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Medical ✔ Complete. A decision has been reached regarding your medical review. Please look for a letter in the mail. e: Dear IntPorp, The Office of Medical Services is pleased to inform you that you have been medically qualified for service. 
HAIL eSATA-n fucked around with this message at 02:14 on Aug 28, 2011 |
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Aug 24, 2011 23:02
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I'm in the midst of completing the initial application, and noticed that library work is listed on the "practical experience" tab. I worked at a library for two years during school, but I don't see library work as a sufficient qualification on any of the employment pages. Does anyone know if anything listed under the practical experience tab suffices to qualify, or am I going to need something different? I'm hoping to get into an English teaching position, but I wouldn't turn down a different line of work if they had something else in mind for me.
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Sep 3, 2011 05:47
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xcdude24 posted:I'm in the midst of completing the initial application, and noticed that library work is listed on the "practical experience" tab. I worked at a library for two years during school, but I don't see library work as a sufficient qualification on any of the employment pages. Does anyone know if anything listed under the practical experience tab suffices to qualify, or am I going to need something different? I'm hoping to get into an English teaching position, but I wouldn't turn down a different line of work if they had something else in mind for me. I don't know if library work will qualify you to do anything other than English teaching, but it wouldn't hurt to call up your local office and ask. Building libraries in rural schools is a pretty common project in Peace Corps countries; there are NGO's that do nothing else.
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Sep 6, 2011 04:28
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So who is going to Ukraine this Sept? I know some other people in the thread were supposed to go to Eastern Europe, but I wasn't sure how that panned out.
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Sep 6, 2011 15:07
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xcdude24 posted:I'm in the midst of completing the initial application, and noticed that library work is listed on the "practical experience" tab. I worked at a library for two years during school, but I don't see library work as a sufficient qualification on any of the employment pages. Does anyone know if anything listed under the practical experience tab suffices to qualify, or am I going to need something different? I'm hoping to get into an English teaching position, but I wouldn't turn down a different line of work if they had something else in mind for me. In the Gambia, most education positions are for teacher trainers who also run libraries. My self being one of them. Either they set up a new one, or maintain and upgrade an existing. Your library experience should help you. Do you have any teaching experience?
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Sep 11, 2011 14:10
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Iwate posted:In the Gambia, most education positions are for teacher trainers who also run libraries. My self being one of them. Either they set up a new one, or maintain and upgrade an existing. I don't, but I'm in touch with a teacher at a local elementary school that needs a volunteer to help with ESL work. Thanks for the heads up nonetheless; in case anyone cares, I'll let you guys know what the regional recruiter has to say about my situation. EDIT: my regional recruiter notified me that (as some of you mentioned) library work is more or less a "secondary duty," and doesn't bear as much weight as something such as 30 hours of ESL work would. xcdude24 fucked around with this message at 23:34 on Sep 13, 2011 |
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Sep 13, 2011 21:58
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Well no matter what, if you want to do Peace Corps you are going to have to get those 30 hours, so if you are serious about this taking care of it now will save you a lot of headache later. Good luck!
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Sep 14, 2011 02:05
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Afternoon everyone, you don't need to hear my backstory or anything of that sort, I just have a quick question. I've been interested in joining the peace corps for awhile now, however there is one limiting factor, this has probably been addressed but I missed it so I apologize if this is bothersome. I was simply wondering if it's true that if you work for the peace corps you are unable to get a job within the federal government for 5 or so years? Apparently it's a cold war relic that's still around and if anyone could dispel some rumours for me that'd be great. Again, sorry if this is redundant.
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Sep 18, 2011 20:47
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Xanderg posted:Afternoon everyone, you don't need to hear my backstory or anything of that sort, I just have a quick question. That is a lie.
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Sep 18, 2011 20:56
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Xanderg posted:Afternoon everyone, you don't need to hear my backstory or anything of that sort, I just have a quick question. You can't get a job in intelligence for 5 years minimum, and in all likelihood never. Non-intelligence gathering government and military positions are fine, and actually PC experience will give you non-competitive eligibility, which means that if the people hiring for a position like you more than other potentially more qualified applicants, you skip to the front of the line.
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Sep 18, 2011 22:33
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Rush Limbaugh #1! posted:You can't get a job in intelligence for 5 years minimum, and in all likelihood never. Non-intelligence gathering government and military positions are fine, and actually PC experience will give you non-competitive eligibility, which means that if the people hiring for a position like you more than other potentially more qualified applicants, you skip to the front of the line. What would be the difference between a non intelligence field and an intelligence field? I know positions like the CIA, NSA, and FBI would be intelligence right? But what about the foreign service, which is what I'm ultimately gunning for.
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Sep 18, 2011 22:59
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Xanderg posted:What would be the difference between a non intelligence field and an intelligence field? I know positions like the CIA, NSA, and FBI would be intelligence right? But what about the foreign service, which is what I'm ultimately gunning for. Probably half the people in State are former PCV...
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Sep 19, 2011 00:41
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Rush Limbaugh #1! posted:You can't get a job in intelligence for 5 years minimum, and in all likelihood never. Non-intelligence gathering government and military positions are fine, and actually PC experience will give you non-competitive eligibility, which means that if the people hiring for a position like you more than other potentially more qualified applicants, you skip to the front of the line. 5 years, but where are you getting in all likelihood never. If you have relevant skills, I don't think the CIA is going to turn you down after 5 years.
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Sep 19, 2011 13:13
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Stuntcat posted:5 years, but where are you getting in all likelihood never. If you have relevant skills, I don't think the CIA is going to turn you down after 5 years. Seriously, I think if a person is qualified and trustworthy enough for the CIA, the CIA wouldn't if the person was a former PCV. The CIA could easily just give a cover for their recruit. It is the CIA after all. In other news: Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman wants Peace Corps out of China Words can't express how angry I am, considering he is targeting the program I am designated to head to. The value of the Peace Corps' China program Thankfully Peter Hessler, former PCV and one of my favorite travel writers, expresses how important the PC mission in China is. Can people not realize how cost effective it is to invest in soft diplomacy as opposed to fighting wars? Ronald Spiers fucked around with this message at 09:20 on Sep 20, 2011 |
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Sep 20, 2011 09:15
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Moon Slayer posted:Well no matter what, if you want to do Peace Corps you are going to have to get those 30 hours, so if you are serious about this taking care of it now will save you a lot of headache later. Good luck! Again, I'm a PCV sitting in my office in Ethiopia and I still have 0 hours of teaching experience... Ronald Spiers posted:Seriously, I think if a person is qualified and trustworthy enough for the CIA, the CIA wouldn't if the person was a former PCV. The CIA could easily just give a cover for their recruit. It is the CIA after all. It sounds like the same thing people were referring to earlier in this thread. Supposedly PCVs in china are teaching English exactly like their private sector equivalents (like these folks), while getting paid a fraction of the salary.
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Sep 20, 2011 11:56
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I quit my office job several months ago to do freelance work from home full time. As such I have no current employer. I don't feel as if anyone from my previous job could/would offer a reference. Would I still stand a chance of acceptance if the personal and volunteer supervisor references were strong or am I SOL? I'm a college graduate and have several experiential qualifications they seem to value if that helps.
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Sep 20, 2011 12:10
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Stuntcat posted:5 years, but where are you getting in all likelihood never. If you have relevant skills, I don't think the CIA is going to turn you down after 5 years. The purpose of the policy is to shield PCVs from the suspicion that they are really working for the CIA to spy on the country they're sent to - which is not an uncommon accusation, as most volunteers can tell you. If a former volunteer later goes to work in any intelligence-gathering position, it could damage the credibility of all volunteers and make Peace Corps less likely to be able to work in some countries. I've heard second-hand stories of RPCVs joining the CIA, and I'm sure it happens, but I was directly told by a former CIA officer that RPCVs were always at a disadvantage in getting those types of jobs unless they were much better qualified than any other applicant, because all else being equal, they'll prefer to hire the person without the PC background. I'd be interested in hearing from any RPCV who's tried to do this themselves.
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Sep 20, 2011 14:23
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Fuschia tude posted:It sounds like the same thing people were referring to earlier in this thread. Supposedly PCVs in china are teaching English exactly like their private sector equivalents (like these folks), while getting paid a fraction of the salary. No, we teach English much better than our private sector equivalents   
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Sep 20, 2011 14:27
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You know, I should probably jump into this thread. I'm in the middle of my application process, with my interview  This Thursday. I've done International aid work and lived abroad 3 times, so I think I'll have no problem with it. The Medical though? My family has mental health issues, so I have a feeling that will be a pain to get through.I am also doing it through Masters International at Indiana University, so I can also answer questions about the application processes for MI. Slaan fucked around with this message at 23:24 on Sep 20, 2011 |
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Sep 20, 2011 15:01
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I'm thinking of applying and was wondering something with regards to the 30 hours education experience. From fall '04 to fall '05 I worked as a private tutor of all subjects for early childhood (4+) through adult students. Even though it was six years ago would that count?
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Sep 20, 2011 17:53
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Rush Limbaugh #1! posted:The purpose of the policy is to shield PCVs from the suspicion that they are really working for the CIA to spy on the country they're sent to - which is not an uncommon accusation, as most volunteers can tell you. If a former volunteer later goes to work in any intelligence-gathering position, it could damage the credibility of all volunteers and make Peace Corps less likely to be able to work in some countries. I completely understand why you can't work in the CIA or apply directly to the CIA directly after, but I think it is silly to keep someone from it after 5 years, and heard nothing of this in the interview/etc. stage, even while I was seriously considering going into the CIA previously and told my interviewer that. I completely agree that I'd be very curious to see someone who applied after the 5 years, because as someone who'll come out of this with...3 critical languages, I'd kind of like to keep my options open for 5 years after I'm done here. I personally, as a currently serving volunteer have never been asked if I'm a spy, but we do definitely have safety precautions in place for that, and I can understand why with the huge risk to integration such accusations could pose. I think it is a wise policy. @Dameius, I think it'll probably count.
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Sep 20, 2011 19:07
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So I did my interview today and I think it went well. I'm supposed to hear back on my nomination around Tuesday/Wednesday so this weekend will suck. But she said that I will be placed in the Environmental Education group. Has anyone here done that particular kind of position? The OP doesn't list anything for it. 
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Sep 22, 2011 22:27
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I just have to say, the Peace Corps is awesome, and worth it. I'm at PST now.
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Sep 30, 2011 16:02
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Apparently physical mail sent to Peace Corps HQ is screened for threats... apparently my medical re-evaluation form is stuck somewhere in this screening purgatory and Peace Corps can't find it... The OP was right, the medical part is the most aggravating part of the application process.
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Oct 27, 2011 02:04
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But think about all that Patience and Flexibility you are learning! Actually if nothing else this part of the process gives you a taste of the kind of bureaucratic hoops you will need to jump through if you want to do a side project when you are a Volunteer. Except then you will also have to deal with the corruption. But if you do manage to get a successful project off the ground, the victory is that much more sweeter.
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Oct 27, 2011 02:14
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Haha, side project? Dude, side project and everything else. I had 10 pages of forms/surveying for my in-service language conference, and I just got my 3rd post-training survey about training.
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Oct 28, 2011 06:39
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So, I just cleared medical and now have to send an updated resume. I haven't had a real job since July. Will this look super terrible and threaten my odds of being placed in whatever they were planning to place me in?
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Oct 31, 2011 20:11
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Pocket DeSade posted:Welp, T-19 to Turkmenistan was canceled and everyone got the call saying we're not going. So is anyone in Ukraine yet? Where are you and what are you doing? I'm just curious as I'm originally from there and was visiting some relatives just a few months ago. I assume they wouldn't put you into Kiev or another large city as they're reasonably developed, but there should be plenty of opportunity elsewhere.
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Oct 31, 2011 22:41
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Darfuri War Orphan posted:So, I just cleared medical and now have to send an updated resume. I haven't had a real job since July. Will this look super terrible and threaten my odds of being placed in whatever they were planning to place me in? Given how common this is nowadays and the fact that you are already at the medical stage, I wouldn't worry. I'm pretty sure that at this point Peace Corps already has you down for a spot in a particular program, barring any problems that come up with the medical and legal check. If it makes you feel any better, Peace Corps was my very first "real job," everything else was just summer work during college, and I hadn't had any of that for two years before I applied.
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Nov 1, 2011 01:56
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I received a request for an updated resume/etc in September and haven't heard anything but "Your application is now with an Assessment and Placement Specialist pending a final suitability and skills review. You can expect to hear from us within the next several months." I know this is the whole patience and flexibility thing but it's so hard waiting for the invite - Every time I check my mail I feel like it's Christmas morning. Am I essentially in the program now and they just need to find a place, or does the possibility of rejection still exist?
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Nov 1, 2011 02:51
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mobby_6kl posted:So is anyone in Ukraine yet? Where are you and what are you doing? I'm just curious as I'm originally from there and was visiting some relatives just a few months ago. I assume they wouldn't put you into Kiev or another large city as they're reasonably developed, but there should be plenty of opportunity elsewhere. Ukraine has the largest amount of all volunteers in the Peace Corps. It's based on the country's desires, and the Ukr Gov is just crazy about us. It's divided into 2 groups: Russian Language and Ukrainian Language, which decides where you'll go in the country, to some degree. You're right, no one goes to Kiev. We're all within an 2 hours from Kiev, in small towns, for PST though. You'd be amazed how undeveloped some smaller towns are, even within the Kiev Oblast. One cluster I know barely has electricity, only outhouse, and only a hand-crank well, whereas I have everything except hot water. It's definitely not what you'd imagine as a stereotypical PC posting, but don't worry it has plenty of it's own hardships.
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Nov 1, 2011 05:58
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Intensive Porpoises posted:
What is your background in terms of education and experience? Did you have any regional preferences? If your background is relevant to a specific PC posting and their available programs I'm sure they'll try their best to put you in a best fit situation especially considering current budget concerns. When I applied I had a year teaching English in Korea, some volunteer work with immigrants in the US, some grad work with teaching ESL and I majored in Chinese. My recruiter basically said I was going to China to teach English when I got an interview.
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Nov 1, 2011 06:11
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Pocket DeSade posted:Ukraine has the largest amount of all volunteers in the Peace Corps. It's based on the country's desires, and the Ukr Gov is just crazy about us. That might change, interestingly enough. The Deputy Director visited Indonesia and because of the security changes after that 20-20 report (has anyone experienced the new security lectures now that they revised them? God that poo poo is torture) they want to rip out the entire structure and re-evaluate their priorities. She specifically said that Ukraine gets...I wanna say 3 times more than say Ethiopa, which seems like bad prioritization. Be interesting to see what happens. Edit: also a little personal bit, just got back from IST (Apparently people in other PC countries use a different term? Its the training after you've been at site for a few months). Being back in the capital and eating lovely for you western food was the best, it's amazing what you dont realize you miss till you don't have it. Also found out I lost a whopping 60 pounds in the 6 months I've been here (and I really needed to lose it), Peace Corps really is the best diet program. RagnarokAngel fucked around with this message at 17:03 on Nov 1, 2011 |
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Nov 1, 2011 16:58
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Ronald Spiers posted:What is your background in terms of education and experience? Did you have any regional preferences? If your background is relevant to a specific PC posting and their available programs I'm sure they'll try their best to put you in a best fit situation especially considering current budget concerns. The recruiter said I was fit for an agricultural position in sub-saharan Africa doing forestry extension and maybe beekeeping. I'm happy with anything, really, I just want to go right now!
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Nov 1, 2011 18:10
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Intensive Porpoises posted:I have a business degree and some agricultural experience (worked in a greenhouse). My regional preference was "somewhere with a cool to temperate climate", but I also said several times that I'm happy to go anywhere and do anything. I don't think you need to worry about being rejected then.
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Nov 1, 2011 19:54
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RagnarokAngel posted:Edit: also a little personal bit, just got back from IST (Apparently people in other PC countries use a different term? Its the training after you've been at site for a few months). Being back in the capital and eating lovely for you western food was the best, it's amazing what you dont realize you miss till you don't have it. Oh man, ain't that the truth. You beat my record- I lost 40 lbs over the summer, but gained a tiny bit back when I got to site. At IST it was like they let us off the leash (and in a way, they did, because of the 3-month stay at site rule). The food is amazing, western, and VERY expensive. Now that I'm old hat, I've taught my new sitemates where are the places they should eat and where all the expats hang. I'm going to be a trainer at the IST this month, so I get to see the newbies experience the same stuff as we did. Speaking of training, I'm glad to see PC gets less "strict" as you become a older volunteer, is that the same in all countries? PST was like they had the whip at our backs, IST was morning-to-night trainings but at least our evenings were free, and MST was the most chill 3-day seminar ever. From what I've seen of COS conference pictures from last year, I expect it to be a nice, calm, reflection time. Yes/No?
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Nov 2, 2011 00:22
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Private Label posted:PST was like they had the whip at our backs, IST was morning-to-night trainings but at least our evenings were free, and MST was the most chill 3-day seminar ever. From what I've seen of COS conference pictures from last year, I expect it to be a nice, calm, reflection time. Yes/No? Part of this is that they know they can't bullshit you anymore on how important it is to listen to them so no one cares. Both my COS conferences devolved into Animal House shitshows by the end of it, since everyone knew it was the last time we'd all be together and we wanted to make it memorable.
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Nov 2, 2011 03:31
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Rush Limbaugh #1! posted:Part of this is that they know they can't bullshit you anymore on how important it is to listen to them so no one cares. Both my COS conferences devolved into Animal House shitshows by the end of it, since everyone knew it was the last time we'd all be together and we wanted to make it memorable. Knowing my cohort, this is exactly how it will turn out.
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Nov 2, 2011 06:35
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It's quite amazing what a difference 6 months made for us. We arrived in Surabaya and stayed in the hotel for 3 days. We weren't allowed to go outside without an escort and frankly the idea was terrifying to me anyway since I didn't know the language. Fast forward 6 months, we stay at the exact same hotel but this time we don't need to even tell anyone we're leaving. I know enough of the language I don't even carry a dictionary with me anymore, and can engage people in simple conversation. The city doesn't seem as big as it was when we were cooped up in the hotel.
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Nov 2, 2011 07:37
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I just did the physical exam for the medical portion. They make you do the tests. All of the tests. So many needles  At least it is over with. Just need to get dental and eyes done, and I'm through. Here is hoping to a fast placement.
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Nov 2, 2011 23:05
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