The Insider's Guide To The Peace Corps: What To Know Before You Go Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
So, you want to join the Peace Corps . . . If you are interested in joining the Peace Corps, you probably have questions that run the gamut from "What is the application process like?" to "Is the Peace Corps effective as a development agency?" In this updated second edition, former Peace Corps volunteer Dillon Banerjee shares candid facts and insights about the experience in a practical question-and-answer format. With input from recently returned volunteers who served across the globe, this thorough guide presents valuable information including: • What Peace Corps recruiters look for in your application• Items you should--and shouldn't---pack for your two-year trip• Useful gadgets and technology that help volunteers stay connected from far away• Real answers to personal questions about culture shock, safety, dating, homesickness, and more Whether you're thinking of joining or have already been accepted and are preparing to leave, The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps will help equip you for the unique challenges and rewards of the volunteer experience, regardless of your program area or country assignment. It's essential reading for anyone interested in "the toughest job you'll ever love."
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Ten Speed Press; 2nd edition (February 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1580089704
ISBN-13: 978-1580089708
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #312,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #67 in Books > Business & Money > Job Hunting & Careers > Volunteer Work #464 in Books > Business & Money > Job Hunting & Careers > Job Hunting #793 in Books > Travel > Reference > General
I purchased this book while going through the application process. Once the book came in the mail, I read about 90% of it that night. The format is fantastic - it is divided 14 sections, ranging from pre-application jitters to an appendices with general info on Peace Corps. Each section contains a number of questions that are addressed within a page or two with some very useful information. Some of the questions (74 total) include the following:-Am I qualified to join the Peace Corps?-Will I be lonely?-What should I bring?-What is training like?-Will I get sick?-How will I receive mail?-Will I have access to Internet?-Will I be able to have friends & family visit from the States?While the Peace Corps Recruiter assigned to my area was incredibly helpful in answering my questions, this book addresses issues that I didn't even think about. It has definitely left me with more informed & realistic expectations about what's to come.This is also a useful source for family members and friends of Peace Corps volunteers.Definitely a must buy!
I am currently on track to leave for my Peace Corps service in about a month. I breezed through this book. This book is divided into 1-3 page "chapters" that are actually just questions that many people ask and the author providing his answers and insight. I really enjoyed reading this book, it has been an essential source for me as I embark on my own Peace Corps journey.His responses are so detailed I was consistently impressed. If you are interested in the Peace Corps, applying, accepted, or even if your already out on the field I would recommend this book. It can feel a bit overwhelming while reading the book just because there is so much information to take in, I'm getting used to this by now. Even though I'm almost done reading it I will most definitely take this with me in the field when I leave. It's very practical and has a lot of good information that many don't think about. It will be a great resource for me as I navigate my service.
I was pretty far along in the Peace Corps Application process when I bought this book so some of the facts were redundant for me. There are some details that the authors provide, however, that prove to be informative for soon-to-be PCVs. I would recommend this book to individuals very early on in the application process, or possibly in future additions, go into more details when answering questions. The format of the book was very easy to read but left me wanting more. Since the "chapters" were split into separate FAQs, I often wanted the author to expound more. It seems like they were trying to remain unbiased in their answers and give broad explanations without seeming one-sided one way or another. I would recommend this book, but would suggest that applicants very far along in the application process look more toward PC blogs and wikis. Current and formed volunteers are the best source of information for questions, and they love to help.
Purchased this for my step-daughter who is contemplating joining the peace corps after college. I found it to be very thorough reading for anyone entertaining a stint in the peace corps. Now if only my step-daughter would read it herself! (Think she's afraid of the realities she'll find within).
Here's my sorry Peace Corps experience. My college roommate is a RPCV. My college officemate is a RPCV (and past PC country director). My neighbor in Honolulu is a RPCV. I interact with RPCV practically every day. And my son is currently serving as a PCV.Me? I partially filled out the application 2-3 times.But I am a serious student of the PC. I've read a number of their official publications. I've walked by their headquarters in DC (hah... can't go in without an appointment). Mostly, I want to be a good supporter of my son during his term of service. I want to know what his needs are. What happens if he gets sick? Should I send him money? He wants strange things, like duct tape, chewing gum, flash drives, and underwear.I've read the first edition of Banerjee's The Insider's Guide To The Peace Corps (I actually gave it to my son AFTER he was posted... thought his fellow PCVs would get a kick out of it). This second edition was written almost 10 years later.Well, it's time for another edition. The explosive growth of cell phones and access to the Internet have changed things since this 2009 edition. Motorcycles are still out. Visitors are still encouraged. The application process has changed (you can check out all volunteer positions online).This second edition goes into greater detail regarding being a vegetarian or being romantically involved before you go.Overall, it's a great book, highly recommended if you are planning on a PC experience. Me? I may teach a course on the PC. This would be a good read for the students.
"The Insider's Guide to Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go" is a great first step in your Peace Corps journey. It answers dozens of the frequently asked questions that applicants have as they start thinking about Peace Corps. As a currently serving Peace Corps Volunteer (Mongolia 2008-2011), I found this guide very helpful as I began my Peace Corps experience and I highly recommend it.This book also inspired me to write my own book, providing more detail about the Peace Corps experience in a more "unofficial" way and also giving the reader a chance to keep a journal of their own experience. I also highly recommend giving the Unofficial Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook a look. Good luck in your own Peace Corps adventure!
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