Peace Corps

Cultural Gaffes Beyond Your Borders

This entertaining eight-minute video shows you how easy it is to commit a blunder, a gaffe, a slip-up in another culture. Things as simple and normal to you as sitting on the edge of a desk may be insulting in another country. See 14 examples of cultural gaffes acted out, then get some advice on how to try to avoid making such mistakes when you travel to another culture. (8 min., 2008)

Destination: Dominican Republic

The culture, geography, and work of Peace Corps Volunteers in the Dominican Republic come to life in this video. (19 min., 2000)

Destination: Honduras

This video examines the issue of deforestation as well as the contrasts between rural and urban life. Honorable Mention in both the Telly Award and the NAGC Gold Screen Competition. (20 min., 1992)

Destination: Paraguay

Here you will see the lives of young Paraguayans in both rural and urban settings. Students see firsthand how the modern mestizo culture has blended both Guarani and Spanish heritage. Going through a typical day, you will learn about economic and environmental issues facing this country. (20 min., 1995)

Destination: Lithuania

In 1991, this Baltic state became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence, sparking a dramatic political upheaval. This video explores the impact of these extraordinary changes on the lives of students and their communities. Telly Award Finalist. (20 min., 1994)

Destination: Kyrgyzstan

The independent republic of Kyrgyzstan has historically been a crossroads of trade and culture, making this mountainous country home to tremendous ethnic and cultural diversity. Through the eyes of students, this video shows how the people of Kyrgyzstan are working to rebuild their economy and reclaim their heritage. (22 min., 1996)

Destination: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a natural crossroads for commerce, culture, and religion. Viewers explore the culture and history of this island nation and are introduced to two families, one Tamil and one Sinhalese. (16 min., 1992)

Destination: Marshall Islands

In this video, viewers examine the important role that geography has had in influencing Marshallese life. This video was produced by high school students from Teutopolis, Illinois. (20 min., 1992)

Destination: Senegal

This video explores the country's ethnic groups, the influence of its colonial past, and the geography of its landscape. Viewers also examine alternative approaches to medicine and problem solving. (15 min., 1991)

Destination: Cameroon

This video highlights several different provinces of this African country, focusing on Cameroon's rich cultural and geographic diversity. First place winner of the NAGC Gold Screen Competition and Finalist in the 16th Annual Telly Awards (20 min.).

Destination: Lesotho

Viewers of this video learn of the enormous impact that a long drought has had on this mountain kingdom. The people's response to the drought illustrates not only the importance of water in Lesotho, but also the value placed on teamwork. Telly Award Winner. (21 min., 1994) Lesson plan

Road to Lamesen

This video details a project to improve health education in Togo, a country with 40 different ethnic groups speaking 50 dialects. "Road to Lamesen" investigates the intricate process and delicate gender roles in such a project.

The Growing Challenge in Senegal

Former Peace Corps Volunteers Cory Owens and Clare Major show how they worked alongside farmers in Senegal to improve their yield and help them organize. (8 min., 2007)

The Coral Reef: A Hidden World

This video was a Peace Corps and the University of the South Pacific project designed to help educate Fijians about the value of the coral reefs in their waters. The video provides a valuable teaching tool for any classroom studying coral reefs, covering topics such as the biology of corals, community relationships, feeding behaviors, defense adaptations, and the effect of humans on coral reefs.