Peace corps -- before or after college?

Question

I want to join the peace corps but I don't know when. I want to do it either before or after college. I am guessing that colleges would be more likely to accept someone who has been in the peace corps, but i'm not sure i want to go when i'm so young. then again, it oculd help mature me. after college it might be nice because i'd be doing something before headin to my real life. i want to be either an elementary school teacher or a nurse, skills i think would help me in the peace corps.

so which would you recommend?

Answer 1

before: like you said will make you mature and broaden your mind besides after college you wont probably care as much courage is easier when you are young. besides common sense will serve you well in the peace corp than college skills i would take a good first aid class beyond two hours snakes,wounds and resuscitation.

Answer 2

I would go to college first, the Peace Corps is great, but it is a break, and any break from school makes it harder to go back. It's like the people who want to take a year off to work, they tend to never go to college.

Answer 3

I would personally go to college first,get my degree and then do peace corp as a way to digest the education and help choose a direction.

Answer 4

In my experience (Ecuador 98-2000 & Tanzania 2000-2002), people with too specialized an education were often frustrated by conditions they encountered in their communities, while generalists were better able to cope with a wide variety of needs and conditions.

But, Peace Corps is getting more and more strict about admitting people without at least a Bachelor's.

To get an idea, you can go to their site and take an eligibility survey. It'll give you a pretty good idea on your chances of getting with a H.S. diploma or an Associate's degree. Sorry, I don't remember where on the site it is, but it shouldn't be hard to find.

I have to tell you that PC is definitely NOT for everyone, but for those lucky ones it's the greatest experience you'll ever have...or one of them!

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

The PeaceCorps wants you to go to college FIRST. They need you to have experience to offer, not just a want to help people. The people being served by PeaceCorps members are asking for no more idealistic inexperienced do-gooders -- they want experts who can help people to help themselves.

More information on volunteering abroad and what the PeaceCorps and other groups are looking for:

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

Answer 6

If I had that choice, I would have

gone into the peace corps before

college.  It's a break from school and

studies, and gets you out into the

world doing good for others.