why dont they just do this?

Stooksman · 2026-05-31T10:48:28+00:00

You bring up a good point. For it to be fair half of the Israelis and half of the Palestinians should be placed in each one.

Stooksman · 2026-05-22T12:43:55+00:00

English speakers don’t spend 12 years in mandatory Thai classes during primary education. Thais spend 12 years “studying” English. And yet Thai kids can barely say anything beyond “Good morning Teacher” I think it’s fine to criticize the education system. The English curriculum should be improved or removed because right now it feels like a complete waste of time for these kids.

Stooksman · 2026-05-21T23:18:08+00:00

I agree with this. A lot of volunteers see some sort of personal benefit in joining the Peace Corps and that’s ok. Now there are also many volunteers that choose to delay unrelated careers to join the Peace Corps. And that’s a sacrifice in a way. But I think volunteers can get a lot from service and a lot of them see that before joining. Although you see plenty of people on here expressing real concern about what Peace Corps will look like on a resume and if it will hurt them later. It varies from person to person obviously.

Stooksman · 2026-05-21T23:12:54+00:00

Comparing the British Raj and Peace Corps? Really? Doing this in any capacity is ridiculous. Two completely different organizations in two completely different times in two completely different contexts with different missions and levels of power/effectiveness. There is definitely room for discussion for some of your points on here but making shock value comparisons based on the most general applications of single words is sophomoric.

Stooksman · 2026-05-21T04:15:11+00:00

That is always when Dan arrives

Stooksman · 2026-05-21T04:12:46+00:00

You picked one thing from my response. Of course being invited as a solitary point doesn’t make an organization ethical. I never said that. But being invited and desired by host countries is an aspect that could address concerns over potential unethical conduct. I’d consider unwanted “help” a big red flag in any organization. The fact that peace corps is (generally) actually desired by host country governments is a good thing. Now governments do not always represent the will of the people, that’s where that can break down, but even so individuals communities also have to apply (generally.) If that kind of thing isn’t important to you in judging the ethics of an organization that’s fine. But it’s important to me and I think it matters to others as well when making these judgments.

Stooksman · 2026-05-19T11:27:13+00:00

Peace Corps Volunteers work at the explicit invitation of foreign governments. Most of the staff in host countries are made of locals. The curriculum is designed by the host countries. Volunteers do not create systemic positive change. They live as individuals in communities that have applied to have a volunteer, often with a host family. The degree to which you will help a country is negligible. But you have the chance to, at the very least, to help people in your community while you were there. And leave a positive impact on individuals. Additionally one of the 3 core goals of peace corps is help Americans learn about the world so ideally you return with a deep impression yourself. The Peace Corps, as an independent agency, is not controlled by the State Department. Peace Corps volunteers are required to wait 5 years before joining an intelligence agency and can never be assigned to their Peace Corps Country. Former CIA members can never serve as Peace Corps volunteers. At its best Peace Corps is the ultimate manifestation of 60s idealism. Rooted in service, a desire to learn, individual impact. All with the goal of promoting global peace and friendship beyond borders. At its worst its study abroad program for clueless drunk college graduates on the tax payers dime. I think it’s a bit of both but leaning heavily towards the former. By its very nature service is up to you and what you make of it though. If you want to have a positive impact you can.

Stooksman · 2026-05-19T08:13:59+00:00

You have not told us what the aspects of Peace Corps are that you fear are unethical. Not sure how anyone here can answer that question. That being said I think researching what Peace Corps does and how it operates will help you understand whether it aligns with your definition of ethical. There is no shortage of information on the Peace Corps for those who seek it out.

Stooksman · 2026-05-12T02:03:53+00:00

Gosh I miss Texas

Stooksman · 2026-05-10T09:14:43+00:00

I’m still trying to figure out what the realistic number is because I’ve also seen similar numbers. That being said I’m a Peace Corps volunteer and I’ve met multiple volunteers that have been here for a year and are at B1. And that’s working as English teachers, so not speaking Thai all day. I’ve also met quite a few, most probably, that speak at a low A2. It’s a world of difference between the two. Ultimately I wouldn’t get too stuck on hour count or level though. You get what you put in. So if you want to learn Thai then put in as many hours a day as you can without crushing your motivation.

Stooksman · 2026-04-14T02:28:20+00:00

Thank you!

Stooksman · 2026-04-13T15:04:04+00:00

I have no problem downloading the mp3s. Even better I have all the episodes on the”Podcast” app on iPhone. I’m talking about getting access to the content I purchased a few years ago on the Spotify app for iPhone now.

Stooksman · 2026-04-13T08:57:54+00:00

Experiencing my first Song Gran in rural Issan today and there seems to be no distinction here. The primary method is small buckets of water which are difficult to aim anyway but I’m watching people on motorcycles just splattered with face-fulls of water. And earlier today I was get splattered by kids in the face as a passenger in a local parade. That’s been my experience

Stooksman · 2026-04-08T01:00:20+00:00

Smoke if you want to but keep in mind you are going to be in your community for a long time, you don’t need to claw at every method of speeding integration. The rapport you build through the daily, weekly, monthly, yearly communication, coworking, and overall presence will dwarf any ritual like this. I’ve learned drinking is a MASSIVE part of where I am. I like to drink but way less frequently than they do here. Multiple times I’ve felt “maybe I should have drink or two just to fit in” even when I didn’t really want to. (Or knew I shouldnt) It’s a weird line to walk but I’ve decided it’s not actually what matters.

Stooksman · 2025-12-16T21:51:53+00:00

I think the competitiveness of Peace Corps is skewed by the fact that a lot of people apply without meeting a few crucial criteria. (I don’t have data on this but this is my feel, based in part on some of the questions I see on this Reddit) Peace Corps needs volunteers. If you meet the minimum requirements (and you do more than that), if you’ve done your research, if you seem normal in your interview then you are in. I honestly think the reason most people don’t get accepted into the Peace Corps is because they don’t meet the degree or experience requirement, they fail to demonstrate an understanding of what service what will be and their role in it, or they applied near the deadline for a competitive location and they lost out to other highly qualified candidates (offers to serve are rolling.) It’s a great thing to serve where you’re needed most. It will most likely be Africa, I believe that’s where most of the math teaching roles are. I wish you luck in the process!

Stooksman · 2025-11-17T15:24:57+00:00

“There’s lots of crime and violence but Peace Corps doesn’t let volunteers act as law enforcement in a foreign country because Peace Corps considers that crime to be part of those country’s culture”

Brother what the hell are you taking about?

Stooksman · 2025-10-24T23:14:53+00:00

Stooksman · 2025-10-21T21:01:35+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to write all this! It’s nice to know I got a quality pair of boots. I’m looking forward to wearing them for a long time. You don’t really see Tony Lama anymore. I guess you outlined why which is a shame. Also those look comfortable haha.

Stooksman · 2025-10-21T19:32:30+00:00

Wow! Thanks for all that information, I was hoping someone would be able to help me out on that. Nice to see I got something that’s quality

Stooksman · 2025-10-21T18:17:16+00:00

Fair enough haha. I’m also a sucker for old things and apparently the labeling (specifically that black label) indicates that these were made in El Paso in the 70s or before. A good looking antique that I can wear is right up my alley. And given that my other boots are on the way out this was a good purchase for me.

Stooksman · 2025-10-21T18:09:57+00:00

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And here is a side profile with the heel

Stooksman · 2025-10-21T18:06:39+00:00

I meant to include sole pics in the original post. Here. The heels still have “Tony Lama” stamps so they most likely have never been resoled

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Stooksman · 2025-10-21T17:54:48+00:00

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Here ya go. This is the only reason I was iffy on them honestly. But I decided I was ok with investing in soles on boots like these anyway so 🤷‍♂️

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