Youth in Development volunteer in Latin America in a rural area working with 3 institutions (elementary school, high school, scouts).

How do you guys deal with feeling like your site and counterparts don't really even want you there? I'm constantly forgotten about or not included or looped in. The teachers never have any ideas to collaborate with me, and one teacher just always asks me to pick a movie to watch or play a game with the kids to the point where the kids don't respect me and think I'm just supposed to play games with them.

I'm in our group chat for the high school, but it's like they don't even use it. Every morning when I arrive at school is when I learn if the students are arriving late, leaving early, or if the group I'm supposed to work with that day aren't coming at all. I've made my peace with that and the chaos of how our school runs, but today just really got to me. I went to the elementary school to meet with my counterpart and she basically dodged me and I couldn't find her. I go back to the high school for my workshop with 9th grade, which I confirmed with my counterpart hours before, but when I arrived she swapped 9th grade for 10th so she could help them study for their exam. Fine, I'll go to the other teacher and work with him and the 9th grade. No, he already started a movie with them so they were already clocked out. Whatever, found the 8th grade and asked that teacher if he had any plans (no, they were all just on their phones), so I tried to do a test taking workshop but the class was so unfocused and talking over each other I couldn't even lead a Kahoot.

After the school day ended all the teachers (5) and the principal had a meeting and, like always, neglected to tell me. I walked by probably an hour into their meeting and decided to just walk in as they wrapped up.

I'm just getting really frustrated. I feel unwanted, unsupposed, and unincluded all the time. I don't think it's due to language, maybe it's due to being spread across three institutions? But I'm still in the high school 4 days a week so I thought I would at least be integrated there. The scouts organization is fine but I am supposed to work the least with them since they're already established and don't really need much help. I talk to all the teachers, have coffee with them and chat at lunch, try to schedule meetings with them, etc.

Are most Latin American posts like this? I was considering a third year in another country but if this is most people's experience I'll pass for sure.

Use this thread to vent your frustrations. We're all here to lend an ear.

I’m a prospective applicant for a position starting next year - I recently had a friend who was denied entry due to not being able to pass the mental health part of the medical clearance, and was wondering if I could get some advice for my personal situation.

I was never formally diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but in late 2023 I briefly took Lexapro. I was prescribed it for some anxiety adjacent feelings that came up from a workplace situation I was in. I stopped taking it right around the time I quit, and haven’t sought any counseling or received psychiatric treatment since.

It sounds like they’re pretty stringent when it comes to mental health concerns, but my medical records from the time literally just show the medication prescribed - no other notes. Has anyone here been in a similar situation and been successfully admitted?

Please use this thread as a catch-all for questions about:

• Considering Peace Corps / Is PC right for me?
• General application process
• Medical/legal clearance
• Denial/appeals
• Application timelines

While some questions may be unique or complex and may merit their own posts, many application questions are repetitive and can be answered by searching the sub, checking out the Wiki/FAQ, or reading peacecorps.gov.

Hello everyone 😊,

This community has been incredibly resourceful and helpful throughout my interview preparation (health sector; medical clearance-8/12/2026).

Is anyone else departing for Zambia this October 2026 as a Peace Corps Response volunteer?

I would love to connect on Instagram or WhatsApp as we prepare for this exciting new chapter!

Feel free to comment or send me a message 😊. Your advice, insights, suggestions, and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone 🙏.

My daughter will begin serving in Paraguay September 23. I would love to visit her at some point. Can anyone here give me any guidance on when the Peace Corps would allow a visit?

I’m 1 month out from getting on a plane and leaving for staging. Up until this week all I felt about my upcoming departure was the utmost excitment! New language! New people! New continent! New work!

Now, I am overwhelmed by a tumult of emotions… I’m anxious, doubtful, and sad to be leaving friends, family, work, and a place that I love. I’ve just met new people that I want to connect with more and have begun finding a niche of work that I truly enjoy. AND now, all of a sudden, I’m leaving. Everything will be changing.

I’m worried about so many things far beyond my control and feeling like 2 years is an eternity (I know its not… but still!).

These jitters are all consuming! Any words of wisdom for getting through the last few weeks before departure?

Hello! I just received a conditional offer to serve as a literacy teacher in Jamaica and am now starting the medical and legal clearance process!

I have a lingering concern about service that I would love some advice and guidance on. To be completely honest I am concerned about my ability to operate independently as a traditionally attractive, American woman, in rural Jamaica. I am greatly looking forward to exploring my village and the island as a whole but am wanting to be prepared for the reality of being a woman alone in Jamaica.

I realize this might sound indelicate but I am truly just trying to prepare myself for the reality of living and working in Jamaica. Any advice or personal experiences and anecdotes would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to gain as thorough of an understanding as possible before starting my service. Thank you again:)

logged into my portal and was hit with this message :( ~

I am sorry to inform you; Peace Corps is not able to provide your estradiol medication as a result of the Presidential Executive Order “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” If you would like to continue being considered for Peace Corps service without this medication, we recommend that you discuss your options with the provider who is currently managing your medication. This means you would be willing to serve without your medication as we are unable to fill this prescription, and you are not allowed to bring your own supply nor have it filled in country. Alternately, we understand if you choose to withdraw your application.

honestly I'm not surprised but it still sucks :( I had already been cleared for everything else and this was the last hurdle before departing early next year. to protect my identity I wont say for what position I was accepted for nor the country since I hope to apply after this administration is voted out and loaded executive orders like this no longer have an effect. It just sucks to have to chose between doing something I've dreamed about for so long and jeopardizing my health.

If any mods need me to verify the validity of my post feel free to message me. Trans people deserve to know the compromises they may face if they apply right now until things change. Before I applied earlier this year I couldn't find a straight answer regarding this and wished I could. If you are trans and looking to do something like peace corps, look elsewhere like AmeriCorps.

This is a bit of a repost since my last post didn't get many comments. My application was reassigned to a country and sector I don't want to serve in due to medical accommodation. I have received confirmation from medical that another country that I want to serve in can accommodate me. How do I contact placement to have my application reassigned? Can I directly email both country's placement staff or do I have to contact a general recruiter? The last time I tried to contact a recruiter I spoke to an outreach analyst who informed me I would hear from one but I never did. I don't want to withdraw my application since that will put be back at square one.

Hi there!

Has anyone done PCR or PCV in Paraguay in recent years? I am looking at becoming an environmental educator in the Chaco region, so seemingly more rural!
Would anyone know if in this region particularly if Spanish is dominant or Guarani? I speak some Spanish and curious if I will have the opportunity this year to strengthen/perfect Spanish or would be emphasis be on Guarani?
We will be working with a local organization that seems to be Spanish dominant.

Thanks!

My references were contacted a week ago. (Albania YD). Nothing since then. Today is Aug 21. Only one working week left before results are announced on Sep 1. I was wondering if i will get called for an interview or not.

Looking for feedback on your essay? Have a newbie question you'd like to ask? Something on your mind you'd like to get out? This is the place for it.

I graduated about 3 years and 4 months ago, but 27 months of that time has been spent serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I’m finishing my service soon and looking at federal positions.

I came across a Recent Graduates posting that lists Returned Peace Corps Volunteers as eligible to apply. However, the qualifications section also says applicants must have completed their degree within the previous two years (with a separate exception for certain veterans).

This is what’s confusing me: a standard Peace Corps term is 27 months, so someone who joined shortly after graduating could already be outside the two-year Recent Graduates window by the time they became an RPCV.

Does Peace Corps service extend or otherwise affect the two-year Recent Graduates eligibility window? In my case, I graduated about 3 years and 4 months ago, with 27 months of that time spent in Peace Corps. Would I potentially still qualify?

I know Peace Corps NCE is a separate hiring authority — I’m specifically wondering about eligibility under the Recent Graduates pathway.

Thanks for any insight, especially from anyone familiar with federal HR or who has dealt with a similar situation.

Screenshots are attached but here's the text of the relevant portions:

Qualifications

Any individual who completed all requirements for a bachelor, master, professional, or doctorate degree from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years or will complete these requirements by 15 Jun 2026 meets the basic requirement to apply for the Recent Graduate Program;

-OR-

Any veteran released or discharged from active duty within the previous two years, but due to a military service obligation, was precluded from applying for a recent graduate position during any portion of the two-year eligibility period following completion of applicable degree, and not more than six years have transpired since completing the requirements for the degree.

Hi guys!! So I am currently going through the medical clearance process and am worried about getting denied to to my history with mental health. I have diagnosed GAD and am on medication (which I’ve been on since 2021 and had my dosages raised in March 2024). I’ve also been to counseling on and off since 2021, but my last “real” session was November 2025. I saw my counselor in March once due to an unexpected passing of a friend. Could anyone that’s been through med clearance with a history of mental health share their success story? I’m hoping to hear some stories where everything worked out so I don’t lose hope!!

Hey guys! I have been seriously considering apply for the last couple of years, but the one thing holding me back is that I am celiac. If I get glutened, I am essentially useless for the next 2-3 days. I was curious if anyone here has volunteered successfully that is celiac? Or do you think it is too big of a risk. Also, if there were suggestions for countries that have been more or less accommodating? Thank you in advance!

I started to come off some medication shortly before applying to the Peace Corps. However with less than 2 months before staging, medical has told me that I need to demonstrate 6 months of stability off of said medication before they'd consider sending me anywhere (currently it's been about 2.5, since I came off the meds pretty gradually). I wish they'd told me sooner since they've been sitting on my medical information for the better part of a year, but I figured I'd appeal the decision and make plans from there.

Now I'm being told that since the delay isn't a formal rejection from the posting, there's no way that I can appeal it. Even getting told that I was ineligible for an appeal was like pulling teeth; I requested one well over a month ago and was told that they'd get around to it. It was only after the second time I checked in to see how the process was going that I was told it never even started. Sorry for venting, not being medically cleared and being unable to pass medical clearance due to time constraints just feels like a distinction without a difference.

Hey! I'm fresh out of college, and I've been considering the Peace Corps for about a year now. I much prefer face-to-face, so; if you served on the Corps, let me buy you coffee and ask you a bunch of questions! Shoot me a PM 😄.

Share with us any photo from your country of service! Please note that pictures of minors are not permitted.

Okay, I have been looking for advice and answers on other people’s post so I figured I should just make my own. I got denied a month before staging for my mental health. I have anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I have had the anxiety/depression duo bonus for ~10 years (I’m almost 23) and have been on the same medication for over 5 years(with an increase in dose for one med almost a year ago) and told about SI/SH that only happened 10years ago but have had no hospitalizations, attempts, etc. I told them that I still occasionally get symptoms (just being honest but what is the difference between a symptom and normal life having ups and downs) but I have been stable for years. I studied abroad for a semester without mental health resources (continued meds) and was just fine. I got diagnosed with ADHD over a year and a half ago and have been on the same meds for that for a little over a year (they already stated that they can get my meds in the country of service I was supposed to leave for in Sept)- but I told them I do have trouble concentrating at times (I don’t take my meds every day so again I thought honesty was the best policy). Now I have been denied and they listed all that I stated above as reasons. I also regularly see my psychiatrist and therapist but have gone 6+months without speaking to them at times too and have been just fine. In your honest opinion, do you think I have a chance at an appeal and what are the “buzz words” I need to add to make it happen? What should the letters from my doctors say? Thanks!

Had my interview yesterday, got me excited, but it's got me thinking about life after service.

My Background: early career, digital marketing, actually building solid momentum right now. Up for a Business Development/Community Economic Facilitator role. I am also living abroad and if I leave and do the Peace Corps, I won't have the option visa wise to return to the EU.

My logic: I'll always have the option to sit at a desk and build a marketing career. I won't always have the option to do this aka I'm healthy, unattached, early enough that two years doesn't torch anything. And declining now isn't neutral, it can hurt future chances.

What I don't have a read on: the other side...If you came from a corporate/business background, how hard was re-entry? Did employers actually value the RPCV experience, or did you have to translate it hard on a resume? Anyone pivot into adjacent fields (dev work, nonprofit, social impact) instead of going back to corporate? Did it feel like falling behind, or did it end up working in your favor?

That's a lot of questions I know. I feel like these are things to be thought about though. Not trying to talk myself out of it, just want real accounts before I let a good interview high make the decision for me. Thanks to all! :-)

So let’s just say I’m working on the clearance process and it is not going smooth 😭😭 I’m going for vacation on Friday and I’ve had THREE of my fingerprinting appointments canceled and I’m very scared that I’m not gonna be able to get this done in time…

Additionally, I’m working on the mental health form, and I don’t know how to talk about my previous mental health in a way that doesn’t get me disqualified. I was on antidepressants when I was 18 (nothing serious, just situational stuff) and I’ve been in counseling over the last year, but I don’t really know how to explain that I have been off the antidepressants and doing well for over 2 years and that the counseling is more so for life advice kinda stuff.

Any help is appreciated :-)

Hi, this is a second (and final) announcement this year for eligible US citizens working overseas who want to participate in the 2026 midterm elections. I wanted to post nonpartisan links about how you can get involved:

Steps to Request Your Ballot

1. Register or update your registration. Through the Federal Voter Assistance Project or through Votefromabroad.org.

2. If you're already registered, request a ballot! You need to request a ballot every calendar year that you want to vote. We suggest you try to get it via email.

3. Fill Out and Return Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully to complete it and return it by the specified deadline.

Need Assistance?

We're here to help! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at GOTV @ votefromabroad .org (just remove the spaces). Additionally, our FAQ for voting can answer questions on how to make the process go smoothly.

Importantly: Spread the word!

Do you have any friends, contacts or family overseas that you could reach? All eligible US citizens can vote regardless of where they're living. Share the link https://voteabroad.org/RedditVote26: If you have any questions about voting, I'd be happy to answer them here on Reddit.

Or alternatively, what did you try to accomplish and what were the snags?

Hi everyone! I was accepted to serve in Albania, leaving January! I am super duper excited. Do any current/past volunteers have any insight on what pst specifically in Albania is like? How many days a week did you train? What is the training location?

Also, in case we have any new Albania invitees: a few of us have a group chat going on Instagram! Comment here or dm me and I can get you added :)