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GenSpecific posted:Hey! I am in Senegal for peace corps right now, though I am in the ced program. For computer software, I would just make sure he has Microsoft searchlight since that's what the PC vrf program runs off of. The Internet can be spotty but if he gets placed in the southern region it won't be so bad. I am posting from village right now. Otherwise, games, music programs, video players etc. If you have PM's can you hit me up? Or i guess I can ask. How are the wireless companies? I also noticed Google Fi works in Senegal, allegedly. Worth it for him to pick up an unlocked phone to bring? The Slack Lagoon fucked around with this message at 16:56 on Aug 31, 2016 |
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Aug 31, 2016 16:53
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Massasoit posted:If you have PM's can you hit me up? Definitely bring an unlocked phone. He can buy an orange sim and then boom, Internet. A good amount of the country has 3G and all the larger cities do. My town only has edge but it's enough for the forums and a bbc app. Senegal is a post that has a lot of regional houses, all of which have Internet that PC provides. Not always the fastest, but it's there. No pms but you can email me any questions and such at linderml at gmail dot com
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Aug 31, 2016 17:44
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Hey dumb question, but I've lived in China in the past and I'm somewhat conversational in Mandarin (still actively learning it) so they would probably send me back there to teach English if I join. As cool as it would be to see a new country, I'm not entirely opposed to this, but it makes me wonder. Just straight getting a job teaching English in China is apparently p easy, so should I even bother volunteering? If they send you to a university somewhere, do you get any kind of paycheck from the school? I assume no, since its a volunteer program, but the idea kind of makes me hesitant. It seems like I'd be doing something the long way around for less benefit.
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Sep 1, 2016 06:16
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Mantis42 posted:Hey dumb question, but I've lived in China in the past and I'm somewhat conversational in Mandarin (still actively learning it) so they would probably send me back there to teach English if I join. As cool as it would be to see a new country, I'm not entirely opposed to this, but it makes me wonder. Just straight getting a job teaching English in China is apparently p easy, so should I even bother volunteering? If they send you to a university somewhere, do you get any kind of paycheck from the school? I assume no, since its a volunteer program, but the idea kind of makes me hesitant. It seems like I'd be doing something the long way around for less benefit. Peace Corps doesn't really care what language you speak. If you speak another language it's good because it shows them you have the capacity to learn one, but it doesn't mean they'll send you to that area. In fact now I believe you basically get to pick where you want to go, so if you don't want to go to China just tell them.
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Sep 1, 2016 06:42
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One advantage of going as a PCV is the bomb rear end free healthcare. Also factor in the free training and ~$7k in relocation pay when you end. There is a monthly stipend to cover stuff, but no, you shouldn't go into PC as a way to make money. It's more of an ideological thing with a lot of perks. Re Senegal: what are regional houses?
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Sep 2, 2016 04:14
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Thesaurus posted:Re Senegal: what are regional houses? Peace corps has a house/compound, generally in regional capitals, that volunteers can use for work/rest. They have Internet, fridges, and stoves we can use. Senegal has 11 I think, which is way more than most other countries that also have the regional house system.
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Sep 2, 2016 10:23
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Benin had them as well, 3 of them in regional hub cities and the main station in the Capital. Basically, the idea is that volunteers in some countries have a much harder time accessing communications and computers than in others. In West Africa, there is no way you are going to be able to fill out your required VRF forms, budget for projects, etc on a phone at post, The electrical grid may be non-existent and internet faster than 2G/3G speeds on cells hard to come by. So they set up the houses for volunteers to travel to for 2-3 days a month so that they can: 1) Get research and computer work done 2) Get necessary meds/harder to find items at the larger city 3) Relax a bit with other volunteers so they don't go insane
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Sep 2, 2016 11:35
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Thesaurus posted:One advantage of going as a PCV is the bomb rear end free healthcare. Also factor in the free training and ~$7k in relocation pay when you end. Unless it's changed in the last few years the readjustment allowance is about 4k after taxes. If you don't have family/friends to live with and a car, that's basically enough to get you back on your feet and not much else.
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Sep 2, 2016 12:46
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Mine was 6000~ after taxes iirc
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Sep 2, 2016 14:35
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I was estimating that they'd up it again by the time that guy was serving. We didn't have any regional offices in the Dominican Republic, just HQ in the capital. Most volunteers were probably within six hours by bus, though, so no biggie. We needed an official reason to be on the capital if we wanted them to reimburse our overnight. It was just a sanctioned cheap hotel, too--nothing strictly for the volunteers. I think a lot of volunteers would just meet up at other people's places or the beach somewhere if they wanted to connect with people and have some down time.
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Sep 4, 2016 03:39
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so I've been thinking a lot about the peace corp lately. it sounds like something that'd fit really well with my personality and goals and poo poo, but I'm bisexual. it seems I'd have to go back in the closet for two years at most of the sites. what's it like to serve as an LGBT PCV? I'm afraid that if i tell the recruiter i want to go to a place with a not-completely-terrible track record on LGBT rights I won't be placed.
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Sep 19, 2016 16:11
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metalloid posted:I'm afraid that if i tell the recruiter i want to go to a place with a not-completely-terrible track record on LGBT rights I won't be placed. I had several gay/lesbian friends in Peace Corps Panama, we also have a Gender and Youth Development group that talks about a bit of that, and Panama has a pride parade that volunteers walk in. My good male friend dated a male Panamanian from the capital and he came to visit often and while I don't think he ever told his community, there were never any issues because of it.
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Sep 20, 2016 02:51
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Yeah, Peace Corps Washington and recruitment folks are very friendly to LGBT folks. YMMV when you get to post though, including your reception from some host-country national Peace Corps staff members. Many communities are very conservative where volunteers work. In the country I served, the LGBT folks chose to keep their orientations from their community members. For one of my fellow volunteers this triggered a lot of trauma. Others had no issue as they had access to the local queer communities and could spend time away from work with LGBT community members. I also know the guy who's running the LGBT outreach initiatives for Peace Corps. He's been going around the world in the past few years identifying and training select countries for accepting same-sex couple volunteers. Feel free to PM me if you want me to put you in contact with him.
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Sep 20, 2016 04:24
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Two of my best friends during service were gay (still are!)... each dealt with it in different ways. One somehow found the LGBT-friendly bars in the capital and dated two or three different guys over the course of service. The other had her girlfriend back home come out and visit, told everyone it was her friend, and they were totally fine with it. The girlfriend even rented an apartment in the capital to stay there for about 4 months (she was able to work anywhere with internet service), so they could see each other every week or two. Both kept things under wraps while in their communities but I think that was a personal choice/to avoid any potential hassle. But the Peace Corps has lots of LGBT volunteers all the time.
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Sep 20, 2016 05:31
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metalloid posted:so I've been thinking a lot about the peace corp lately. From the Volunteer handbook: quote:LGBTQ Issues
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Sep 26, 2016 02:39
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My entire country, which is in the Caribbean, is getting consolidated because of some stupid hurricane. This sucks a whole, whole, whole lot. Any one have some words of wisdom to share about this bullshit?
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Sep 29, 2016 23:59
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N. Senada posted:My entire country, which is in the Caribbean, is getting consolidated because of some stupid hurricane. This sucks a whole, whole, whole lot. Any one have some words of wisdom to share about this bullshit? What does consolidated mean? And At least it's not like a military invasion or a breakout of ebola?
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Oct 1, 2016 20:01
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In the Dominican Republic (are you there??) when they "consolidated" everyone for some hurricane they just got sent to a nice hotel all expenses paid for several days and it was a huge crazy party. So I guess my advice is to enjoy?
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Oct 2, 2016 03:54
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Thesaurus posted:
This is the correct answer. I'm in Jamaica. There was a lot of talk of leaving the island but it looks like we will be riding it out. This country has never had an evacuation of PCVs before so there's a lot of unease among us about this breaking the record.
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Oct 2, 2016 09:45
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So I just got a placement notification in Liberia even though I was really hoping for the Kosovo/Eastern Europe position (I liked the opportunity to sort of build something from the ground up). What are the chances of there being multiple placement considerations, or should I just sort of accept that that's where I would be going? Also, any words about LIberia?
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Oct 3, 2016 17:19
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GrandpaPants posted:So I just got a placement notification in Liberia even though I was really hoping for the Kosovo/Eastern Europe position (I liked the opportunity to sort of build something from the ground up). What are the chances of there being multiple placement considerations, or should I just sort of accept that that's where I would be going? The food is great, judging by my GF's family recipes
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Oct 3, 2016 22:08
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Well now they want me to schedule an interview as a High School Chemistry Teacher. Liberia is way out of my comfort zone, which is something I am sort of thinking about. Does anyone have any experience with negotiating placements?
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Oct 3, 2016 22:10
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N. Senada posted:My entire country, which is in the Caribbean, is getting consolidated because of some stupid hurricane. This sucks a whole, whole, whole lot. Any one have some words of wisdom to share about this bullshit? I was in the Carib and got consolidated twice. Both were for small tropical storms that didn't come close. stormcarib.com is your friend. Checked it daily during hurricane season. Good luck!
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Oct 4, 2016 00:41
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Sorry for spamming the thread a bit, but I'm really trying to figure out if I want this Liberia position. Just so that I can get a gauge of my options, would the Peace Corps hold it against me if I said no to this one and reapplied in the next wave, in the hopes that I get a better placement? I am earnestly trying to figure out if I think I am mentally suited to live in Liberia, and even if I can, whether working two years as a science teacher would work for my career, whose endgame is to work in the UN as a program officer, or something along those lines. On the one hand, I imagine living in sub-Saharan Africa would probably prove that I can live and function most anywhere in the world and in a whole lot of different, uncomfortable situations. I'm not sure how much the science teacher part will help, but there are secondary responsibilities of working with the community, talking to parents, infectious disease prevention, gender equality programs, etc., so that's a really wide net that I can leverage in the future. Honestly, I wouldn't have hesitated if it weren't for this part, combined with the fact that it is a 27mo commitment to this: quote:Most homes consist of three to four rooms, including a bedroom, a common area, kitchen and either a pit latrine or an indoor bathroom that requires bucket flushing. You should not expect to have electricity or running water in your home, and you will get your water from a nearby hand pump or well. In addition, it is probable that there will be few, if any, Volunteers in your immediate area. I lived 2 years in a place that didn't have a water heater, and I lived through that and gladly would again, but something about not having a working bathroom crosses some sort of mental line for me. It is probably the reason why I don't go camping, even though I can (at least in my mind) live with the rest of it. So how big of a deal is this, really? Is this sort of a common reality with the program or is this an uncommonly lost amenity?
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Oct 4, 2016 02:56
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Eh, you get used to it. Worst case you pay a local mason to build a toilet to sit on in your latrine over the hole instead of just having the hole. But I'd say only 1/4 of volunteers actually are deprived of basically anything. From my cohort of 60 in Benin, only a single person didn't have cell service. About 15 lacked electricity, but were able to buy solar panels/were close to a place with electricity. Everyone pooped in holes (except a couple lucky bastards  ), but on the plus side we came out of there with excellent squat technique for the gym with well honed muscles.Water was the only really annoying thing. They gave us filters, iodine pills and free natural gas canisters we could use to boil our water. Only about half of us actually boiled all of our water though. But even then, you can just buy bottled water if you really want to. Tons of places sell it. GrandpaPants posted:I am earnestly trying to figure out if I think I am mentally suited to live in Liberia, and even if I can, whether working two years as a science teacher would work for my career, whose endgame is to work in the UN as a program officer, or something along those lines. This will really, really help. There are far fewer Americans in international development and the UN than there should be. Americans with good experience working with women and children in development roles have strong resumes. The actual Science teaching part doesn't matter. Its the fact that it shows your flexibility, hardiness, ability to work under stressful situations, etc that shine through. The UN, US Government and major Non-profits will teach you the actual day-to-day functioning of their organization.
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Oct 4, 2016 03:35
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Dude, adequate bathrooms in general and flush toilets in particular are not the strong suite of the developing world. "Latrines" aka outhouses are pretty much part for the course in a lot of the world. This doesn't mean that you won't have options or that some countries won't be more developed than others, shitter-wise. I dunno, I think it's one of those things that you will probably be adjusted to within a month. I had to throw my dirty TP in a waste basket instead of flushing, which sounds horrific until youve done it for a week and dont think about it anymore. I had a flush toilet but used plenty of Latrines of all levels of classiness. The water would always go out in my country, and when it did it was actually a lot easier to have a latrine because you didn't have to waste valuable stockpiled water on fairly ineffective bucket flushes. I cannot answer any Africa questions... but my feeling has been that the Peace Corps Experience TM us what the NGOs will be mostly interested in. You can also do all sorts of projects on the side to diversify if you'd like. Thesaurus fucked around with this message at 03:44 on Oct 4, 2016 |
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Oct 4, 2016 03:39
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quote:pooping in holes Also, to prep for Peace Corps I recommend that you listen to this song daily. I'm only half joking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUWaAr-itY I thought "pooped in a hole on the reg cred" was half the reason people signed up in the first place?
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Oct 4, 2016 03:49
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To answer your other question, yes having declined a previously offered position will be factored into any future applications you send through.
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Oct 4, 2016 04:39
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Just got an email saying they're considering me for Ukraine, actually my third pick, September of next year. Should be cool.
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Oct 7, 2016 02:05
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Hi Everyone! I'm a senior in college earning a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience, graduating this spring. For the past 2-3~ years I've kind of dreamed about joining the Peace Corps after I graduated, but now I feel like the time is approaching and I need to take steps to make this dream into a reality. So my question is, how can I best prepare to make myself a viable candidate using the year of school I have left? I've mostly been focusing on getting my mental and physical health in order, while maintaining a decent GPA. I don't really have any particular skills, although I have some volunteer experience, I also only speak english. I don't have great references, but I could scrounge up some. I'm currently unemployed besides being a student. What should I do in the next 6-9~ months to improve my chances of getting in? I've thought about getting a TEFL certificate, but I don't know if that is a smart idea. Should I be volunteering more? Taking courses or certifications in something else? Trying to learn a new language? I'm not set on any particular country or position and understand that as an unskilled volunteer with a generally useless degree I could be sent anywhere, but I'm sort of lost as to where I should start. Would really appreciate any help!
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Oct 7, 2016 19:15
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Work with local international and or volunteer groups to prove that you're committed. Especially if you can find an ESL tutoring thing, local refugee resettlement agency, etc. Try to learn a new language. You don't have to be fluent, but showing that you're interested and capable is a strong sign. Go camping and try pooping in a hole. (You're going to poop in a hole)
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Oct 7, 2016 21:22
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Tolkien minority posted:Hi Everyone! All you need is one really good professional recommendation, the other is a close friend. You could just study on your own and mention in your application that you've been studying another language. Definitely get volunteer experience in. You're committing to basically volunteer for 2 years, so try to fill the block on your resume from now until you submit your application (and beyond) with consistent volunteering at one or more locations. Working with diverse populations will help, everything Chocolate Chunk recommended is par for the course, but even Habitat for Humanity or the YMCA will do if you're short on options. Try to establish a rapport with the people you volunteer with. Peace Corps will be interested in what you've done in the past, and will use previous volunteer experience to gauge your level of commitment. Expect to be asked in your interview about skills and practices you've developed in your volunteer experience and how you will apply those to a service with the Peace Corps. If you really don't have any work experience, consider maybe doing a year with AmeriCorps to start out with. You'll gain some valuable work experience, pad your resume and it's basically the same thing so you'll be preparing yourself for a more intensive service abroad. As far as straight boosting your chances? Consider getting certified in CPR/First Aid. Study and practice conducting yourself in an interview. Spend a LOT of time writing and editing your aspiration statement to perfection. I spent about 3 months working on mine, carefully considering every word in every sentence, then had some writer friends proof read and edit. Being open to go anywhere is good and improves your chances. Also don't have DUI's or serious criminal offenses on your record. Don't lie about your criminal record. Don't lie about your criminal record. Don't lie about your criminal record. Good luck.
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Oct 8, 2016 05:20
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I've started to volunteer with a local survival center, and probably will have ~half a year there by the time I'm actually applying. No criminal record whatsoever. I have some work experience, but it's mostly bullshit summer jobs. Honestly I mostly struggled with mental health and school for awhile and only in the past year or so have I got my poo poo together, so my resume is not great (it's not terrible though, I have a decent gpa at an above average university). Do you really think it would be necessary to go for city year first? A big part of what attracts me to the Peace Corps is that I want to live outside of the states and experience other cultures. I guess I'm just really nervous as this is something I really want to do and I feel like on paper I'm not the best candidate even though I think I could really thrive in the Peace Corps. Shouldn't be too hard to get CPR certified, I was in high school anyways so I just need to renew that. On that note, how strict is the medical clearance? I understand that the application process was made somewhat easier/more streamlined, and I could definitely get a letter saying I'm fine from my psychiatrist but I do suffer from depression and anxiety for which I am medicated. Tolkien minority fucked around with this message at 17:45 on Oct 8, 2016 |
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Oct 8, 2016 17:42
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Tolkien minority posted:I've started to volunteer with a local survival center, and probably will have ~half a year there by the time I'm actually applying. No criminal record whatsoever. I have some work experience, but it's mostly bullshit summer jobs. Honestly I mostly struggled with mental health and school for awhile and only in the past year or so have I got my poo poo together, so my resume is not great (it's not terrible though, I have a decent gpa at an above average university). Do you really think it would be necessary to go for city year first? A big part of what attracts me to the Peace Corps is that I want to live outside of the states and experience other cultures.
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Oct 8, 2016 18:01
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Medical is a black box of  . They make you do some weird stuff that doesn't seem necessary or, well, relevant at all.But don't worry about mental health stuff. I had two Bi-polar women and several others with moderate depression in my group. They just tend to put them closer to country HQ and much closer to other volunteers than others for extra support.
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Oct 8, 2016 18:13
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So uh, I was told I was under consideration for Ukraine a while back but they've never followed up on telling me when I will be interviewed or so on. How long am I supposed to wait?
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Nov 13, 2016 20:42
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Mantis42 posted:So uh, I was told I was under consideration for Ukraine a while back but they've never followed up on telling me when I will be interviewed or so on. How long am I supposed to wait? I got my interview date for Liberia within a week of the deadline. On the other hand, I never received the Legal Kit and they don't seem to be responding to my emails about it...
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Nov 14, 2016 00:28
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Mantis42 posted:So uh, I was told I was under consideration for Ukraine a while back but they've never followed up on telling me when I will be interviewed or so on. How long am I supposed to wait? I got my consideration email on May 9th, received another email directly after telling me I had new tasks in my portal to complete (relating to prior drug and alcohol use/expounding further on legal history) then I got an interview request on May 13th. So maybe double check your portal and make sure all tasks are complete? There may have been new ones added, they like to do that. If not, I would call your placement office (number should be in consideration email).
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Nov 28, 2016 23:01
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Got the invitation to work in Liberia. Even the interviewer admitted that Liberia was on the rather extreme end of the spectrum, so I'm waffling between (admittedly selfish) concerns about, say, availability of electricity and Internet and the number of opportunities and work I can do there. On the one hand, the Internet provides an outlet not just for mental destressing (and stuff like music and movies and books), but also to just learn about stuff. I downloaded a poo poo ton of teaching references when I was doing JET. But a part of me is like, maybe this is what I need to actually get out there and engage with a community and be an active member of the community. I really don't know, but I'm sort of gravitating towards declining and reapplying for another post, but I'd love to hear thoughts.
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Nov 29, 2016 20:31
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Just do it. I mean, if you're going to do Peace Corps why half-rear end it and go for an easy post? If you want an easy job with lots of comforts go back to teaching English in Asia.
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Nov 30, 2016 00:36
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