Glossary & FAQs

GLOSSARY

CVGHM – Center for Volcanic and Geologic Hazard Mitigation – See ‘PVMBG’

ESDM – Energi Sumber Daya Mineral (Department of Energy and Natural Resources) – The overarching government department that includes PVMBG

PVMBG – Pusat Volkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM – Center for Volcanic and Geologic Hazard Mitigation) – Indonesian government institution responsible for monitoring, studying, and communicating geologic hazard potential in the country.  This includes tsunamis, landslides, earthquakes, and eruptions – amongst other things.

USGS – United States Geologic Survey

VDAP – Volcano Disaster Assisatnce Program – A small team of USGS scientsists who provide technical assistance to volcanic surveys in developing countries.  VDAP’s regualr routine is to provide training and technical support to each partner country, but VDAP is also prepared to respond to to “crisis” situations at volcanos.

VSI – Volcanic Survey of Indonesia – Branch of PVMBG that focuses on volcano eruption monitoring

…………

I’ll leave the bulk of the glossary to two fellow PCID-5 bloggers have already done a great job with this.  Refer to their glossaries instead!  They are extensive and annotated.  (Links can also be accessed via the sidebar when viewing any one of my posts or my homepage).

Erindonesia's glossary (Erin)           Utini and Teh's glossary (John)

Did you read a term that wasn’t explained in my post or defined on Erin or John’s blogs?  Post it here, and I’ll make sure the wordage gets clarified.

______________________________________________________________________________________

FAQ

There is so much I would like to tell you about Peace Corps, the Masters International Program, and (most importantly) Indonesia.  I will try to answer some Frequently Asked Questions here.

1.  How long is PC service?  Where will you be?

PC service is 27 months.  The first three months of PC is called “Pre-Service Training” (PST) and consists of intensive daily language training and living with a host family.  My PST site will be in Beji, near the larger town of Malang.  The Arjuna volcanic edifice provides nice scenery for viewers in Beji.  After PST, trainees are initiated in as PC Volunteers.  I am now an official Volunteer and have moved to my permanent site in Banyuwangi province near Gunung Raung and and Kawah Ijen.  My service will extend to mid July 2013.

2.  How will you communicate?

Indonesia is a well connected country (i.e., internet is easy to access via cafes and home modems).  During the 24 month service period, I will have regular access to e-mail and Skype.  I also have a cell phone that can receive incoming calls for free.  I know nothing about the best way to obtain a cheap phone card to call me from the U.S.

3.  Are you allowed to leave Indonesia once you get there?

There is no Peace Corps rule that says I am not allowed to go home.  I will be given twenty four days of vacation each year to leave site.  What I do with that free time or where I go (if I go anywhere) is entirely up to me.  Some volunteers use their vacation time to travel back to the U.S., others travel to other places in their PC country or regional area, and still others never leave their site.

4.  What is the Indonesian school year like?

The Indonesian school system is six days a week (from about 7am to 1pm) and closer to a year-round format than the U.S. calendar.  The specifics and surprising, last minute changes make it impossible for me to share any more detail.  If you want a closer look at the schedule for some particular reason, I have an electronic copy that is easy to understand.  I’ll send it to you if you ask, but be aware that it could change (if it hasn’t already).

5.  How is the food?

Erin has a good page dedicated to food on her blog.  Check it out here.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Have another question?  Post it here, and if it is a common question, I will try to add it as a FAQ.

Advertisement