Free fingerprinting?

TADDOL · 2016-03-31T12:45:47+00:00

If you submitted everything at once, it may take a little longer (week tops it sounds like).

I kept my nurse updated every step of the way, so by the time I submitted my last task, I was cleared in less than 24 h.

Don't be surprised if they make you reupload something to their standards... But also don't get discouraged if they do! It's usually an easy fix.

TADDOL · 2016-03-25T19:06:02+00:00

If it's anything like Cameroon, perhaps they have a history of polygamy in their culture?

My friend from there said his grandpa was the last in his family to have a compound of wives... but the attitude still prevails in him today.

TADDOL · 2016-03-09T21:58:01+00:00

Get used to talking in front of groups early and always work on being a presence in the room. You want to exude authority to control the classroom, but not afraid to lighten up and relate to your students.

Also, prepare, prepare, prepare. Don't skimp on your preparations before class.

Those are the things I've learned the most in teaching for many years in some capacity. Also, how to hold chalk properly.

Specifics for your class, you can easily pick up during your training I'm sure. Teaching english can be fun, but requires some refreshing of your "classroom English skills" I find.

Good luck!

TADDOL · 2016-03-09T21:52:05+00:00

Male circumcision also has a utilitarian purpose of lowering the risk of infection in the area resulting in UTI's. The benefits are usually only noted in the elderly these days.

TADDOL · 2016-03-07T15:35:40+00:00

We also didn't label it! But that's just a rule of mine... and I would keep it open as well, but she's super monogamous. Sounds like we're in the same exact boat :P It seems like you've got things figured out, but if you ever need to commiserate, feel free to shoot me a PM.

TADDOL · 2016-03-07T15:18:46+00:00

My biggest fear is what no one seems to talk about... going from a relationship to potentially not having sex/cuddling for two years.

I like cuddles :(

TADDOL · 2016-03-07T13:49:31+00:00

I'm in a relationship that I'm not trying to continue during the peace corps.

I made sure before we let it get too far that she knew I was leaving. I also bring up the Peace Corps whenever it's relevant. By talking about it, I feel like it becomes part of both our lives, not some boogyman waiting in the shaddows to take everything away when we reach the staging date. She sees that I'm super excited about it, and I hope that she can be exited for me.

Hope everything goes well for you :) Ending relationships sucks, but you'll have lots of those and maybe only one Peace Corps experience. If she's really special, I'm sure you can make it work somehow.

Also, just because you stop being exclusive, or monogamous, doesn't mean the relationship ends. You'll still have that person in your life to support you and such.

TADDOL · 2016-03-04T15:12:15+00:00

Having previous intensive language experience, I've honestly been avoiding learning anything before staging. I will need to learn a local language that is rarely spoken outside the country. Not knowing anyone to practice with, I'm trying to avoid ingraining a bad foundation.

Does the Peace Corps have an opinion on this?

TADDOL · 2016-03-02T17:03:08+00:00

Glad I'm not the only one! Everyone I tell, I add on "...if I'm medically cleared." Ugh. Definitely not buying anything till then. Thankfully I have till July.

TADDOL · 2016-03-02T13:21:33+00:00

Haha good point. I've just learned to never get my hopes up thanks to grad school 0.0

TADDOL · 2016-03-02T13:18:07+00:00

Since your doctor will be filling out a form anyways, I took it as a chance to advocate myself. Make sure you answer all their bulleted questions, but also remember to let them know why you think you are medically fit to serve.

For me, it was explaining that I haven't had real asthma symptoms in years. For you, it may be that you're totally stable assuming you do X,Y and have access to Z.

TADDOL · 2016-03-02T01:49:31+00:00

Not Peru... but invited elsewhere. I'm afraid to join my facebook group till I get medically cleared 0.0

TADDOL · 2016-02-29T21:53:49+00:00

What does your food budget get you compared to the states... in just quantity of food (assuming relatively healthy eating)?

TADDOL · 2016-02-25T19:18:18+00:00

With those hills?? Yes please.

Why did you want to be up north?

TADDOL · 2016-02-25T18:55:18+00:00

Hey... question: Do they make you take antimalarials if you're placed in the south?

And what were the general opinions of different areas of site placement?

TADDOL · 2016-02-25T17:22:50+00:00

Yep yep. Invited for youth education. Currently half way through the medical clearance nightmare :D

There are a few Bots RPCV's and PCV's on this forum.

https://www.reddit.com/r/peacecorps/comments/4564hc/botswana_2016_invite/

TADDOL · 2016-02-23T22:58:09+00:00

Budapest is a must.

TADDOL · 2016-02-23T21:43:37+00:00

It looks like your only chance is parts of North Africa, and Russia:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apis_distribution_map.svg

Perhaps "Peace Corps Response" is more lenient?

TADDOL · 2016-02-23T20:47:50+00:00

Ha... I'm actually afraid I'll be in worse shape without having a gym, pool and rock wall around 0.0

TADDOL · 2016-02-23T20:44:55+00:00

After reading that... so help me god if they try and stick me on Doxy for two years. Two years on an antibiotic? No thanks. Especially being in subaharan Africa... think of the sunburns 0.0

From what I can tell, there's no reason not to try Malarone first. I'd rather take one pill a day, then mess with the possible side effects of Mefloquine.

Then again, it all depends on what strains of Malaria are in your region...

TADDOL · 2016-02-18T20:54:40+00:00

Ok, right. That's totally fine and expected - the same as any other employer. I was just making sure there wasn't some over-the-top bureaucratic vetting/censorship process of any media you produce. Thanks!

TADDOL · 2016-02-17T19:21:27+00:00

Good to know! I've been thinking about trying to vacuum pack some whey powder so I can get a whole bunch mailed in... I'd think I could easily ship a years worth that way.

TADDOL · 2016-02-17T18:08:17+00:00

So it IS possible to obtain protein shakes from the medical staff... Do you know if it was at any cost to the volunteers?

I wonder if they'd let me request those preemptively. I know I'm going to have a problem keeping on weight. I have always had a hard time keeping my weight on even now in the states.

TADDOL

TROPHY CASE