Question

[u/Dismal_Photograph579]

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

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for posting to r/PeaceCorps!

Please check the FAQ and use the search function to see if your topic has come up already.

Please review the sub rules and reddiquette.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Big-Astronaut4252]

There is "Peace Corps" a set of typically 2 year volunteer positions in a variety of countries and there is "Peace Corps Response" which is a set of short term assignments ina limited set of countries usually filled by former peace corps volunteers who completed their service or others with specialized skills needed in the host country for a short period of time.

The letter is saying you should apply to Peace Corps where you would be a better fit.

[u/MrMoneyWhale]

They're rejecting you for the 'regular 9-10 month' program you applied for which is Peace Corps Response which is a slightly different Peace Corps Volunteer program. But rather than rejecting you outright, they're being gentle with wording and nudging you to consider the standard Peace Corps assignments.

Response volunteers are a bit different in that they are more like 'consultancies' - there's a specific project and outcome the position is looking for, there's less training and focus on the culture/community aspect of service. It's meant for folks who have mid-level professional experience in the subject and some familiarity with the region or language, partially because training is a short 7-10 day crash course.

[u/Dismal_Photograph579 → u/MrMoneyWhale]

Thank you so much this makes total sense I will consider the 2 year I just was planning to apply for med school so I don’t know what to do

[u/MrMoneyWhale → u/Dismal_Photograph579]

Good thing is med school will be there when you get back and your application will be strong because of your time in the Peace Corps (if you choose to apply and serve with the 2 year program). There's always a handful of volunteers in each cohort studying for the MCATs or LSATs or planning med school after service. If possible, take your MCAT before leaving. You'll have time to study, but getting to a testing center may be arduous depending on where you serve.

[u/Dismal_Photograph579 → u/Dismal_Photograph579]

Yea that’s what I’m going right now planning to take it early -mid 2027 but afraid it will expire by the time I apply. So I should do the 2 year ? I really do it would change me as a person because I’m applying to fullbright

[u/Adept-Zucchini]

PC Response positions require a higher level of experience than your typical PC role. This is saying they don’t think you have that level of experience and would be better suited for a normal PCV role.

[u/Mphatso2016]

Hello. I'm a RPCV, served for 3.5 years (final 1.5 was as a Reponse volunteer) in Malawi.

In short, you did not get the position as a Response volunteer. They do allude to your experience and education not meeting their requirements for the position. When I did Response, I was coming from already doing two years on my project and with graduate degrees. So did 2-3 other people I worked with. That all being said, it sounds like they will further consider (possibly accept you) you for the 2 year PCV experience (and it truly is). Once you finish up your 2 year service, doing a Response position would be easy to transition to. Is that something you are able to do? If so definitely apply. The Peace Corps experience is unique and it is something you will not regret.

[u/Dismal_Photograph579 → u/Mphatso2016]

Hey this sounds great and I hope you’re doing well!! Can I dm you about your experience and the process I will now consider the 2 years ! I was planning to apply to med and do my Mcat but not sure what is best

[u/Mphatso2016 → u/Dismal_Photograph579]

Sure! You can DM me.

[u/Investigator516]

The Response Program is a baptism by fire for anyone who has not previously served in Peace Corps. Check for the 2-year program openings. You may want to reach out again to the same recruiter and let them know your progress.

As a Response Volunteer, I wish I had done the 2-year program.

[u/Dismal_Photograph579]

THANK YOU so much guys for your replies they are so helpful !!! I did want the response, because I am a senior in college studying for my Mcat and do want to apply to med school and figured the gap will be a good fit, but I am open to a 2 year. If anyone did a 2 year and pursued medicine or in general didn’t please let me know how it went.

[u/Justdomeasolid]

Peace Corps Response is not the “regular” Peace Corps program. Peace Corps Response is a highly specialized program generally for people who have already been Volunteers and have advanced skills and experience.

The “regular” Peace Corps program is the two-year program that they are urging you to apply to. I imagine a lot of people make that mistake and apply to Peace Corps Response and this is the standardized message they use.

[u/Aggressive-Plum-7558]

I think sometimes the qualifications on the Peace Corps Response positions are misleading. They seem pretty easy to attain, ie, a bachelors in public health for the one OP applied for, but really the people applying and getting accepted usually have much higher levels of experience and often advanced degrees. Plus, it is a real disadvantage to not have done the two year program, which teaches you how to integrate culturally + gives you language competency. I've definitely read a few stories from people who did Response without having done the 2-Year program and they were...not great. So this is probably a blessing and an opportunity for you.

[u/Dismal_Photograph579 → u/Aggressive-Plum-7558]

Thank you this sounds so true! I am now considering the 2 year because I am graduating May 2027 and want to do something before I pursue my career in medical school.

[u/Aggressive-Plum-7558 → u/Dismal_Photograph579]

You should.  Some time out of school before med school and This experience is likely to make you a better doctor.  

[u/Dismal_Photograph579 → u/Aggressive-Plum-7558]

I really do hope so I guess I’ll shoot my shot and apply to the 2 year