So long, Sarah

Living in rural Bolivia, you develop some skills that are very useful in navigating the culture, little dos and don'ts that help put others at ease with you. Things like greeting everyone when you enter a room shows that you are kind and considerate enough to respect local traditions.

Sadly, Sarah is leaving Bolivia in December after volunteering for two years as in-house grant coordinator, supervisor of the student cooperative, visitor coordinator, English professor, and many, many other roles. She will be interviewing for graduate school in the United States, and I'm afraid she has picked up some of these habits that may not serve her well in the interview. Here's a handy checklist of dos and don'ts for her to help out.

• Do greet the interviewer warmly with good eye contact and a pleasant smile. Don't lean in and pat the interviewer on the shoulder when you shake hands. Kissing on the cheek is probably not expected, either.



• Talking about the weather, although superficial, is an appropriate social lubricant, as long as it is not exaggerated. However, if it is raining, don't ask the interviewer, "Why are you crying?"



• Do order something modest on the menu, and if the interviewer orders a drink, you may also do so. Whatever the case, don't shake out your cup before you fill it. Certainly don't insist that you drink your drinks together, and finish in one gulp.



• Make polite conversation, bringing your intercultural experiences into the conversation, and highlighting how these experiences have shaped your worldview. Don't talk passionately for very long about chuños, however, no matter how interesting you think this subject matter is.



• Portions may be smaller than you are accustomed to, especially after plates piled high with rice, boiled plantains, potatoes and other starchy vegetables. In any case, don't ask for a yapa -- an little extra -- when the food comes to the table, no matter how small your portion.



• Perhaps you will be suffering some intestinal disorder upon your return. If so, do see a doctor and have a test to identify the ailment. However, discussing your malady at the table is not expected. Shouting "Here it comes, amoebas!" when you start to eat is especially bad form. If you can't finish your lunch, you may ask the waitperson to bring you a carry out container. Don't whip out a plastic baggie, then stuff the food into your handbag.



• Practically all septic systems in the U.S. are designed to handle toilet paper, so do flush it down. Don't complain that there were no wastepaper baskets in the restroom and you had to throw your toilet paper on the floor of the stall.



• Do follow the interviewer's lead when it comes to ordering dessert or coffee after the meal. You may have become accustomed to drinking sweet, hot beverages in Bolivia, so although it may be tempting, don't put five tablespoons of sugar in your coffee.



• Some foods, like shrimp and pizza, are considered "finger food," so picking them up to eat them is entirely acceptable. Do use your napkin to wipe your hands after eating finger food, and after the meal. And although perfectly normal in the campo, don't pull out a roll of toilet paper to wipe your hands and mouth in the restaurant -- the waitperson will be happy to bring you additional napkins if you so request. However, don't snap your fingers or hiss to get the attention of the waitperson. A small wave -- and sometimes only eye contact -- is enough to draw attention.



• Do thank the interviewer for lunch, and for the opportunity to talk. However, don't say "provecho" to each individual if there are many of you at the table, or to other people in the restaurant.

Hopefully these friendly tips will bring her success in her quest for a position at the graduate school of her choice. Adelante, Sarah! We will miss you.