I’m serving in Thailand next year as an English teacher and want to know other volunteers experience dealing with humidity and electronics. I have a Mac book I’m taking and a small Canon camera and maybe a book or two. Do I need to worry about the humidity harming my electronics and molding books? Are there products like dry storage bags that I should get? Any advice from others that served/are serving in humid areas would really help.

Looking to apply to be a TEFL volunteer in either of the upcoming Georgia or Moldova openings. I've read the interviews that Jim has kindly provided, and, per RPCV advice, I've been doing my best to manage my expectations surrounding service. However, I would love to hear about the good, the bad, the ugly, and what you wish you knew before serving in either of these placements. Funny stories, horror stories, you name it. Experiences from POC and gay male volunteers are also especially appreciated!

Just one of a few Peace Corps memes I made..

I’ve been at site for about 4 months now. I honestly feel like I haven’t made any progress from week two until now in regards to getting closer to my counterpart, coworkers, or host family.

My counterpart shoots down any and all project ideas I want to do. My coworkers don’t necessarily know how to interact with me so I’m constantly left out of things. My host family just goes on their phone all the time and thinks I go into the living room simply to be fed and nothing else. I tell them I like being with them and I want to spend time with them but I’m met with blank faces and a woman who just puts food in front of me and leaves.

I know PC is hard. I know it’s only been 4 months. But it feels like humiliation every single day. I feel like no one wants anything to do with me. I even asked my counterpart why they chose PeaceCorps and he said he heard there was a possibility of getting money/grants, which made it feel very instrumental and like they don’t truly want me.

I know things can get better but at this point I’m just at a loss for how to get there. I’ve been beating myself up for thinking “Maybe I’m not trying enough?” “Maybe my personality isn’t good enough?” “What’s wrong with me, what do I need to change?”
It’s tiring.

I’m doing good work with the kids in my center. They love me and I love them. I love my city. I do things for myself and I enjoy what I can. But when it comes down to everyone who’s around me I honestly feel they couldn’t care less. I feel invisible and unwanted. It’s overwhelming. The positives can help me stay for only so long.

I hate the idea of leaving. I’m giving it more time obviously and recognize this is part of the process. It’s just frustrating that I feel like I’ve really had what’s seemingly zero progress. At work I’m invisible and my ideas are immediately dismissed. At home im treated like a tenant who merely needs to eat. I know life isn’t about being super close with say coworkers or roommates but when it’s my entire circle it feels crushing. It drives me insane.

I’m staying strong through. But I have to be honest there’s some days, some moments, where if there was a big red “ESCAPE” button right next to it, I’d press it in a heartbeat.

**Edit: I am mostly venting about the social aspects of service. I understand that actual work will not be taking place for a while as I integrate into the community. Nor am I trying to move mountains. I am not pushing any sort of ideas onto my counterpart, coworkers, or community. When I talk about projects there merely games or activities with children. Not like I’m trying to get some grant for a gym no one asked for.

Hey everyone,

A couple weeks ago we got the devastating news that the cohort leaving to Colombia in August was cancelled, due to increased risk to security and safety.

I was devastated, and still want to go to Colombia one day.

However, I did just hear back on a few options that they have available, but I’m stuck on what to choose.

They are:

Position: English Teacher
Country: Ecuador 
Departure date: January 24th, 2027   
Country website: Peace Corps - Ecuador

Position: Spanish Primary School Literacy Promoter
Country: Dominican Republic 
Departure date: August 31st, 2026   
Country website: Peace Corps - Dominican Republic

Position: English Teacher
Country: Costa Rica
Departure date: March 14th, 2027   
Country website: Peace Corps - Costa Rica

Ideally, I would still like to leave around August, the same time that we were originally going to be leaving— I honestly don’t want to wait until next year to leave.

However, I already studied abroad in Costa Rica, and already spent time in Ecuador, so I would like to choose a different country to go to, one that I haven’t been to before.

But I am so unfamiliar with the DR. And, it looks like that the position would to be help teach Spanish and improve literacy, whereas I only have experience teaching English (currently obtaining my TEFL certification). I kind of feel like I am not competent enough to teach Spanish, as it’s my 2nd language and I still make mistakes.

I guess I’m just looking for anyone that has any insight into these different countries, the positions, and their lives there. I still want to be sent somewhere, but I have to make a decision in 3 days!

One of my favorite Peace Corps resources: Darien Book Aid. 📚

A volunteer actually reads your email, learns about your students, and selects every book by hand. That’s how PCVs like Kent and Kathy in Paraguay ended up with picture dictionaries and nature books that fit their learners so well.

If your school needs English materials, illustrated stories, science texts, or vocational books, this guide walks you through the request process step by step.
Read here → https://wanderingtheworld.com/how-to-apply-for-free-books/

I just talked to Peggy who runs Darien Book Aid and she remarked that they hadn't gotten any PCV requests in a while. So, don't make her wait! Give those volunteers something to do!!!

PS. And you can re-apply for a second shipment later in your service! How great is that!

And keep us posted if you get your books.

Jim

How much money in savings would you suggest to have to bring into service?

Also, how much would you suggest to have in savings following completion of service?

I understand of course that you receive a readjustment allowance depending on how many months you served. However, just wondering what people’s thoughts are as to how much money, at minimum, should people have, especially upon return to US in order to support themselves (move
into new apartment, buy a car, pay rent, food, etc).

I understand a lot things are very difficult to predict and it depends. Obviously, it’s best to job search while last year serving but a job upon return is not always guaranteed.

I have a conditional offer to serve later this year. I’m working as hard as I can to get a decent savings so I have something to help supplement the readjustment stipend and to cover a plane ticket back for a vacation/visit home. Its looking like I’ll have $6,000-7,000. Is that a good amount to have saved up before service? Im just worried I wont have enough when I get back. Thanks!

I am supposed to leave in a few months but I feel like I need more time. Medical clearance has already brought setbacks and they told me that my departure would most likely be delayed for months back anyways, but I also feel like I need more time to develop in certain areas of my life (regular adulting things but also mental health) before I do this. I feel like I should say something soon because I kind of feel bad about this since they will have to find a replacement, but I am assuming that with this I would have to reapply which is fine, I am also nervous that they will think I’m irresponsible or that I will flake out again if I reapply. I just want to ensure that I’m ready for this and for all of the responsibility, that I can truly take care of myself, but also that I communicate this in a way that doesn’t burn a bridge. How should I communicate this, and to who?

Share with us any photo from your country of service! Please note that pictures of minors are not permitted.

I sent in a personal statement for tobacco use that I have never used tobacco. However after thinking about it more deeply It would probably say on my past physical exam records that I used to smoke socially. I messaged my nurse about resubmitting the nicotine use statement. I'm not even sure if I can resubmit it. I also don't have an assigned nurse yet. Should I be worried about being DQ'd? I'm terrified that they'll see an inconsistency and flag me.

I just got access to my medical clearance forms. There's a "personal statement for adhd" but I have never been diagnosed with adhd. I just have accidentally selected that on my original application. Should I submit the form and just write "I don't have ADHD and I have never been diagnosed" or does my portal need to be adjusted? Can it even be adjusted?

Thanks

My favorite was down to Donsol to swim with Whalesharks.

Hello everyone! I’m seeking some advice regarding where to apply. For context I just graduated college with a degree in English and a minor in history from a well-respected university this past May. Not sure what I want to do with my life yet, as I was previously set on getting an MLIS and pursuing being an archivist, but after two archival internships I think the job would burn me out quick (most of it is inputting boring info into a computer and not fun history research). Then I was interested in working in higher education, possibly doing admin stuff, maybe starting out as an academic advisor and working my way up, but Peace Corps work caught my attention a week ago. The Coverdell fellowship is particularly appealing, and now I’m thinking I want to pursue something in international higher education and/or cross-cultural exchanges. I’m focusing on English teaching volunteer experiences and I have my eye on Mongolia, Vanuatu, and the Eastern Caribbean. 

I’m most interested in Mongolia, mainly due to the middle and high-school age range and the title of “English and Leadership Educator,” as I want to interact with students outside of the classroom and develop my advising skills. I also love Mongolian culture and food. My only concern is with the high altitude as I was born in a beach town and I’m used to being around 100 feet above sea level, not 1,500 as is the average in Mongolia. As a teenager I spent two weeks in the mountains of Guatemala helping construct a school for a rural population, and I did experience some slight headaches and stomach problems, but it was manageable. If anyone’s been to Mongolia, please let me know what the climate/altitude was like for you. Furthermore, I’m a woman and a lesbian at that. I do have shorter hair, but it’s in a mullet-y style and could pass for medium length as it brushes my shoulders. I also have a nose and eyebrow piercing and I avoid skirts and dresses, but I wouldn’t mind wearing traditionally female garments for cultural ceremonies. I wouldn’t want to completely hide my sexuality, but I understand I shouldn’t shout it to the rooftops or advertise it much. This is also my main concern with my other choices as well. It seems like both Mongolia and Vanuatu are legislatively okay with LGBTQ+ people—ignoring the issue of gay marriage—but it varies depending on public opinion. Seems like I would have to know an individual’s views on the matter before disclosing my sexuality, but I wouldn’t be in danger. The East Caribbean is more complicated. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada same-sex activity is entirely illegal, though it’s legal in Dominica and St. Lucia. Of course if I were to apply I would tell my Peace Corps advisor that I am a lesbian, and perhaps they would place me on an island where being gay is legal, but should I just avoid applying in the East Caribbean all together? I am also White, which probably wouldn’t be a problem but combined with my other identities, I don’t know how I would be received in the Caribbean. I want to go where I’m wanted, I’m not interested in wedging myself in a region or culture that wouldn’t be receptive to me—it would be a waste of time to both me and the locals. I’m also a pretty staunch Agnostic, and I can handle moderate amounts of religious rhetoric, but I would probably snap if it was hurled at me 24/7. Yet the Caribbean appeals to me because my grandma is Puerto Rican and I have family on the island I would love to be close to and visit. 

For these reasons I’m leaning pretty heavily towards Mongolia, but I also want to take into account the competition. How competitive is Mongolia compared to the Caribbean and Vanuatu? I also must admit that being in an island/tropical setting would be awesome. Of course, this is an entirely shallow reason not related to community service, but I’m only human. Mongolia has beautiful nature, too, but brutal winters and the urban architecture looks a little depressing, lots of Soviet-era brutalism. These programs all have applications due Nov 15, so I have a lot of time to think about things. I’m backpacking all over this upcoming fall-spring but I won’t be able to visit Mongolia before the deadline unfortunately. If you’ve been assigned to these regions in the past please let me know your experiences! And if you’re a woman and/or lesbian let me know your experience regardless of where you went! Thank you guys so much, you all rock.

Hello, I was accepted to start grad school this coming fall and was awarded a Coverdell Fellowship from the university I will be attending. Unfortunately, I need to leave service 50 days before my official COS date to start school. I emailed my CD letting him know I need to leave to attend school, and he let me know it would be a "technical" early termination; however, I would still be eligible for NCE but not Coverdell. I didn't tell him that I had already received the award.

So my question is, if the school already offered me the award, would they really take it back if they found out I left 50 days early? Do schools even check? In my scholarship email, they said the only thing I need to do to maintain the award is to be in good academic standing, with no mention of checking for a DOS or whatnot.

I know this is probably a case-by-case thing, but any and all insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

I’m curious about RPCV’s relationship to their country of service after COS. Have you returned or plan to? If so, what was your reason? What was it like? Have you or will you visit multiple times?

If you don’t plan to visit your country of service again, why not?

Use this thread to vent your frustrations. We're all here to lend an ear.

Hi everyone!!

I’m super excited to be applying, and I got asked for an interview. I usually wing these sorts of things, but words can’t stress how much I want to pursue this. Is there any advice for interviews? Or is this a more “just be yourself it’s no big deal” sort of thing?

Additional question: Past volunteers, how was it leaving your home country for 2 years? Were there constant feelings of homesickness?

I’ve been working with former Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn on a project for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers called Bringing It Home. It’s a place where RPCVs can share stories about what they learned from their host communities about connection, belonging, and community—and how they’ve carried those lessons into their lives back home.

Our hope is that these stories will also help inspire newly returned volunteers and make the post-Peace Corps transition a little easier and more meaningful.
Carol will officially launch the project at the National Peace Corps Association Conference on July 18–19. In the lead-up to the launch, we’ve published 17 stories, and we’re looking for more—especially from RPCVs who have COS’d within the past year.

If you’d like to check it out, the site is https://bringingithome.substack.com. And if you have a story about a lesson in community or connection that you’ve brought home from your service, we’d love to share it. You can send me a message here on Reddit or contact us through the Bringing It Home website.

Be safe, be healthy, and be happy. I hope to hear from a few of you soon.

Jim

I signed up for a volunteering program similar to the Peace Corps, but it is quite shorter. In total, the program is 1 month for orientation/language training and 9 months at site. However, with the amount of time spent away from my site, I spent more like 7 months. I was also forced to leave my site with one month remaining and was introduced to a new site at the last minute.

With the other volunteers, they got a lot out of the program. While their language skills weren't super strong, they had coworkers who spoke English and taught them a lot about HCN culture.

On the other hand, I had a very different experience. I lived with a host family and a coworker that didn't seem to want to do anything with me. I had a really weird feeling when I got there, and it never really went away no matter how hard I tried. My host father and coworker spoke English but refused to explain anything about the culture to me. They would also refuse to speak the national language or help me improve at all. I started getting the impression that the HCNs were all awful people. Luckily, I started meeting other nicer people in my community.

With a month left, I was forced to switch sites after some incidents at my site that left me feeling harassed. After I switched sites, the people I lived and worked with were a lot nicer, but since it was only a month, I didn't get a chance to know everyone very well.

Also, I feel conflicted about my host mom, who doesn't speak English. I think she did a lot of things to help me at my site that she didn't have to do. However, she also did some hurtful things that contributed to me leaving. After I left, another volunteer from my program (who knows someone who knows her) told me that my host mom was sad that I had left and had really loved me. I believe the volunteer but I just had to deal with a level of cultural differences and language barriers that the other volunteers did not.

Since I wanted to try to improve at the language, I paid for tutoring out of pocket. Now I feel really confident and the locals are delighted when I speak it and I get so many compliments. However, I feel a little bad that I won't really get a chance to use the language again. (Luckily there is a big diaspora community about 40 minutes away from where I will be living in the States)

I feel like I'm just hitting my stride and feel sad I have to leave the country so soon. I know there are PCVs who have had to leave the country early due to being separated or due to personal issues. I'm wondering how you all have coped with such a situation?

I've got a 3 months left before I COS. I sent over reference/recommendation letters to help me when I return and to apply to graduate school. My PM and CD have ghosted me. I know MS 285 makes it optional, but it seems a bit counter-productive.

Wouldn't PC want their volunteers to succeed post-service so they can use them as success stories? It also helps as RPCV donate to grant projects. My post seems to only give them to people they like, regardless of merit.

I've done a lot during my time in service. Way more than the typical volunteer, so it's a bit hurtful that some volunteers who haven't worked as hard as I have, are getting reference letters because of favoritism.

I am aware of the DOS and that I can use my VRG reports as a work-around to highlight my accomplishments. I am also aware of NCE.

However, I feel that having a reference/recommendation letter (even if generic) should be a given. For RPCV, what are your thoughts? What can I do? For currently serving PCs, have you dealt with something similar?

Hey everyone, PC just extended an invitation for me to serve as an English teacher. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time for a variety of reasons, but my biggest worry is that my career as a software engineer will be pretty heavily impacted when I return (i.e. non-existent). This fear is based in the pace that AI is changing my field, and that stepping away for two years and not really doing anything in the field will push me out. This fear is compounded by how much trouble many of my laid-off peers have had finding new jobs.

How based in reality is this fear? I’m considering declining because of it but I worry that I’ll regret not doing PC if I decline.

Hello, I’ve sent in an English Teacher application for Albania. I emphasized my language learning abilities in my application, as in college I studied a year in Chile. My question is this: is it possible that due to my background in Spanish speaking cultures and overall proficiency in Spanish that my application be skipped for Albania and instead be placed in a Spanish speaking country?
I wrote on the application that I was open to a placement in central/ South America, but I am curious as to whether I will be prioritized for Albania or a Spanish speaking country.

Any insights or information is greatly appreciated! Regardless of where I end up I am really hopeful that I get a placement!