While some PCVs felt unfulfilled because they were underworked, others faced problems stemming from how they worked. When a nation collaborates with the Peace Corps, they get help in the form of labor and ideas. However, their new worker has ideas and priorities independent of their host nation. In these cases, the PCV’s clients, co-workers, and employers can grow resentful of these differences.
Geer Wilcox, Dominican Republic 1963-1965
In this audio letter, Wilcox describes a difficulty he has with one of his students. His student has internalized the idea that a blind person is inferior to a sighted person and is resistant to Wilcox's assurance that he can become independent of the school and can succeed in a career.  In the clip, hear how Wilcox articulates the pushback he receives and his solutions to overcome it.
Elizabeth Krakauer, Colombia 1975-1980
Before her service in Colombia, Krakauer spent her career as a librarian. Her work as a PCV made use of this expertise as she organized the Incuvabula held in the National Library of Colombia. In her correspondence with Richard Baca, she explains the value of her service and the importance of making these resources accessible. Yet, she reflects that not all are glad of her work, “Peace Corps is growing again in Colombia but the Anti-American feeling as well.â€
Gail Wadsworth, Uganda 1970-1972
The controversy within service in Uganda stemmed from the presence of foreign aid itself. At once, there was substantial foreign aid in Uganda from both capitalist and communist nations and substantial prejudice against foreign-born Ugandans. Some of Wadsworth’s letters reference development projects by the Canadians, the Russians, and the Chinese. Others of her letters detail the conservative dress code, designed to uphold Ugandan cultural values.
