Job Discussion Forums

hollyl1003 · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 7 Location: United States

Hey all,

I am interested in the Peace Corps and their Masters International Program in TESL. I was wondering if any of you have done this program?

I am specifically looking at the programs at Georgia State and Sacramento State Universities.

I am also looking at Puerto Rico's InterAmerican University's MA in TESL (without the Peace Corps).

If anybody has any information or advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Mpho · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

I was in the Peace Corps and during my two-year stint, two females were in the Masters International program. One made it, one didn't and the one that did almost didn't.

The one that didn't washed out because she couldn't handle the lack of social life without getting drunk and doing drugs. Being away from home, alone, in rural Africa and the pressures to "save" Africa turned her into a constant high on alcohol or drugs. She lasted 6 months.

The other female was doing her program through Rutgers University and had a tough time due to constantly being sick (food, weather, and living conditions).

The program is great, if you have the tenacity to stick in there. The Peace Corps has a greater than 50% drop out rate and another 25% it seems do not finish due to medical, personal or administrative reasons.

I had one month to go and had to go home early due to being shot and attacked by robbers in my well-secured home.

The Peace Corps is a great organization, doing some good work, but you are basically on your own with little support from the community or the PC in many cases.

Mpho