Frequently Asked Questions

The First Conversation

Why are you doing this?

Well first, this isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. I've wanted to join the Peace Corps since I heard about it, which I believe was my freshman year of college. (That was back in 1995.) The reasons are varied, and just as clichéd and idealistic as you would guess. And selfish. Because, darn it, I want to travel! See the world! And so forth...

So where are you going?

I'm not sure. I could be anywhere, but probably somewhere in Eastern Europe or Central Asia. (See here for more info on where the Peace Corps operates in those regions.)

You don't know where you're going? That sucks.

Yeah, I know. But that's the way it works. I'll find out where I'm going when I'm fully approved for the program, and placed in a job.

Wait, you mean you're not already approved?!

Nope. I'm somewhat along in the process, but I still have to pass the health check (medical, dental, vision) and background check (they took fingerprints). This takes quite a while, probably 2 to 3 months.

Well, when do you find out?

They'll tell me at least 6 - 8 weeks prior to my departure, but I may find out sooner. I'll keep you posted.

Departure? When do you leave?

Actually, I don't know that either! Right now it looks like late September, but that could change.

You really don't know anything, do you?

No, not really.

Fine. Do you at least know what kind of stuff you'll be doing there?

Yes! I'll be teaching English. There are a lot of different ways this could be happening, from working with existing English teachers to starting an English program from scratch. I could be teaching children, or teenagers, or adults. I'll also probably be involved in peripheral programs, like language clubs.

Yeah, I think you'll be good at that.

Thanks!

So how long will you be gone for?

Two years.

Two years?! But you'll have email, right?

Well...maybe. Maybe not. It's probably better to write me letters. See here.

Snail-mail? You mean like....hand-written?

Absolutely! It's charming, really. My address is here. And I promise to write back.

Can I visit you instead?

Please do! I'll have vacation time. It accumulates just like with any job, so check with me before you buy your tickets.

What about you--will you be back to visit?

Probably not. I won't have the money, and I expect to be pretty busy.

That's right--money! Don't you get paid?

Nope. This is a volunteer organization. I'll be given a stipend that is enough to live off of. I'll also have medical and dental coverage, and when my service is up I get a "readjustment allowance." It's not much, only about $6,000.

What about your career? What will you do when you get back?

Well, I'm trying not to think about that too much, because I don't know what I'll want to do. This is a life-changing experience, after all. But I will have options. I could probably get a new job in technical writing easily enough, or I could go back to school. I could decide to do something completely different. Who knows?

Hey, what about safety? Isn't this dangerous?

Well, yes and no. There's always a little danger in life, but the Peace Corps does everything it can to make sure you're safe. I know there's a lot of unrest in the world right now, but it's affecting everyone, everywhere, not just people in the countries where I might be sent. Plus, if the U.S. government feels it's too unsafe in a country, they pull all Volunteers out. If you want more information, you can read the official Peace Corps Safety answer here.

That's so exciting! Are you excited?
or, alternately...
I guess I can't stop you, but are you sure?

I am! This is something I've been waiting and planning for for a long time, and I'm SO excited!