Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
Has anybody ever joined the peace corps or a similar organization? I'm in my mid 20s realizing that I probably need to stretch myself in ways that would both improve my character and make me a more viable candidate for a good grad school. Not to mention that I'm interested in the US foreign service, and that peace corps is a fairly common pipeline to that. My main concern, beyond getting some weird disease or dying in a war zone, is that the experience will be a waste, and that I'll have to follow dumb rules about where I can and can't travel. Also, I wouldn't be making a lot of money and there are few ways to get around that without being discovered.
I was in the Peace Corps, yes. This was the very early 90s though, and the world --and the experience of the Peace Corps-- has changed considerably. It was, for me personally, a great experience that stretched me beyond what could have been possible had I stayed in the US. Mind you the Peace Corps has all kinds of members, motivated for all kinds of reasons.
The reference to being "barred from foreign service for five years" below was only true for intelligence services (eg the CIA or military intelligence), to my understanding.
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link