have you thought about and/or joined the peace corps?

Question

i've already done a lot of volunteer work and even spent some time in appalachia tutoring and doing a great deal of manual labor. i've done soup kitchen work here at home plus building for habitat for humanity. i've already graduated college with two degrees. in the interim i went to europe where i worked in a corporate setting for two years. in the interim i began gathering a lot of information on the topic and am still wondering if something like the peace corps would be a good fit for me. hard work doesn't scare me. new places don't scare me. hell, not even vaccinations and language barriers scare me. (okay maybe the idea of dysentery does a little), but not doing the right thing ... now that freaks me. just looking for someone with some insight or first hand experience on the matter. thanks.

Answer 1

I spent a 30 year career with an NGO overseas and have working with many volunteers both inside and outside of our programs.
I cannot recommend it highly enough; especially with someone with your experience and expertise. Yes, many volunteers come right out of college and end up teaching English at high schools up-country. But as the world has become more sophisticated, so have the problems. And Peace Corps is actively recruiting more mature people with a broader base of program skills. Yes, I have seen volunteers teaching English, but also seen them engaged in small business projects or filling line positions within government ministries and everywhere in between.
I would encourage you to contact your closest P.C. recruiter and talk seriously about how your experiences might be best tailored for both yourself and the communities you interface with.
Most ex volunteers will tell you it was the most meaningful experience of their lives, and I note that it has also greatly influenced their career choices thereafter. Hope you follow through and best of luck!

Answer 2

I served a full term, 30 years ago. I taught English upcountry. It was the most rewarding experience of my life; also the hardest I've ever worked, the most educational and exciting time of my life. ElOsoBravo has the best answer so far. I would add that the best expereinces come when you go to a country where the government is trying to help everyone, not just feather the Swiss Bank account of the President for Life, and you have a well-defined job to do, not a vague "Community development" slot.

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

Answer 3

I did.
Seriously, I researched it and was ready to sign up. My family freaked out over it but I thought it would be a great opportunity and learning experience.
What stopped me?
I couldn't afford to lose 6-12 months of income. I have student loans to pay and a car payment. I figure the people who do join are wealthy or have their parent's paying all their bills. The average Joe can't afford to take off work for a year to join.

Answer 4

yeah, after i watched that episode of family guy where chris joins to run away from his problems (the freshman hunt) .. then at the end we all learned the lesson that its not cool to run away from your problems by joining the peace corps...


also, the peace corps dont do much, they help people gather water and stuff right?

Answer 5

Yes! I have. I think I'm not brave enough. But I do admire anyone who has the courage to do so.

Answer 6

I thought about it, and my friend did it, but my father got terminally ill so I had to stay home.

Answer 7

no...but I have a friend who did....she is looking forward to doing this.

I think that is a wonderful thing to do....
you volunteering is a wonderful thing to do as well.

I congratulate you for you volunteering to those who needed your help, you deserve a pat on the back.

(((((((HUGS)))))))) to you for your great work you do.

Answer 8

Yes im going to do it after college.

Answer 9

No, but my sister did and she is not at peace with herself.

Answer 10

I joined, became disillusioned, and left early. :(