Does anyone have any useful knowledge about the Peace Corps?

Hey all,

I was thinking about joining the Peace Corps...and I've been reading a lot online about it's an outdated and poorly-organized program and that Peace Corps members are thought of as little more that PR reps for the American government abroad. As in, smile, put on a good face, wave an American flag...and in between all that you can help build a school.

I've always dreamed of participating in the Peace Corps and I'd be horrible dissapointed if this is true. I'd love to volunteer abroad but only if I'd be of some real service. I'd want to really help; make a difference in people's lives...otherwise it'd sort of be a waste of time.

Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge? What are your thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian on June 4, 2009 at 8:21am

Isn't the Red Cross meant to be the 'real' peace corp?

Sorry, I don't know much more about the matter.

I'm sure there are lots of charities/missions and stuff that lead expeditions out into the sticks, though :)

Permalink Reply by Ryan Collins on June 24, 2009 at 5:02am

Hey there,

I was very much in your shoes last year about this time but ended up opting out of doing Peace Corps. I've heard from friends and others that have done the program that it's what you make of it. But I don't have any direct experience under my belt. They've all told me you don't have much choice when it comes to placement so you have to be flexible. For most people that's rough. But then again, it depends on how motivated you are and if you can keep your mind open about any and all things that come your way. If you speak another language that's a big help and they'll more likely than not put you in a country that speaks that.

As for me I took the teaching route to get my feet wet and see a lot of the world. I'm immensely enjoying my time and it does also feel like i am making somewhat of a difference. Granted its not saving starving children from Malaria but I still have a lot of time to work towards that. Moreover, I've also discovered a lot of other ways to volunteer and work abroad just from talking to people.

Personally, I am a huge fan of micro-finance so I have levitated towards a company based out of California called Kiva. They have a program where they send volunteers out into rural 3rd world communities. I think when I am done doing the teaching gig this is where I'll head. Here's their site.
http://www.kiva.org/about/fellows-program

Also, in the micro-fiance area is the The Micro-finance gateway. They have a job listing page with numerous jobs, unfortunately there isn't much for those of us at the entry level. Anywho, the site is:
http://www.microfinancegateway.org/p/site/m/

A couple of other ideas from friends and acquaintances have been:
http://www.hashoofoundation.org/bbc.html
and
http://ai-mozambique.blogspot.com/2009/06/bittersweet-times.html
Also check out the Global Fund, the Gates Foundation, World Bank as well as just google international NGOs, if you do enough research you're bound to run across something that suites your fancy.

Sorry for the long response, but it's always nice to hear of other people who want to devout their time to helping out others. The PC is a good way of getting out but, personally, I think there are a million other, and often, better ways of giving your time. If you have any other questions let me know and I'd be glad to help!

Does anyone have any useful knowledge about the Peace Corps?

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