OT - Peace Corps alternatives???

[busy mom]

Due to negative feedback from Peace Corps participants (medical issues, security, lack of supervision, etc), my daughter is looking for alternatives. She would also like to commit less than 27 months, which is the Peace Corps standard.

I have learned of Cross-Cultural Solutions, but would love feedback on any first hand experience with this, or other organizations...

Thank you!!!

 

[okeydokey]

Americorps or FEMACorps

 

[nighttowll]

I did Americorps NCCC and would recommend it, but I don't think it is any less difficult or prone to issues than the peace corps is. The only real difference is that you get to stay within the US, and the commitment time is shorter at between 9-12 months. Many young adults interested in the peace corps do Americorps first. It helps give them an idea of what to expect and helps them get in. They usually have peace corps representatives available to Americorps members and even offer help filling out the applications and preparing to apply.

Americorps wasn't easy. In fact, I think it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But, I learned a lot about myself and what I was capable of. Yes, I had some bad experiences, but it never felt like I was in danger, and all the amazing once in a lifetime experiences more than made up for the bad ones. When I walked across the stage to graduate, it was one of my proudest moments. I couldn't believe I made it through. We talk in Americorps about there being life after and life before, and that's really true. You don't look at anything the same after completing the program. It really is life changing. I wouldn't avoid it just because it might be hard or uncomfortable. All that was worth it in the end.

If you have any specific concerns or questions, I'd be happy to answer them by PM.

 

[mrslur]

My son had an outstanding experience with The Peace Corps. Just thought I'd give you an opinion on the other side.

 

[JillianMarie]

This really bums me out because everyone I've ever talked to has had a really positive Peace Corps experience. Challenging, yes, and frustrating at times but overwhelmingly valuable. My big regret in life is not doing Peace Corps when I was in my 20s. I'm still planning on exploring the option when I get a little closer to retirement in 20 or 30 years.

 

[sookie]

I did Americorps NCCC and would recommend it, but I don't think it is any less difficult or prone to issues than the peace corps is. The only real difference is that you get to stay within the US, and the commitment time is shorter at between 9-12 months. Many young adults interested in the peace corps do Americorps first. It helps give them an idea of what to expect and helps them get in. They usually have peace corps representatives available to Americorps members and even offer help filling out the applications and preparing to apply.

Americorps wasn't easy. In fact, I think it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But, I learned a lot about myself and what I was capable of. Yes, I had some bad experiences, but it never felt like I was in danger, and all the amazing once in a lifetime experiences more than made up for the bad ones. When I walked across the stage to graduate, it was one of my proudest moments. I couldn't believe I made it through. We talk in Americorps about there being life after and life before, and that's really true. You don't look at anything the same after completing the program. It really is life changing. I wouldn't avoid it just because it might be hard or uncomfortable. All that was worth it in the end.

If you have any specific concerns or questions, I'd be happy to answer them by PM.

I was an Americorps VISTA, so I did stay in one place vs some of the other programs that require constant travel and heavy labor. I received a lot of grant and non-profit training, and felt like I made a big difference where I was placed. Some people get a lot out of their time in Americorps, some do not. The Americorps workers who help during disasters are amazing. There is a lot of variety within the program - there is truly something for everyone. It really made me see things differently. I'm glad I went through the program.

 

[nighttowll]

I was an Americorps VISTA, so I did stay in one place vs some of the other programs that require constant travel and heavy labor. I received a lot of grant and non-profit training, and felt like I made a big difference where I was placed. Some people get a lot out of their time in Americorps, some do not. The Americorps workers who help during disasters are amazing. There is a lot of variety within the program - there is truly something for everyone. It really made me see things differently. I'm glad I went through the program.

I completely agree. I was mainly involved in disaster relief which means you do tend to rough it more than other projects, so that took some getting use to. On the other hand, there were times we had amazing housing. With NCCC, you get to change up jobs every few weeks, so if you aren't thrilled with the current arrangement, you know it's only temporary. The Unit leaders do a great job trying to balance out the types of jobs and housing a team gets, to help everyone from getting too burned out. If they know you just came off a really intense job, they try to make sure your next assignment isn't so strenuous. We had a pretty good mix of office indoor type work and physical labor. Also, as you mentioned the training you get is great. First aid, disaster relief, non-profit work, on the job learning, leadership, construction skills, business skills, teaching.

 

[wendow]

This really bums me out because everyone I've ever talked to has had a really positive Peace Corps experience. Challenging, yes, and frustrating at times but overwhelmingly valuable. My big regret in life is not doing Peace Corps when I was in my 20s. I'm still planning on exploring the option when I get a little closer to retirement in 20 or 30 years.

It's a huge regret for me also that I did not do the Peace Corps. I did try. But my dh (then DBF) and I wanted to be placed together. We met with the Peace Corps people and they said we needed to be married to be placed together. So we moved up our wedding date and got married. Then they said they wouldn't want newlyweds So, we gave up. I really wish that it had worked out. I think it would be such a great experience for young people to have. I guess we just weren't good candidates at the time.

 

[Snoozan]

My niece did a stint with the Peace Corps for about 2 years, 9 months over in Zambia, Africa. Overall, it was a great experience, but I'm sure there were plenty of things she chose not to tell her mother.....She is currently in grad school for international community service and for her internship, she chose to go back to Africa - Ethiopia this time. It is through the CARE program, which she seemed to prefer over the Peace Corps(administratively anyways).