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superstar18 · Mar 11, 2012, 09:15 PM

So I have been thinking about joining the peace corps for awhile now, but I just don't know where to start. I have done some research about it already, but basically what all do you do? I want to make a difference in this world somehow and I think this will be the perfect opportunity, but there is a problem. I don't know how to tell my parents I want to do this. Also can anyone give me additional info that would be helpful.

Wondergirl · Mar 11, 2012, 09:29 PM

Would this be between high school and college or work? Do you have a preference as to where you would be sent?

Why would your parents have a problem with it?

superstar18 · Mar 11, 2012, 09:41 PM

Well it says that I would need to have four years of college, so actually it wouldn't matter what my parents think about it. I also wouldn't want to be placed where there is high crime rate.

Wondergirl · Mar 11, 2012, 09:43 PM

Do they give you a list of possible placements, and a choice?

superstar18 · Mar 11, 2012, 09:49 PM

I don't remember I looked up info along time ago, but I will be doing some more research. I just don't know how to begin with it.

Wondergirl · Mar 11, 2012, 09:50 PM

What level are you in at school?

Wondergirl · Mar 11, 2012, 09:55 PM

You've read through the website? Talked with a recruiter?

Here are the areas needed: education, youth and community development, health, business and information and communications technology, agriculture, and environment.

raisingale · Mar 12, 2012, 05:29 AM

First and foremost you need a discipline that the Peace Corps is in need of. Construction, special education, bee-keeping, etc... This does not have to be your collegree degree, just real life experience. Find out what they are currently in need of and then try to obtain the necessary skills. In my case, I was a special education "teacher" in the Peace Corps. I majored in philosophy in college so I had to get my experience by extensive volunteering at a nearby school. Once they deemed my skill level high enough to be desirable the wheels started turning. As far as geographic location, you can state a preference but ultimately it will boil down to where you are best utilized. The application process can be long so I'd start looking into it now. The Peace Corps folks are very helpful. Once you submit an application you'll have an employee assigned to you that will help guide you through the minutea and advise you as far as your qualifications. My application process was close to 2 years long. As far as your parents are concerned I'd think they would be proud. Mine certainly were. Good luck!

superstar18 · Mar 12, 2012, 09:02 PM

Yeah I have read the website and no I have not talked to a recruiter yet. I have also looked at doing CCS instead.

Fr_Chuck · Mar 12, 2012, 09:09 PM

A person can find a reason that no area will be right for them, too much crime, too rural ( and they have their dangers also) Heck a college campus is often one of the most dangerous places with higher than average robberies and thefts on most.

The issue is, do you feel committed to the cause, not just something to do for a while.

superstar18 · Mar 13, 2012, 12:04 PM

Yeah I would be committed to it if I joined, its something I have been interested in for awhile now and it's a great chance to meet new people and help them. It would be a great experience.

smoothy · Mar 13, 2012, 12:25 PM

Most of the places that they would send people to would be areas riddled with poverty... AND what they hide... high crime rates. 23 volunteers have been killed over the years and large numbers assaulted and raped.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/us...pagewanted=all

It is a job that is not without a high degree of risk. Read that article and see the numbers... and make you decision knowing what really might happen rather that the rosey cheery picture they might paint of it.

tickle · Mar 13, 2012, 12:36 PM

Peace corp requirements are that you know several languages; be at least an RN or RPN, or a doctor. So this gives you some direction I would think. The CDN peace corps are rated the best in the world for language and healthcare skills.

raisingale · Mar 13, 2012, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by tickle

Peace corp requirements are that you know several languages; be at least an RN or RPN, or a doctor. So this gives you some direction I would think. The CDN peace corps are rated the best in the world for language and healthcare skills.

My experience differed. I was not an RN, RPN or a Doctor. My language skills (Arabic) were learned as a volunteer during extensive in-country training. The attributes Tickle mentioned are certainly sought after but not mandatory. There were a couple of bee-keepers in my country of service (Tunisia).

superstar18 · Mar 13, 2012, 12:47 PM

One of my old teachers joined the peace corps and was not a doctor.

tickle · Mar 13, 2012, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by superstar18

One of my old teachers joined the peace corps and was not a doctor.

It helps if you have some healthcare experience; tending to the ill and injured would be a necessity so some nursing skills would be a prerequisite.

Okay so he wasn't a doctor, but he probably had to pick up some skills to assist him.

I am not setting up roadblocks. I think this is a wonderful endeavor for a young person. It opens up a world of opportunities when you finish your tour of duty.

tickle · Mar 13, 2012, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by raisingale

My experience differed. I was not an RN, RPN or a Doctor. My language skills (Arabic) were learned as a volunteer during extensive in-country training. The attributes Tickle mentioned are certainly sought after but not mandatory. There were a couple of bee-keepers in my country of service (Tunisia).

And what skills did the bee keepers have that assisted them in the Peace Corp?

Wondergirl · Mar 13, 2012, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by tickle

And what skills did the bee keepers have that assisted them in the Peace Corp?

Their skills were in insect management, customer service and personal relationships, knowing how to do something productive and explain it.They were able to improve income, gave people work to do, better health using honey instead of sugar, local economy improved, pride in one's accomplishments, etc.

One story about PC beekeepers (not just handing over a fish, but teaching the populace how to fish for themselves) --

Beekeeping in Ecuador

tickle · Mar 13, 2012, 03:17 PM

Okay, here is what you have to do superstar

Educational requirements for volunteers - Peace Corps Wiki

tickle · Mar 13, 2012, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

They were able to improve income, gave people work to do, better health using honey instead of sugar, local economy improved, pride in one's accomplishments, etc.

One story about PC beekeepers (not just handing over a fish, but teaching the populace how to fish for themselves) --

Beekeeping in Ecuador

I think you had better read the website I entered for the OP. No doubt this helped, but not in life threatening situations.