Job Discussion Forums

[VikingElvis]

...My apologies in advance if this isn't the right section to post this in.

I've heard very mixed reports about volunteering through Peace Corps. It's something I'm still considering within the next couple years, but I've never really heard anything specifically about teaching ESL through Peace Corps. Has anyone had any experience with this? If so, how was your experience? Did you have access to materials and support and the like?

Thanks in advance.

[denise]

Have you taught before? Any teaching qualifications? I applied a few years ago and met some former teachers while I was in the middle of the application process. I had already been teaching for a while at that point and had completed my MA. They told me that at that stage it would sort of be a step backwards--it's better to do it earlier, pre-MA (or during--there are MA programs that work jointly with the Peace Corps) and then use it to boost your CV. They also told me that after having lived and worked independently--finding my own jobs in various regions--the bureaucracy might feel a bit overwhelming.

In the end, I withdrew my application.

d

[naturegirl321]

I think that fatchris did the PC. YOu could try PMing him.

[Kiwi303]

One of my Facebook friends is a Peace Corps volunteer teaching high school English to Ukrainians, If you PM me your email I can pass that along to him and ask him to get in touch with you.

For what it is worth I believe he was straight out of Uni, BA in Slavic languages, no TEFL, when he volunteered, and was shipped to a PC training camp and then direct to the assigned Ukrainian school. No TEFL/TESOL cert needed as the PC teach them the Peace Corps own method.

[WanderAround]

I thought about applying to the PC a few years ago, and after doing some research, it appears to be highly selective.

Since you have no choice of location preference, it is a long contract to sign.

[naturegirl321]

[sohniye]

Hello,

I might be of some help here. I am a soon to be certified Special Education teacher and did the PC application straight up through the interview (which lasted two hours!)

I am not going to mince words, there was a pretty specific location that I wished to be assigned to and of course as I love my career hoped I would be granted a teaching position.

The interview completely turned me off from the PC, it went well but to hear a recruiter frankly say that they could care less about my regional preference was disheartening. Also, the person I was speaking with seemed extremely jaded my recruiter also couldn't say if I would be placed into an assignment that had anything to do with education.

I undestand and respect that PC demands flexibility of it's applicants, BUT the start up costs before you even recieve a nomination are tremendous. Medical checks, background checks and more medical checks get expensive quickly---and once again to hear a recruiter say that I wouldn't have to pay out of pocket for those things when I know of several other indviduals who had done so...well I didn't appreciate that...

My impression at the end of the interview is that PC could be an awesome opportunity for many people, especially fresh grads but for myself would likely be a career step backwards.

Hope this helps

[Ursula]

I went through the application process and was accepted into the PC for an education position. After the interview and medical clearance process, my application went to a placement officer. I got in touch with the placement officer via email and expressed my interest in a specific position and location. Not long after, I remember the officer getting in touch with me and offering me a choice of two different education positions in two different locations. So, I did have some say in my assignment and where I was posted. However, I am sure it all depends on who gets your file and which assignments are available.

I also got the sense that the PC is not as highly selective as I had thought. There were a lot of folks in my group straight out of college with no work experience. There were two in my group with criminal records (I think drug related offences). Of course, every persons experience will be different, and this is just mine.

I will say that it is an extremely long application process. It took me about a year. After I started my position, I was relocated to another country due to a medical issue and again they offered me a choice of assignments in different countries. The PC folks I came into contact with seemed to want to accommodate my preferences. However, I'm not sure I would do it again. I had a much better time working as an English teacher in Japan -- not being tied to a two year contract and not having to deal with the PC bureaucracy.