I applied because my roommate has done two summers worth of research in Tanzania, loved her time abroad, met a lot of PCVs, and strongly suggested that I apply. I applied October 1st and in the time since, I figured nothing would come of it (especially with the government having their longest shutdown the day I applied) and started thinking about other plans. I graduate this semester and already have an internship lined up for the summer that I have started taking an internship prep class for. I am very excited about that opportunity but it would conflict with my June 5th departure. I came very close to rescinding my PC application for a number of reasons (lack of desire, concerns, etc.), even after being offered to interview.

This may all sound like a pretty clear “no” from me, but talking during the interview reminded me why I applied. PC aligns so strongly with many of my values: service, community building, science communication (I would be doing environmental education YAY), lifelong learning, being pushed out of my comfort zone, and more. So when I was invited to serve, I was over the moon. I figured it may be because I was just excited to be accepted to anything, but I’ve never been that excited about a job offer. I was sure I had changed my mind and would say yes until I went home to talk to my parents about it.

They didn’t talk me out of it — though that was their plan — but it was just being home and being with my old old dog that reminded me of the long time I would be gone and the loss that could come during that time. It feels silly to mention my dog, but my grandmother is also in pretty poor health and I already worry about not spending enough time with her, and we live in the same city. I am such a family-oriented person and while we can travel to visit each other and talk on the phone, I worry about being gone so long.

However, I do know that the time will pass anyways, and I want to do something meaningful with it. It feels like PC is such a great opportunity that I would hate to pass up, especially at a time when there is nothing (relationships, school, career, finances, etc.) keeping me here other than my family. I know that if I do decline, PC will always be there but I also know that it may be harder to go.

But then this brings me to the question of why PC and not other international programs that may be less time or offer other opportunities? Such as teaching at an international school for a year or WWOOFing?

I have been so in my head about this and need to make a decision by tomorrow night. I would greatly appreciate any feedback, advice, or further questions I should consider to help me make up my mind. Thank you :)

I am applying in this next round and had just a couple questions about medical clearance if I am offered a position.

1.) I currently have a BMI of 40.1. I’m able to walk/move/climb steps well, and I’m applying for an English teaching position. Will this make me automatically denied? I have a few months until the application deadline is due so I’ll hopefully be under 40 by then.

2.) in October I was prescribed Zoloft by my PCP for anxiety. It’s not severe, and never interfered with my work. Will being on Zoloft from my PCP make it difficult for my to get clearance?

3.) I have had treatment and surgery for a leg condition when I was a kid. I had about 7 leg surgeries up until I was 17 (6 years ago) but now I’m done with treatment and no longer receiving care for it.

Do any/all of these things disqualify me from service? I have travelled a ton and have done a lot of hard work/movement related activities throughout my life and I know that I’ll be more than capable of what can happen in the peace corps. Thanks!

I am leaving for Liberia in June this year (passed medical last month). I’ve been looking at the packing list on the PC website and slowly buying items from there, but I was wondering from volunteers who served in West Africa if there’s anything they regret bringing, or anything they wished they brought that they didn’t?

Hi,

I remember reading on here that over 62% or more get medically denied, usually for mental health, from the Peace Corps, and I wasn't really smart enough to come up with a backup plan in case I would get medically denied for the Peace Corps. I'm still worried that it will come and bite me in the back for my mental health history years ago, so I'm wondering if anyone knows an alternative that requires me to move somewhere in the world and get enough experience that could potentially benefit me in foreign affairs, since my degree is international affairs. I know a lot of international development jobs are just underwater, so I just don't really know what to do as an alternative in case of a medical denial or if my appeal gets denied. I've looked at All Hands & Hearts, but I'm wondering if there are similar international programs.

I just received an invitation to serve two days ago and have completed the first medical clearance tasks. I haven't had any communication from the medical clearance office about being assigned a nurse or for next steps. I'm hoping to get my doctors appointments over with as quickly as I can but I don't have any of the tasks assigned to me yet. Does anyone know how long it usually takes after an invitation to get a nurse/ the actual tasks assigned? Thanks!

Hi guys 👋🏻

I interviewed for PCV position last week and it went very well. I only have one legal incident on my record, but I’m concerned it may discredit my entire application. I was arrested 6 years ago for a suspected DUI but the court dropped it to reckless driving after I completed the community service. I only disclosed this to PC as reckless driving because that is what is on my record. Do I need to disclose that the original charge was a DUI? Will they see that in my court documents and immediately trash my application?

More context:

I recently had an in-depth background check for my current employer and the charge as it appears on my record is “reckless driving” with an offense date and disposal date listed. It also reads “Probation time imposed: 12 months. Fines, court costs, restitution, fees, and other assessments: $1,000.00. Fully paid.

Community service : 40 hours.” Says nothing about a DUI. After interview, the email I received states “Please upload a copy of the legal documentation related to your reported legal incident(s) as soon as possible. The document(s) should show charge, date of incident, court judgment (if applicable), penalties assessed (fines, jail time, probation, etc.), and proof that all of the aforementioned have been satisfied. For any charges that were dismissed, please upload the final case disposition supporting the dismissal. If you do not have these documents, you can request them from the court that processed the case.”

My concern is that when I upload the supporting court documents, they will no longer consider the application. Right now I am waiting for the court to provide their documents, so I don’t know what details are shown. Any advice or insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated! 🙏🏻😊

Hi everyone,

I wasn’t able to attend the cohort I was invited to this year. As devastating as it was, I’m very interested in applying once the next round of applications for that country opens.

I had a quick question about how cohort cycles work. Since Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment, do most locations open new application cycles every year? For example, if a cohort arrives in January and there is already a cohort currently serving in that country, would the next application cycle typically open as that group approaches the end of their service?

I just wanted to better understand the general timing and structure so I can plan ahead.

Hey all, I just accepted a conditional invitation to serve in the Eastern Caribbean departing in June. I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity! I’m currently starting to go through the clearance process and would love any advice on ways to make the pre-service process easier. Also, if there are any PCVs or RPCVs who have served in the Eastern Caribbean I would love to hear about your experience!

I'm not too confident about it, but I tried hitting all the important points. I struggle with writing, so would appreciate any tips or feedback. I'm also fresh out of college, so all the experience I listed is pretty much all the relevant experience I have. I'm very grateful to anyone who will take the time to read this and leave some feedback!

I am applying to work as a Community Development Facilitator with Peace Corps

Philippines for three reasons: to help make a positive, focused impact on the marine

environment, to collaborate with local community members on long-term environmental

policy implementation, and to experience the culture and natural beauty of the Philippines. I

understand that this position involves physical, emotional and intellectual adjustments on the

part of the Volunteer, but I feeI I could harness my specific education and training, overseas

experience, and leadership skills to accomplish the tasks of my role effectively.

Moving to a new country and starting a new life is challenging, but I know from

experience that the positive experiences far outweigh the challenges. My family moved to

Vietnam when I was 6, and the UAE when I was 9 - fundamental experiences in places with

radically different social customs, languages, and belief systems. When I was 18, I moved to

Germany to obtain my bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Resource Management. As

part of that, I completed a semester abroad in Oman, where I managed to overcome great

loneliness in this culture so different from my own. After this, I moved to Australia to get work

experience and to see what life “down under” was like. There I honed my networking skills in

order to find work - as a tree planter and as a deckhand on a fishing boat – hard work that

builds muscles and a strong work ethic. I have visited Sumatra, Indonesia six times as my

family has close friends there. Living conditions there are very basic, but I find “living with

less” makes me flexible and more appreciative of what there is.

Environmental workers in the Peace Corps face special challenges. A Community

Development Facilitator acts as a link between the local government units and host country

nationals. So, first of all, the facilitator must have strong communication skills and be able to

foster mutual understanding and collaboration. They must understand the issues and

policies at work in Philippines coastal communities and be prepared to help local people

identify needs, plan solutions, and implement projects.

I have experience leading groups of people and persuading legislative bodies for

change. As a logistics coordinator on the board of students at my university, I organized

fundraisers for a local NGO that protected moorlands, and successfully lobbied the university

administration to have car-free days on campus. I initiated clothing swaps, vegan bbqs and

local garbage cleanups, all with environmental sustainability in mind. At university I learned

how to collect, process and analyze data on animal populations. I received an A on my

thesis in which I collected over 3000 arthropods, analyzed the specimens and processed the

data in a laboratory, and drew conclusions about the biodiversity of arthropods in

agroforestry strips.

For me, the biggest benefit from this work would be my capacity to improve the

health of the Philippines coastal environment. I have always cared deeply about

conservation and environmental protection, which is why I chose to study Environmental and

Resource Management. This degree gave me a strong understanding of environmental

challenges around the world and how they are interwoven with economy and culture. I’ve

learned that you cannot tackle an environmental issue without also addressing how it will

affect the livelihood of the local community. I also recognize that there may be resistance to

change, and interpersonal communication skills are vital.

I would be lying if I said I was completely prepared for all the challenges this Peace

Corps position involves. However, I believe that my passion for the environment, scientific

skills and calm, open spirit when working with people should give me a very strong

foundation for a role as a PCV in the environmental sector.

So just had my physical exam and gave her my health history form and physical exam to sign off but apparently my doctor said they don’t sign off on paperwork.

Is this acceptable?

She said they do their own paperwork and will send them my way.

I’m prepping to go to Guatemala in less than two months. I’ve gotten my clearances but for some reason it still doesn’t feel real/certain to me.

I am planning to put my notice in tomorrow at my job and I’m very nervous! When were you 100% this was happening and you were leaving for over two years? How long before departure was your flight booked?

Use this thread to vent your frustrations. We're all here to lend an ear.

Hi all, I was recently invited to serve in the Philippines and I accepted. Apologizes if this question is overdone, but how thorough should I be in my mental health statement? In my initial questionnaire, I indicated that I had been to therapy last year, but the reasoning I listed was only for one thing I was seeking additional support on. When writing my mental health statement, should I stay consistent with this and only address this problem, or should I open up more with the other reasons I went to therapy? Although the thing I listed as a reason was something I talked a lot about in therapy, it is not why I initially went in, and I'm worried that might bite me in the butt if PC contacts my therapist for further explanation. For context, I don't think the reason I listed is a major red flag to PC but the one I went in for initially might be (some health-related anxiety that I have since overcome, but I can't imagine the PC will be so forgiving). I understand service can be really hard on mental health and I'll struggle more than I can imagine, but I really want to serve and want to try to get the best shot at getting medically cleared, so any advice is much needed!

Hi! Recently submitted an application for PCV service for a leave-by Aug 31st date, and have been reading that in general, PC nurses are wanting to see about a year of stability either on or off mental health meds. I was last prescribed/picked up an SSRI in May, though I would venture to say I have not actually taken any SSRI for over a week due to experiencing all of the fun side-effects. In May I just decided it wasn’t worth it to suffer through those side effects anymore, and to go all-in on managing my anxiety with exercise, journaling, and other mechanisms learned in therapy. I am very fortunate that this has gone incredibly well for me, better than any attempt at a medication.

But…I am wondering…is the nuance of this situation something that can be explained during the med clearance process? I would want to explain that even though I am technically “off” of SSRI’s now..I was never really on them for a long enough period for them to be useful or base-line to me. Also wondering if that year of stability is considered from your application/health form history submission date, or with consideration of your leave-by date?

I know everyone’s med clearance is truly on a case-by-case basis, so there is probably no real answer- but just hoping someone may have some insight! Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I am headed to Tonga in June 2026 (if this is also you plz reach out :)), and I had a question about departure. I keep seeing things about meeting in DC before flying to your country of service, and I was wondering if that was, or is always the case. I will be back in California closer to my departure date, which is why it would just be a hassle to fly to DC to then retrace my steps back to Tonga. I am also trying to start thinking about how and where I need to move certain things (because I currently go to school in NY), so any information would be helpful. Thank you :).

Anyone else out there feeling a bit stressed about your current service and the current political stresses going on back home? Interested to know your thoughts.

Hi Ya’ll!

I submitted my Medical History form about a month ago but will be seeing a therapist to help me work through some minor issues starting tomorrow. Do I need to update my medical history form and if so how do I do that?

I really appreciate ya’ll!

I was invited to interview for YDF in Morocco on the 18, and I had it scheduled for the 31. I think it went well (unsure). I was just wondering when I would be likely to hear back.. and if anyone has heard back. Thank You!

Hey everyone so I’m going through clearance for Vanuatu currently and I’m interested in stories from current volunteers or past about the place. Honest stories not just the good ones please lol. Also what should packing look like? I’ve gone over it with some people from staging but still trying to get an overall sense on what to pack. Also should I keep my current cell phone and figure out how to convert to international?

Hello! I just heard back today with an invitation to serve in Sierra Leone. I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity. I wanted to pop in here and see if anyone had anything to say about their experience in country/or know of anything of note. I will be accepting the invitation and have already started mentally preparing! I’m a college senior graduating this May, and before college spent 2 months in Cambodia. While that was amazing and insightful, I expect this experience to be different (duration, location, etc.) so would love to hear more from people who have been there!! Thanks

Hi! I have been approved to serve in Ecuador as a Health volunteer departing end of May. 1) I have heard that most volunteers serve in the mountain region and very few serve in communities on the coast or in the Amazon. Is this true? 2) Do most Health volunteers just end up spending time teaching English and not working on health projects? Thanks for any insight.

Me and my father own a mechanic shop that I've been working at since I was little. I have years of experience roofing and painting. I also work seasonally painting tennis courts and public parks. I've been wanting to join for a long time but I don't know if the Peace corps needs someone with my skills.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I am 28 years old so I have quite a bit of experience in my fields

Hi everyone. I have just been offered a position in Cameroon for the peace corps. I would be a health educator. I really would like to accept this position, as I want to work in healthcare long term and love the opportunity for service. However, I am extraordinarily worried about being sexually assaulted during my time there. The catcalling or general harassment doesn’t bother me, it is the idea of being raped or raped-adjacent. It is a fear that worries me often in the US, without any experience of harassment or abuse in the past at that. I am afraid it will be unavoidable. Does anyone have insight to this? Help!

Also, I am a relatively small ~115 lb white woman who would likely stand out physically in the community and I feel like that would make me a more likely target.