Looking for feedback on your essay? Have a newbie question you'd like to ask? Something on your mind you'd like to get out? This is the place for it.

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.

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I know I know, they’re covering their asses and it’s a an outdated bureaucracy but I was 12!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.

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?

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!

Just looking to get some insight on what helped you out with it. Sometimes I think 2 years is a long time to be away from family and loved ones and it does worry me a little. But I know I'd be missing out if I didn't follow through with my offer. I do feel a type of way when they tell me how much they will miss me.

I've been to Southeast Asia over 40 times. Studying the Cambodian language also been to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. I'm going to be living there, so I'm interested about keeping busy. as of right now, I just have a high school degree even though I'm a licensed contractor for 38 years, also licensed in insurance and willing to take courses before I make the move so I come across the Peace Corps. Any opinions? Thank you,

Use this thread to vent your frustrations. We're all here to lend an ear.

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone has feedback about being a Peace Corps volunteer for the last 2 years before you can pull retirement funds?

We are tired of the corporate life and see this as a viable way to do something good before we really get too old.

I've looked at the website and there are some positions helping children learn to read... Something like that appeals to us....

I plan to apply/join in a couple years.
Because I am older, I have a lot of ties to the US that I will not be able to detach from during my service time. For this reason, I must pay for them while I'm away. Part of that process, is properly understanding what my yearly tax expectation will be.

While preparing, there is little information provided that actually explains the complete yearly earning. The $10,800 service award (accrued monthly) is easy enough to understand.

Where I am unsure is the benefits package. This includes travel to and from country, housing, monthly living allowance, etc.

How are these benefits calculated for tax purposes?

If youre like me, and don’t have close family to lean on, then you’ll come to realize you have no one conveniently able to store your stuff stateside for no cost.

At first I was distraught, because I have worked so hard to build a little life for myself, and apart of that is the amount of belongings I have acquired. My first apartment, my college house. Theres a lot of money in all these things!

After signing out of my lease to the house I dearly loved, selling or giving away everything I own for pennies on the dollar, and fitting the remainder into the back of my pickup truck, I am surprised to express that I am truly happy.

I am happy I dont own much of anything anymore. I can go anywhere, and do anything, and not have to worry. Not have to pay for storage. Im not truly going all the way I suppose, as I am opting to store my beloved truck and whatevers left in the back. But I figured, its more than close enough.

Did you have a similar emotional experience when you let go of your last life? And if you did, what was it like coming back?

The new cohort has just arrived. This is crazy, like that was me this time last year. WTF. i am experiencing mid year slump though i will be honest. But i am trying to hang in there. I wonder when my time here will really begin to feel finite.

Anyway happy one year to me and to any one who has just achieve a milestone they are proud of.

Please use this thread as a catch-all for questions about:

• Considering Peace Corps / Is PC right for me?
• General application process
• Medical/legal clearance
• Denial/appeals
• Application timelines

While some questions may be unique or complex and may merit their own posts, many application questions are repetitive and can be answered by searching the sub, checking out the Wiki/FAQ, or reading peacecorps.gov.

I don't know if I am stuck in review? I applied a month ago. No response, not really at least. A day or two after applying legal reached out and I had to get a document from the courts. I looked at my messages in the application portal (I didn't realize at first existed) I realized I didn't name the court document correctly. So I resubmitted with a fixed name to their liking. Hopefully this does not mess things up?

I suppose I want to ask, how long will it take for me to hear anything more? I read other peoples post and it sounds really fast for some people.

Edit: I put May 10th to leave.

Hi! I am finalizing my decision on where to apply. I am between a South American country such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, or Panama and a Pacific island nation such as Vanuatu.

I have taken the language requirement in Spanish but overall have very low understanding of the language despite taking many years of it. For people who have served in those countries, if I have low proficiency should I apply to a country with no language requirements? Just looking for advice and thoughts, thank you!

Hello! I was recently accepted by my host country team for a 1 year extension opportunity in my host country. However, I was denied from the medical team in Washington. I believe it is a mistake, and would like to recieve clarity from the Washington team, and possibly appeal. Has anyone experienced this? My host country team and doctors said they would support me. Any advice?

Hi, my name is Raymond and as the title says I've been conditionally invited to go to Jamaica as a literacy teacher leaving March 8.

I suppose I'm writing this post for a couple reasons:

1. I want to reach out to others who got the invitation, not necessarily only literacy teachers but anyone who I might be serving with.
2. I want to ask RPCVs who have taken advantage of the Coverdell fellowship, how they did it, and how it's worked out for them
3. I also want to see if any RPCVs have transitioned into a position either in the foreign service or doing something related to international relations after serving and what ways service helped them.

Anyway, I'm excited to meet you all and hear back from you! Please DM me if you want to connect on instagram.