Response to a few questions
One of my favorite aspects about being a Volunteer is being a resource to potentially future Volunteers. I always enjoy answering questions. By trying get a well-rounded sense of what Peace Corps life might be like, one can only benefit.
I felt I should post my response to an email I received asking about my experience here in Senegal. Here it is (I did have to modify my response a bit for this site)...
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The first time somebody suggested I look into the Peace Corps, I laughed at them. It was Spring 2003. I didn't really feel it was for me at all....ultra liberal, hippie, etc (all the stereotypes). It took two years for me to actually ponder the idea. At that point, I searched for answers, much like you are doing now. One thing I wanted was for someone to just tell me to do it, primarily because there are so many unknowns, a huge commitment, and also not the "typical" thing to do. Don't search for an answer to this question, it's not out there. The decision for this is yours and you have to make it for yourself. It is not easy, a lot of people quit, its not for everyone, and everybody's experience is different (some more than others). Also, if you make the leap, go into it with little expectations, you have to be flexible...the more expectations you have, the more disappointed you will be. Biggest recommendation to give you is to get your family on board with your decision if that is what you choose....they may not be your best friends but when the going gets tough, you can always talk to them....parents you can rely on 24/7 is crucial...you are going to probably cry and pull your hair out at times....its normal, but you need a good support network at home to clear your mind.
I'm sure I have more to say, but I'll get to your questions
Did you get the geographical area you specified or did they just place you in Senegal?
I think the application process has changed a bit since I signed up, but I was able to choose my region, or at least a preferential list...sub-Saharan Africa was my first choice. I didn't find out my country till months later...the application process is long and tedious. I know you said you wanted to go to Latin America, but my suggestion is use that as guidance, but just go anywhere. This is an experience that can take you somewhere you will probably never go again, and you are going to live it. Its not about where you go, its about what you make it out to be...every place has pros and cons about it.
Same with your job...is that what you wanted to do?
I sat down with the campus Peace Corps recruiter at UGA and picked my sector (urban agriculture). I didn't really know what it was or meant, but it seemed hands on, which is what I wanted.
Do you feel like the training really prepared you (or as much as it could) for going off and working on your own?
The technical (agriculture) training was ok. Americans just learn differently and sometimes the host country national trainers don't understand that...every country's program is different. The language aspect of training was the best you could have had anywhere in the world...it was amazing.
One thing about training though is that it is supposed to provide you with the foundation, it is up to you to continue to learn once you are at site and adapt things to your site.
Did you have the opportunity to say whether you prefered a city or a village?
My program is urban ag, so I knew I was going to an urban area, but I just didn't know what an urban area in Africa was. I didn't think I was going to be in Dakar (capital city) though (I think I'm one of only two or three first year volunteers to be placed in Dakar in PC/Senegal history). Dakar has about 2 million people while the others drop in size tremendously. The next largest city has about 280,000, and it has a small town feel. Health volunteers in Senegal are in villages. Business volunteers are typically in large towns. It really depends on the program as to where you are.
Looking back do you think you would make the same decision to join now that you know more?
Things aren't perfect, I don't want to kid you. There is a lot of BS. You gotta go with the flow at times and put your foot down at others...it just takes some time before you can do the later. With all that said, I think this is the best experiences ever. There is a difference in job and experience. You have to make this what you want it to be. If it weren't knowing that I need to get a real job, I'd stay on for a third year in a heart beat. I'm really gonna miss things here. It is nice when you can reach the point and say that, it feels like home now.
Do you ever have safety issues?
I live in the largest city in West Africa, so there are safety issues, mostly pickpocketing. I have had a few attempted pickpocketings, but no success. Now, I know the areas to go and not to go. My bike was stolen from my house within the first month or so, but then again a month later, our sheep was too. You just have to play heads up ball. There are always issues, but as long as you are aware, you should be good.
I read that you broke your hand or wrist but have you had any illnesses?
I think I have had a runny nose once, but I've been very healthy. The main reason for that is that I don't live in a village. A lot of people get mango worms in their skin, ameobas, diarehha, etc. The medical care Peace Corps has is pretty good though.
What is the health insurance provided like? How did they handle your broken bone?
Everything is taken care of, you don't pay for a thing. Every Peace Corps country office has a medical unit. If they can't handle it, they will find someone who can. Also, you get a mid-service check up, in which a dental cleaning is included. You will be given all your prescriptions, vaccinations, drugs, first aid stuff, for free too.
What do you think you will do when you get back (if you have an idea) and do you think the PC will help you attain a job in that field?
Somewhat keeping my options open, but looking into the international shipping/logistics sector. PC says they help you out and do if you go to Washington, but I prefer to do it on my own.
What is the support system like from PC for safety, health, work questions, etc?
It is all there. Whether it is by phone, text, email, most volunteers here are pretty well connected to the office. The majority of volunteers in senegal have phone coverage at their sites.
How often do you see other PCV's?
I see them just about everyday, which I don't like (especially early on), but I live in the capital, where the PC office is. Volunteers, for whatever reason, are typically in town. Now, its not a big deal, mostly because I've been able to adapt to things.
What is your work schedule like and are you doing it all on your own?
It is so difficult to say what my work schedule is, in a sense, because you are always on the job as a PC volunteer. But, I go to the hospital Monday thru Friday from about 7 am to Noon. At the hospital, I have my main project at the infectious diseases ward. This project was already started when I arrived and is in collaboration with a few groups. I am involved in a second garden at the HIV/AIDS outpatient center that was started by an NGO started by the guy I replaced. Information about that one can be found at www.developmentingardening.org. I am in the process of starting a new garden by myself at the psych ward of the hospital. This is my baby right now. It is not something I could have done right when I got here, but when I was approached to do it a few months ago, I couldn't turn it down.
With work though, my schedule is something that I dictated. Out of 150 volunteers in Senegal, I have the most structured work schedule. Part of that is me, the other part is because you can't really have structure in a village. I really wanted to make what I was doing at the hospital a job and hold myself to high standards.
Also, I teach english twice a week from about 8 to 10, but dinner is included in that time too.
Some countries have more structure, but realize that a developing world work environment is far different from a first world work environment...a lot of people going into PC don't think about this. Part of this isn't just work but about the experience too. This is a very non-traditional job in a lot of places.
Overall take on your experience? (I'm guessing from your blog you're loving it)
I love it. My experience in Senegal is far different from all the other Volunteers here. Living in Dakar is interesting and my job set up is different. It isn't everyday that Laura Bush, Raul (soccer player), white house staff, Peace Corps country directors, and diplomatic visits come to your site. Being different has been one of the hardest things for me to handle here...I wish I could just be under the radar. It took awhile to get used to everything and I still don't like big visits, I'm not here for that, but its the way it is and can be important for a cause.
In my 19 months here, I'm the happiest I have been, and I see it continuing till the end. I'm gonna miss this experience tremendously, and value it highly. Just remember, its what you make out of it.
Don't hesitate to ask more questions. Feel free anytime.
