Hello everyone,

I am currently a college junior and plan to join the Peace Corps after graduation.

The one thing I'm worried about is my history of mental health. I was diagnosed with the holy trinity at 15yo: depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I went to rehab when I was 15 and was hospitalized a couple of times up until age 16. I was prescribed a plethora of meds at first, but I've been taking the same dose of fluoxetine, Vyvanse, and prozac for over 2 years now. No self-harm. No hospitalizations. I attend therapy bi-weekly. Long story short, my "rap" sheet isn't pretty.

However, I've worked my goddamn ASS off since then to become an active member of my community. I'm a straight-A college student on the pre-med track, founded my own club, teach chemistry, volunteer for a local nonprofit, work as an ICU CNA/scribe, serve as a DAT team member in the Red Cross, and am enrolled in the Peace Corps Prep program at my University. I'm studying abroad in South America next semester; my program includes working at the Children's Rehabilitation Institute. I'm not trying to sound conceited; I'm just trying to emphasize that, on paper, I've done my best to be competitive.

I know there are already several posts on this forum from people who got denied, people just as accomplished, if not more. And their "rap sheet" likely wasn't nearly as bad as mine. The medical clearance process is far from perfect, but it is what it is. I'm determined to get through it.

So my question is this: I'll start applying in about a year-year 1/2, and until then, how should I go about my current medication and therapy regimen? Will tapering off my medication and working with my therapist to discontinue sessions (with her documented approval) be in my best interest?

I've combed this forum to hell and back, and a common theme I see with these medication appeals/clearances is that they want a provider's documentation. I'm trying to think strategically. (which is genuinely ridiculous, but Peace Corps is my dream and I'll be damned if a sour experience with a PCMO stops me)

I would greatly appreciate your advice, whether that be success stories from those of you with a similar background, or those who were denied and successfully appealed. Thank you.

hey everyone,
I'm a finance major and I'm looking at these roles:

Community Economic Development Advisor/Facilitator

Small Business/Entrepreneurship Advisor

Financial Literacy Facilitator

Organizational/NGO Development Advisor

Agribusiness Advisor

as of right now these are my favorite places I'd like to go:
Mongolia, Moldova, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Georgia, Armenia, Dominican Republic, Peru and Timor-Leste.

I feel like I'm being kind of picky about it so I'm wondering if it even makes sense to think like this. can I actually pick out a spot or is my location pretty much random once I apply to a job.

also should I just keep checking the site for when positions open or is there a better way to stay on top of it, and how competitive are these jobs.

for anyone who's done or is doing one of these, I'd love to hear about projects you worked on, what your day to day looks like, and any tips you have. thanks.

Hello all!

My name is Willa, and I’m currently serving in rural Nepal as a Community Forest and Environment Advocate through Peace Corps. I am in the process of raising PCPP grant funds for a community-led fruit tree nursery and landslide mitigation project. Our plan is to develop a fruit tree nursery whose seedling sales will generate revenue for the Community Forest User Group’s general fund, which supports low-income households through small grants and livelihood assistance. Unsold seedlings can be planted in degraded forest areas to support reforestation and improve forest health and resilience. In addition, we will use nature-based bioengineering techniques, incorporating locally sourced bamboo and stone, to stabilize a high-risk area prone to soil erosion and landslides. Local bioengineering and landslide-management professionals will train community forest members in practical stabilization and erosion-control techniques, strengthening the community’s capacity to manage landslide risks.

The community has already committed to providing 25% of the funding for the training and materials required for this project. Through the Peace Corps Partnership Program, we are now hoping to raise the remaining 75%. Furthermore, Peace Corps will match up to $1,800 until November 3rd, so early contributions are essential! All contributions are fully tax-deductible.

I hope you will consider contributing to support this locally led environmental project in Nepal. You can learn more about the project and donate here: https://www.peacecorps.gov/donate/projects/pp-26-367-039/

Please also consider sharing the link with anyone who may be interested in supporting community-led efforts to improve livelihoods and address natural hazards in Nepal. Thanks so much, and please reach out directly with any questions!

I’m trying to take a CLEP test to fulfill the Spanish language requirement but I haven’t found anywhere to take one in the CT/NYC area. CT community colleges supposedly have testing centers but it doesn’t seem like they can be scheduled online and so far no one has responded to me from any of them.

I also can’t take it online because my laptop microphone and camera are broken.

Anyone else taken one in this area (preferably ct) that can help?

What resources/amenities does your peace corps headquarters have accessible to volunteers (Printing services, volunteer lounge, computers, places to sleep, etc)?

Hey all, I'm graduating Summer 2027 and seriously looking at Community Economic Development roles, probably Eastern Europe or Latin America (not Africa). Would love input on a few things:

1. Shoulder: I dislocated my shoulder in high school and never got surgery. I still lift, golf, and stay very active, but some movements bother it (swinging a bat, for example). I plan to get it surgically fixed before I leave. For anyone who had orthopedic surgery before service, how long did med clearance want you recovered before departure? Any tips on timing?

2. Snakes: I genuinely hate snakes. Which CED countries are you least likely to run into them? Is this a real issue in Eastern Europe or the Caucasus?

3. Background: Finance major, but I've always been told I'm too creative to be stuck at a desk. In high school I started and ran a landscaping and home helpers business. Did CED let you be hands-on and creative, or is it mostly office/admin work? What does a good CED site look like?

4. Being Black: For Black PCVs (especially in Eastern Europe or Latin America), what was your experience like in your community? Anything you wish you'd known, or countries you'd recommend or avoid?

Any other advice for building a strong application is appreciated. Thanks!

Looking for feedback on your essay? Have a newbie question you'd like to ask? Something on your mind you'd like to get out? This is the place for it.

I’m just trying to figure out my motivation to join PC in Sustainable Agriculture Panama and my interview is next Wednesday. I’ve studied the provided pcv related question from another subreddit and seeing how my resume relates to leadership and adaptability to PC needs. I got out Army with ELS and I just felt like I need to fulfil my promise to serve the people once again and reelist if I don’t get selected as PCV. The military has Gi bill, pension, Va benefits like mortgage and security clearances, but I’m not sure what PC has to offer for longevity. I’m just trying to figure out my motivation because I could start to embrace the suck and fulfil the promise to the people. Also I wasnt able to send my three references but I was still consider for interview. I’m not sure if this is a red flag or not.

The National Peace Corps Association is running Capitol to Coast, a virtual challenge now through October 31.

Participating RPCV walks, runs, bike rides etc. will count toward one cross-country journey from Washington DC to San Diego to help raise funds for NPCA events and programs, advocacy, and to help RPCVs to stay connected.

Please visit the National Peace Corps Association on GoFundMe, look for this year’s Capitol to Coast participants, and please leave a note of encouragement on their pages and support! Here is the link to participants: https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=National+Peace+Corps+Association+

Hello ! I understand it's difficult to choose, and it's all personal preference, and all programs have pros and cons, but I'd love to hear people's perspectives. I think both regions have such beautiful landscapes and culture. I really don't feel like I can go wrong either way, but since we can only apply to one program at a time, I'd love some help choosing a program. I'm doing education as a side note. Any perspective, opinions, or inspiration are greatly appreciated. Cheers! Happy volunteering.

I just received my conditional invitation for Liberia departing June 17 2027.

Such a flood of emotions as I process it all. Anyone else potentially serving in Liberia ?

Ahhhhhhhhhh

Share with us any photo from your country of service! Please note that pictures of minors are not permitted.

Hello, I have a draft of my motivation statement. I would like to see how it can improve. Current word count: 382 words.

Since the beginning of my college career, I’ve had a strong sense of what I wanted to do after college. That was to be a part of something special where I could effectively and dutifully use my gifts to further the common good. I believe that serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer can accomplish that very aspiration and allow me to enter an environment where I can see with my very own eyes the issues that present challenges in worldwide communities. Volunteering is my biggest passion and I have volunteered at various food banks, soup kitchens, and other non-profit organizations throughout my life. Throughout my experiences serving at those non-profit organizations, I have built relationships with some amazing people and I have indeed experienced growth along the way, but I know in my heart that I still have some growing to do. Additionally, my only academic minor is Slavic Studies, and I have developed basic Russian skills throughout my studies. I would love to serve a community where I can build on those skills and fulfill my dream of becoming conversational in Russian.

The statement. “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” is a short, but powerful statement that describes the true meaning of the Peace Corps. It reminds you of the various challenges one will face, but also the wholehearted experiences and the sense of community that you will have. Like a rose that rises from concrete, challenges may present themselves as temporary halts or even an end, but they almost always lead to transformation, whether they’re good, ugly, or bad. As for how that applies to me, I am not the kind of person who doesn’t easily back down from a challenge. I approach challenges with the kind of affirmation and faith that says, “I may be stuck now, but I know for sure that I’m going to crawl out of it sooner or later”. I also understand it is important to be adaptable in these kinds of situations, as some things are simply not in our control, but there is always a solution.

In conclusion, I believe with absolute certainty that serving in the Peace Corps is the next chapter that lies ahead of me. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that one can not get anywhere else.

Although its not being covered broadly im seeing scenes of a possible revolution on the streets

I was medically evacuated from Peace Corps for mental health and I havent really received any help after. They gave me three free sessions to go to therapy. I don't have a good home life and due to that, I am currently homeless and trying to get a job. Yesterday, I told the psychiatrist I am contemplating suicide and nothing really came from that conversation.

I've reached out to friends and they've done what they can, but ultimately I feel like a burden and I don't know what else to do.

I am trying to will myself to get out of this headspace but I feel stuck.

It's been really hard lately and I feel I have exhausted all my resources.

Should I put that I did a law enforcement internship which involved data collection and administrative tasks in my application?

Hello, I am under consideration for Timor-Leste. I did research and am very interested in the country, that I never heard of before now.

But, here is the thing, I am a collegiate athlete in my senior year. I have a big frame and weigh around 330 pounds. And I found the biggest size in Timor-Leste is a Large (for shirts, when I was looking at a packing list). I will say, I did email the email I was given from the under consideration email I received. I await a response.

But I wanted to get on here and ask some questions:

1.) Have you gotten into a peace corps position despite being a bigger person?

2.) I heard there are countries that would accept bigger people, is this true? And which?

3.) Have you switched to a different country as your in the under consideration or any part of the application process?

4.) In the medical process, for dental, do I have to get work done? Or only if it is proven necessary? To pass this part of the medical process. I have something that may seem problematic to a dentist but it does not bother me.

As I have stated, I did already send an email and am awaiting a response. I am not here to read "just wait for a response." I am aware of that. I want to hear your thoughts and responses and I would greatly appreciate all of your comments.

Is anyone here a Peace Corps Medical Officer? Does anyone know anything about how to become a PCMO as a US citizen who is currently a nurse practitioner or physician? I am very interested in this role but struggling to find much practical information about it online. I would be so grateful for any information anyone has!

hi! i’m a college junior considering peace corps after i graduate. i know i want to end up on the hill eventually, and i was wondering if anyone has gone that route and any advice they have to offer.

Use this thread to vent your frustrations. We're all here to lend an ear.

What did people do to fill their time when in the English teaching sector of PCV? I feel as though besides my teaching, I do not have much to do and wanna work on some side projects to keep my mind busy.

I am an education volunteer in a mid-size rural village, and I am just so fed up with all of it. Nobody at the school cares, and they expect me to go out of my way to do grants for them when they can’t even take care of the things they have.

My main counterpart has effectively disappeared, he is useless and continuously late to school and clueless about what classes we have. The vanity of having me around has worn off but I am still treated like an alien or a pet, and integrating is becoming less and less appealing because I find myself fundamentally disagreeing with many of the community’s values. (They trash the place, they are violent, and generally intrusive and super machismo)

I’m trying not to be cynical, and I’m really trying not to complain, just venting. I really want to hang in for my last year (for the bennies) but I find myself wondering more and more why I’m here and what the end goal is. I guess I’m just kind of lost in the middle of it - anyone else here or been here? How did you get through it.

I’ve noticed that a lot of PCVs seem to be on the spectrum, and it’s even inspired me to get tested after I finish service. I’m curious if anyone has any theories about what attracts neurodivergent people to the Peace Corps?