Peace Corps
 

Does anyone have any familiarity, experience with, or exposure, to the Peace Corps?

I spent the last hour or so browsing their site and reading up on them. The Peace Corps seems like a fantastic opportunity to travel abroad and work with those in another culture.

It also seems like a pretty dramatic change; specifically, immersion in a lifestyle very different from the existence I've pretty much taken for granted in America.

Do any of you have experience with the Peace Corps? I'd also be excited to hear opinions, comments, or thoughts regarding the organization.

My father in law has worked for the Peacecorps here in Guatemala for the past 25 years and i have to tell you that he is one of the persons that i kow, that enjoys the most his work. He has worked with literally thousands of volunteers and been able to make some changes in Guatemala's more needed communities. What is interesting, is that people thatr were volunteers when he was starting out in Peacecorps, is now returning to dircet the projects, as a matter of fact, the director for peacecorps in Guatemala is a volunteer that worked with hem over 20 years ago. By the volunteers i've met and talked to me about their experiences, i have to tell you that it seems to be a very enrichen experience, specially to break out of the taking for granted, living in other world attitude of most 20 somethings.

I have a friend from elementary school whose parents met in the Peace Corps. From what I understand, it's great if you already have a desire to make a difference in the world. It is the kind of thing that I would have looked into for after college if I didn't get married.

It's also a good way to defer student loan repayment. :D

If you feel like that is how you want to make a difference then go for it! there are too few people on this planet who just dont care. It does a heart good to know that some still do. :)

It's a great option for after college. One of my professors did it and highly recommended it. I've thought of doing it myself, and everyone I know who has done it has thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you don't want to go so far away from home, or want to do something that doesn't necessarily require a college degree, look into Americorps. Same idea, just in the United States instead, and unlike Peace Corps, you get to apply for a specific position.