The
Peace Corps can seem like an excellent option for some graduates, and it can
be, but whether or not it is the best move for the new graduate depends on a
number of factors. There are a few important questions you must consider
carefully before making a decision to join the Peace
Corps.
Are
You Planning to Go into Development Work or Another International Career?
For
people planning to join the Foreign Service or do development work, experience
as a Peace Corps volunteer will be invaluable. It is an excellent opportunity
to get a look at the pros and cons of both development work and the experience
of being a representative of the United States in a foreign country. Peace
Corps experience can put you on a fast track for a number of government
positions including in the Foreign Service, and if you’re interested in
development work you can make significant contacts. The foreign language
learned as a Peace Corps volunteer may be a benefit as well.
Do
You Have Significant Debts or Financial Obligations (Other than Student Loans)?
Many
types of student loans can be deferred or forgiven for Peace Corps volunteers,
but it's important to look into this ahead of time. For other types of debt,
such as credit card debt, the Peace Corps stipend will not be sufficient to
cover debt payments. In fact, it will only pay for maintenance in the foreign
country. You need to be realistic about your financial situation before making
the decision.
Are
You in a Serious Relationship, or Do You Have Family Obligations?
If
the answer to either of these questions is yes, that doesn't automatically mean
that the Peace Corps is out. It simply means that joining should be considered
more carefully. Total commitment is important for Peace Corps volunteers. A
community will be depending upon the you, and if there is a situation at home
that makes you more likely to leave early, it may be necessary to reconsider
the Peace Corps. Of course, some people do complete Peace Corps terms of
service successfully with a significant other at home, and you should weigh
your family obligations against your future goals.
Should
You Get Some Work Experience First?
For
both the good of the program itself and the individual, it may be better to get
two or three years of work experience before joining the Peace Corps. A teacher
with a few years in the classroom or an agricultural adviser who has worked
with a local extension office in the United States may be more effective than a
volunteer fresh out of college. There may also be benefits on both sides; a volunteer
may get more out of the experience by having more to offer.
Are
You Prepared for the Living Conditions?
As
with the question about loved ones, if the answer to this question is
"maybe not," that's not an automatic disqualifier. Part of becoming a
Peace Corps volunteer is adapting to situations that you might find
uncomfortable or alien. However, you should be prepared for the fact that
living conditions are likely to be significantly different from what you are
accustomed to.
The
Peace Corps can be a life-changing experience for both the volunteer and those
with whom the volunteer works. However, it can also be difficult and
disappointing. If you are thinking about becoming a volunteers, carefully weigh
the pros and cons and consider them against your present life situations and
future plans to make a fully informed decision.
Ralph
Vincent understands what a tough decision joining the Peace Corps can be. When
not writing about the Peace Corps Ralph enjoys contributing articles on
education, travel, volunteering and other kindred subjects; to learn more visit
ARCC.
