OPI

At the end of every Peace Corps training, volunteers have to take the OPI.  I forget what the acronym stands for, but it's a test to determine whether you meet the necessary foreign language requirements.  If you're unable to pass the OPI, you need to continue language classes and reach proficiency within a certain timeframe.  Rumor has it that in certain posts, sometimes that option is unavailable and you get sent back home.

Today was the OPI and needless to say, it was slightly stressful.  It's a one-on-one back and forth conversation with a Tongan instruction that's recorded on tape.  There's nine different proficiencies broken down into three grading levels (Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced).  The grading levels are then broken into three more scales for that level.  For example, the Novice level is then broken down into Novice(Novice), Novice(Intermediate), and Novice(Advanced).

The minimum level to be officially qualified is the Novice(Advanced) level.  After three months of training, no volunteers ever make the 'Advanced' scale.  Usually volunteers fall within the Novice and Intermediate categories.  I pretty much winged the test and all I know for now is that I’m somewhere in the Intermediate level; I'm happy with that.

There's an auction for used Peace Corps furniture (like used stoves/fridges) and it's being pushed back until Friday. At 4 p.m. today we’ll get a chance to see the funeral procession. I’ll try to get some decent pictures (only if its culturally appropriate).

Tomorrow is the big day when we will swear-in as Peace Corps volunteers.