Anyone who was in the peace corps?? Looking for pos/neg feedback!?

Question

I am a college student and was thinking about joining the peace corps for a couple years but was wondering how it really is. The more information you give the better. I really appreciate your opinions. Thank you.

Answer 1

I was a Peace Corps volunteer from 1989 to 1991. This was the most difficult, and at the same time (and sometimes for the same reasons) the best time in my life. I lived and worked with people who have become my best friends. I learned a language that I have used time and again in my current position.

But most of all, I know that I have done something good in this world.

If you chose to apply, and are accepted, be prepared for literally the toughest job you'll ever love. That's not just a slogan, that's reality. I spent more than one night drinking bad wine and slobbering over my loneliness, and now look back at that time as a wonder and a joy.

PS: You can be in the military and still be in the Peace Corps. You can be a liberal arts major (I was Poli Sci with an emphasis in Public Administration - and I focused on Soviet Communism - go figger) although it did help that I put myself through college working construction. My best friend from PC, though, had a biology major and worked as a golf caddy, so who knows. I really think your innate ability is more of a clue as to whether you will be chosen, and I don't know how to prepare for that test.

Answer 2

I was a volunteer 35 years ago. It was wonderful. Instead of my cutting and pasting, here:

http://www.tedpack.org/pchead.html

Answer 3

The Peace Corps *does* allow people who are former military to apply to be members -- it depends on what you did in the military.

The web site is packed with blogs by current and former PeaceCorps -- 60 seconds of searching on Google will lead you to these.

But just as important, you need to have the skills and experience needed in the developing world that will make you a viable candidate. The PeaceCorps process is HIGHLY competitive.

Here is a web site that can help you learn more about the skills and experience desired by long-term placement organizations, and how you can gain that experience locally, wherever you are right *now*, no matter your age. You are never too young nor too old to start engaging in activities and training that will make you a viable candidate for long-term volunteer placement agencies like the PeaceCorp:

http://www.coyotecommunications.com/volu...

Answer 4

They have an extensive website that you can read information about them and request an application. Some larger cities even have recruiting stations.

When I spoke to them when I was fresh out of college, they told me that they were most interested in people with TANGIBLE skills and degrees - things like electrician, plumber, carpenter, etc etc. Since I had a political science and sociology degree, I ended up not applying. Keep that in mind if you are looking to join them. Also, I believe they don't allow anyone with military experience to join either. Good luck!

http://www.peacecorps.gov/