About

basically the title, I finally applied for service and I am so excited. I’m hoping everything goes well for me and for anyone else who is currently applying! We got this!! 🙂‍↕️

I am attempting to get in touch with recruitment to fix an error (incorrect DOB) on my application. When I call the number (855) 855-1961 and press 3 for the recruitment office, the phone rings a few times before a computerized voice says "We cannot continue to process your call at this time. Please try again later." and hangs up.

To begin, I agree that these changes pushed by the new administration are ridiculous.

Though, I find it silly to point fingers at PC’s senior leadership. The new president was very clear in his campaigning that when he took office he was planning on effing over trans people, DEI programs, immigrants, and the planet. We were all very aware that, in the event that he won, it would get very hard for all agencies that deal with such topics/people.

The PC deals with literally all of these things. The ultimatum that he has forced down the throats of senior leadership is to stop using the term climate change, get rid of all mentions of DEI, stop funding trans healthcare, and a myriad of other ridiculous asks or lose funding.

Again, yes, ALL OF THIS IS VERY EFFED UP. And still, we need to move past it, accomplish the same goals we had before, but do so using different terminology.

Though, there is nothing out senior leadership can do on those buzz points.

What we all should be doing is getting smart. We should be finding new terms to accomplish the same goals. We should be finding loopholes instead of ramming our heads into a non-budging wall.

Our leadership cares about the world and its people just as much as we do. They get that cutting the small project grants was just the beginning if we don’t find ways to operate under the new oppressive regime that do not obviously push against it.

To those who just lost their healthcare options in the trans community. I see you. I hurt for you. Trust that at some of us will be putting our heads down, working, and figuring out ways to make sure this never happens again. I don’t take your mistreatment lightly and I truly hope that leadership feels the same way.

Before joining the Peace Corps, I scoured Reddit, searching for glimpses into the lives of other volunteers. I found blogs meticulously documenting entire services, from their first bewildered months at site to their tearful COS posts. I filtered through the polished Peace Corps-curated narratives, gravitating toward the stories of volunteers in Latin America, particularly those in the Health and Youth in Development sector, trying to imagine what my own experience might look like.

All of these stories, reflections, and posts helped me shape expectations for the two years to come. I imagined myself placed in a small community that welcomed me with open arms, where I’d be met with motivated people eager to create real change in their lives. I envisioned co-creating sustainable projects that would outlast my tenure, initiatives that would truly belong to the community, not just to me. My expectations weren’t just about work—I imagined that the slow moments would be just as meaningful. I thought I’d spend afternoons drinking coffee with neighbors, chatting about life in town, or just passing the time together. I pictured being invited into people’s homes, feeling a sense of belonging in the quiet, unstructured parts of the day.

Now, with just three months left before my COS date, I can say that maybe 10% of these expectations have materialized. Or perhaps all of them did—but only for 10% of my total time here. The other 90% has been a diluted version of the experience I once longed for.

I was placed in a town larger than I had expected based on the intimate, community-to-community approach we were trained for in PST. The people who had formally requested a volunteer didn’t welcome me; instead, I was met with indifference. “Great, we have the gringo now, but that doesn’t mean we’ll work with them.” That was the energy I felt from the start. My host family took me in and, at times, they were the only reason I could bear staying. But even those relationships have stagnated—we coexist, we get along, but we don’t truly know each other on a deeper level. My host community doesn’t care too much about having a foreign volunteer—and who am I to expect them to? People here are busy with their own lives, their worries, their realities. They don’t have time to make space for someone who, in the end, will leave.

The sustainable, impactful projects I had hoped to bring to life never fully materialized. The post-pandemic Peace Corps experience has been uniquely challenging, and based on the experiences of others in my cohort, I know I’m not alone. It feels as though the kind of deeply rooted, transformational projects I read about before arriving are now relics of a past Peace Corps era. I don’t believe that more than a few volunteers in my entire cohort have achieved those legendary micro-projects, the kind that volunteers used to write about so passionately. I have found some great people to work with at the end of the day in a different school, but my focus is now on cultural exchange and sharing space instead of finding these impactful and elusive projects.

All in all, I feel that my experience has been much more gray. I’ve met kind people. I’ve collaborated—not always out of passion, but often just for the sake of doing something. But nothing I’ve done has felt fundamentally impactful.

Were my expectations too high? Probably. I never believed I would swoop in with a white-savior complex and single-handedly revolutionize a community. But I did expect to find people who genuinely wanted me there in the first place. Instead, I feel lukewarm. Lucky to have lived abroad for two years, to have seen and experienced things I never would have otherwise—but also deeply disappointed. Grieving an experience that, in many ways, never really came.

And yet, even in this disappointment, I want to find a lesson worth holding onto. Maybe the Peace Corps experience isn’t always about the impact you create but about learning to sit with discomfort, to accept ambiguity, to find value in the in-between moments. Maybe I can also use my own experience to add to the content out there, helping people decide if doing Peace Corps will be what they see in the rose-tinted posts—or if sometimes, it just means wandering around for two years, throwing yourself at something in the hopes it will stick, and realizing, in the end, that it never really did.

I want to hear your thoughts because I can’t help but feel like my experience is actually the norm—we just don’t hear about it. Or maybe it’s reflective of a broader shift, whether in the world or in Peace Corps post-pandemic. The tools we’re trained to use feel less applicable in larger towns and more developed settings. 

From what I’ve observed, our training manager has been performing poorly for the past decade without any real oversight or accountability. It makes me wonder if the problem is less about the Peace Corps as an institution and more about the way site placements, training, and policies are managed at this particular post. The lack of checks and balances, outdated methodologies, or failure to adapt to volunteers’ needs could be contributing to the frustration I’ve felt.

For those who’ve had a similarly gray experience, what do you think? Has the Peace Corps always been like this, just with a shinier narrative? Or could it be a problem specific to my country?

I was conditionally invited to be a PC Public Health volunteer in Kenya for this upcoming August 🥳

While I am beyond happy, I do have concerns on whether this administration’s recent order requiring all foreign clinics to stop providing HIV medication will impact the communities we serve. HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment (U.S. is a significant provider of HIV meds through PEPFAR) are major public health priorities for volunteers in Kenya, so this could have serious implications.

I assume clinics and small organizations may be able to source meds from other countries or Kenya itself, but I’ll need to double-check the country page links and new statements.

Regardless, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to engage in cross-cultural exchange and community empowerment. Looking forward to building connections and growing on this journey 🙌🏽

Given the situation in the US now, will more citizens apply for PC or the opposite? What do you all think?

FINALLY got my legal clearance after 9 months, which means i’m done w both my clearances. is there anything else that could bar me from serving still, or can i finally celebrate the fact that i’m fully good to go? like is there anything i have to do/pass during pst that could make me not able to go?

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.

I was told transitionary care is no longer permitted effective immediately today. I can either "forgo treatment" (testosterone) or accept medical separation.
I am in shock. I am livid. I am heartbroken.
I had about 9 months left and was in communication to apply for transfer 3rd year extension....

what type of projects can you do or have you done without grant funding?

also, for volunteers that served in the past (around the time it began)—was limited funding a thing?

and @volunteers who’s community/organizations relied on you for funding—what has the reaction been for you?

i know projects can be done/are done without funding. but it would be nice to share some ideas, insights, inspiration for new volunteers or volunteers who have relied on pc funding since being sworn in. there’s a lot we can learn from each other and this subreddit lacks this aspect of information sharing

It’s crazy to me that with a college degree, one can join the PeaceCorps and go through some 6 month general training in agriculture, then sent to a unique location where likely people have been farming for generations. I know what people do with their time volunteering varies person to person and really it does matter the intention somebody has when joining the peace corps, but it is crazy to imagine somebody (cause I know they exist) going to the PeaceCorps and then think they are going to “help” these farmers.

I understand that humanitarian work generally is supposed to “do good” but people can do good from any position, it does not matter your job title or the country you live in.

Personally I think if one is going to join the PeaceCorps they should go for the cultural exchange, the travel, connecting to one’s ancestors, and the possible friendships or maybe personal development, even career development. But to say that one is going to go and “help”, it is honestly disturbing to hear knowing the history of colonialism and imperialism.

Imperialist (and former imperialist) nations have created this notion that the aid that they are sending to foreign countries is “help” not what it is, more leverage on already exploited countries. Still just trying to get their fingers in the pot.

Don’t follow their agenda, don’t go to help, idk, try to be helpful. But know that you might be a hinderance. You are not entitled to being helpful.

And also remember you can do such good here. This is a system you are very connected to, and fully understand already, not a whole new language culture, and job. Plus you got a college degree, you can make bank for a year and take time off for two year to work on problems that affect you and your community the most, problems that you can fully comprehend the scope of and the cultural implications of.

I think we need to be talking about neocolonialism more, because it is prevalent af.

Hey!

I’m wondering knows how getting picked for a specific island goes? If I’m correct you can recommend an island you’re interested in, but it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. I’m more than happy with any, but truthfully I would love to be stationed in Dominica. I would love to learn French Creole and I know that being in a language environment is the best way to learn a language!

Does anyone think/know that if I practice vocabulary I may have a better shot? Thanks :)

I know this post has been posted a lot before but I feel I have a bit of a nuanced situation.

I recently accepted a position in a country where my parents are originally from. I was born and raised in the US so I don’t have a ton of knowledge of the culture. But my parents have been quite against me joining the PC because of the dangers in the country, which they know a lot about since they immigrated from there, and them being worried that it will be a huge culture shock.

I graduated college within the last two years without a ton of experience so they are nervous about me going abroad for my first “real” job. And they keep saying I’m just doing this because I’m pressured to get job. On top of that, they hate that I have to go through the extensive medical/legal clearance process.

I have expressed my firm interest in serving but they keep trying to dissuade me. I know ultimately at the end of the day it is my decision as an adult but I value my parents’ opinions and would like their support.

It’s a bit emotionally draining and I’m honestly doubting myself and considering not going anymore. However, I don’t want to regret this decision and I’m just wondering if anybody has any advice with regards to talking with family/parents who aren’t 100% on board?

I got invited to serve as an English teacher in Sri Lanka! I haven’t told a lot of people yet because it’s still so tentative, but I still wanted to celebrate in some way. Anyone else here invited for 2025?

Unfortunately I have been medically denied from Samoa, but have been offered alternatives in the Philippines, Madagascar or Senegal and have three days to respond. Philippines and Senegal are in the environment sector while Madagascar is agriculture. My degree is in Forestry and Natural Resource Conservation and I think I would be an effective volunteer in all three countries. I would love to hear from some volunteers who have served in these countries or anyone with input really!

I applied to join the Peace Corps and got denied. Has anyone else experienced this type of rejections? Any recommendations? All I want to do is help people and have some sort of purpose.

I feel really lost.

Hello all, im a Junior year at a college that has an IC CAE program. Ive received my IC CAE scholar certification during my Sophomore year, and will most likely receive it at the end of this current semester. I was looking into the PeaceCrops which said that anyone with an intelligence background was barred, would this count? Is there a waiting period or way to explain that im not interested in working in the IC community anymore?

Hey all!

I leave soon for Costa Rica to start my Peace Corps service (yay)! I did have an important question:

Is it smart for me to bring my MacBook laptop? I don't know yet what the climate of my site will be (there are many variations in Costa Rica) and I don't know if it's a good idea to bring it because Macs are known for not working well in high humidity environments.

It's a newer Mac (MacBook Air, M2, 2023) so I don't know if this issue has been addressed/resolved at all. I just want to be sure that I won't ruin it during my service due to an environment it couldn't handle. Should I buy a cheaper non-Mac alternative prior to my departure?

Appreciate the advice! Pura vida!

I am a second year health volunteer in east africa whose projects are directly funded by pepfar and usaid. I am not sure what the future looks like for those dependent on this funding and i have been living in a constant state of nausea since tr*mp has taken office.

I am desperately seeking the advice of people who can help me overcome this state of distress and honestly depression i’ve been living in about this. many of my local friends here are also shocked and scared.

I know there have been many posts about this, but on a deeply personal level how do we overcome this, and what can a future for ourselves look in the field of aid work..? open to personal messages as well.. thank you all

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

Has anyone here done Donor Relations and/or Resource Mobilization for PC? It would be helpful to know more about your successes, challenges, strategies, and tips for this area of service! Any resources are appreciated. Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.

Hey all, I volunteered in a Central Asian country from 2008-2010 and there was a great grammar book we were given to use. It really broke everything down simply and made teaching grammar very easy; heck, I myself learned a ton about the language I've been speaking all my life.

All I can remember is that it was a black soft-cover book. I remember a white feathered quill (I think!) on the cover. The design was very plain, which is why this is really all I can remember to describe it.

I've started teaching English to a group of Spanish speakers recently, and I would freaking love to buy a copy of this book, if only I could remember the name of it!

Does anyone recognize this book? Better yet, if any current volunteer is using a similarly amazing grammar book, I would love that recommendation as well. Thank you!

Hi all! So this past Friday, I was offered a conditional invitation to serve as a Community Development Promotor. I am still beyond thrilled! I accepted the position on Saturday night, but worked all weekend and had yet to check my medical clearance portal til yesterday. I saw the due date was today, January 29th, and completed my tasks as soon as possible, not knowing whether the date was “due by” or “due on.” One of my tasks involved submitting a Mental Health Personal Statement, as I do have a history of mental health that I disclosed on my application. Due to my rush, I hadn’t done much research on mental health clearance in the Peace Corps, and I’m starting to wonder whether or not I made a mistake by rushing through and disclosing certain information. Would anyone be willing to offer any input?

I first experienced symptoms of depression as a senior in high school, from 2019-2020. These included SI and one week of SH. I was first prescribed 50mg of Zoloft in February 2020 and have taken it since. I attended therapy from late 2020-2022, but have not seen a professional consistently since. My prescription alleviated my symptoms significantly with the exception of brief SI, which endured from 2020 through the beginning of 2023, while I was on a study abroad trip in the UK. Since then, I have not encountered these symptoms, and after graduating college in May of 2024 I took a gap year to focus on my personal and mental health, during which I’ve developed several coping mechanisms. Should I have disclosed dealing with SI as recently as 2023? I just wanted to be honest. I’ve done some reading and it’s to my understanding that they want five years of mental stability, so I’m concerned about my potential for medical clearance?

I’d love to hear any and all thoughts! I have a tendency to overthink, so I’m sure that might be at play :/

I recently got invited to serve as a PCV departing in September, however, a DAY after I accepted the position, a Response position was posted and is much more applicable to my experience/skillset and would be a much better fit for me. I was able to apply for it last night without any conflict, probably because PCR is a different service model, but my question is: should I email the country placement officer for the country I was just accepted in and request to be considered for this role instead? Will my PCR application be looked at if I've already accepted the PCV position? I don't want to compleltey withdraw my invitation and then risk not getting either option. Thanks in advance!

Hi all! I have just applied for a position in Mozambique. I am an openly gay (lesbian ) here in the US but I am wondering how I would go about navigating my orientation over there. Would it be safe for me to “come out” to my Mozambican peers and colleagues or friends I make in the community ? I do not plan on dating during my service, this is mostly just to know if I need to hide any aspect of who I am, stay "in the closet" per se. I have a lot of tattoos / piercings and look very queer. I know that same-sex relationships have been recognized and /are legal and there are some protections there although I'm sure people still face discrimination. I am not sure where I would be placed , but I am assuming things will be more progressive in the capital or another major city. I’d like your insight for anyone who is LGBTQ+ and served in Africa or specifically Mozambique!! thx so much!

The President of the United States has frozen all foreign aid, including USAID, Americorps, American Climate Corps, immigration, refugee applications, and more. This lets senior staff go, freezing budgets & federal hiring in and around the Peace Corps. Already facing a decline in enrollment and funding under the Biden administration, in and since his first term, President Trump said he would shut these organizations down.

Is the Peace Corps over?

* PCV 1993-95 Guinea 🇺🇸

I’m so excited for my new assignment in Ecuador. I’m hoping to get medical clearance as soon as I can. From my previous assignment I had legal & dental clearance. Anyway…Where are all the volunteers that have served, currently serving & are going to serve in Ecuador? I would love to connect!

"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

That's the oath we all took when we finished PST became Peace Corps Volunteers. It is the same oath that all members of the military, the foreign service, Congress, and the judiciary swear. It's the same oath that the President swears.

I finished my service about 12 years ago and haven't held a federal role since. That doesn't mean my duty to uphold that oath ended.

Yes, America isn't perfect. It continuously falls short of its proclaimed values of Truth, Justice, Equity, and Freedom. But that doesn't mean we should stand by and let criminals and their sycophants destroy our way of life.

It would be so easy to give up and shrink back in despair or apathy. To hide and hope that the chaos passes over us without disrupting our lives. I am telling you none of us will come out of this unscathed. We will all carry scars from this, so we might as well resist.

Resistance looks different to all of us, depending on our means skills, and circumstances. We all have different talents and passions. We all have something to contribute.

Facing this terrible challenge to our way of life (and our world) will demand more from each of us than perhaps we've ever dared. But if we stand together, we will prevail.

I saw other threads here saying to go to local police stations but I am in MA just visiting (not a resident) and all of the police stations only do fingerprinting for residents.

Does anyone know of any other places I can search for?

Hi all,

I am interested in applying to the TEFL certification program. I graduated in 2022 with a dual degree to teach primary education and the blind/visually impaired. I have spent the last two years teaching English in Spain and developed a new passion for learning and teaching languages.

I would prefer the TEFL program because it's in my field of work and I'm interested in continuing my education. But I'd truly I'd be willing to serve anywhere. Currently, they are accepting applications for an English Education Teacher position (with the TEFL certification) for Madagascar.

I guess my question is:

Would I be more likely to be accepted into a position if I apply to the general application - "Serve Where You're Needed Most"?

Or

Do you think I should apply directly to the TEFL certification program?