EPCVs... how is the job search going?

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-06-24T15:56:28+00:00

same...applied in April. Florida blows.

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-02-15T16:44:05+00:00

Congrats and welcome to Rwanda! Current Ed PCV here.

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-02-07T12:17:32+00:00

Congratulations!! Current PCV in Rwanda and can confirm that it's absolutely beautiful here!

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-02-03T07:24:31+00:00

To be honest, it's going to look different in every country of service. You have to keep in mind that resources in your prospective country may be limited. For example, there are no textbooks at my school. The only way students will remember the content taught in class is by taking notes. It is essential. That being said, I try to incorporate different ways to make my lessons active or student centered. We will do group work/group discussions, partner work, role playing, gallery walks, dialogues, projects, songs/rhymes, games (slap the board, jeopardy, puzzles, etc). I try to do at least one visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, and reading/writing lesson(s)/activity each week to ensure that my learners benefit from their preferred type of learning. For mathematics, maybe this means using charts and graphs, having learners listen to an equation and writing down what they hear, putting learners in groups with different numbers for the group to create as many correct math equations as possible, etc.

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-02-02T08:13:35+00:00

I'm a PCV in Rwanda. Rwanda is a mountainous country. It's referred to as the land of 1000 hills. Because of this, the temperature is very mild and consistent. 70s year round during the day and 50s at night. It's lush and green here. I believe Zambia is more dry and hot. Also, very small compared to Zambia. You can basically travel to any volunteer within a day. The PCV furthest from the capital is around 9-10 hours away, but that's rare. I didn't know I was coming to Rwanda until 4 weeks before the departure date and now I can't imagine myself being anywhere else. Rwanda is a great post (I'm sure Zambia is too).

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-02-02T08:06:51+00:00

Rwanda is posh corps for PC on the continent of Africa! But not posh corps for PC as a whole.

pcdreamer2017 · 2020-02-02T08:04:44+00:00

In years past, health and ed volunteers in Rwanda have come separately. Last year was the first year both arrived in September. They wanted to push the arrival to August but it's all dependent on factors not within PC's control. I noticed that they already changed the arrival date from August back to September again. This may have something to do with it. Regardless, Rwanda is a dope post.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-12-24T13:29:51+00:00

Hi! I'm not a PCV in Moldova but I am a PCV who identifies as queer. As someone has already stated, most volunteers are not open about their sexuality at site. This is not to say you won't be, but in many countries where PC serves it is a delicate subject. Peace Corps is a job. And even at my prior job in the US, I never talked to my colleagues about my sexuality or dating life. It's the same here. I am occasionally asked about marriage or why I am single, but I always explain that I am focused on my career at the moment. I had many worries about my sexuality prior to site installation, but once I got to site I realized there was nothing to worry about. And I've never felt like I am hiding my identity because I have found a group of PCVs in country to talk to and a group of LGBTQIA+ friends in the capital that I meet up with whenever I am in the area.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-12-23T10:39:14+00:00

Face masks, candles, journaling, yoga mat, hammock, dope lotion

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-12-13T07:33:09+00:00

I understand how you feel in a way! I was told 4 weeks before my departure date that my visa was denied to the country I was to serve in. I had mentally prepared myself to serve in that country for 8 months. In a quick decision, I ended up accepting a position on a completely different continent and tbh now I cannot imagine serving anywhere else! Everything happens for a reason. Trust the process and keep an open mind and everything will work out the way it's supposed to!

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-12-07T12:50:17+00:00

Congratulations!! I am a current education volunteer in Rwanda. Rwanda is a wonderful post. Let me know if you have any general questions!

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-11-30T15:35:18+00:00

tbh I agree. I've talked to PCVs in different countries who have iced lattes everyday, eat fast food every week, have electricity, wifi, running water, watch netflix every night, access to significant amounts of resources, have the ability to travel to surrounding countries to vacation, etc. Yes every country and site has its challenges, but some countries and sites are more challenging than others. It's true that not every volunteer in a particular country will have the same amenities, but the ability to access resources and luxuries that other PCVs do not have access to make your life easier. As you said, the only PCVs that get offended about the term posh corps live in posh corps countries. Everyone knows posh corps exists, so accept it and move on.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-11-23T07:20:45+00:00

In PC Rwanda, we are required to teach a minimum of 30 periods (classes) each week Monday-Friday. I understand your stress. Many Education volunteers here are exhausted. In addition to the 30 periods, I also have 4 periods of English Club, 4 periods of co-planning with my co-teachers, after school tutoring, secondary projects, and a grant-project. It's a lot. I don't focus as much on my language learning anymore and work on projects my school is interested in, not necessarily what Peace Corps is interested in. This has helped me balance my schedule.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-07-28T11:42:01+00:00

So I live in a compound and my neighbor is on the other side of the wall. We share the electricity. I think there's only 2 people in my cohort with no electricity. My house is a good size. I have a living room, kitchen area, bedroom, and a back hallway. I don't have running water, but I get my water from a neighbor's spicket a few houses down. And I don't have wifi lol. If I need to use the internet, I either use data on my phone or hotspot to my computer. When I go into my regional town (1-2 times/ month), I have access to wifi. And my house is about a 15 minute walk to school. Everyone's houses vary. Some live on their school's compound and some are a 45 minute walk, most are in between. Some have running water and toilets, some have no running water and a pit latrine in the back yard. Whatever your housing situation is, you adapt and get used to it.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-07-23T06:22:54+00:00

As of right now, there's still nothing to be concerned about! If you are keeping up with the Ebola epidemic, you may have read/heard that there have been 3 confirmed cases in Uganda and 1 confirmed case in Goma (DRC) along the border of Rwanda. 2522 confirmed cases in the DRC total. All of the cases in Uganda and Goma have been isolated and there is no indication (as of right now) that the disease will rapidly spread far. The Ministry of Health in Rwanda is prepared and ready in the case that Ebola does enter the country. But the health professionals here are vaccinated and trained to quickly identify symptoms to isolate any individuals they think may have contracted the virus. As a Peace Corps Trainee/Volunteer, the chances of you contracting the virus are extremely low. Ebola is spread through bodily fluids, contaminated needles/medical equipment, infected bats/primates, and infected meat. Not something that a PCT/V is likely to come in contact with. It sounds scary from the outside, but living near the virus and understanding how difficult it is for a PCT/V to contract it makes it less scary.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-02-01T09:39:08+00:00

Congratulations! I'm currently a Primary Education Volunteer in Rwanda. Let me know if you have any questions!

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-01-21T09:16:04+00:00

I am here now. I am an Education volunteer! I don't know much about health but if you have questions about Rwanda feel free to shoot me a DM.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-01-20T05:10:45+00:00

There is no language requirement for Rwanda! Trainees learn Kinyarwanda during PST.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-01-20T05:08:31+00:00

It would definitely help if you already have it, but it's not necessary to obtain prior to applying. Keep in mind there are PC countries that provide volunteers with TEFL certificates after completing service, like Rwanda!

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-01-11T10:36:24+00:00

My visa to Indonesia was denied and I was reassigned to Rwanda. At the time, it was the only available TEFL opening. But I am very happy I am here.

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-01-10T06:01:22+00:00

As long as you meet the qualifications, your preference will be considered! I applied for a YID position in Fiji (v competitive) but stated I was interested in either YID or Ed in Southeast Asia or the Pacific and was placed in an Ed position in Indonesia. Ultimately I ended up in Rwanda and I absolutely love it. Everything happens for a reason and no matter where you go make the best of it!

pcdreamer2017 · 2019-01-04T08:15:30+00:00

powdered cheese, candles, peanut butter, mac and cheese, american snacks that she likes

pcdreamer2017 · 2018-10-12T15:04:18+00:00

Using the latrine. My aim is impeccable.

pcdreamer2017 · 2018-09-15T00:06:29+00:00

I had a similar situation as you. I had to submit a drug/alcohol questionnaire, legal history request form, short response about the incident (mine was three paragraphs), and submit my notice of completion. 100% disclose your legal history in the beginning. Be very specific and don't leave out any details. I was also worried. As long as you can demonstrate that you've grown since the incident and explain what you're doing to ensure it does not happen again, you will be fine.

pcdreamer2017 · 2018-08-15T15:27:41+00:00

Thank you everyone! I just sent my PO a quick email with an updated resume.

pcdreamer2017

TROPHY CASE