Question

A Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is facilitating the introductory meeting of Peace Corps volunteers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The volunteers are excited and nervous to be in the country and meeting their colleagues for the first time. Which of the following options should the FSO do first?

A) Provide a detailed overview of the host country's culture
B) Share personal anecdotes about their own experiences in the country
C) Establish a comfortable and open atmosphere for introductions
D) Distribute informational pamphlets about the Peace Corps

Answer 1

The Foreign Service Officer should first establish a comfortable and open atmosphere for Peace Corps volunteer introductions before sharing detailed cultural information or personal experiences.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is facilitating an introductory meeting of Peace Corps volunteers, the first action they should take is C) Establish a comfortable and open atmosphere for introductions. Creating this atmosphere is crucial for setting a positive tone for the meeting and ensuring that volunteers feel welcome and valued. It also helps facilitate open communication, which will be important as volunteers begin their humanitarian work. Once a comfortable environment is established, the FSO can then provide a detailed overview of the host country's culture, share personal anecdotes, and distribute informational pamphlets about the Peace Corps as follow-up activities.