I never know where to post things like this - is this supposed to be in random ramblings? Not sure. Anyway:
Has anyone on BYC been in the peace corps? What was it like? I'm halfway through college majoring in environmental studies (well and German, but I don't imagine that'll be too helpful) and am thinking about going into the peace corps once I graduate. Probably either an environmental or agricultural/food security project. I've looked around on the site a lot but I was thinking it'd be helpful to talk to other people, since the "what is it like?" question is obviously going to be answered mostly positively about how it's a life changing experience and all that. I know that, but what about the other side?
I think my main questsions are as follows, though if you have any other things you think are important to know before applying or going overseas, let me know.
Is language an issue, or do you get sufficient training to manage until the day-to-day immersion kicks in and starts teaching you?
How alone are you, when you're there? Like do you have a supervisor or anything, or they kind of just drop you off in a village and expect you to figure it out yourself?
What was your reception by the people in the communities you worked in?
How isolated are you from your American family and friends? Did you have internet or a phone or anything, or are you pretty much dependant on letters to keep in touch? Obviously that'd depend on the country you go to, but just in your individual situation, what was it like? I'm guessing pretty much completely technology-less, but figured I'd check.
And I guess the final question would just be how was your overall experience? Are you glad you went, or do you regret it, or was it neutral?
Thanks
Edit: Oh also, it says it's competitive - did you find the application process hard? How much experience/qualifications did you have when you applied? If anyone applied and was rejected, what were your qualifications at the time? I'm trying to find some relevant work experience now (for this but also just 'cause doing something related to my future career would be a lot more helpful and fun than working in the cafeteria as I did last year) and not having tons of luck at this point but hopefully shall find something better shortly.
Has anyone on BYC been in the peace corps? What was it like? I'm halfway through college majoring in environmental studies (well and German, but I don't imagine that'll be too helpful) and am thinking about going into the peace corps once I graduate. Probably either an environmental or agricultural/food security project. I've looked around on the site a lot but I was thinking it'd be helpful to talk to other people, since the "what is it like?" question is obviously going to be answered mostly positively about how it's a life changing experience and all that. I know that, but what about the other side?
I think my main questsions are as follows, though if you have any other things you think are important to know before applying or going overseas, let me know.
Is language an issue, or do you get sufficient training to manage until the day-to-day immersion kicks in and starts teaching you?
How alone are you, when you're there? Like do you have a supervisor or anything, or they kind of just drop you off in a village and expect you to figure it out yourself?
What was your reception by the people in the communities you worked in?
How isolated are you from your American family and friends? Did you have internet or a phone or anything, or are you pretty much dependant on letters to keep in touch? Obviously that'd depend on the country you go to, but just in your individual situation, what was it like? I'm guessing pretty much completely technology-less, but figured I'd check.
And I guess the final question would just be how was your overall experience? Are you glad you went, or do you regret it, or was it neutral?
Thanks
Edit: Oh also, it says it's competitive - did you find the application process hard? How much experience/qualifications did you have when you applied? If anyone applied and was rejected, what were your qualifications at the time? I'm trying to find some relevant work experience now (for this but also just 'cause doing something related to my future career would be a lot more helpful and fun than working in the cafeteria as I did last year) and not having tons of luck at this point but hopefully shall find something better shortly.
Last edited: