Comments on: 5 things you should know before joining the Peace Corps

By: Essential Packing List for the Peace Corps

Essential Packing List for the Peace Corps — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:32:16 +0000

[...] in learning more about the Peace Corps? Here are 5 things you should know before joining, then check out how to [...]

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:50:19 +0000

Congratulations! Waiting for that final phone call can be a nail-biting experience!

You’re right, weird illnesses do sneak up on you. I don’t know if it’s fair to say they’re all illnesses, but your body will go through a lot of changes as you adjust to the stress, new foods, new routines, etc. Stay on top of your hygiene and let your medical director know if anything feels off. He / she will be a great resource while you’re in-country.

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:47:16 +0000

There are needs for volunteers from a diverse array of backgrounds. Having volunteer experience is a great asset to your application. There are a lot of volunteers with a liberal arts background (myself included), but that doesn’t make them any less able to be a Peace Corps volunteer. Chances are you won’t be placed in a business-related program, but you may be able to work as a health educator or in a youth development-related position. Don’t let your background hold you back; your recruiter will help you find the best fit for your skills and background.

By: Jessie

Jessie — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:55:56 +0000

Also, maybe we should add weird illnesses (i.e. diarreha) as a normal aspect of life to the list? Erm… not looking forward to that one…

By: Jessie

Jessie — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:31:48 +0000

I just stumbled on this article after searching for something completely different but wanted to thank you for the insight! I’m on the last step of joining the Peace Corps (just waiting for that recruiter phone call…) and things are beginning to feel very real. Even though I’ve already made the decision and thought about it a lot, I feel like your points are great to keep in mind even after beginning service, especially the part about being honest with yourself.

Thank you!

By: JoAnna Haugen – 5 Things You Should Know Before Joining the Peace Corps

JoAnna Haugen – 5 Things You Should Know Before Joining the Peace Corps — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:41:20 +0000

[...] the whole story here. Domingo’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant [...]

By: John

John — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:25:02 +0000

I mean accepted. It’s been a long day.

By: John

John — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:24:00 +0000

What specific skills do we need to be excepted into PC? I’m a liberal arts and social science major so anything technical I lack. I don’t even have a ESL certificate, but I am completing an internship that involves working with adolescents in impoverish neighborhoods, so I guess that stands for something. Right? I have a feeling I’m lacking in the “experience” column, so I’m not sure I’ll be accepted.

By: Bill Graham

Bill Graham — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:23:07 +0000

Good summary of the PC experience. During my two years in Sierra Leone (’62-64) I had no problems adjusting, getting along, doing my job and the rest. Joanna’s point 5 was the sticker though:

When you return “People will ask you about your service, but two years are not easily summarized in two sentences, and people don’t have the time to hear more than two sentences.”

Did I ever discover that fast. Keep your replies to well intentioned family or friends down to one sentence: “I learned a lot”. If they want to draw you out, fine, but don’t push it. Their eyes glaze over two words into the third sentence!

By: Alaina O'Brien

Alaina O'Brien — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:21:21 +0000

What an honest article. Very helpful, pointing out important points I had never before considered.