AmeriCorps: Insiders Experience questions!?

Question

I would like answers from people who have travelled and had the opportunity to work with AmeriCorps.

When you are on your "assignment" (lack of better term)

1.Do you get personal time to explore the area you are staying? Ex. evenings, weekends
2. Are you there staying with other people, what are the general living conditions like?
3. Is it advised to bring your own money or is their "living expense allowance" good enough?
4. Are you competing with a lot of people once you apply, or are you generally accepted if you apply?

I know this is all stuff that could be answered by a representative, but I always like to get a 1st hand opinion on it, from someone who's experienced it!

Thanks!

I appreciate you trying to give me that website, but I have been through and through that website - and the FAQ's didn't quite do it. I'm not ready to call a representative yet, which led me here to ask for the answers from people who have been through the program, hence the last part of my question.

Answer 1

Go to http://www.americorps.gov -- many of these questions are answered already. This site will also help you find AmeriCorps programs in your area -- you can call and ask to speak with an AmeriCorps member about his or her service.