About

I'm being vague on some details for privacy.

I early terminated before the end of training and returned to the country as a teacher shortly after.

I terminated because I was having a horrible experience. Everything I was afraid of happened but I often reflect on it for what I could have done better. There were happy moments and things I'm glad I experienced but I'm afraid if the negative things I experienced are normal in Peace Corps.

I love teaching, community development, and other cultures. I can travel as an English teacher but I don't have as much time with community development as I would like. Also, I've grown a lot since my time in Peace Corps and I think I understand what i did wrong.

I thought it would be expected of volunteers to be knowledgeable about the country before arrival. I had been interested in this country for years so i had a lot of personal knowledge and during COVID i did a few remote internships with reputable nonprofits in the country so i already had a good support network. I had never left the US before but this was my dream. My family struggles financially so I tried to make the most of my time in university, while working multiple jobs, to increase my chances of getting a job after graduation.

The volunteer coordinator and country director disliked me almost immediately. Before we left the US, during the pre-service training, we were asked who knew anything about domestic violence or LGBTQ in the country. I answered because I was knowledgeable on the subject after working with nonprofits in the country focusing on these topics. I'm not sure what was relayed to the country director and volunteer coordinator about what i said but the FIRST thing we were talked to about in-country after we got to our hotel was this conversation. The volunteer coordinator was angry and singled me out immediately because of this. My cohort also noticed this.

They didn't hide this from my cohort either. I was the only person who had knowledge about the country and culture. I was so excited to be there and I thought that would be seen as a positive thing. It wasn't. The director told me he hadn't read our resumes or introductory letters.

I realize now that i should have been passive and silent as my excitement was viewed as "showing off" and threatening the hierarchy. The country director and volunteer coordinator expected people to not know anything about the country or about teaching and to seek passive knowledge from them.

During a private meeting, the country director and volunteer coordinator told me I was standing out too much, asking too many questions, that i only know a few people from the country (the nonprofits), and that i don't know as much as I think I do.

The country director usually only spoke directly with the men in my cohort and was often quick to become aggressive during conversations. He would make negative assumptions about people and what they were saying and just berate them. During my exit interview, he leaned over me and got in my face, shouting at me because I was typing my resignation email for the regional director. I did greet him when he entered the room but he took me typing on my phone, writing the email, as disrespectful to him.

He was removed from his position about three months after I left.

I made some good friends in my cohort but there were some people who hated me for being familiar with the country and having the most teaching experience. I was really hurt by this because I thought i would fit in. I love teaching and community development its why i joined. During training, they would sit near me and make sure I heard them badmouthing me and any group projects they would keep me from being able to do anything so I would look bad. I did report this but nothing changed and I became more isolated with the bullying.

My host family was uninterested in me because of my appearance as the daughters wanted someone who was either a man or a woman who was tall, thin, with light colored hair and eyes (they told me this). They spoke English and the eldest studied in my home state. I think the family mostly signed up for it because of money even though they were very wealthy. My bed didn't have a mattress i slept on the woodframe lol which ISN'T normal in this country. My time with them was miserable and intentionally made uncomfortable as the daughters resented me.

The host mom refused to speak to me , in any language, for the first three weeks and would glare at me during meals. The daughters were angry she made me breakfast and the family refused to cook with me or do any activities with me. They only did things with each other and told me to do the weekly culture tasks on my own. If i invited them to do something theyd leave the house before i got up and make fun of me for going out alone. They also made fun of my weight. They refused to introduce me to their friends and family and would ignore me blatantly when they had guests over. They refused to help me study the language and would become hostile when I tried to practice with them because they didn't like my accent. The parents would leave for two weeks without warning Peace Corps.

I wish I would have spoken to Peace Corps sooner but I thought I could suck it up and tolerate it and if I tried harder to not be a burden that they'd like me more. I kept telling myself it wasn't that bad when it definitely was because i was afraid that if i said something it would worsen because of the behavior from the country director and volunteer director.

Late one night, the eldest daughter, in her twenties, had sent me a nasty text telling me her and her sister didn't want me there, I was afraid burden, and that I didn't appreciate them enough. The parents had been gone for two weeks at this point and I had little food to eat as the daughters ate out without me. The eldest gave me a small bag of dumplings and told me to eat that.

I called the volunteer coordinator crying begging to be removed. She was irritated i called her at 10pm and asked if i felt safe, I told her no, she said "i think you're safe, I think you're fine, it's late, goodnight." and hung up on me.

I called the safety team and they came and got me but not without retailitation from the country director and volunteer coordinator. This is what lead to me early terminating but the country director was pushing for me to be AdSep but I KNOW I didn't do anything to deserve that. The regional director didn't allow for it and stopped the country director when he tried to threaten me, while shouting, with it during my exit interview.

The Regional Director conducted my exit interview and told me I could reapply in five years. I returned to the country as month later to work as a teacher. I honestly want to give Peace Corps another try with a different country but I'm worried it'll just be a repeat.

I know they have the lists online but they don't really give quantity. What are the items you wish you brought and the items you wish you left at home?

Also, I unfortunately vape and am trying to quit before I leave but if I can't, what is nicotine availability like?

Planning to travel a bit after COSing before I officially return home. I don't want to travel with my luggage and would prefer just to ship it home. Any recommendations for cheap options on shipping?

Let this be a clear warning to anyone that needs their Peace Corp pay to help return to the workforce upon returning home. EDIT state tapped Fed.

I’m currently a sophomore in college who is giving peace corps some thought for after school. I was wondering what people’s experience has been when they apply serve where you’re needed most? Did you find that you were happy with your assignment? Were there options presented to you? I know this is probably the wrong attitude but I do believe there are places I’d rather serve than others. I was wondering if applying to a specific position will really hurt my chances. Also, can you apply to more than one position?

Anyone have experience paying for the two extra months of SHIFTT insurance post Peace Corps and have an idea of the cost? I’m sure it will vary, but just want an idea. Also, is this available if you ET or have interrupted service?

What happpens if not medically cleared on time before departure? I was told I wasn’t guaranteed a second invitation

How did it go for those who went through this situation?

I accepted a second invite to Moldova after being reassigned from Kosovo due to a food allergy— peanuts.

I heard back from my nurse today, i was medically denied from Moldova after being told I was “medically eligible.” The reason they gave was due to a “food sharing” culture and how it might hinder my integration.

This seems odd & backwards to me. You could apply this logic to broader things, i might have trouble integrating because of a drinking culture that I don’t participate in, gender differences, religious differences. A vegetarian diet would be more restrictive than my allergy.

These integration challenges to me are much larger than having to explain my allergy. This was something I even talked about in my allergy personal statement, that I knew I would have to be proactive about my allergy & have to explain it over and over in a place where they’re just not as common.

Just feeling pretty defeated. 7 months into my application process & im not getting any closer.

hey y’all, i got an invitation to join the pc in the Dominican Republic as an educator. i already have done my legal and medical stuff. any advice from those that have been there? i’m really excited about it, but i wanna make sure i am thoroughly prepared.

Looking for feedback on your essay? Have a newbie question you'd like to ask? Something on your mind you'd like to get out? This is the place for it.

It's not confirmed, but I think I may end up getting medically separated from PC. The idea of that is really upsetting to me because I love my community and would hate to have to leave before finishing my service. I also feel like it would be an extremely rough adjustment going back, especially as somewhat of a failure. Just hoping for any support, advice, or words of wisdom.

Hello all,

I'm an Int. Relations student finishing my masters degree next spring at Oklahoma University. My background is actually a BFA in the theatre arts (I expect your eyes to roll there, lol). But eventually I discovered I wanted to marry my interests into education or some type of cultural outreach program, perhaps related to education, when I later decided to go back to school. Before going to grad school, I lived in NYC and volunteered for some non-profits concerning urban gardening, homeless outreach, political campaigns, etc. But none of these experiences are substantial enough to put on a resume for this kind of application process, I think. For example, the organizations themselves didn't really know who I was, there wasn't even formal paperwork to document my presence. I just showed up and volunteered, and that was perfectly acceptable for them. I was also doing low pay/no pay theater, mainly through alumni networks, while to no one's surprise here, I'm sure, working part time jobs completely unrelated to any of these things.

However, I am becoming more proficient in Spanish and have always been heavily interested in politics, activism, international relations, history, and the fine arts. I consider myself knowledgeable, personable, and able to excel when simply given the chance, despite the mosaic of my resume. If I were to join a pc prep program, would that be enough to be taken seriously enough for anything at all?

If not, I'm curious to hear what other steps or other outlets would be appropriate related to this work?

Thanks.

Hi all,

I was recently invited to serve in Togo as an agriculture volunteer starting June 2025. Is anyone on here currently serving there? Looking for any advice, opinions, or information. Thanks!

Hi gang,

I got invited to serve in Sustainable Agricultural Systems in Benin (good bit through clearance at this point) and seeing as holiday deals are coming around soon, I am starting to craft my packing list. I've spent a lot of time on different lists here and on blogs so the basics are covered but none of them are really ag. in West Africa specific.

What do you wish you had in agriculture? What did you bring and not need? What was really important to you if you had it?

Thanks in advance ;D

Hiya folks! Quick q - I'm an RPCV who is going thru another government background check for a job.

They say that the average timeline for this is 10-12 weeks, but i was wondering if any other RPCVs who used their NCEs/got hired in government found that this process was faster for them since they already had a background check done by the US government for service?

Appreciate yall!

During his first Presidential term, Donald Trump imposed a blanket hiring freeze on the entire federal government, with very few exceptions (mostly USCIS and DHS to expedite deportations).

I remember applying to jobs around that timeframe and let's say that it was brutal. It felt like I was throwing my resume into a blackhole. The job prospects I did get were unethical (in my opinion) and were mostly connected to anti-immigration frevor and I wanted no part in.

With a second Trump term on the horizon, another hiring freeze is all but certain. Elon Musk (RFK Jr and others) intend on joining the 2nd Trump administration and have promised to axe numerous federal agencies. I think it is reasonable to anticipate tens of thousands of federal employees will be pushed out, terminated and/or laid-off. I feel particularly sympathetic to those in the State Department who Trump has vowed to fire if they don't bend the knee.

For me, I am concerned about how this will interplay with NCE (non-competitive eligibility). Is service even worth considering since most PCV will return to a federal govt not hiring? Even if they are, the competition would consist of tens of thousands of career govt employees seeking employment for the same roles? Is PC even worth it for mid-career professionals looking for a transition?

I think PC needs to lobby legislators for stronger NCE benefits, otherwise recruitment will be impacted.

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

Hey y'all,

I'm committed to applying for an agricultural sector position for 2025. I'm working on my motivation statement but wanted to get some feedback from those who have experience with this subject. Thanks for any feedback. (there are some rough parts)

I do not believe challenges are something that should be avoided, but rather welcomed with open arms. Carbon requires pressure to become a diamond. Sure, this may be a cliché metaphor, yet I wholly believe in its truth. The world molds its people through experience, some painful, some joyful, but all significant. Everyone faces pressure, each in their own way. And what is the alternative to not facing it? To not rolling with the punches? Surrender? To me, that is not the right option. The world moves forward, bringing all life with her. And that is the ride of a lifetime, one that I am determined to embrace, wherever it may lead me.

I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by familiar paths, routine, and comfort. I know very little about what it takes for the majority of the world’s population to navigate their own ride. I got a glimpse of a different life during a school trip to Nicaragua in high school. Our group was there to help with the upkeep of a local school and its surrounding community. We painted walls, cleaned beaches, and, most importantly, lived with the locals who graciously shared their homes with us.

That trip exposed me to challenges I wasn’t prepared for, and as a 15-year-old, it was a tough experience. The work was hard, and the culture was different. But what struck me wasn’t the difficulty; it was this sense of connection I felt with people whose lives were completely different from my own. We laughed, shared stories, drank tea, and ate food that was both strange and delicious. Despite the challenges, there was a beauty in it rooted in human connection and community. And I felt deeply that this was a way of life worth embracing.

There’s something humbling about being uprooted from your own way of doing things and having to adjust to a new rhythm of life. In Nicaragua, I was forced to leave behind my usual coping mechanisms. But as difficult as it was, I adapted. I contributed. I learned. And I realized that the world’s diversity isn’t something to fear, but something to embrace.

Now, I find myself standing at a fork in the road, ready to face challenges far greater than what I’ve known. Two weeks of hardship is different from two years, but I believe that the only way to conquer any challenge is with full commitment and an open heart. There are comforts I can bring with me, perhaps a book, a harmonica, or a Rubik’s cube, but the real comfort comes from the resilience I build, the experiences I embrace, and the relationships I foster.

Why do I want to serve with the Peace Corps? To be honest, I’m not entirely sure I have all the words for it. But I know how I feel. I feel a sense of purpose, one that drives me to go beyond my current life and make some difference in the world. I feel like I have something valuable to offer that could help improve the lives of others. But more importantly, I believe the Peace Corps will help me grow into the person I’m meant to be. I’ll become more proactive, more compelled to help, and more motivated to make a difference, not just for myself, but for the communities I serve.

I don’t want to live in the past, looking back at opportunities I didn’t take. I want to step into the future as the person I am meant to be, one who actively contributes to the world around them. I believe that the Peace Corps can help me achieve that. It could offer me the challenges and experiences that will shape me into a better version of myself, one who is ready to face whatever comes next.

As someone who wants to make a difference, but has a series of both physical and mental disabilities. I want to consider joining the Peace Corp. I care about the environment and the people of the third world, and I definitely want to be out of the country for a few years, I'll let you guess my reasons for that. How does being a disabled volunteer work, and how would I even start the process of joining?

I’m looking for volunteer opportunities abroad next year, however I can’t commit to the full two years + 3 months that PC requires. I’m looking into Peace Corps Response, but not sure yet if any if the open positions are a great match. Is anyone aware of any programs similar to Peace Corps I could consider, where costs are entirely (or mostly) covered like they would be in PC?

Thank you!

If you know someone who's been fired/adseped from being peace corps volunteer, what was the reason/story?

I wonder if him winning, and thus more people wanting to escape the U.S. and their politics, will lead to more applications. I remember reading a study way back when that, when the country’s in a recession, military enrollment goes up. These are very different scenarios, but I’m curious what you all think. Did enrollment increase under his last term?

Of course, PC is a government agency and we are representing the U.S. (and to some extent, his administration?), but just curious if people will see this as an escape.

I was in my first year of service when DJT won in 2016. It was pretty surreal, and I remember feeling almost guilty that I didn’t really have to deal with anything Trump related until I COS’d in ‘19.

Obviously it’s a little different considering most of you probably grew up under a Trump term, and it’s way less shocking this time around.

Either way your RPCV community is here for you! Don’t feel bad at all for shutting it out and just chilling in your community where this really won’t have much of an effect.

As of yesterday, I was a trainee in PC (concealing country for privacy). Today I was given the information that a decision had been reached to not recommend me for service after 9 weeks of PST. This information was sudden and caused significant distress and shock, as it was previously communicated to me by the Safety and Security team and the Master Trainer that I had shown improvement in the areas identified in my Action Plan. I had not met expectations on accountability and socialization previously. Despite complying with the tasks listed in my action plan and being informed by different departments I was improving, I was informed I was being given the option to be administratively separated from PC or voluntarily resign by 1pm CT yesterday.

When I inquired why this decision was made, no clear answer was given to me aside from “it is in your action plan.” I inquired if, although improvements were shown, why these advancements weren’t sufficient to meet standards to swear-in, and no further information was given. I asked if I could have an exit interview and have it documented to ensure my perspective was in writing, however, I was told this isn’t an option, but that the director would “take notes”, which I have no way of verifying if they will be used for feedback.

I was informed that I would only be able to appeal this decision if I did NOT voluntarily resign. I was then told that if my appeal is denied, “administrative separation” would be in my permanent government file. The director then reinforced that they possessed sufficient documentation to “demonstrate the separation was justified.”

Before this instance, several others arose that were unprofessional and unclear from Peace Corps staff. Firstly, when I received my mid-preservice training round table review, a confidential document, my report had other trainee’s collated to it as well. The Master Trainer confirmed that my other trainees unfortunately received my report out of error, as well. This ensured that my confidential information that reflected poorly on my performance was shared with and seen by my peers.

The 2nd instance occurred in October, the week after our cohort received our mid-preservice training round table reviews. We were required to meet 1-1 with our program managers to review our reports and make an action plan, if need be. When it was my turn to meet with my program’s manager and trainer, I was informed that I had not met expectations in accountability and socialization.

Accountability was related to the couple of times I missed some EAP tests. Socialization was because I didn’t socialize everytime everyone wanted to drink, but I would go out 3-5 times a week with people from my cohort.

While I understood and took ownership on the accountability piece, I had some concerns about the socialization concern, as I regularly participated in activities with my cohort outside of class/training. The staff reaffirmed I needed to make improvements. I was told, “I know you are trying, but you need to try harder.” This conversation distressed me to the point of breaking down in tears, during which I was then informed me that because I did not meet these competencies, it was off the table that I could be placed in a urban area. I then asked what I could do to improve over the rest of pre-service training to meet these expectations, and I was told there was nothing I could do to make this a possibility.

The 3rd instance was last week when our cohort had a training on child abuse policies, in which the presenter, the country director, shared that children have a right to education and that denying children this right is a form of child abuse. This statement made me reflect on my 2nd field visit, in which the volunteer we visited disclosed that half a dozen children do not attend school at one of her work location, although the school keeps them on the attendance list despite this and, as a result, their families continue to receive food assistance from the school, while not allowing their children to attend school.

After this presentation was over, I talked to the Director about this concern and what I should do, she shared with me that “this is too bad”, and suggested I ask my LCF to explain it.

The 4th situation was the last time I met with the Master Trainer, to review my finalized social connections map, as a part of my action plan. She acknowledged that I had shown improvements, which was observed by staff and my host family. I described to her, using my social connections map as a guide, how I have made efforts to engage with my community by going to religious gatherings and making intentional plans with friends from my cohort.

Later in the meeting, I shared with her the feedback I had on my unsavory meeting with the program staff and my concerns over the lack of opportunity to demonstrate improvements that would remove the limit on potential sites during service. I informed her that staff told me I only had this limitation solely because of not meeting 2 competencies.

Despite this, the Safety and Security Office informed me that this is not true, and that site placement decisions are based on multiple factors. This example further highlights the inconsistent messages and communication I received.

The Mastsr Trainer confirmed she would share this feedback with the program manager. Coincidentally, I was informed I was being considered for admin sep one week later.

Overall, this decision came out of nowhere, after having been communicated that I was making improvements. Upon further inquiry, no one from staff was willing to inform me how I did not meet expectations and referred me to review my action plan. Upon reviewing my action plan, it appears that I have met the expectations and complied with the action plan steps. I feel that this decision is baseless and unfair. My trauma of this ordeal has caused me significant distress and I feel I have been singled out. I would have pursued an appeal of this decision, had I not been told “we have sufficient documentation to back up this decision” and that it was unlikely this appeal would be approved. It was reinforced that having admin separation from Peace Corps would be in my permanent government federal file, essentially giving me no other avenue to ensure my perspective of mistreatment was heard. As such, I plan to reach out to legal authorities because of this treatment. Anyone else experience something similar to this? Am I wrong for feeling this upset?

If you served under multiple administrations, did you notice differences in service and messaging depending on the administration? How did it feel to serve under an administration you didn't agree with? To what extent does PC require you to sing the praises of the U.S. government even if you don't agree with certain decisions?

I’ve heard some whispers of worries and he can’t just…do that. Right? Right?!

Surelyyyy he has better things to do.

I want to apply for a position with a January 1 deadline. Is it too late to connect with a recruiter to ask about resume/motivation statement help?

I am a senior and I am planning on applying to the Peace Corps by the January 1st deadline. I am just going to list some of my experiences and would just like to get some opinions on how I should approach this application.

I have worked in the ER for about 5 months now as a technician and will have 15 months experience if I depart when I would ideally.

I have been an EMT for almost 2 years, but pretty inconsistent hours.

I was in a research laboratory on my campus where we dealt with rat brains. I just did the surgeries and sat in on meetings, but I did not really have a massive role there.

I volunteer for Big Brother Big Sister which is an organization where "Bigs" are matched with youth in the community in order to provide a mentorship role for them. I have been with my little for about 5 months now

I have been a teaching assistant for multiple classes

I was the vice president of a pretty big club 300ish members, here on campus

I am a Biochem Major and have a 3.85 GPA and go to Umass Amherst.

That was all very robotic lol I just want to get out what I have done and how I should approach this application. I my dream is work in Boston in an Emergency room (mass gen or tufts med) and there is a large spanish speaking population there. I have also had many patient interactions where we just cannot communicate due to the language barrier. I absolutely hate this feeling and it must be even worse for them. Ideally, I would like to apply to a Spanish Speaking PCV opening, as I took it in highschool, but think this would be an awesome opportunity to become fluent. There are 2 positions open in Peru right now that I would REALLY like to do, and then there are others in other spanish speaking countries but they have a language requirement. I am going to start self teaching Spanish, but I definitely won't be fluent by the time I have to apply or anything like that, I just want to get back into it. I am a bit worried about the competitiveness of the Peace Corps, and don't know how to apply to the Peru position without being considered for any other ones. I would really like to depart around Sep 2025. Should I broadly apply and hope they consider me for the Peru position or should I specifically apply for that one. Thanks so much for any advice, I really appreciate it!

My first post on Reddit, and I just want to thank everyone for all the incredibly useful information here. I accepted a position in Malawi departing May 2025 for the Health Sector, and am very excited, but also realize I should be realistic in my expectations as I first have to clear medical - I am a bit concerned about this, but will try to quickly complete any/all tasks. Legal clearance doesn't worry me at all. I really hope I get to depart next year to Malawi, and for those of you that have accepted a post there for May 2025 please reach out to me!

I’m about to head there for surgery and seems to be a better option for me than going home. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what it’s like, if I’m undergoing surgery what the aftercare is like, physical therapy, the hotel, food, lol. Literally just everything. What was the experience like? Is there a car to take us to physical therapy appointments? I’m supposedly going to be in bed rest for a week after, so will there be people to help me? Send help.