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Originally Posted by Amandaaa  I have 2 friends (and 2 acquaintances) who joined the Peace Corps... and all I can say is that it definitely changed them. :/
It's probably a positive experience in the grand scheme of things... but the most common thing I've noticed is that none of them are as lighthearted as they used to be. They act more serious, more moody, and more annoyed by things... (which is probably because it's hard to go live in Africa for 2 years, where you have to walk for 8 hours to retrieve some water -- and then come back to America, where people are complaining about the long line at Starbucks or having to stop at a stop light.  )
But I've talked about it in depth with two people, and they both really enjoyed being gone. One of them actually came home for Christmas, and ironically: she couldn't wait to go back. 
I think it would be hard to adjust to the lack of luxuries... like the way that they don't have cell phones, or the internet, or washing machines, or big fluffy beds. But I think the hardest part would be not having any income and being away from your friends & family for 2 years. :/ (You don't get paid for going; you just get a small monthly stipend.) That would be rough. But I'm sure that it's enlightening, and challenging, and humbling.
I can't remember the names of the specific programs that they were involved in...but I can ask them and get back to you. |
Thanks for the info!
I already am starting to kind of feel like them, people complaining about petty things is starting to annoy me... myself included!
I'm not sure if a 27 month commitment is something I should embark on, but I surely do want to experience something similar to this at some point in my life. I want to get rid of it all, technology, cell phones, internet, and just see what it is like. I know it will be tough and maybe I'm naive in thinking I would make it, but I just feel like I'm becoming too attached to
stuff. Will this help me? Idk...
The no income thing will be pretty tough, I know. You live off of approximately what everyone else in the neighborhood does, which isn't much, but enough to survive. You are given $6,000 if you fulfill the full 27 months, which isn't much, but would help with the transition back home. They also pay for all your travel expenses.
The one thing I am most worried about the communication with my family and friends. I've read that on average it takes 30-40 days for mail to reach to US and another 30-40 to receive something back. Not being able to just pick up the phone and call or send someone an IM would be hard. I'm afraid I will become lonely not being with all my loved ones.
Maybe it isn't for me, maybe I won't do it, but I'm certainly not going to write it off. I'm going to keep looking into this and see if it is something I should do. I appreciate if you can get some more info from your friends, thanks!
