Job Discussion Forums

[khmerhit]

DECLARE BANKRUPTCY
ROB A BANK OR TWO
OPEN A SWISS ACCOUNT
RETIRE TO














c a m b o d i a
TRY IT AND SEE
(BEN & jERRYS AVAIL ON REQUEST)

[peder]

After I graduated from University I also was trying to make up my mind whether to join the peace corps or do it on my own. I chose to do it on my own, I got a celta and taught for four years in two different countries but the peace corps was always still in the back of my mind. Eventually I started the application process and am currently in my second year here in mongolia as a pcv. I wish that I had done it sooner. But keep in mind that the application process is very long (it took me a year). So why don't you go to korea, start the application process and pay off your credit card debt. During your service your school loans can be frozen so you can forget about those for two years. Although I am not making much money I have everything that I need and am relatively integrated into my community. I would say go for it.

[davidrwest2005]

First, the $5000 credit card debt might be a barrier as I recall the application having a part about any outstanding personal debts due.

That said, I have my two cents about Peace Corps:
motto of Peace Corps while stateside----the toughest job you'll ever love
motto of Peace Corps while in country----be flexible

assumption of PCV while stateside----you will be IN Peace Corps
realization after training---you are placed at a site courtesy of Peace Corps

I was told that each program has its own character and so the Peace Corps experience can not be summed up in one generalization for its 70+ host countries.

That said, I would suggest the poster to consider his/her motivation because expectations are going to vanish like a puff of smoke if the PO is accepted into a program.

The training might be great but it might also have to cut corners based on situations in-country. My experience in the RFE (now a cancelled program) was only a 2 month training. There was no early termination if you didn't meet a language benchmark. I got paid $150 a month (if I remember correctly) and I was not ever short of money because there was not much to buy there. And the PCVs in the big cities were complaining about getting paid too little. The admin were considering making changes for the PCVs in the more expensive places before the plug was pulled...I mean the program met its goals (insert crying emoticon).

Also, the motivations within the group varied which didn't seem to bother the admin as much as it bothered me. but that was for me to get over.

The Peace Corps training did not result in a internationally recognized certificate for teaching.

The communities that are in great need of services are generally not is affluent or comfortable places. It is easier for others. Generally, Peace Corps is a great organization to serve communities with needs, get resources (great State Department teaching materials, USAID grants) for those communities.

All in all, if you go in with an open mind, a peace corps experience can change you and make a new normal.

[khmerhit]

take the peace corps route, dude

good life experience as opposed to korea (bad life experience)
unique opportunity to live somewhere remote where eslers may not go
looks splendid on cv/resume














c am b od ia
try it and see

[runthegauntlet]

I submitted an application and went through the interview process for the Peace Corps before deciding to come to Korea instead. I liked the idea of a year long teaching contract versus a 2.5 year PC 'contract'. I had 9k in loans, too. Paid them off in my first 8 months in Korea.

Almost finished with my second year in Korea. Haven't reconsidered doing Peace Corps yet.

[parrothead]

Just curious, what's the interview process like? Can one apply from abroad?

[runthegauntlet]

[fat_chris]

Ah!...and since 2006...now...the Peace Corps is in...