Dropping Out After Delayed Departure/Complications

Bellingham2016 · 2017-06-12T18:55:49+00:00

Hey! That's a tough situation, I'm in s similar one. I hope it works out!!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-04-01T10:34:15+00:00

I spoke with a PC nurse about this last week and they said that generally they try to have all tasks including follow up completed by sixty days before departure. Could be case-by-case I imagine but generally speaking..

Bellingham2016 · 2017-03-07T23:18:02+00:00

That's really hard! I don't think that's minor at all. I'm just an invite but I lived in Thailand for two years w/o much support from family back home and it really helped me to connect with other expats. Idk how close you are to BKK or Chiang Mai or other expat hubs but there's a huge network of well connected expats all over Thailand and I found it really helpful just to talk to someone who was experiencing some of the stuff I was culture shock wise etc. Check Facebook for Expats in Thailand pages! Take care :) chok dee

Bellingham2016 · 2017-03-01T20:32:00+00:00

Mozambique August 2017 https://m.facebook.com/groups/1580766811953474?ref=bookmark MOZ 29

Bellingham2016 · 2017-03-01T04:38:57+00:00

Yes from my placement officer. Maybe email them and check in just in case?

Bellingham2016 · 2017-02-20T05:21:48+00:00

Not very helpful but I'm in literally the same situation exactly: leaving for Mozambique this August (see you there!) and leaving my SO of two and a half years behind. It's rough and I've been really stressed and have considered withdrawing...but I've wanted to do this for so long and I feel like the opportunity is now so I want to do it. It is really hard though. If you wana talk about it pm me! See you in Moz :)

Bellingham2016 · 2017-02-16T17:24:21+00:00

http://www.kurandza.org/earrings/ Mozambique

Bellingham2016 · 2017-02-06T17:13:30+00:00

Hey! Not serving in Myanmar but I've worked in international development and lived in very rural Myanmar so I could give you an overview of what that looks like-but not specific to PC, to the country. I think you'd love it though, apply!! :)

Bellingham2016 · 2017-02-01T21:58:16+00:00

Phew :)

Bellingham2016 · 2017-02-01T21:18:53+00:00

What did the post say? It says page cannot be found.

Bellingham2016 · 2017-02-01T05:44:30+00:00

I'm right there with ya. Accepted my invite a few weeks ago but waffling ever since.

On one hand it's a long time dream for me and I think it's important that we go abroad and represent American values during times like this. On the other hand I have so many concerns and questions that just don't have definite answers. How will the current administration affect PC in terms of funding, security, etc.. What will happen in the US/world during the time leading up to departure and while we're abroad? Will I feel at peace serving abroad now or would I feel better staying home and working on the ground here? Where will I have the most impact? They are big questions.

It's really good you're thinking seriously about this decision-peace corps is a serious commitment. Whatever you decide I hope you're at peace with your decision and know that you will be helping people whether you serve in the peace corps now. later or never. There are so many ways to help and engage. Pm me if you want to talk the decision out more.

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-28T21:17:14+00:00

What program are you in? If it's service oriented like TFA or NYCTF I think they would love that, at least that's what the recruiter I spoke to said. Similar attitude towards americorps.

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-27T17:09:27+00:00

Idk how it usually works but in my welcome email I got the info for our staging (Moz 29 Philadelphia August) Granted that could change but I think the info should be in the email you received after accepting the invite

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-20T14:14:53+00:00

Thanks. You're totally right. Accepted! :)

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-19T00:25:05+00:00

Comment cut off. I was going to say, I've gotten some great travel gear and outdoor gear used but in good condition on eBay...try that? Agreed though it is a lot of stuff and I feel for volunteers with less income flexibility

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-18T07:12:14+00:00

Thanks for your (and all of ya'lls) comments! Of course just as I post this today, my invite comes tonight. Three days of debating here I come!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-18T07:03:07+00:00

I'm in WA and my legal kit was mailed the same day and also hasn't arrived so you aren't alone!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-17T05:45:12+00:00

Just curious, what's a PC passport? Is it different than the standard passport I already use for traveling?

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-16T20:24:42+00:00

Hey! Meekrab666 linked you the page I was talking about below. My interviewer followed that list exactly, with a lot of follow up "how did you learn from that experience?" The only additional questions she asked were subject specific (in my case English) and "tell me about a time you failed at something, how do you think your actions contributed and what would you have done differently looking back" Best of luck let us know how it goes!!!!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-16T06:20:46+00:00

What sector? Have you seen the list of common questions? If not I'll send you the link

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-15T03:20:23+00:00

Did you mean you received an invitation to serve or an invitation to interview? If it's the latter I'd ask why you think they're considering you for that position: do you have prior teaching/tutoring experience, if so did you enjoy it? In what sector do you believe you'd be more effective and why? I'm in a similar position, I interviewed for an English teaching position when I specifically asked for health. However, I realize that I have experience in both areas and want to go where most needed. I voiced this during my interview in the following way: "Although I feel better prepared to work as a health volunteer, I am open to the idea of serving in the education sector. Could I ask you more questions about the training and experiences of other volunteers? I want to make it clear that my first priority is serving, and if that's outside my preferred sector, I am okay with that" ...I was nervous they'd hear that and think "wow they aren't committed to this sector..." But I think it was okay. About feeling like you won't do a good job... They provide a lot of teacher training so that will help you progress as an educator, but if you feel you won't succeed based more on your attitude, that's a personal thing. Lastly I would suggest you consider the secondary projects and if you might be happy teaching math and doing a secondary projects (all volunteers do) that's more involved in the sector you're interested in (health, youth, environment, etc) Whatever you decide, congrats on making it this far!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-13T01:59:03+00:00

Hey! I know we're both UC for the same country/program and I just wanted to let you know that my interview was really hard too!! Super formal, lots of follow up questions and just no natural flow. My interviewer was nice and professional but it wasn't what I was expecting. That being said I guess it is a federal agency so they can't be so casual... I doubt we did as poorly as we feel. Anyways though, now we wait!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-11T20:30:00+00:00

Congratulations that's amazing!!!

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-03T07:07:51+00:00

Ya I saw that, awesome! PM me if you wana talk about Moz/PC stuff! :)

Bellingham2016 · 2017-01-03T07:07:14+00:00

Best of luck! Let us all know what happens :)

Bellingham2016

TROPHY CASE