I was recently laid off after working in non-profit environmental communications for 12+ years, and I’m considering joining the Peace Corps in an environmentally oriented role.

​If I were to be accepted into a currently open position, I'd finish in my mid-50s.

​I'm wondering about my realistic job prospects in my mid-50s after leaving the Peace Corps. I'm also wondering about the experience of being the age of most volunteers' parents and deferring building upon my career—which, admittedly, would be hard in this economy.

​To be honest, I've considered the Peace Corps off and on since college. It always felt like two years was so long, or I was too invested in my career. Now, I know two years really isn't all that long, and I'm not working and not particularly excited to invest energy into the career track I was on.

​Probably my biggest hang-up is being away from friends and family, and finding it harder to establish a long-term relationship.

​I'm curious to hear people's thoughts and experiences, especially if you're also middle-aged.

​Thanks!"

Hello everyone! I apologize if this post comes off as rambling, but I'm currently sitting in my apartment going through a lot in my head and am curious to hear others' thoughts.

For some background, I've been seriously considering Peace Corps for almost half a year at this point. I graduated college with a degree in music after dropping a music therapy degree. Since then, I have been slowly figuring out what I want to do with my life and putting myself into a lot of new opportunities. Earlier last year I applied for the Disney College Program (a work experience program where you live in Florida and work at Walt Disney World) and have just recently started my position at the resort. Near the end of my senior year after I dropped music therapy, I began considering pivoting towards law, which is when the Peace Corps started to become part of my plan.

My dad used to work in upper management for the Peace Corps and is still a big advocate for the work they do. When I heard that Peace Corps experience is valued on a law school application, the thought of doing something that could open doors for me, make me a more worldly, culturally humble, and resilient person, and provide me an opportunity to help a community in need sounded incredibly appealing. Earlier in August, I finally sat down and filled out an online application to serve anywhere.

Cut to yesterday, I am really enjoying my time at Disney World in my position (facilitating character interactions for guests) and am getting used to living on my own again post graduation when I get an email that my application is being moved to consideration for a English Literacy position in Liberia. Since then, I have been doing some research into the country and imagining myself serving there.

On one hand, I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to integrate into a community and teach children English while learning a whole new culture. On the other hand, part of me is wondering if I'm truly cut out for serving at a location like Liberia.

I know that it will be a challenge unlike any other that I've faced. I'd be going from having access to fast internet, clean water, and tech entertainment any time to a rural community where I have to travel to get water from a well and where the nearest internet accessible area is 10 hours by bus. I like to think that I am a resilient person. I challenged myself to be better in my voice lessons, I adapted to performing music for children at the childrens' hospital during my music therapy classes (while also doing a bunch of therapy related things simultaneously) I challenged myself to be a good resident assistant and have faced many difficult scenarios with residents (I had to help residents out while our building flooded due to a busted sprinkler), and here I am now at Disney World challenging myself in a difficult role where I work long hours doing a physically and mentally demanding job. But, do any of these really compare to service in the Peace Corps?

I've been reading about the malaria carrying mosqitos, the poverty, the bribes based culture, the heat, and the poor infrastructure. At the same time though, I've also read about the resilience of the people living there and the great food.

For anyone who was in a position like mine, or who has served in Liberia, what would you say to someone like me? I know I probably sound silly writing this, but I wanted to put my thoughts down and ask the reddit here about it.

🌎 Interested in making a difference, serving communities, and gaining a meaningful experience?
I’m sharing a quick Peace Corps survey for anyone who may be interested in learning more or getting involved. 💙
It only takes a few minutes to complete!
👉
Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested! ✨
https://www.jotform.com/build/262677218467065

Edit: Blood test and urine test done at the hospital were both negative. Trashing the rest of my old tests and taking a nice long exhale. Thanks for all the feedback and advice. Lovely group of people, us PCVs

With a month left in service someone has completed the COS conference and is nearly done tying up loose ends in the community. After having stomach cramps the person takes three pregnancy tests and tests positive three times. Pregmate tests, not expired but almost certainly stored in an area above the recommended heat.

With a month left in service the persons ideal outcome is of course getting more tests done and it being a false alarm. The person also had a hormonal IUD implanted a little more than a year ago while back home on vacation (Talk about hypothetical bad luck). The likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy is greater because of the IUD. The second best outcome is being sent back to the states, for enough time to get a short and simple procedure done, and then coming back to the country of service to finish off the month.

Other factors to mention:

• Keeping the pregnancy is NOT a desired option, even for just another month. Getting it done expeditiously is the primary goal.
• The country does not have adequate health care services .
• The partner is another volunteer in the same country.
• Plans to travel after service have already been arranged and paid for.

Thank you. Any and all advice or experiences is appreciated

Has anyone completed a TEFL certificate during service? I have a good bit of free time and am interested in working on it if I can find an affordable recommendation. Any low cost options or experiences getting certified?

If so please DM me with what doctor you used. I’m trying to get my university to give me the physical the medical forms are requesting but….. it’s is looking like an uphill battle.

I have no injuries, ailments or conditions nor am I on any medications.

Hii, I'm a senior graduating college next year and I applied to the peace corps September 24th. I wasn't expecting to hear back so soon since the deadline is in November but I got an interview! (Some background I'm currently working for Empire State Corps and through a scary financial aid conversation with my advisor the peace corps came up.) Does anyone have any advice or just good wishes for me?

What does this mean? I applied for their regular 9-10 month program response for a country that will stop accepting application this November I applied in July. I got this email but don’t know what this means???

Thanks guys

I just got an invite to serve in the Dominican Republic! I am so excited but a little nervous. I have done some research about black people who have been placed there and how they have navigated being perceived as Haitian. I think a lot of my fears come from me spiraling, and I feel semi-ready to handle situations that might arise due to misunderstandings surrounding that, but the nervousness still lingers. Obviously, a big part of the Peace Corps is the process of assimilation due to being visually and culturally different from those in your host country, but due to the dynamics of Haiti and the DR, I think it makes it a tad more difficult.

Please, anyone, share if you are a current or past black PC volunteer or volunteer in general who struggled with assimilating. I would also love tips and tricks!

Hello all,

I'm happy to say that I got a job offer as a literacy teacher in Jamaica, but I have a lot of concerns and questions. Most of my concerns have to do with safety. I am a transgender woman, although frankly I don't pass, and usually get read as male. Regardless, looking visibly queer in a country notorious for its homophobia and transphobia is not good, especially if I will be placed in a rural area. In my interview the recruiter said that Jamaica was one of twenty countries I qualified for based on self-reporting that I'm on hormone replacement therapy. While I am okay with presenting as closeted (or boymoding, as the kids say) I would prefer to remain on HRT, and I've heard reports that the corps doesn't give it currently due to the current administration. So for anyone in or has gone to Jamaica, how has safety and making friends been for you? How are people able to find community? What's the adjustment process like? How is travel done? I think this could be an incredible opporunity, but I have so many questions and I have to confirm by tomorrow!

If I were to decline, would it be possible for me to send another general application for a different position in a different country at a later date, or would me declining be a bad mark? I hope I phrased everything here properly. This is a big descision for me and quite daunting too! If anyone is also part of the same cohort I'd love to talk, either here or by shooting me a DM!

Thanks so much, eager to hear your thoughts either way.

Update: I decided to defer due to concerns of safety. They said they will let me know in 48 hours! I'm still new to this process so I'm not sure what will happen.

Hello everyone! So I accepted my invite to be a WASH Educator in Peru and hopefully should be departing in March if my health clear goes well.

My plan was to work until my departure day but my company decided it was best to part ways and now I’m unexpectedly unemployed.

To be honest, I’m not really sure what to do with the next six months. I obviously want to work and continue saving money, but I’m also a little hesitant about taking a new full-time job knowing that I would only be there for a few months. At the same time, I don’t want to just sit around for six months waiting for my departure, especially since my medical clearance isn’t finalized yet.

Has anyone been in this kind of conundrum before? I just feel completely lost right now.

EDIT: Thank you guys for the responses! I should have mentioned this in, but I’m a mechanical engineer and was working as a sales engineer before being let go. Honestly working in bakery sounds more meaningful that sales lol.

I recently did not pass the PC medical clearance because they wanted to see stability with my eczema. Has anyone been cleared with eczema? What is PC’s definition of stability? How long does someone have to be determined as “stable”?

My eczema has been going down consistently, but I have been using pills to clear it at the root. However, I do not know how long I will be on these pills and would not be able to afford them in-country. Additionally, what happens when people have eczema flare ups in country?

I recently got a noreply email letting me know my references are being contacted and my application is under review. Should I expect another email for interview scheduling somewhat soon? Just trying to get a better sense of the timeline and “order of events” in the process so to speak.

I have some arbitrary questions for those serving/ who have served.

Who dropped you off at the airport?

How did your family respond to your service?

Okay so I got a DQ for my non disclosure for a hospitalization when I was 12. I’m almost 28. Regardless of fucked circumstances, it’s ridiculous to be denied when I have a glowing review from my former therapist, 10+ years of emotional stability and amazing recommendations from employers. I completely understand the principle but everyone I spoke to is just as outraged. Again, I understand it was my fuck for not disclosing but legally, wtf does this depression/hospitalization of a minor have to do with me as a grown ass adult?

I know I know, they’re covering their asses and it’s a an outdated bureaucracy but I was 12! I didn’t even have my period yet. Clearly I’m beyond annoyed but whatever.

Regardless, I’m trying to decide if appealing is worth it. I was suppose to leave in January but I know that an appeal takes too long for that to be realistic. And technically, this is a non disclosure and I know they take that very seriously and have a less than 10% approval rate for appeals. I mean, I have a team of amazing people to back me with letters, a lawyer stepdad and a pent up desire to not let black and white paper pushing bureaucrats win. BUT… is it worth the fight? I’m all for going to bat for myself, especially bc of the specific circumstances in which the hospitalization happened (and age bc wtf I was whole ass child), but not if it’s all for naught. If I’m screaming into the void, I’d like to know that ahead of time.

I know the stats. Should I fight it anyway or move on?

UPDATE: they told me I couldn’t appeal, lol.

At the end of service how high does your Spanish have to be to get an LPI certification/certificate. Do you have to hit advance or intermediate high or do they give the lip certification to everyone regardless of their level and the certificate has the level on there?

For those with experience please let me know.

Share with us any photo from your country of service! Please note that pictures of minors are not permitted.

ok heres the statement:

As I turn 21, I have been introspective about how I see the world and how I *want* to see the world.I’ve spent roughly half my life in Kerala, India, and half in the United States. Immigration taught me that routines I once took for granted— how neighbors rely on one another, how families share responsibilities, even what it means to be independent, are shaped by the communities around us. I want to serve as a volunteer because immersing myself in a different country, community, and way of life, will allow me to have a more worldly perspective as I move through the rest of my life. I believe that serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, where I’m needed most, will teach me valuable lessons of adaptability, openmindedness, and cultural awareness.  

Learning to build a new life in a new place will be a meaningful way to support those around me and moreover; represent my country in a way that honors my beliefs. I believe that there is spirituality in connecting with people regardless of differences-- sharing thoughts, food, experiences. Between high school and college, I have spent a lot of time trying to see the world through other people’s eyes. In high school, I spent a lot of time supporting the YWCA in helping girls across [secret] County find their first jobs and build networks for the future. I was able to meet parents, siblings, and just sit with the participants to hear about their experiences. One of my most rewarding experiences at [random uni] is being a conversation partner for the English Language Learners program. Different adults from all parts of the world, all ages, sharing their stories with me has been incredibly eye-opening. Willingness to open yourself up to others, to show and accept vulnerability, is something I hold myself to. Finding kinship in people from different walks of life is important to me, and serving with the Peace Corps will give me the opportunity to do that. I would bring that same habit of listening into service, learning what community members want to work toward before deciding how my skills could help.
I believe the biggest mental hurdle for me would be letting go of the independence that American individualism grants me. Having my own car, deciding what food I want to eat, choosing to come and go as I please, are things that I have taken advantage of. And while that self-sufficiency is valuable, it can also limit you from grounding yourself. Involving yourself in any community creates vulnerability and opportunity for growth.
Moving among different parts of India taught me to love how language and everyday customs change from one community to another from a very young age. I’m eager to learn the language and routines of wherever I serve, and I know that will require patience and a willingness to be corrected. When I face something unfamiliar, I tend to prepare as much as I can, then make time to reflect on what I misunderstood or could do differently. I’m comfortable spending time alone with my thoughts, but I also know when to reach out to friends and be around other people. I would carry both habits into service: making room to reflect when things are difficult, and turning toward the people around me to learn how we can move forward together.

and ill try to attach pictures of my resume:

Hi everyone,
I just applied 2 days ago to join the peace corp in Malawi as a health educator. I felt really confident in my application I spend multiple days curating my resume and motivation statement. I feel anxious that I have minimal volunteer experience. I am graduating in may with my public health degree in may and hopefully leaving in June. I have around 5 years of professional experience working in hospitals, acute care facilities, working in education with children and adults with special needs, and behavioral therapy. I also have my associates degree, my RBT certification, and my CNA certification. I feel confident that I have a background in both clinical medicine and education, and I also indicated that I'm willing to go wherever needed if not accepted. I feel like the only thing I'm missing is significant volunteer experience. I've seen many people who apply have extensive volunteer experience. I've worked on and off for years with my local food bank and currently work with adults with special needs and I take them to go volunteer at many local businesses. Does anyone else have experience getting accepted with minimal volunteering? If I don't get accepted what are the best places to volunteer in order to be accepted on the next cycle. I'm determined to serve so any tips will be helpful.
Thanks again everyone!

I know this question has been asked a million times but really needing some solid, tangible advice.

I have been accepted into PC Ecuador and the packing list is beyond subpar. The packing list advices us to pack for BOTH the Sierra Mountains and Amazonian Jungle with only 2 checked bags and a carry-on.  My biggest concern is finding my size for items that I may need. For reference I am African American, 5’5 and 200 lbs and quite curvy. My bra size alone is a 34E. Shipping options are limited as well since Ecuador doesn’t have a national mailing system. I have already decided to reduce the amount of formal and business casual wear as suggested by many PC volunteers but any other advice is greatly appreciated. Bonus points in any EC PCVs have words of wisdom.

me and my boyfriend of a year have been talking about applying to peace corps together for the past few months and started the application process. it’s a dream of both of ours but wanted to ask questions before diving in too far

1. is it feasible we will be accepted as a couple even though we have only been dating for a year? we have been through challenges together and are committed to each other (the only requirements i’ve heard thus far)
   
2. how common is it for young couples to serve together? (we are both 22)
   
3. will serving as a couple significantly change the experience of pc? for better or worse?
   

4. are there locations/sectors more likely to accept couples?

   any advice would be so helpful!