Third Goal

So this will be my first blogging experience.  I’m not much of a blogger, but I thought this would be the best way for my family and friends to keep track of me.  And maybe if anyone is interested in the Peace Corps, this blog will give you a glimpse of a PCV.

Well my invitation should be arriving any day now, my online peace corps profile tells me that they have made a placement decesion.  I was nominated to leave in September for the South Pacific. Read the rest of this story »

Hi,

I spent 2006-2008 in Palau, a Pacific island nation that is no more than a tiny dot on a world map but has left a much more significant mark on my heart and who I am.   I could not attempt to describe my experience in a simple blog, but if you do want to hear more, just let me know - I could write for hours about it.

I now work for Youth For Understanding, a nonprofit high school exchange organization.  Knowing that RPCV’s and other Peace Corps enthusiasts are excited about intercultural exchange opportunities, I am posting this as an invitation for you to consider hosting an international exchange student this coming school year. YFU hosts students from over 60 countries around the world, including from several predominantly Muslim countries as part of a specific outreach to bridge the gap between the United States and the Muslim world.  If you are interested in finding out more about welcoming an enthusiastic international teenager into your heart and home, please email me at achochrek@yfu.org.  If you know anybody who would benefit from this type of cultural exposure, please share this information with them.  It is a great way to live out the third goal of helping Americans understand the world beyond our borders.    I hope to hear from you! Read the rest of this story »

I recently inerviewed with the Peace Corps and am awaiting nomination in the Central America with Business focus. I have always seen myself making a difference where my talents could be used and know that the Peace Corps is most likely the way to go.

I am currently in a three year relationship and wanted to chat with anyone else out there that has had a relationship experiance while being away at the Peace Corps….I don’t want him to be the thing that holds me back because in the long run, two years away is not that long! Read the rest of this story »

Looking for other volunteers who are going to the Philippines in August.  I am part of the CYF program (Children, youth and family services).

Also, any previous or current volunteers in the Philippines willing to share stories, experiences, advice, or packing tips.  I’ve noticed a lot of contradictions in the books from the invitation package about what to pack.

I’ve just joined up with Third Goal and I find a lot of interest but also some real questions about Peace Corps in general and the experience of being one.  I was a volunteer in Lesotho in the late 70’s and although there is some time difference and a lot of political changes, People do not change.  These people were some of the poorest, happiest, most giving people I have ever had the priviledge to work with.  I loved it so much that I stayed 3.5 yrs.

Peace Corps is a gov’t entity however and must operate under the usual restraints and timelines.  It takes time for the paperwork to clear, background checks to be completed and arrangements to be made.  Their budget is not flush like other arms of the federal gov’t and so you will find that the frills are missing.  But the administrative people are genuine and want to help you as much as they can.  However, this is not the military and the training will get you started but you will be on your own to complete it. Read the rest of this story »