The Peace Corps application process is honestly an emotional roller coaster (but probably is like a piece cake compared to serving in country). There are days when things just seem so unsure but there’s always a reward (sometimes far) around the corner. I can guarantee you that no matter what you go through trying to get there, when your invitation finally comes it is all worth it.
APPLICATION:
1. When you realize how long the application actually is:
2. SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.
3. That feeling when you finally click the submit button:
4. When you know there’s at least one person who doesn’t approve of your decision:
INTERVIEW:
5. The morning of your interview – gotta look sharp:
6. Searching for just about anything to make your recruiter like you more:
7. Talking yourself up:
8. When I can tell the recruiter is questioning my answer:
9. When the recruiter notices a red flag:
10. When you walk out knowing you nailed it:
11. The lucky ones who are nominated at the end of their interview:
12. If you’re told you don’t qualify for the Peace Corps:
NOMINATION, WAITING FOR INVITATION:
13. Months and months of doing this:
14. When my recruiter tells me I need to be patient:
15. To that one other nominee who thinks they know everything:
16. When you meet someone but think being in a relationship might jeopardize your chances of an invitation:
17. When you get any e-mail from the Peace Corps that isn’t your invitation:
18. When someone asks what I’ve been doing while waiting:
19. Some days you’re just a little on edge:
INVITATION, PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE
20. When your invitation finally arrives:
21. Randomly meeting another volunteer:
22. Trying to get to know other volunteers in your group online:
23. What you tell people when they ask what they can send you in care packages:
24. When your friends don’t understand why you’re doing it:
25. That one time the government experienced a shutdown, freezing any Peace Corps activity:
26. What you tell people when they ask why you joined the Peace Corps:
27. Checking out all the medical tasks I have to complete. Hello, vaccines:
28. Filling out the Peace Corps passport and country visa applications:
29. Discovering your country will have delicious food:
30. ANY DAY YOU GET ONE STEP CLOSER TO SERVING IN COUNTRY:
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I love it! You had a good spirit during your wait…most days ❤
Numbers 25/30….too true right now.
I laughed so hard reading these. There were honestly days I thought you were going to explode from being so impatient.
I’m pretty sure most of my friends felt like this during my bad days
http://reactiongifs.com/?p=8290
Number 21. It’s like a secret club that isn’t so secret!
Fantastic! I’m reblogging this. I’m on #28 right now.
Reblogged this on An Intrepid Odyssey and commented:
This was posted in the Facebook group I’m in and it describes the feelings/experiences of applying to the Peace Corps exactly. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Also, make sure you check out the rest of her blog. It’s about her Peace Corps service in Ethiopia.
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Ohhh I cried laughing at this – its all so hilariously, ridiculously true!!! So creative and clever. Can there please be a sequel to this outlining the actual volunteer experience? Because reactions to that are equally contradictory and ridiculous.
Cat
All of it is soooo true!!!
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so much love for this post. laughter for days
Thanks for the feedback everyone! This post had thousands of views from over 80 countries. I knew I wasn’t alone in feeling a bit overwhelmed but I was completely shocked at how many people read it!
I am a FPCV and have been reading numerous post and blogs. I have to say I really love this one! My recruiter says I am in consideration for Benin Business Program in July.
Thank you so much! I hear Benin can be very beautiful and diverse in its environment. The business sector was my first choice, but I am thrilled with being in the health sector. It sounds like you have an awesome nomination. Good luck!
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