Hello Dear Reader,
One of my favorite things to do while on my little Peace Corps blog, is to look at who visits my blog. My dad (one of my most loyal readers) and I are always amazed by the fact that people are still interested in my experience, years after I completed my service. Additionally, we both find it interesting to look at how my blog's readership spans the globe. Of particular interest to me is that many people search for similar topics, and somehow, over the past (nearly) 6 years, my blog has managed to be a reference point to address some of the burning questions folks have regarding life in the Peace Corps.
To help put your mind and Google at ease, I'll attempt to pull all of the questions and answers into one blog post. So, here you go...Top 10 Questions About Peace Corps Answered (Please note that these answers are from my understanding and experiences alone)...and in no particular order.
Q1: Can I choose where I want to serve?
A1: When I was in the Peace Corps application process, the answer was a big, resounding "NO". Applicants were placed in countries based on their experiences and the needs of the particular Peace Corps country program. If you were fluent in French and worked for 10 years in the field of HIV/AIDS, it might be unlikely that you'd be placed in Chile working on an agro-forestry project. From my understanding, now, times are a'changin'. Peace Corps seems to be a bit more flexible in terms of allowing applicants to have more of a say in where they go. Lucky you...! But I enjoyed being surprised! For me, as long as I knew I was accepted and was going somewhere, I was happy!
Q2: Can I bring my dog with me to Peace Corps?
A2: During my application process, I had an amazing dog who was consecutively awarded the "International Best Buddies" Award (I was on sole member of the selection committee, of course). He was a great guy. He was smart. He was handsome. He was a great friend. If I were allowed to bring that awesome guy with me, trust me, I would have. Unfortunately for us, Peace Corps didn't and still does not allow you to bring your pet dog/cat/bird/lizard/fish/potted plant with you. Make sure to ask your buddy's temporary, US-based caretaker to send plenty of updates.
Q3: Can I serve with my boyfriend/girlfriend? We are Facebook Official after all!
A3: Unless Peace Corps and Beyonce inspire you and your boo to "put a ring on it", unfortunately, the answer is no. Peace Corps only allows married couples to serve together. True, indeed, distance can either make the heart grow fonder or it can lead you on separate paths. I've had friends who came with someone waiting at home and were married upon completion of service. I've also had friends who had someone waiting at home, found a cutie pie during service, and got married after service. I've also had friends who came as a singleton and left as a singleton. Love and life are a gamble in DC, NYC, and JNB...go figure!
Q4: What is the translation for "Wathint'abafazi, Wathint'imbokodo"?
A4: Now you have touched a woman, you have struck a rock. A very powerful saying addressing women's rights. For more information, check out this link.
Q5: Can I bring my computer/electronic equipment with me?
A5: Can I tell you a little story? For Christmas, my Ethiopian must have been a very good boy (or my parents advocated strongly on his behalf for talking their daughter off their hands), because Santa Claus gave him a brand-stinkin'-new iPad. What a day! What a day! My Ethiopian was like a kid in a candy store- downloading apps, taking advantage of high-speed internet to watch every BBC video news clip, Facebooking like there was no tomorrow and then some! The moment my dear Ethiopian crossed over US borders and into Addis Ababa and away from high-speed, unlimited internet access, his prized possession was little more than a fancy, electronic picture album and iPod. In Peace Corps, a picture album and iPod are gifts sent by the Gods, please don't get me wrong. I'm just sayin'.... I'll let you read into that story and do with it what you will.
Q6: How do I tell my parents that I want to join the Peace Corps?
A6: I'll tell you how I did it. The same day I learned about Peace Corps, in the 3rd grade, I went home and told my parents all about it with the zest and zeal that only a 3rd grader could have! From 3rd grade until one year post grad school, I slooooooooooooowly but surely approached the subject, so by the time I was ready to pack my bags for South Africa, they thought me joining the Peace Corps was their idea. Clearly, I took the long, round'about way of convincing my parents. This strategy might not work for you, but the good thing is that you know your family and friends MUCH better than I do, so I'm sure that you'll come up with something that works very well!
Q7: Do you feel "safe" in Peace Corps?
A7: During your pre-service training (PST)- the first 2-3 months of your PC service- Peace Corps staff do their best to educate trainees on how to keep themselves safe within the context of their country/community. Some recommendations are to make strong relationships within your community; learn the local language, listen to the advice of people within your community (they know what/where is safe and what/where is not safe); be observant (if women do not wear shorts and short skirts, it's probably not a good idea that you do); reduce your alcohol consumption (or just don't drink if you don't have to. Remember, you're not in your local neighborhood bar. You're in a different country, with different rules and safety concerns.); if someone tries to take your phone, don't argue with them or try to fight them (your phone is replaceable. you are not.); and so on. For the most part, you have the ability to keep yourself safe. Similarly, you have the choice to make unwise decision to compromise your safety. Be smart. If you ever have any concerns, your PC country team will be able to assist you.
Q8: Can you go home during Peace Corps service/Can friends and family visit you during Peace Corps Service?
A8: Yes. I do know several people who went home for a visit during Peace Corps, including myself. For me, going home was the refresher that I needed to make it through my second year. Additionally, my mom came to visit me during my service. We had a blast! Do I regret going home? Nope, I don't. It was what I needed at the time.
Does Peace Corps encourage you to go home during service? I should think not. Just think about it, there are so many new and interesting things in your host country that you've yet to explore.
Does Peace Corps encourage you to share your experiences with friends and family, while still "in the field"? Yes, yes, yes! Sharing your Peace Corps experience with friends and family is all part of the Third Goal (sharing your experience with Americans to bring a better understanding). Many PCVs and RPCVs only get to share their service with the folks back home through letters, pictures, and presentations. To actually see/feel/touch/taste the things you rave/complain about is 1000% better! I wish more people could have visited me during service, but the cool thing about continuing to live abroad is that I can still invite folks experience the amazing things about life in Southern Africa! Soon, many of my friends and family will have the chance to visit my new home-away-from-home: Ethiopia. Better still, my Ethiopian fiance recently relocated to Lesotho. Instead of just visiting me during his vacations, he's having his own first hand experiences in an new environment! Fun, fun, fun!
Q9: What does "Ke go gopotse" mean?
A9: "Ke go gopotse" means "I miss you" in Setswana/Sesotho. Over my almost 6 years of living in Southern Africa, I've grown to truly understand the meaning of those words on multiple levels.
I miss you: Lou Malnotti's pizza, Wendy's #1 with cheese, 3G internet, customer service, conveniences, current tv shows.
I miss you: Gerald, Chris, Jestein, Mom, Dad, Karl, Christina, Grandparents, family members, friends. Regular time spent with family and friends. Being able to give hugs, a kiss, hold your hand, pat your back when you've done a great job or when you need a shoulder to lean on. Skype certainly has revolutionized the way I'm able to keep up with the people I love most, but it is no replacement for being there in person.
I miss you: Dear friends and friends who were more like family, I miss you and I can't believe you're gone. In my line of work (HIV/AIDS programming), I've been able to meet some of the most amazing people. I've also experienced the loss of some of those great people because of a cruel, incredibly frustrating disease!
Q10: Are there alternatives to Peace Corps?
A10: Peace Corps is not for everyone. I'll be the first person to admit that. Not everyone has the time nor desire to uproot their lives for two years to volunteer in another country that does not offer the conveniences that they're used to. Peace Corps service is often called "The toughest job you'll ever love." I agree. It's frustrating at times. It's inspiring at times. It'll drive you crazy at times. You'll be driven to new heights at times.
Recently, Peace Corps opened up the Peace Corps Response program to people who may not have completed two years of service. If you don't have two years to give, but have experiences that will be helpful on a more short-term assignment, you may want to check it out here.
But the real answer is...there is no real alternative to Peace Corps...a very unique program like no other.
One of my favorite things to do while on my little Peace Corps blog, is to look at who visits my blog. My dad (one of my most loyal readers) and I are always amazed by the fact that people are still interested in my experience, years after I completed my service. Additionally, we both find it interesting to look at how my blog's readership spans the globe. Of particular interest to me is that many people search for similar topics, and somehow, over the past (nearly) 6 years, my blog has managed to be a reference point to address some of the burning questions folks have regarding life in the Peace Corps.
To help put your mind and Google at ease, I'll attempt to pull all of the questions and answers into one blog post. So, here you go...Top 10 Questions About Peace Corps Answered (Please note that these answers are from my understanding and experiences alone)...and in no particular order.
Q1: Can I choose where I want to serve?
A1: When I was in the Peace Corps application process, the answer was a big, resounding "NO". Applicants were placed in countries based on their experiences and the needs of the particular Peace Corps country program. If you were fluent in French and worked for 10 years in the field of HIV/AIDS, it might be unlikely that you'd be placed in Chile working on an agro-forestry project. From my understanding, now, times are a'changin'. Peace Corps seems to be a bit more flexible in terms of allowing applicants to have more of a say in where they go. Lucky you...! But I enjoyed being surprised! For me, as long as I knew I was accepted and was going somewhere, I was happy!
Q2: Can I bring my dog with me to Peace Corps?
A2: During my application process, I had an amazing dog who was consecutively awarded the "International Best Buddies" Award (I was on sole member of the selection committee, of course). He was a great guy. He was smart. He was handsome. He was a great friend. If I were allowed to bring that awesome guy with me, trust me, I would have. Unfortunately for us, Peace Corps didn't and still does not allow you to bring your pet dog/cat/bird/lizard/fish/potted plant with you. Make sure to ask your buddy's temporary, US-based caretaker to send plenty of updates.
Q3: Can I serve with my boyfriend/girlfriend? We are Facebook Official after all!
A3: Unless Peace Corps and Beyonce inspire you and your boo to "put a ring on it", unfortunately, the answer is no. Peace Corps only allows married couples to serve together. True, indeed, distance can either make the heart grow fonder or it can lead you on separate paths. I've had friends who came with someone waiting at home and were married upon completion of service. I've also had friends who had someone waiting at home, found a cutie pie during service, and got married after service. I've also had friends who came as a singleton and left as a singleton. Love and life are a gamble in DC, NYC, and JNB...go figure!
Q4: What is the translation for "Wathint'abafazi, Wathint'imbokodo"?
A4: Now you have touched a woman, you have struck a rock. A very powerful saying addressing women's rights. For more information, check out this link.
Q5: Can I bring my computer/electronic equipment with me?
A5: Can I tell you a little story? For Christmas, my Ethiopian must have been a very good boy (or my parents advocated strongly on his behalf for talking their daughter off their hands), because Santa Claus gave him a brand-stinkin'-new iPad. What a day! What a day! My Ethiopian was like a kid in a candy store- downloading apps, taking advantage of high-speed internet to watch every BBC video news clip, Facebooking like there was no tomorrow and then some! The moment my dear Ethiopian crossed over US borders and into Addis Ababa and away from high-speed, unlimited internet access, his prized possession was little more than a fancy, electronic picture album and iPod. In Peace Corps, a picture album and iPod are gifts sent by the Gods, please don't get me wrong. I'm just sayin'.... I'll let you read into that story and do with it what you will.
Q6: How do I tell my parents that I want to join the Peace Corps?
A6: I'll tell you how I did it. The same day I learned about Peace Corps, in the 3rd grade, I went home and told my parents all about it with the zest and zeal that only a 3rd grader could have! From 3rd grade until one year post grad school, I slooooooooooooowly but surely approached the subject, so by the time I was ready to pack my bags for South Africa, they thought me joining the Peace Corps was their idea. Clearly, I took the long, round'about way of convincing my parents. This strategy might not work for you, but the good thing is that you know your family and friends MUCH better than I do, so I'm sure that you'll come up with something that works very well!
Q7: Do you feel "safe" in Peace Corps?
A7: During your pre-service training (PST)- the first 2-3 months of your PC service- Peace Corps staff do their best to educate trainees on how to keep themselves safe within the context of their country/community. Some recommendations are to make strong relationships within your community; learn the local language, listen to the advice of people within your community (they know what/where is safe and what/where is not safe); be observant (if women do not wear shorts and short skirts, it's probably not a good idea that you do); reduce your alcohol consumption (or just don't drink if you don't have to. Remember, you're not in your local neighborhood bar. You're in a different country, with different rules and safety concerns.); if someone tries to take your phone, don't argue with them or try to fight them (your phone is replaceable. you are not.); and so on. For the most part, you have the ability to keep yourself safe. Similarly, you have the choice to make unwise decision to compromise your safety. Be smart. If you ever have any concerns, your PC country team will be able to assist you.
Q8: Can you go home during Peace Corps service/Can friends and family visit you during Peace Corps Service?
A8: Yes. I do know several people who went home for a visit during Peace Corps, including myself. For me, going home was the refresher that I needed to make it through my second year. Additionally, my mom came to visit me during my service. We had a blast! Do I regret going home? Nope, I don't. It was what I needed at the time.
Does Peace Corps encourage you to go home during service? I should think not. Just think about it, there are so many new and interesting things in your host country that you've yet to explore.
Does Peace Corps encourage you to share your experiences with friends and family, while still "in the field"? Yes, yes, yes! Sharing your Peace Corps experience with friends and family is all part of the Third Goal (sharing your experience with Americans to bring a better understanding). Many PCVs and RPCVs only get to share their service with the folks back home through letters, pictures, and presentations. To actually see/feel/touch/taste the things you rave/complain about is 1000% better! I wish more people could have visited me during service, but the cool thing about continuing to live abroad is that I can still invite folks experience the amazing things about life in Southern Africa! Soon, many of my friends and family will have the chance to visit my new home-away-from-home: Ethiopia. Better still, my Ethiopian fiance recently relocated to Lesotho. Instead of just visiting me during his vacations, he's having his own first hand experiences in an new environment! Fun, fun, fun!
Q9: What does "Ke go gopotse" mean?
A9: "Ke go gopotse" means "I miss you" in Setswana/Sesotho. Over my almost 6 years of living in Southern Africa, I've grown to truly understand the meaning of those words on multiple levels.
I miss you: Lou Malnotti's pizza, Wendy's #1 with cheese, 3G internet, customer service, conveniences, current tv shows.
I miss you: Gerald, Chris, Jestein, Mom, Dad, Karl, Christina, Grandparents, family members, friends. Regular time spent with family and friends. Being able to give hugs, a kiss, hold your hand, pat your back when you've done a great job or when you need a shoulder to lean on. Skype certainly has revolutionized the way I'm able to keep up with the people I love most, but it is no replacement for being there in person.
I miss you: Dear friends and friends who were more like family, I miss you and I can't believe you're gone. In my line of work (HIV/AIDS programming), I've been able to meet some of the most amazing people. I've also experienced the loss of some of those great people because of a cruel, incredibly frustrating disease!
Q10: Are there alternatives to Peace Corps?
A10: Peace Corps is not for everyone. I'll be the first person to admit that. Not everyone has the time nor desire to uproot their lives for two years to volunteer in another country that does not offer the conveniences that they're used to. Peace Corps service is often called "The toughest job you'll ever love." I agree. It's frustrating at times. It's inspiring at times. It'll drive you crazy at times. You'll be driven to new heights at times.
Recently, Peace Corps opened up the Peace Corps Response program to people who may not have completed two years of service. If you don't have two years to give, but have experiences that will be helpful on a more short-term assignment, you may want to check it out here.
But the real answer is...there is no real alternative to Peace Corps...a very unique program like no other.
