Comments on: So You Want My Job: Peace Corps Volunteer

By: Josh

Josh — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:42:18 +0000

@hoot

you are half way right hoot but 100% wrong if you apply for/are involved in any intelligence agency like the state department or CIA you cant apply until you are a year outside of the agency.

Actually it gives your non competitive status with the federal government it is a great option for anyone looking at government jobs

I was just nominated for Public Health in Sub Sahara Africa putting that degree to work

By: Travis Hellstrom

Travis Hellstrom — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:38:00 +0000

Really Hoot? I’ve never heard that. Can you provide more information?

By: Hoot Harrington

Hoot Harrington — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:21:57 +0000

I think it’s important to note that serving in the peace corps will bar you from certain military and government jobs.

By: Travis Hellstrom

Travis Hellstrom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:23:26 +0000

@reddtif I’m glad it was helpful!

@Zachariah Thanks! I’m glad I’m not the only one.

By: Zachariah

Zachariah — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:55:40 +0000

@Travis Great link, thanks! There must be something about peanut butter being a common experience. It was like currency among us volunteers in Armenia. : ) It took me about six months, but I learned to love Nutella as a substitute.

@Clark Nice troll. Semper Fi.

By: Clark

Clark — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:11:54 +0000

Clark, if I want to witness the conversion of humans beings to killing machines, then I’ll join the marine corps

By: Clark

Clark — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:46:14 +0000

The Peace Corps is a joke and only for hippies and men without guts. If you want to bring about REAL peace and be a real man, join the Marine Corps.

By: reddtif

reddtif — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:41:14 +0000

I am so grateful for this website, because now i am in the process of getting people for my recommendations. I cant wait to actually send in my completed application

By: Travis Hellstrom

Travis Hellstrom — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:36:41 +0000

@Mike
You’re welcome. I agree that living in another country is a great experience for kids. Thank you for your well wishes!

@Ike
It’s good to be in contact with you now. Also, great answer to Hoot’s question.

@Korin
I’m really glad you enjoyed the article. Good luck with undergrad degree and let me know when you start applying to Peace Corps soon!

@Redditto
Thanks for your encouragement, I am really excited about what you had to say. I feel the same way about Peace Corps. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and support.

@Monte de Shane
I think you are right, are you considering applying to Peace Corps soon? Have you done community service recently?

By: monte de shane

monte de shane — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:35:46 +0000

I am 55 years old i am not a professional student ihave worked a variety of jobs my whole life…i worked as a car detailer plywood lumber mill worker shuttle/limosine driver ups guy and finally as a steamfitter/welder,most of my employment was survival motivated having come from a poor background only afforded to those of more fluent backgrounds i beleive that i have enough skill and backround that i could be a great example of what an american really is……………definetly my mechanical backround and abilities would be of use to some culture or people.

By: Redditto

Redditto — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:09:27 +0000

I am a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) and served from 1980-1982 in Costa Rica working with indigenous populations on the Panamanian border. I was also on staff for several years in the late 80’s–all before the days of cell phones and the Internet. The slogan used to be, “the toughest job you’ll ever love”. It really is! Peace Corps defined my life! So many more doors open following Peace Corps. Travis, you have no idea what is waiting for you down the road as a result of your experiences and your service. Best of luck!

By: Korin

Korin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:47:08 +0000

I enjoyed this article. Joining the Peace Corps is actually my main goal after I get my undergrad degree. It was interesting to read about someone’s experience, and I learned a few things that I did not know about the program.

By: Ike

Ike — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:07:59 +0000

@Hoot
The Peace Corps is very concerned with the safety of its volunteers and, as such, does not send personnel to a nation where they might be in physical danger. They have also been known to evacuate volunteers when the security situation in a country has worsened.
Here is a list of the countries that have, and have had, a Peace Corps program.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.wherepc

@Travis
Everyone has been incredibly supportive of my decision, and I’m glad for this. I will definitely get in touch with you soon.

@Mike
Thanks. I’m really excited to start.

By: Hoot

Hoot — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:49:37 +0000

Does the peace corps ever go to “unfriendly” nations? If so who’s responsibility is their security(as I doubt they’re permitted to carry weapons).

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:04:03 +0000

@Travis

Thanks for the reply. IMO, that’s a bit of a shame about not allowing kids to come along. That would be a great opportunity for kids to see the world outside of the rose-colored glasses kids from the U.S. have locked onto the backs of their heads, then they end up being demanding, ungrateful…. but I digress Best of luck to you in Mongolia

@Ike, same to you – good luck in Eastern Europe.