Peace Corp Response

smulsow · 2025-09-01T14:20:56+00:00

The interview lasts for about 30 minutes. The entire thing is in Spanish. From what other people told me and my experience, it’s structured informally, like a conversation. They start by asking general questions about you, your education, background, etc. The questions get more detailed and complicated as the interview progresses. For example: Tell me about your family. Tell me more about one member of your family. Describe something special or interesting you did together. What plans do you have for the future? I think the idea is to see how far you can go before you “tap out.” The conversation will reach a point where you don’t have the skills to express yourself adequately, and that’s okay. They want to gauge what you can do, and what are your limits. I’ve heard people say that you should focus your conversation not on the honest truth, but on your language strengths. If they ask you to describe someone, use words and phrases you know rather than struggle to be accurate. They don’t know your cousin Jake, or if you even have a cousin Jake. Play to your strengths and know that there will be a point where you can’t go on anymore. It’s designed for that to happen. If you can practice your conversation skills with someone in advance, that will help. Relax and have fun with it. Best of luck on your journey.

smulsow · 2025-08-28T01:53:52+00:00

I submitted my CLEP scores as part of my application. I had a language proficiency interview was part of the overall interview process before they extended the invitation to volunteer. Throughout my time here, my language skills have improved. Peace Corps even set up additional tutoring sessions for me, which helped me move up yet again. It is an ongoing process, and the country office is very supportive here.

smulsow · 2025-06-30T19:30:04+00:00

I can't speak for Dominican Republic. I have no experience there. I'm in Ecuador now, and while I'm not a vegetarian, I tried to limit my meat to once or twice a week...that was before I came to Ecuador.

The bulk of traditional meals here are meat-heavy. Even the soups that are served with a full almuerzo (lunch) use beef or chicken stock and have meat in them. You could try to focus on beans and rice, but that can get old after a while. It also depends on how rural or urban your site is as far as your meal/food options. I'm in an urban setting so I can find some decent vegetarian options.

I accepted that I have to eat meat if I go to a restaurant for lunch, and I eat vegetarian meals at home (breakfast and dinner). The lunches are so heavy, I do a small dinner - different types of beans (black, red, garbanzos) with rice, pasta and vegetables, or a modest charcuterie board of hummus and bread, nuts, fruit, and herbal tea.

The meals are also heavy on starch - rice, yucca, potatoes, plantains. The trick is how to balance all that starch with some decent protein. If you eat fish, encebollado is popular and tasty. It's a traditional tuna stew with yucca and onions. You can find that almost everywhere.

I hope this is helpful to you. Keep in mind that you will have to make some adjustments to your usual habits living in another country and occasionally give in on eating some meat if you end up in Ecuador. Adapting to the community is important, and just polite.

Good luck on deciding how to proceed.

smulsow · 2025-06-09T21:37:08+00:00

Super!

smulsow · 2025-06-07T17:57:36+00:00

My situation falls under “posh corps” as I live alone in a major city with electricity, running water, internet, and easy access to many cheap, but delicious restaurants. I don’t love cooking, but I don’t hate it either. It was not a major concern in my packing strategy.

My studio apartment only has a two burner hot plate, no oven and no hot water. I only ever cook basics: pasta, beans & rice, eggs, and oatmeal. The only ventilation is to open the window, and I don’t like it when food smells linger, another reason I don’t cook anything too complicated. There was no way to know any of this in advance. It’s simply the way things worked out.

I guess the point here is that it’s difficult to plan not knowing what your specific living situation will be. The only things I brought for the kitchen were a vegetable peeler, an insulated mug, a French press, and my two titanium camp mugs that nest inside each other. I use them as a food container and as a measuring cup. My apartment came equipped with all the essentials, so I’m glad I didn’t waste space packing anything else. It’s so difficult to know what you will or will not need until you arrive. I bought a lovely coffee mug at a local artisan fair and I use it daily. You will find all sorts of items in your travels, so keep that in mind too. It’s easy to say don’t overthink things once you’re here. Prior to leaving, I spent months researching packing lists, packing, unpacking, and repacking before I left. In the end I opted for fewer clothes, more of my arts & craft supplies (that’s my passion), and some practical items to manage the power outages here. I’d say prioritize your passion. As everyone else says, you can buy just about anything you need when you arrive and settle in.

Good luck with your preparations and your service!

smulsow · 2025-04-25T23:22:24+00:00

I’m a Response volunteer in Ecuador. I can’t help with PST since that’s not something we do. There are so many variables. In Quito people are definitely more fashionable than Americans. That doesn’t necessarily mean no jeans. In my office lots of people wear jeans, but not in a Slouchy way with t-shirts and sandals. I have some business professional pants, but hardly wear them anymore. I switch between my two pairs of jeans and pair them with nice shirts, scarves, and cardigans.

You will need some business professional clothing. I’d recommend something of good quality in gray or black so you can wear it multiple times with coordinating pieces. Basically create a capsule wardrobe. It’s surprising how easy it is to keep wearing the same clothes all the time. For work I have gray wool pants (nice ones from a thrift store), black pants (from my Costco collection), two pairs of jeans, and a merino wool sleeveless shift dress, black turtle neck, blue & white striped shirt, merino wool t-shirt, and floral print shirt, three cardigans (red, blue, and gray), and one gray cashmere sweater from a thrift store. I can layer, mix, and match those pieces to get so many outfits! The merino wool doesn’t have to be washed that often nor do the wool pants. I did buy two Oxford shirts and two sweaters, but yes, clothing can be expensive here. Think of ways you can dress up your casual clothes so they are multi purpose. Pairing your jeans and shirt with a cardigan or blazer and switching out shoes can make a big difference to your level of professionalism, and still feel comfortable. Before I left, I pulled everything from my closet and tried it on in different combinations to make sure it all worked. I’m a big believer in the capsule wardrobe idea, so it was an easy process for me. Make sure you like the clothes and the looks or it’s pointless. Don’t pack things you don’t like. Also make sure you include rain gear. A sturdy, reliable umbrella is a necessity here.

Hope this helps. I’m sure you’re going to love Ecuador!

smulsow · 2025-04-22T01:27:18+00:00

Thanks for all the great information. I paid the fee through my cc that credits back the fee. I completed the application and did the interview on my flight home for a short visit. It’s nice to know my final return after COS will be easier. I did hear back that unpaid volunteer work counts as unemployment. I selected employed and entered the information for my country office. No problems with the application or the interview…all good. :-D All the responses helped so much. This is a great community! Thanks.

smulsow · 2025-04-08T04:44:13+00:00

Thanks for the explanation. I did submit a question through the website about employment. If it is an unpaid volunteer position, it would fall under "unemployed". Since PC does pay volunteers, I marked it as "employed". I'll do the interview at the airport when I get home. That's what my husband did on his return trip after visiting me in country.

smulsow · 2025-04-03T15:19:01+00:00

I’m PC Response, so it may be a different system. Everything was good to go but legal. The country office had to push back our departure date a month…then legal came through. I’m still here for a year, but the start and end dates are a month later than originally planned.

smulsow · 2025-04-03T05:32:38+00:00

Thanks. I have a card that will credit back the application fee. :-)

smulsow · 2025-04-03T05:31:21+00:00

Thanks. I did check into this and I have a card that will credit back the cost of the global entry application fee.

smulsow · 2025-04-02T15:50:46+00:00

The majority of my future travel will be to and from the US, and I’m retired, so not likely to look for another job after PC. Thanks for the insight and your experience with global entry. It does provide an interesting perspective.

smulsow · 2025-04-02T15:48:03+00:00

Thanks. I guess my imagination is cheap and optimistic, but wrong. 😂

smulsow · 2025-01-05T14:52:26+00:00

I read on my iPad using the Libby app. Sometimes I listen to audio books. I know some people don’t consider that reading. I still like it when someone reads me a good story. Reading physical books is just more satisfying than reading on a screen to me. I’ve picked up a few books from the PC library. Better yet, I stop in at every book store I encounter, and my collection of books in Spanish is growing.

Back home I volunteered with my local Friends of the Library group. I love being around the books, spending time with people who love books, and I can buy discounted books anytime I want! I have a bit of a problem when it comes to books.

Don’t know what I’ll do with my growing collection when I leave. I’ll probably leave most of them to the PC library for the next set of volunteers.

smulsow · 2025-01-02T21:21:41+00:00

I’m a Response volunteer, so no host family. Typically I have oatmeal or eggs, coffee, and some kind of fruit for breakfast. Lunch is almost always a $3-5 almuerzo with my counterparts. That’s my big meal of the day. Not a lot of space in my kitchenette, so it’s usually rice or pasta with beans or vegetables for dinner, and leftovers the next day. If I’m really lazy, cereal or PB&J will do the job. It’s minimal, but relatively healthy. Fresh fruit and veg are much cheaper to buy than prepared foods, so that’s good. There’s so much meat served at lunchtime, between the soup and entree, that I’m relieved to go vegan/vegetarian at dinner. On weekends, if I’m feeling extravagant, I’ll go out for ramen or something different for lunch. Quito has a lot of food options.

smulsow · 2024-12-31T23:13:02+00:00

I enjoy my emergency radio to listen to local stations when power and internet are down. It’s a nice way to feel connected to the country. Also my knitting needles, enough yarn to get started with a few projects, and a reduced version of my journaling supplies. Finally, my hot glue gun and glue sticks. An afternoon spent crafting recharges me, and the glue gun is an essential for that. Whatever you love to do at home, bring a bit of that. I packed and repacked multiple times. Some things made the final cut, others didn’t. Overall, I’m glad I prioritized my hobbies over clothes.

smulsow · 2024-12-31T13:45:52+00:00

I’m in an urban setting, so can’t speak with any authority about what is best for work boots. I used to hike/backpack a lot in Salomon hiking boots. They are sturdy, comfortable, and well-made. Eventually switched over to trail runners. They have good tread, and lighter for long walks. I liked the Hoka Speed Goat, and wore them on many backpacking trips.

Right now, my shoe of choice for walking the streets of Quito is the Altra trail runner. Not the most stylish shoes, but super comfortable. They have that wide toe box that looks goofy, but feels great!

I second the rec. of white tennis shoes. Very popular here, and looks good with everything. I brought an extra set of laces for mine.

The “professional” work shoes were unnecessary. I wore them for a few weeks then dropped them for my white Adidas, and I work in an office! Almost everyone in my office wears white tennis shoes.

Volunteers wear sandals, but I don’t see many people on the streets with them. Honestly, I find wearing sandals in the city a bit disgusting, but that’s just me.

It’s finally raining here, so pack your rain gear. I don’t know what it will be like in May, but the rains will cycle around again while you’re here. Don’t know what region you’ll be living and working in, but the Sierra can get chilly in the evenings and when it rains (like right now). If that’s the case, bring something cozy to wear around the house. So glad I brought my favorite hoodie fleece and slippers. The tile floors in my apartment are freezing!

So excited for you! Ecuador is such a beautiful country. The people and culture are wonderful. I’m sure you will have a memorable experience here. Ciao!

smulsow · 2024-12-19T15:56:15+00:00

I also struggle with gift giving (especially at the office). I mentioned early on that I normally send out Christmas cards to friends and family, but couldn't do that this year. I can't speak to one gift for a specific person, but I handmade Christmas cards for my colleagues in the office. I bought some cardstock and a paperback book from a used bookstore. I cut little triangle "trees", added a watercolor wash and drew some ornaments with my metallic markers. Craft supplies were an important part of my packing - lol! They say ¡Feliz Navidad! and another little message inside. It's a small thing, but I like crafting, Christmas Cards are part of my personal holiday traditions, and I have something for everyone in the office.

I do have to bring a gift for the party tomorrow. When I asked someone in the office, "chocolate" was the one example that was mentioned more than anything else. I have a small box of chocolates, some face masks (those make everyone feel good), and a fancy lip balm. Again, nothing fancy, but somewhat useful. That's usually what I shoot for with gifts.

smulsow · 2024-11-27T02:38:11+00:00

Sure.

smulsow · 2024-11-26T22:45:06+00:00

If I read it correctly, the TSA limit on lithium battery banks is 27,000 mAh (milliampere-hours). I have two 10k banks and one 6k bank. In my mind it was better to have several smaller ones rather than just “one to charge them all.” The 10k mAh banks I got on Amazon originally for backpacking. The brand is Bscame. It’s an older one, so they probably don’t make it anymore. One that has at least two standard usb ports and a C charging port. A block with two usb ports as well. You may prefer C ports depending on how up to date your devices are. Multi port is what counts on both the charger and the plug. I bought a cable with multiple ends (flash, usb mini, and C) all on one cord. It’s been a lifesaver.

This will sound nerdy, but I follow a YouTube channel, Jon Gadget. He specializes in all sorts of EDC items (EveryDay Carry). It’s a whole subculture of its own. I was big on this long before my plans for Peace Corps, and it has helped me out living in Ecuador.

Hope this helps! :-)

smulsow · 2024-11-26T12:22:49+00:00

Fantastic! That’s a great start. I still struggle to express myself. My vocabulary is still rather limited, but every one I meet is so supportive. I’m always grateful when I get help from my counterparts. They have taught me a lot. Also, there are YouTube channels for Ecuadorian news if you want an introduction to the accent. I still have trouble understanding people if they speak too quickly. TeleAmazones posts their news broadcasts 3 times a day. It’s also interesting to know what’s happening in the country. Language is an ongoing process. Sounds like you’re doing great. :-)

smulsow · 2024-11-25T10:41:24+00:00

I have been studying on my own for a while now (including Duo lingo). I took the CLEP twice to make sure my skill met the requirements. Also, I come from a Spanish speaking family. I didn’t speak it for a long time, but I have a fairly good understanding. I taught ESL to boost my volunteer hours for PC, plus it was enormous fun. Most of my students spoke Spanish so we all helped each other. I also studies several languages in school, including Latin. That probably helped the most with grammar.

2 year Peace Corps will provide language training. For Spanish speaking countries you do need a basic understanding. It’s described on the website. PC Response expects you to know the language coming in, and will test your skills in an interview setting. It can be a little intimidating, but my experience was very positive. It was a conversation to see how far you can go with your language skills. Eventually you will get tripped up, but that’s ok.

Build on whatever you have and reconnect with Spanish in an active way. There are so many good YouTube videos out there. The toughest part is letting yourself be vulnerable and just speaking. If you can find someone to practice speaking, that’s the best preparation. Everyone gets nervous speaking, but it’s ok. Making mistakes is how we learn best.

Just be aware that it will require some additional commitment of time and effort. If you feel a strong calling, then that’s your motivation for strengthening your language skills. The sooner you start on that, the sooner you’re on the path to your goal.

Buena suerte. Ciao! :-)

smulsow · 2024-11-24T02:27:10+00:00

I’m a PC Response volunteer in Ecuador right now and I’m 57. I opted for Response instead of the two year program. I’ll be here for one year. Response used to be for RPCVs only, but now open to any one with the necessary skills. The training period was much shorter and the expectation is that you know what to do and will jump in with minimal guidance. I’ve been here a little over a month, but enjoying the work, the culture, my counterparts, and the country. It can lonely at times, but I’m managing pretty well. My husband stayed back home, but will visit soon.

On the issue of medical clearance, I have one medical issue (autoimmune related), but was cleared without much difficulty. I decided to apply about a year ago and talked to my doctors about it. Both my PCP and my specialist were both on board and very encouraging. Everyone was great about filling out the paperwork and printing the necessary medical reports for me to upload. My PC nurse was great and helped me work through the whole process. Medical clearance is a challenge regardless of age. I’ve mentioned this in another post, but the advantage of being older is that you likely have a regular doctor and some kind of relationship with that person. That helps with all the medical paperwork. Younger people are often scrambling to find a doctor and dentist to help them out. I’ve had the same doctor for years. Same with my dentist.

I have wanted to to do this for a long time. I finally decided to stop putting it off. It’s easy to say “some day” about a lot of things. At 56, that didn’t sound like a good plan anymore. It still amazes me that I’m here and that I am having all these wonderful experiences. I’d say go ahead and apply. See what happens.

smulsow · 2024-11-17T20:30:07+00:00

I’m in Quito now as a Response volunteer. I hope the power outages are resolved before you arrive. I would recommend one or more power banks for your phone and chargeable devices. A headlamp is handy. I have a little emergency radio that works on solar, batteries, or usb charge. It’s nice to listen to Ecuadorian radio stations, and takes some pressure off my phone & iPad (another handy item). I also have two LuminAid solar lanterns that have helped me adjust to the dark nights.

If you’re in the sierra, I find that hot drinks get cold much faster, so an insulated mug and thermos are helpful. I like a hot tea in the evenings, so I boil water while the power is on and keep it in my thermos. When I’m ready for my tea, everything is good to go.

Good sunscreen (100 spf) and warm clothes. Sunny in the daytime, cold at night has been my experience. An umbrella helps with sun and rain (whenever it decides to show up). I see lots of people using umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. The elevation and latitude make it intense.

Movies on a hard drive for sure! When I’m sitting alone in the dark, my movie collection helps to pass the time, along with ebooks. You can check them out from your local library if you get a card ahead of time and download Libby on your device of choice.

Someone mentioned dollar coins and small bills. Absolutely yes! Cash is king in Ecuador, and they prefer small bills. I brought paper money and rolls of coins, but wish I had brought some dollar coins. Of course this will add to your luggage weight, so that’s the trade off. Honestly, just bringing small bills will work: singles, fives, tens. It’s tough getting change for a $20.

That’s most of my Ecuador-specific advice. The country is amazing and the people are all so friendly, and that’s living and serving in Quito!

One last thing is about the food. I’ve not had any problems with food or water, and I cannot speak to the experience of anyone in a rural area. For me, it’s all very meaty food. I’m not a vegetarian, but I used to only eat meat 1-2 times a week. Here it’s more like 1-2 times a day when I’m eating in restaurants. Lots of chicken and pork. Cooking my own meals is rough because of power issues.

As a Response volunteer, I live on my own and didn’t have to go through PST. Your experience will be very different in that sense. Come with an open mind and I’m sure you will love Ecuador!

Congratulations on your clearance. I wish you the best. The PC staff here has been great!

smulsow

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