<PeaceCorpsHQ> Good afternoon, and welcome to the Peace Corps Application chat. Our chat will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. You may submit your questions now, or anytime during the chat session.

<Rachel> What countries have you guys been too and what projects were you involved with?

Greetings! My name is Colleen O'Dell and I taught medical English to doctors and nurses in Turkmenistan from 1996-98. Please ask questions.

Hi, I'm Dan MacLaughlin. I served as an English teacher in Slovakia from 1999 to 2202. I also served as a couple with my wife!

<Mike>As an asthmatic, I understand that there are certain places where the peace corps send people with asthma and certain places they don't. Where can I find out more information about this?

Mike, you will want to call our Office of Medial Services and ask them about your specific condition. They may be able to accomodate you. You can reach them at 800.424.8580, option 2, ext. 1500.

Mike, you can also find information about medical clearance on our website at http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.howvol.stepstoapply.medandleg

<Elaine> My husband and I are thinking of joining the Peace Corps together. In the (unlikely) event that I should become pregnant during my time, what would happen?

Elaine, if you get pregnant, you would have to end your service early and come home. This is just for the safety of the child.

<emmie>if the peace corps doesn't accept your application do they tell you why and how you can improve the next time you apply?

Emmie, most recruiters are more than willing to discuss you application if you are not accepted. You may want to call your recruiting office and ask to speak to someone about your qualifications before you apply, to get a good idea of how to best present yourself.

<Lee D.>>Is there anything problemmatic about joining the PC if I'm a retired Federal government employee.

Lee D., I served with a retiree from the IRS, and he served without any issues. The only thing that might be problematic is if you worked for an intelligence agency.

<Rachel> How much luggage did you guys take with you? How did you do your laundry?

Rachel, I brought two bags. One was full of teacher books. The other was full of clothing. I lived in a block of flats and was lucky enough to have a washing machine.

Rachel, I took one big duffel bag. Now, in retrospect, it seems like too much. Really - they have clothes and soap and all that where you are going. As for laundry - I washed clothes in a bucket of water, then hung them out to dry. Quick-drying f abrics that don't wrinkle are great.

<James>When applying to the Peace Corps, how do you get placed into certain work areas (education, community development, etc.)? Do you mark off which area you are interested in on your application or will you be placed by the Peace Corps based on your qualifications?

James, based on your education and experience, you may qualify for several programs. You can state a preference but we ask that you remain flexible.

<Melissa N>I have a car payment is that going to be an issue?? I have already considered selling it if I am accepted

Melissa, you'll have to state on your application any outstanding debt that you have and how you plan to manage it before you go. It might be a good idea to plan on selling it before you go.

<Heather>In the next year or two I'm thinking of joining. I have a bachelor's in business, minor in publishing and printing, and have spent 2.5 years in mortgage banking as an auditor. I'm wondering:Wwhat types of projects I might be qualified for and in what regions? Would I be qualified for service in other areas besides business?

Heather, depending on what other experience you have, you could qualify for several programs. If you have 3 months of tutoring experience you can qualify to teach English. If you have a HIV/Aids educator certificate through the Red Cross and some volunteer experience doing health outreach, you could qualify for a health program. If you have 3 months gardening experience, you could qualify for an ag program...the list goes on. I'd recommend calling your local recruiting office to speak to a recruiter about what programs you might qualify for. All of these programs are available across the globe.

<John>Hello all. While you were away was there any particular item(s) you really WISHED you had brought but didn't?

John - oh yeah...more photos of my family, city, and home. It's a great way to communicate when you are still learning the language. One thing I brought too much of was music - there was plenty of great music there!

<Danielle Carlton>My name is Danielle and I am an L.P.N. with 9 years of hospital experience. I speak a limited amount of Spainish. I was wondering what my chances of getting accepted into the Peace Corp would be. I'm a single, heal thy 30 year old.

Danielle, you'd be an excellent candidate!

<Pabba>I am planning on going to medical school, do you think it would be better if I applied to the Peace Corps before or after med school?

Pabba, two things to think about Peace Corps experience before med school might help you focus on the kind of health work you want to do later, and would also give you a second language.

Pabba, if you wait until after med school, you might want to practice clinical medicine, and Peace Corps only has health education programs right now so you might be better off with a program like Doctors Without Borders. Give your recruiting office a call and we can talk about this more in depth.

<Mike>are there certain places where peace corps sends the majority of their gay and lesbian PCV's because of safety? if so, where are the safest places for PCV's of the LGBT community?

Mike, there are cultures where being openly gay may present a safety risk to you. In these cases, Peace Corps may ask that you make adjustments to your lifestyle so as not to put yourself at risk - you might have to go "into the closet" while your in Peace Corps. I don't know that there are any specific countries where PC doesn't send gay Volunteers.

<James>If I am interested in applying during my senior year of college, what kind of experience would you like to see on my application (ie clubs, community service, anything else?)

James, we'd like to see that you've had some volunteer experience where you've been in a leadership position. Membership in clubs and organizations is also good, especially if you help plan events, etc.

<Jessica>I'm a rising Junior in college, when should I begin my application process if I would like to join the Peace Corps immediately after college

Jessica, apply a year in advance. The application process can take 6 to 9 months on average, but if you run into a health issue, you could be deferred for 3 months until your medical condition is resolved.

<Rachel> I have been to Southern Africa and several other countries on missions trips and we were living in extremely poor conditions. Will we be sent to places like this or will our communities be more civilized with more modern conveniences?

Rachel, because we serve communities in need, it's quite possible that you'd be assigned to more remote areas with few conveniences. The environment could be very tough. You should be prepared for this before applying.

<Heather> How do you suggest learning about regions and projects?

Heather, have you checked the website? That's a good place to start. You can also attend information sessions in your area. PC usually has returned Volunteers come to events, show slides and answer questions about their experiences. You could also see if there is a local branch of a Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Association in your area - you'll find RPCVs love to talk about their experiences.

<emmie>How were your living quarters? Did you have roommates?

emmie, I lived with three different host families during my two years in Turkmenistan. In each situation I had my own room with a door that locked. One family lived in a rural mini-farm, the other two in apartments in the capital city. You could be sharing an apartment or living in a "mud hut".

<James> On the PC website it says that payment on student loans can be defered. Does that include the interest payments?

emmie, about a third of volunteers live with host families after their three months of training. During training, you will probably live with a host family.

James, depending on the type of loan you have, interest may or may not be deferrable. Each lending institution has different policies, so PC asks that you check with them about PC and deferment status. A general rule of thumb is that subsidized loa ns are deferrable.

<Suso>My name is Susannah and I'm a senior in college majoring in French. What could I do with this?

Suso, we have a huge need for French speakers right now. You could be teaching English, working in agriculture with community gardens, or other programs depending on what volunteer and work experience you have along with your degree.

<Heather> Were either of you ever concerned about your safety?

Heather, I served in Turkmenistan when the US was fighting in Afghanistan. I felt very safe, protected by my neighbors and respected by my community. Distances are pretty far when you have to travel them by camel. Besides, Peace Corps had several procedures in place to protect volunteers in case it was needed. One big part of being safe wherever you go is fitting into the host culture and not trying to live like a tourist.

Heather, safety will always be a concern, but I generally felt safer in Slovkia than I have in certain parts of Minneapolis. You can keep yourself safe by learning the language, learning about the culture and adapting a safe lifestyle based on what you learn in training.

<Danielle Carlton> Do you have to turn many qualified applicants away because your available jobs are filled up?

Danielle, yes. If you apply a year in advance, you can hopefully avoid this.

<bosse> i am waiting to be placed, i was cleared medically in april. i am still waiting on legal clearence and nobody has contacted me about this. is that strange?

bosse, depending on what date your recruiter nominated you to leave - it may not be that strange, as now is the busiest time for our headquarters office. Contact your original recruiter and ask them about who to call now. The legal office may be waiting on paperwork from you that you are unaware of. If you haven't heard from anyone for a while, it's a good idea to be proactive and follow-up. Good luck!

<vernossu03> I don't have much volunteer experience, would it be best for me to volunteer here a home before applying to the Peace Corps? What are the chances of being accepted otherwise? I am a recent college graduate with work and travel experience, just not volunteer experience.

Vernossu03, volunteer experience will round out your application and demonstrate that you are comitted to service. If you have no volunteer experience, the question will come up as to why you want to dedicate two years of your life to volunteering now. Definately consider getting some loca experience before you apply.

<swishy>Hi, I was interested in the Masters International program, but I was wondering...if I didn't get into the graduate school that I applied to, would that affect my chances of getting into the Peace Corps?

swishy, if you don't get into the graduate school you wanted to, just contact your recruiter and we can change your application over to a regular one and keep working with you.

<Rachel> What all happens during training? What is your schedule like?

Rachel, training is pretty structured and pretty full. You get language, technical, and x-cultural training. You live with a host family for part of that time. Your days are pretty full - some days start at 8am and end at 10pm.

<Heather> Did you feel that the allowance you were given was enough to live on? Even enough to save some to travel in the country you served in?

heather, I found that the allowance I got was enought to live on, as long as I chose to live as my neighbors did - shopping at local markets and entertaining at home. If I wanted to go to tourist spots, it ran out quickly. You will earn two days of vacation for each month you serve and will recieve your local salary for those days - which means you can travel in the country affordably. I brought additional money so I could travel out of the country on my vacations. If you don't bring additional money however, your day-to-day will still be taken care of.

<Elaine> I have about 10 years experience in the business world - as a graphic designer - and great computer skills. I also have a TESOL Certificate but haven't had any teaching experience beyond the course. How would my prospects be to become a PCV with that experience?

Elaine, you sound like an excellent candidate. Your recruiter will probably want you to get some tutoring/teaching experience before you go. In Minnesota, we usually refer folks to the MN Literacy Council for volunteer opportunities.

<Melissa> I have submitted my application in the past week ..about how long does it take till I hear

Melissa, it varies according to office but you should be hearing soon. If you don't hear by the end of next week, give your recruiting office a call. Sometimes recruiters are ont he road for a few days.

<emmie>I know PC tries to place you in the region of your choice, but I was wondering if you two ended up somewhere you didn't expect.

Emmie, I majored in history with a focus on Russia. I wanted Eastern Europe and was placed in Slovakia. I thought I might get placed in a Russian speaking country - I was surprised at the invite to Slovakia but found that studyting Russian made learning Slovak easier.

<Suso> Sophie here. I'm a senior majoring in biochemistry. I don't have much volunteer experience but can speak fluent french and spanish. Several questions: Would i automatically be placed in a french or spanish-speaking country? Can I do anything related to my major? Would peace corps help me get a job, or into grad or medical school? I'm scared that my degree will go out-of-date or that I'll forget everything, making it harder. Also, I know I won't have much time for volunteering my last year in college. Should I apply in the fall and volunteer during the summer?

Suso, we have great programs in science teaching that you could qualify for with your degree. Many of those are in French-speaking Africa. I mentioned eariler that we have a huge need for French speakers in Africa, so you would be competative there on two counts. Placement would not be "automatic" but based on both your experience and your previous language. Regardless, we'll still train you in the local language for three months.

Suso, Peace Corps has several ways we support your post-Peace Corps job hunt: such as regional centers where you can work on your resume, books of contacts you can network with in your field, and returned volunteer groups in most major cities.

You should apply 6-12 months before you are ready to go, and start volunteering as soon as you are able.

<Jessica>Can the Master's International Program make it difficult to handle school along with one's volunteer services?

Jessica, I served with some MI Volunteers and they were happy with the program. Sometimes they did feel torn between doing what their community wanted them to focus on and what their school wanted them to work on - it's a balancing act, but ultimately you're there to serve your community.

<Lyndsay>Does it matter very much if an applicant has not travelled extensively or had much cultural exchange experience?

Lyndsay, you do not need to have travlled before to apply. But there are countless "cultures" within the US and ways for you to streach yourself right here. We'll want to know in what ways you've reached out to others while here.

<Casey>What is the average placement time after applying?

Casey, the average is 9 months. I've placed some folks in 3 months, others have take over a year.

<Elaine>What kind of living quarters do married couples joining together typically get?

Elaine, I don't know if this is PC policy, but couples in SK were given above average living arrangements to reduce friction in the relationship. We had a washing machine when most Volunteers didn't. Ultimately, the goals is to live at the same level as your colleagues.

<Danielle Carlton>Are there any chances of the Peace Corp working in Cuba in the near future?

Danielle, we don't currently have programs in Cuba and don't plan to in the near future. As I understand, because we don't have normal diplomatic relations with Cuba, we cannot send volunteers there (we are a Federal organization).

<Heather>What was the typical day like for each of you?

Heather, I got up at 7, walked two blocks to my school, taught until 2pm, planned my lessons for the next day, came home and cooked dinner for my lovely wife, went for a walk, read a book or went to a movie, and then went to bed by 11pm.

Heather, I'd eat fresh fruit and toast, go to the Medical Institute and teach three classes. I'd have lunch with the other teachers - always leftovers we brought from home because there really weren't "restaurants". I'd then tutor some students, work in the library I was putting together, then go to the market to shop for dinner ingredients. In the evenings I'd go "gosting" or visiting friends.

<Ryan Brown>I just sent in my application, should I follow-up with anything?

Ryan, you should be hearing from a recruiter soon!

<Rachel>Are you able to reach your bank accounts from home to get more money, or is it better to take it all with you from the start?

Rachel, it depends on where you go. In SK we had access to ATM machines, so we could access our accounts when we wanted. We did arrange for a power of attorney with my wifes parents, so they could depost/withdraw money as needed.

Rachel, when I got to Turkmenistan, they didn't have ATMs, didn't use credit cards, and didn't use checks. Cash was all there was, and they only took newer bills in bigger denominations like 20's. I brought a couple hundred dollars with me in cash and kept it locked in a suitcase until vacations. I also once had money wired to me from my bank to a Turkmen bank. In general, limit the amount of cash you bring with you as you don't want to lose it or have it stolen!

That's all the time we have. If we didn't get to your question, please look for our next online chat on September 16, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Remember, you can always call your nearest Peace Corps recruitment office at 800.424.8580 for answers to questions about your eligibility for Peace Corps service or to find out more about how to become a Volunteer.

We hope you enjoyed today's chat and found it helpful. Thanks to everyone who participated, and special thanks to Dan and Colleen for leading today's session.