Better candidate for the Peace Corps?

Question

I'm currently studying Humanities with an emphasis on Latin America. I have about a year left, and I'm planning on take a year of Spanish, I understand a little bit conversationally from high school.

What else can I do, to improve my application when I apply.

I am currently engaged to someone in the military, will that be a factor?

Answer 1

First of all, going to medical school is NOT a way to get into the Peace Corps. If you have a medical degree you can work with organizations that directly offer medical care (e.g., Doctors without Borders). The PC does have medical officers who take care of PC Volunteers, but these jobs are extremely competitive.

It is very unlikely that you will go to a Spanish speaking nation, even if you take a year of Spanish in college. As "Forget War Buy More" said in her entry, Latin & South America are by far the hardest regions to get selected to go to. But don't let this information prevent you from taking Spanish in college, any foreign language exposure makes you a stronger PC applicant.

Other things you can do to make yourself a stronger applicant is to go out and volunteer. This can be anything from informally tutoring fellow classmates to working a volunteer position with some non-profit organization. Also, get some leadership experience (e.g., dormitory hall president, captain of your co-ed soccer team, vice president of your university’s service club). Look through the different program areas the PC offers and if one appeals to you try to get experience related to that program. For example if you think you would like to teach English as a second language, you could go volunteer and tutor immigrants that are trying to learn English.

Regarding your relationship, heed this warning… time and distance are the deadly duo assassins of relationships. If you are serious about marrying this person, I'd think long and hard about joining the PC (I know PC will think long and hard about accepting you). Him being in the military is not a problem per se, except if he is doing intelligence work, if so that’s a problem.

Contact a Peace Corps Recruiter and good luck!

Answer 2

I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Guatemala.  Latin America is by far the hardest area in Peace Corps to get.  For most programs you need either a Master's, significant language experience (I am bilingual), or significant agricultural or construction experience.

I would make sure you spend your summers working in programs that are service orieented.  Also talk to a recruiter.  Most major colleges/universities have a Peace Corps office in their int'l center and they show up to job fairs.

Yes, they do not like people in long term relationships as the person tends  to be more likely to early terminate.

Also be prepared to accept a nomination in Africa or Eastern Europe.

Answer 3

Go to med school.

The Peace Corps needs medical personnel, especially doctors.

Good luck

Answer 4

It sounds like you are well on your way.  You will need to start your application early.  The Peace Corps take a long time to process you before you actually begin, including training, etc.  You will more than likely need to learn more Spanish if you are wishing to head for Latin America as well, you need to conversate well.  

What type of work do you want to do?  This is a huge factor.  The PC are really looking for people in specialized fields, so the more you are in a particular area the better. Since you are going for humanities, you may be best suited a a culturalist or working in education.  

Since you are engaged to someone in the military, this does play a factor.  There is no guarantee for you where you will end up. I assume that it is the same for him as well, being in the military?  This is going to make it difficult for you both.  You are able to specify a preference of where you want to go, but there is no guarantee of where you will end up.