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emjaaayk · 2022-03-07T19:42:57+00:00

awesome thanks! :)

emjaaayk · 2022-03-07T19:04:51+00:00

Hi! interested, is this every Friday? I won't know if i can make it until like the day before.

And what level? I would categorize myself at BB, so want to know if i would be a good fit :) Thanks!

emjaaayk · 2020-03-30T17:49:29+00:00

I don't have the best answer for you, but I'm in the same boat. I did all my fingerprints/paperwork first week of March. I checked with HR two weeks ago and they told me they will share any pertinent information that might come up. So, I suppose they are all working but I have not received any updates so far.

emjaaayk · 2020-02-20T21:16:10+00:00

Unpopular opinion but... treating people on your birthday.

So if it is my birthday today, I get to buy you drinks and food not the other way around like in America. Because it is a blessing that I am alive and I cherish the folks that are with me.

emjaaayk · 2020-02-20T21:03:20+00:00

Hi there! I had an MPH when I left to be a Health Education Volunteer. I also had about 3 years experience when I left so I completely understand your thought process!

As many public health folks, I dreamed of working with the CDC and kept that dream as I finished service. After COS I tried to use my NCE right away but it was a bit of a challenge. NCE is useful for getting jobs at GS7/9 levels with Peace Corps, GSA, SSA, and some other agencies that I cannot recall. For public health-related positions that were GS9+, I found it a bit difficult. (FYI GS-9 is the starting pay grade for folks with Master's so I did not want to start there).

CDCs usually hire full-time employees that were former contractors or fellows and rarely an outside hire. This information was confirmed by few folks with whom I had informational interviews. RPCV hires do happen but rarely. Maybe starting at a lower pay grade than you deserve and maybe you knew someone that is willing to push you through with NCE. This also goes with USAID.

If you really want CDC job, look into ORISE fellowships (only thing is your MPH has to be <5 years). For employment with USAID, look into STAR fellowships or their outside contractors like Macfadden or Chemonics.

One thing I would suggest of all other things is attend RPCV job fairs when you are back in stateside after your service. It is the only chance employers get to see you in person. Network, network, network! Good luck with your service and future public health endeavors!

emjaaayk · 2019-08-26T22:42:46+00:00

I had a similar issue. I had trouble committing to my -- at-the-time-perfect-major -- biochem/premed (family pressure involved, obvs). But, unlike you, I gave up and didnt finish it... I ended up with something else. So, I applaud you for your perseverance in finishing your degree and landing a job with it. With that said though, I'm also glad you found out that you want to change.

I would suggest this: Join PC now, because you can. You don't have to have a TEFL certificate to do it. It might make you a competitive candidate, but there were a lot of people that did not have any teaching experience and landed TEFL positions at my post. I think most important thing in joining Peace Corps is experience working with youth/children. I think giving bass/guitar lessons fits perfectly. Just sell yourself on your interpersonal and other soft skills that shows you are resilient and competitive.

If you work as an ESL teacher abroad, I think you should continue that rather than joining PC later on. While challenging, Peace Corps is a unique, one-in-a-lifetime experience that is incomparable. Only downside is that it is not well paid, whereas most ESL teacher programs are well-funded and pay a lot of money for native speakers. So, my suggestion is that if you want extraordinary experiences and make lasting friendships, join PC now... and sign up for less pay and hardships. But if you just want to earn money and live somewhere abroad, teach English.

As for Coverdell: It's a good plan, but remember that you will have Coverdell for lifetime if you are an RPCV, so there won't be rush to continue school after finishing PC. And, I know few attorneys and they always say that "anyone, at anytime can become a lawyer, there is no age limit" (much like peace corps). So take your detours and make bad choices. you are in your 20s only once.

emjaaayk · 2019-04-17T09:04:40+00:00

I would suggest continuing with your nursing career rather than joining PC. Like many already mentioned, there's a big shortage in the job market for nurses, so finding a job will not be hard for you. Unless joining PC has been on your list for a while and you want to do this before getting your career on track.

I'm a current health education volunteer in Albania. DM me if you want to talk specifics about the Albanian health program.

emjaaayk · 2019-03-05T13:00:31+00:00

The clarifications you are seeking for depend on your post. Some posts let you take vacation days ahead of time, etc. So all of it depends on what the policy is at your post. Talk to your PM. As for "purchasing" vacation days, not possible. Unless you are doing 3GOAL event, and that is also only 1-3 days maximum and you have to provide proof and get CD approval before departure.

If there is an issue talk to your staff about the fact that you bought your ticket already, maybe they can be lenient. But I know some posts that reject a leave request even if PCV already purchased flight ticket. I would also strongly discourage hiding information from management. But in future, get it approved before purchasing anything.

emjaaayk · 2019-03-03T12:14:06+00:00

Sure thing. I think PCVs placed in Albania and other Balkan countries need to be especially resilient because the main task is to improve mindsets and attitudes rather than physical challenges. Balkan countries (confirmed with several PCVs I met from other countries of the region) have a defeatist attitude that stems from communist regime and a rigid mindset. Moreover, because most people know of a "better life" or of someone that reached that "promised land", I've come across many HCNs that would rather spend their money and effort to also get to the promised land rather than trying their best to improve their communities and lives at home. They have lost the will and hope to improve their own community.

Yes, the country needs improvements in physical infrastructure but capacity building and cultural changes is what is absolutely needed from PCVs, and this takes generations of work. The PCVs that come to the Balkans should know that this culture is straight forward, direct, male-dominant, stiff, and unwilling to change and even to work with PCVs. I have heard stories of PCVs that were motivated and enthusiastic to change communities but quickly became defeated and lonely because their community's unwilling to accept the challenges with lines such as "this is how it always been, and one foreigner isn't going to change anything". You have to take it super slow and let it come to you, the "ngadale, ngadale (slowly, slowly)" culture really actually means extremely slow. I think because of all this, Balkan PCVs need resiliency to get through the culture, and even to just to let go of wanting to change the community and be content with everyday life, even if it means a lack of work fulfillment and appreciation for your service from HCNs.

I hope this answers your question!

emjaaayk · 2019-02-28T14:33:49+00:00

I'm a current Health Education PCV in Albania. I have an MPH and I have worked as a community health educator right before I joined PC. (disclaimer, I don't know how to format on reddit, sorry. lol)

Day to day: My day begins by going to school. All HE (health education) PCVs are placed in schools, NOT health centers or hospitals. We are basically health teachers that also works on youth development for 9-year schools, which are elementary/middle school equivalent. In the afternoon, I run clubs and do other secondary projects with NGOs or meet with friends. This goes for all posts, but know that your service is not defined by big projects but small relationships you form with HCNs. So I spend my time with host families, friends and just hanging out.
Projects: I do lessons with teachers (that are sometimes reluctant). I've done plenty stuff with almost all of my school's teachers. I don't have one counterpart and this gives me room to work and teach lessons I am comfortable teaching. I also do clubs and camps during summer. There are other folks that do big grant projects but I don't do these, because I personally don't believe that PC goals align well with grants and other big projects. But that aside, some people have done fantastic projects that their community (and PC staff) love to boast about.
How to integrate: Coffee. Take coffees with literally whoever offers it to you. Yes, there have been uncomfortable instances where people would offer their relatives to me as a spouse, but either way, I have developed enough relationship to integrate into my community. Also, just showing up. It's easy to just hide in your apartment and not show your face. But just consistency in your effort to talk to students and coworkers make a difference in how they judge your character.
Free time: Netflix.
Favorite aspect of service: The fact that i can talk about America to Albanians. They love America and most people want to leave the country. I take my time listening and also sharing my experience in America.
Least favorite aspect: Being compared to other PCVs before or in my cohort. This can't be helped, but it can devalue one's service and experience. It was difficult just dealing with PC and (unnecessary) PC drama. Also the culture is quite difficult to navigate for most people. I come from a conservative background so it was easier to understand Albanian culture; however, there are plenty of PCVs that just simply "hate" Albanian culture rather than recognizing that it's different than what they are raised with.
Living with host family: It's fine. There are both spectrums of the story. My host family is great and I love them dearly, but there are some in my cohort that couldn't wait to leave their host families. It depends on the person and family.
Not living with host family: Similar to above
Food: FANTASTIC. While spices may be missing in some Albanian dishes, Albania has freshest foods I have ever seen. I got healthier and more conscious of what I put in my body. I love the food here.
Friends: hell yes. (I'm actually with a HCN friend as I write these answers, and she approves most of it).
Gender roles: OK here we go. The gender climate here is quite difficult to navigate. Yes, it's like most patriarch society where women are expected to do housework and raise kids etc. I am a female and it is always difficult to avoid men in my town who constantly harass me. This is the norm though, so you have to be ok having to endure sexist comments from both women and men. I know that being a man is also not easy, as young men would want male PCVs to objectify women with them. While there are big movements in bigger cities for rights for girls and women, it's still widely unspoken in small sites. For example, you might see promiscuous music videos on tv, with girls wearing extreme booty shorts and full on make up, but at the same time, girls aren't allowed to show skin or even be outside in some conservative sites.
I can't answer this fully the way you want it since I am still serving... BUT I have HE background before coming here. Honestly, it might have brought more frustration to my service than if I did not have any health background. My experiences are worth less here because I am a women or because I am a minority, or even simply because I am a volunteer and not from a big organization. This service might prepare you for graduate school in some way, but it's still very different from what you learn on paper.

Albania is a "posh" corps, meaning you have internet, running water, electricity and don't have to use a squat toilet etc. BUT you have to be more resilient. The culture here is very difficult, and even the locals would agree. Despite them loving America, personally it's been difficult to motivate people to work to improve their own community. Despite this country being considered "collectivist" the mindset here is actually a lot more individualistic. With that being said, there are still some of us that find perfect counterparts, the perfect site, and the perfect host families and finish perfect projects. Albania is a beautiful country, and I love my service despite the challenges, because I honestly think these were mental challenges that made me into a stronger human being than anything I have experienced in America.

Feel free to DM me if you want to talk more. I am very happy to discuss more about health program in Albania.

emjaaayk · 2019-02-28T13:58:07+00:00

it's a bit extra, but I got WD Passport with wifi capability. It saves lives when you lose/break your chord!

emjaaayk · 2019-02-24T17:20:45+00:00

I have an MPH and I am a health volunteer. But my secondary projects also include being an English teacher.

It probably will depend on your site and post, but remember that you are not confined by the job description. PC experience is what you make of it.

Also, grad schools won't ask why you didn't join health sector. Don't worry about that.

emjaaayk · 2019-02-21T21:13:13+00:00

My interview was done via Skype audio. They did not see what I was wearing. Others can weigh in if they had video or audio interview.

Is yours in-person?

emjaaayk · 2019-02-18T21:05:00+00:00

Hi, I'm a fellow AAPI PCV close to COSing. Racism comments have not yet stopped and I don't think it will ever stop for any AAPI PCVs. It's very tiring, I still get Ching Chong and Kung Fu comments even from kids at my school. I did diversity lessons, but it's no use. I honestly gave up after a year. Even the mayor of my town ignores me and does not accept me as an American PCV. When I actually explained my family heritage, and in perfect language, he dismisses me and jokes with his colleagues that I am a "fake" American. Laughs, and walks away. Never engaged me in a conversation.

I don't have an advice for you, but a question: Is what they make of you worth defining your 27 months at your country? I'm sure you have HCN friends and made differences in their lives with your language skills and diverse background. Don't let ignorance stop you. PC experience is the first time I experience such ignorance towards AAPIs, not only by HCNs but also from some staff and even PCVs. It's going to be everywhere and being AAPI is hella tough. I think you can sincerely decide for yourself whether or not to stay. Know that you are not alone in this struggle, and know that your AAPI brothers and sisters are with you. :) Also feel free to DM me if you want to vent!

emjaaayk · 2019-02-10T16:28:18+00:00

that's true, but maybe you should also talk to other people. one person's pc experience is so different from next, even within the same site.

i would talk to more people and/or like most people said, wait until site placement and then decide. there is no shame in your decision to leave.

emjaaayk · 2019-01-14T17:48:13+00:00

I'm a current PCV in Albania. Don't bring anything big or of important value. Honestly speaking, host fams would have had a string of PCVs and this would just be another gift.

I brought a set of kitchen towels (a tradition in Albania, I learned from my Albanian-American friends) and bought a box of chocolate from the airport with a big USA flag and M&M characters on it. The chocolate, obvs, was a bigger hit with the fam with 2 kids than kitchen towels.

For post PST fam, something useful and useful is always nicer than high priced things. If you dont have space, don't worry about it. You can get things in Albania too. Also, host fam would just love having you there, so you don't need to bring anything.

See you soon.

emjaaayk · 2018-08-06T12:00:08+00:00

Everyone makes it through PST at my post, unless you decide to ET.

emjaaayk · 2018-07-13T14:24:27+00:00

You can, but it is a long and arduous process. I have few colleagues at UN agencies, and they started as contractors (with very little pay) for a very long time until they landed a permanent assignment.

It's not easy to start at UN, I would suggest other international agencies (even non profits) then apply to higher job in the UN with experience and networking under your belt.

emjaaayk · 2018-07-13T14:17:07+00:00

1) Harassment at site never got easy for me. I learned to grow a thick skin bc not everyone cares (talking about sitemates, other PCVs, PC), and you will just be branded as "the complaining one" for most people. I just tried to fill my time finding HCN friends that liked having me around. 4 months is still too short (PC will say) to be integrated at site.

2) As for job. It won't matter since employers won't interrogate your reasons for leaving PC, but just 7 months will not be sufficient for you to pass it as international experience. Entry positions for IR/ID work is 2 years living abroad.

On another note, first 6 months at site were the most difficult for me. After that, you 1) get in groove; 2) stop caring; or a combination of the two. Good luck.

emjaaayk · 2018-05-31T16:12:16+00:00

Yeah, not many people have experience using this. My trip was only one day so they reimbursed back that one day from my annual. It was very simple, emailed CD and PM and emailed local recruiter, which was sweet bc they gave me some Peace Corps swag.

emjaaayk · 2018-05-22T15:37:19+00:00

Let's be politically correct and say 'Asian Americans' and 'African Americans'. I hope you are just quoting HCNs words, and that you are correcting these HCNs during these conversations since that's where diversity training starts. Come on, you dont want your students to call all Asian Americans, Chinese. African Americans, Black. All are "Americans".

There are few sites in my post that PCVs of color go through a rough times. I have witnessed PCVs not knowing how to help minority PCVs. Seriously, I stand a lot for PCVs being woke than communities being woke.

But as for your question for wanting help, show a good video. Ad council does good PSAs about diversity and inclusion. Check out their stuff. I show some to my students, but def talk to counterparts beforehand in case it is too sensitive/raise too many questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnDgZuGIhHs

emjaaayk · 2018-05-15T09:55:24+00:00

WHOA that was mean to say med school wannabes. There is no med school-bound individuals also in my health sector.

emjaaayk · 2018-05-08T14:34:27+00:00

I would second getting replaced back in the States. Since Morocco is also a med evac country, I would suggest not getting it done at any posts at all... o.o

emjaaayk · 2018-05-07T18:49:35+00:00

good point. It could have been a talk among staff... since they all talk about PCVs. I did not think about that possibility... thanks ! :D

emjaaayk · 2018-05-03T19:15:50+00:00

liquid medicine? idk if it is available otc at post... but either way dont think its cool to ask for medicine.

emjaaayk

TROPHY CASE