2007-09-24T15:45:51-07:00 3471 2435 3050 1 2007-09-24T15:45:51-07:00 2007-09-24T15:45:51-07:00 <p>How do you get into and survive the Peace Corps?<br><br>Apply early.&nbsp; The time it takes from your application submission to the time you deploy can easily be a year or more.&nbsp; To start off, your application will need to be forwarded to a regional office, which will review it and schedule an interview.&nbsp; Once you’ve successfully completed an interview, the Peace Corps will look at scheduled trips that match your geographical (Africa, Latin America, Oceana, China, Central Asia or Eastern Europe) and / or interest area (Agriculture, Business Advising, Healthcare, English Teaching, etc.)&nbsp; Based on the parameters you set out, it can be up to 12 months before there is an open slot on a departure that fits your requirements.&nbsp; Generally speaking, the more flexible you are, the faster you’ll leave. &nbsp;<br><br>Be Flexible.&nbsp;&nbsp; The most critical aspect of your candidacy is your ability to adapt to a yet-to-be-determined assignment.&nbsp; When you get on a plane, the only thing you’ll know is the country to which you’re headed, and an approximation of what you will be doing.&nbsp; Your location and job parameters won’t be worked out until some point during training.&nbsp; And during your service, it will change based on the evolving needs of the community where you’ll work.&nbsp; As a result, recruiters value your flexibility.&nbsp; It’s OK to say, for example, that you want a healthcare posting in Africa because you have a strong desire to work on AIDS relief.&nbsp; But know the exact work you’ll do will most likely be nothing that you currently imagine.&nbsp; The Peace Corps needs people who can flex to meet changing circumstances. &nbsp;<br><br>Figure out your debts – both personal and professional.&nbsp; The Peace Corps won’t take you with your big car loan or credit card bills, although you can defer student loans.&nbsp; So clean up your financial house before you apply.&nbsp; And they may not take you if you’re in a serious relationship that will lead you to return home in mid-service.&nbsp; Girlfriends and boyfriends are the single largest reason volunteers don’t complete their service, and the Peace Corps understandably wants to mitigate this occurrence. &nbsp;<br><br>Do the paperwork quickly.&nbsp; Once you’re placed on a trip, there will be medical and dental work required, plus professional paperwork.&nbsp; Do it as swiftly as you can; any delay on your part can get you bumped off your trip and back in line for a new slot. &nbsp;<br><br>Finally, if you have the means, buy yourself private healthcare insurance before you leave.&nbsp; The Peace Corps will cover you generally, but the healthcare is sub-par at best.&nbsp; And if you have a serious problem, you don’t want the government rationing out what care you receive. &nbsp;<br><br>Once you’re there, have a great time.&nbsp; Don’t take it too seriously. Follow the massive number of Peace Corps rules as closely as you need to without getting caught.&nbsp; You’re there to create some understanding of Americans, and vice versa.&nbsp;&nbsp; Don’t expect to change the world because you won’t.&nbsp; The most ambitious and successful volunteers make only a small dent in a massive problem. Take your time and figure out how you can be helpful, but don’t force a project.&nbsp; It’ll come with your understanding of the locals and their needs. &nbsp;<br><br>The most important thing you can do is create the momentum for change by imparting the belief in the locals that their tomorrow can, in fact, be better than today… a job that can be tougher in some cultures than others.&nbsp; This is a more meaningful and long-lasting contribution than any computer hall, library, or playground that you can give them. &nbsp;<br><br></p><p><br></p> 8487 2435 1 3471 1 2007-09-24T15:47:56-07:00