What Peace Corps job preferences are most likely in a less rural setting?

Question

I am applying and I much prefer to live in an urban setting than a rural one, so which job preferences are more likely to have me assigned to an urban area?

Also, are there job preferences that are more likely to result in assignment in Europe or South America as opposed to Africa?

Answer 1

IT or computer science seems to have people in a less rural area because they must have access to internet.  Also, business development.  Africa is primarily focused on HIV/AIDS and health education (it is said that no matter what assignment you work on you end up working on HIV/AIDS prevention).   Also, if you want to go to c/s america you might want to enroll in some Spanish language learning or something similar to give you an edge.  If you are really concerned about going to Africa you should state that in your interview, being flexible is encouraged by the PC and is a desirable trait, but I think they would want to see you finish service more than they would want you to go to Africa :)  You might be able to show your commitment by saying that you are willing to work in any job sector but would prefer to not be in Africa, it would be an olive branch of sorts to show that you are flexible in your job placement if they will concede to your location request.  The PC has hundreds of placements that are not in Africa so I'm sure if they know that you don't want to go there then they would work with you.  I also think honestly is the best policy, if you tell them upfront then they can look for you a nomination in another region rather than you having to turn down a nomination for Africa because they didn't know.  I'm definitely not promoting "pickiness", but it clearly means a lot to you and I'm sure your recruiter would agree that they would much rather nominate you for a program you would accept rather than to spend the time and effort to put you somewhere you would have to turn down.  Good luck!