Turning the Tables

PART TWO

In the beginning of your tour, you will have to spend some time establishing your credibility. In thinking how you might do this try to recall other times when you were in a situation where you were an unknown or untested entity and had to prove yourself to others. What did you do?

As the following statements indicate, however, some factors are working in your favor, and you may think of others to add to this list:

1. People assume that you wouldn't have come here if you thought you were going to be wasting your time. They can accept that you at least believe you have something to offer, which may make them think twice about you.

2. It may be known that whatever else you may lack, you do have the technical expertise to be here doing this job. You may never have done the work in this context before, but you do know your stuff.

3. The United States is seen as an advanced country in many respects, so Americans are often viewed as people who may have knowledge or experience that host country people do not have.

4. You are probably not the first PCV at this site. If your predecessors were even partial successes, then people realize that a PCV eventually can get things done.

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