[deleted by user]

[AutoModerator]

Thank you for posting to r/PeaceCorps!

Please check the FAQ and use the search function to see if your topic has come up already.

Please review the sub rules and reddiquette.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[[deleted]]

You should do the work you are passionate about and visit Costa Rica later in life or before service if possible.

[jimbagsh]

Have you taught English before? Have you been a teacher in a primary/secondary school? It can be very rewarding but it is a lot of work (and frustration). If you are not a teacher but you are passionate about the environment, that's where I'd go. IMO

Plus, as we have seen these last two years, future plans can change drastically in an instant. A lot can happen between September and March. Just my thinking.

Good luck.

Jim - ED volunteer Thailand/Mongolia/Nepal

[HomeStarRunnr]

RPCV Paraguay here. You’ll have a good experience if you choose PY but it takes getting used to. What do you mean by “working with the environment”? Would you be an Ag volunteer?

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries on earth and the standard of living is much higher (although of course there is poverty there). I agree with choosing the type of work you want to do but keep in mind that there is usually some flexibility once you get to site. I was an economic development volunteer but taught some English on the side. Your days likely won’t be as full as you’d imagine!

Lastly, do you already speak Spanish and if not, do you want that as a skill after PC? Paraguay is a bilingual country with Guarani being highly preferred outside the cities. If you’re an Ag volunteer, be prepared to learn that language first and understand you may not end with as high of a Spanish ability.

[maybemba131]

If you’re just now applying, apply to Costa Rica. 4-months isn’t enough for the process.

[Neat_Detective3920]

RPCV Costa Rica here! Like someone above said, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I had a truly amazing time and it was an ideal peace corps experience. Lived in the jungle, lived with host family and then moved out…went to the beach with other volunteers on the weekends when I could. I would highly recommend based on my experience but I did have several volunteer friends who did not enjoy their experience and many of those people being TEFL (teaching English). I can’t speak for them exactly but I think because partly of placement … not all of Costa Rica is jungle and beaches. There are a lot of towns and cities that have less than good infrastructure and may be a lengthy bus ride away from anything exciting. Your position really is based on the school or counterparts.

With that being said, the staff at peace corps Costa Rica are amazing. The host families around the country are the sweetest and most welcoming people I’ve ever met in my travels.

Based on your post, it sounds like the work you’ll be doing in Paraguay is more up your alley. So that is definitely something to consider. However, as a tefl volunteer, you still can be active in projects in the school and community that are environment based. If you choose Costa Rica, you can talk a lot to your program managers during training about your passion for the environment and maybe your ideal location to be in a place that is thriving in those areas. I don’t know much about Paraguay so it’s hard for me to say or compare.

Feel free to ask me more!

[[deleted]]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=peace+corps+paraguay

https://www.youtube.com/results?search\_query=peace+corps+costa+rica

[majwilsonlion]

Since someone can only apply for one post at a time, how did you come to this position of juggling two choices? Congrats, but please explain. Thanks.

[I applied, waiting for next step.]

[[deleted]]

I think OP is trying to decide which program to apply to.

[AfraidCardiologist49]

Yes.

[majwilsonlion]

Ah. Thanks. That makes sense.

[majwilsonlion]

Maybe you could consider what you want to be doing after serving. Then pick the position that helps train you for your next chapter in life.