needed dental and medical work.
If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.
Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills) you are currently taking.
Insur ance
Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.
Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is
responsible for your health care during Peace Corps service overseas, it is advisable for people who have pre-
existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. If there is a lapse in
coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.)
Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.
Pe rsonal Pape rs
Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
Vot ing
Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state universities consider voting and payment of state
taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)
Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.
Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas.

44
Pe rsonal Effe ct s
Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home for service overseas until the
time you complete your service and return to the United States.
Finan cial Man age me nt

Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S.
Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service.
Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your property and business.
Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child support, and other debts through
the Office of Volunteer Financial Operations at 800.424.8580, extension 1770.
Place all important papersmortgages, deeds, stocks, and bondsin a safe deposit box or with an attorney or
other caretaker.

45
CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS
This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various
questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local numbers provided. Be sure
to leave the toll-free number and extensions with your family so they can contact
you in the event of an emergency.
Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800.424.8580, Press 2, then Ext. # (see below)
Peace Corps Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20526
For Questions About: Staff: Toll-Free Ext: Direct/Local Number:
Responding to Office of x1840 202.692.1840

an Invitation Placement
Country Information Leah Tafara-Maddox x2522 202.692.2522
Desk Officer / ltafaramaddox@peacecorps.gov
Shelley Swendiman x2523 202.692.2523
Desk Assistant / sswendiman@peacecorps.gov
Sena Pierce x2502 202.692.2502
Desk Assistant / spierce@peacecorps.gov
Plane Tickets, Passports, SATO Travel x1170 202.692.1170
Visas, or Other Travel Matters
Legal Clearance Office of Placement x1845 202.692.1845
Medical Clearance Screening Nurse x1500 202.692.1500
And Forms Processing (includes dental)

46
Medical Reimbursements Handled by a Subcontractor 800.818.8772
Loan Deferments, Taxes, Financial Operations x1770 202.692.1770
Readjustment Allowance
Withdrawals, Power of Attorney
Staging (Pre-Departure Office of Staging x1865 202.692.1865
Orientation) and Reporting Instructions
Note: You will receive

comprehensive information
(hotel and flight arrange-
ments) three to five weeks
before departure. This in-
formation is not available
sooner.
Family Emergencies Office of Special x1470 202.692.1470
(to get information to Services
a Volunteer overseas) (24 hours)

47

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THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

This map is used with permission from the State Department.

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

PEACE CORPS/ SAMOA

Hist ory of t he Pe ace Cor ps in Samoa

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Hist ory and Fut u re of Pe ace Cor ps Progr amming in Samoa

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Pe ople and Cult u re

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Ge ne ral Informat ion Abou t Samoa

Conne ct Wit h Re t u rne d Volunt e e rs an d Ot he r Invit e e s

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Online Art icle s/ Cu r re nt Ne ws Sit e s About Samoa

Int e rnat ional De ve lopme n t Sit e s About Samoa

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

Books on the Volunteer Experience

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Your Name, PCT

Private Mail Bag

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Housing and Sit e Locat ion

Living Allowance and Mon e y Man age me nt

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Social Act ivit ie s

Profe ssionalism, Dre ss, an d Be h avior

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Re war ds an d Frust rat ions

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Ove rvie w of Pre -Se rvice Training

Qualifying for Se rvice

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Formal opportunities for ongoing learning in Samoa include the following:

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

He alt h Issue s in Samoa

He lping You St ay He alt hy

Maint aining You r He alt h

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Wome ns He alt h Infor mat ion

Your Pe ace Corps Me dical Kit

Me dical Kit Cont e nt s

American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook

Antacid tablets (Tums)

Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)

Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)

Insect repellent stick (Cutters)

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Oral rehydration salts

Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)

Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)

Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)

Sterile gauze pads

Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)

Tinactin (antifungal cream)

Be fore You Le ave : A Me dical Che cklist

PEACE CORPS | SAMOA WELCOME BOOK

Safe t y and Se curit yOur Part ne rship

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk