My Advice to Incoming Trainees

Friday July 11^th, 2008

3:28 Pm

 

To those of you reading my blog to get an idea of what Peace Corps service is like should be warned. Everyone has a completely different experience. Lots of my views and opinions should really be taken with a grain of salt.

The stresses and successes of immersion in a totally different culture with a completely different language in a hot subtropical environment definitely teint how I express myself. Namely the experiences of being a rich and privileged outsider in a rural cashpoor farming village without electricity or running water in itself comes with many frustrations.

The truth about joining the Peace Corps is that you don't know what you are getting yourself into. That is not a judgement call whatsoever. The best preparation for that choice is having lived in a developing country (outside of the expatriate community) and having been engaged in community development work. That would be a start.

As someone that studied international economics and development in university, did an incredible amount of research on the peace corps experience and had the privelge of knowing quite a few RPCVs- looking back- I didn't know what I was getting myself into- the numerous challenges and struggles- the heart break of it. But then… the tiny moment of triumph and victory.

  

The best advice I can give to those considering to join the Peace Corps… you don't know what you are getting yourself into until you get into it. The best mindset you can have coming in is to be very humble about who you are as a person and your abilities. In addition, be prepared to call your site your home for the next two years of your life.