I think there are many misconceptions about the United States Peace Corps. Some see it as a joke as in "Since you have nothing else to do, you might as well join the Peace Corps." Or perhaps my favorite, "What are you going to do, dig ditches or something?" And forget about Hollywood and films like 'Volunteers' or even television programs like 'The Facts of Life' where a character was written off the show by joining the Peace Corps for five years. All of these views of the Peace Corps are wildly off base (although you may end up digging a random ditch or two), perpetuated by those who don't understand or want to understand.
Basically the Peace Corps is what you make of it. It is for people of all ages (over eighteen that is), genders, orientations, colors, and political beliefs who have something to share with the world. It can be the most fulfilling job in the world or just a blip in time depending on your point of view. But one this for sure is, it is not easy. As a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) you are on call twenty-four hours a day. You are both a teacher and ambassador even if neither is in your job description. and unlike an extended vacation Peace Corps allows you to really dive deep and learn a new language and a new culture (or two...or three...). And when you are done you are really not done in a traditional sense. When you go home you begin the second part of your job; bringing your host country's culture back to America. This is the part of the job which continues the rest of your life. Heady stuff this!
So are you ready for Peace Corps? Would you prefer to be a two-year volunteer or a short-term Peace Corps Response Volunteer? Take a look at the following links and see if 'The Corps' is for you. You may be surprised to find you fit the description!
All Your Questions Answered: https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do/
Peace Corps Response: https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/is-peace-corps-right-for-me/peace-corps-response/
First Director and Guiding Light of Peace Corps, Sargent Shriver: http://www.sargentshriver.org
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