I on the other hand chose the ESL route and spent three years in Japan, which proved to be a very fulfilling experience and one of the best things I’ve ever done.

I hadn’t thought about the economic costs in quite the way Bon presents them, but I understand and agree with what he says. Having housing, food and health care paid for certainly wasn’t anything to sneeze at. Ditto on coming back with more frugal habits. I’m pretty sure interrupting my career for two years right then didn’t do my overall economic state any great favors, but I ended up working for the same employer at a better job a couple years after coming back. If I were younger I would have gone looking for employment overseas, as some of the folks who have made comments have done. But for right now, I’m stashing money in my 401K and trying to pay down my mortgage so that when I really DO retire — I can do another stint in the Peace Corps! There was a woman I heard about whose retirement plan was to do multiple Peace Corps service programs with periods of time off inbetween (you can only do five years of Peace Corps — staff or volunteer — in a row, then you have to back off for a while). I think that’s an awesome idea and I am working hard to stay healthy enough to do something like that myself, but have my home paid for to come back to when I’m ready.

It indeed isn’t for everyone. You have to be physically strong and emotionally resilient and you have to be flexible — things often don’t turn out as you planned or even as you’d like. But my Peace Corps service was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.

I am teaching English in Taiwan, so I’m currently having an experience like this, but a bit different in that I’m teaching rather *wealthy* students. My decision to move was big – but even with my lower salary, the cost of living balances things out. I can pay my student loans and live in an up-and-coming city on the cheap. And learn Chinese while I’m at it.

At the same time, I’m able to easily travel through the region without breaking the bank. Not bad for a mid-20-something.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit her with our father, during her service and fell in love with Africa as a consequence.

Financially, I think there are a number of things to consider, including having enough in savings to travel while volunteering. My sister was lucky enough to have quite a bit of savings, and thus able to travel back to the US for my wedding and at least one other trip. Additionally she traveled all over Africa, and had some amazing experiences.

In the end, I still wouldn’t suggest anyone join a program like this unless they’re serious about volunteering. Living in poverty and working at non-profits isn’t something you should do to ‘just have a job.’ Every person I know who signed up for that reason wound up quitting. At the other other side of that though, you could sign up for the wrong reasons and it could change your life.

What I’ve seen as we grow our business is that when I reach out to fellow RPCVs, even if they served on a different continent, on most occasions they are warm, friendly and helpful.”

When you finish your Peace Corps service, the National Peace Corps Association (http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org) is here for you! NPCA) is the nation’s leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. We can connect you to the Returned Volunteer community and offer a Mentoring Program to help ease your transition back home.

My advice: find a program that can assure you that you will be working in your area of interest or using your skills.

In my experience, Peace Corps places unqualified generalists and lacks adequate supervision. Despite the hype at home, many volunteers treat PC like a two year summer camp between undergrad and grad school. While serving, I was embarrassed to say that I was in Peace Corps, because of the obnoxious, entitled, drunken, and sometimes illegal behavior of my “peers.”

Do your homework and pick a volunteer program that you are sure you can be proud of. 3 years after coming home, I have not yet let go of the disappointment.

Eileen, RPCV Guinea, 98-01

@Steven#6: Since PC is such a major goal for you, I would apply to an MIP program after graduation and see how it goes – can’t hurt, just don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t go through this round.

@Carol#11: PC likes to send people with measurable skills to new communities – typically communities will donate housing or other assets, so being able to say “this volunteer brings XYZ credentials” makes the volunteer’s value easier to demonstrate. I was doing small scale business and tourism advisory while in PC.

@Judy#17: Blog looks gorgeous, enjoy your time while you are there – I’ve always wanted to go to Guatemala!

I was a volunteer in Guatemala (89-91) and feel incredibly fortunate to have had the experience.

There are many intangible benefits to serving in the Peace Corps, including being part of a large tribe of Returned Peace Corps volunteers.

What I’ve seen as we grow our business is that when I reach out to fellow RPCVs, even if they served on a different continent, on most occasions they are warm, friendly and helpful.

That is something hard to quantify, but it’s very valuable to say the least.

Thank you again for a great blog….

Carla

I loved you article. 2 of my friends did the same thing and had a great experince. I am moving to Nepal to do the same thign (minus the peace corps) part in Oct. Last year I did it for a few months and was able to build a orphanage for kids with Aids. this year I plan to stay for years and do a whole lot more. I get funding help for the school from a western donor, but all other expenses where paid from my personal savings.

Can you have you permission to use your article for my new blog. I just starte it a week ago, and it isn’t offically published without a password untill I get the glitches out.

Please let me know.

Also, is there anyway to get your email to get some advice i this area. Here is a misposable email for me. nawang at geljen dot mailtmp dot comm (not the last word has only one m).

Thanks

Its sure to give you a diffeent perspective on money.

You can even get that by visitng any other foreign country with a standard of living less than ours.

Just see how people live.

Its almost embarrassing when you compare it to how we live here.

Eye-opening

I have been able to save $100 USD a month so I am actually better off financially then I was in the states. I also have access to high quality medical & dental care at absolutely no cost.

Aside from the money I have saved to put towards further travel/experiences, I am gaining invaluable relationships and skills. I have never felt to rich and abundant in all my life.

This experience has helped me in my downshifting/simplicity journey.

If anyone is interested in the peace corps, I blog about my PC experience at:
http://judyinguate.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

One point you touched on that I think needs reinforcement is that this is not for everyone. Many people arrive to the peace corps with inflated expectations about the work they’ll be doing and the impact they’ll have. It is generally difficult to make any real lasting impact and things can be very slow and frustrating (and sad). I guess I would counsel both patience and lowering of expectations about the “impact.” That said, you learn to measure “impact” in small ways, like helping your neighbor’s kid learn english or corresponding with in-country friends after you return home.

I like the idea of applying at retirement. Seems like a great way to kick off the next phase of one’s life.

Just some things to consider. If everyone did a little more volunteering–whether in a formal program like AmeriCorps or the PeaceCorps, or just in their local communities once or twice a month–I think this country would be in a much better place.