Panama in August 2007 CED
June 8th, 2007 by andrewL.Hello, my name is Andrew and I am got my invitation recently for Panama in the Community and Economic Development program scheduled to leave August 15th? Is there any one else scheduled to leave at the same time? Or does anyone know of any volunteers who are currently there? Any other thoughts or suggestions prior to leaving would also be appreciated. Thanks.
June 21st, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Hey Andrew, I am scheduled to leave for Panama at the same time. I am excited about it. I’m from Maryland and I went to college up in Connecticut. It sounds like we’ll be in the same training group.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Just accepted my invite for Panama leaving August 15th as an “Environmental Health Extensionist”. I’ve been reading a few of the blogs at http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/pm.html and it seems like we might meet some (all?) of those people in Panama.
August 12th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Sorry this is so last minute, but I´m a PCV from the group ahead of you!!!! My wife and I just swore in two weeks ago and have been insite, so this was my first chance to remember to check here. If you haven´t already left, maybe I can help.
First, yes, pack light. You literally can buy anything you would need here; some things are a bit cheaper, some a bit more, but anything you need.
Major recommendations:
* forget about hiking boots, they´ll likely just grow mold, everyone here (volunteers and Panamanians) walk everywhere in flipflops or rubber boots (bought here for $10 - $15, and not hard to find for even size 12s)
* Bring an extra bag!! I fit everything in a backpack (not a camping one, but a day hiking type one) and a suitcase. During training, I received enough stuff (books, materials, supplies, med kit, etc) that I was able to totally fill the suitcase again. Ugh.
* Don´t bring something special for Swearing In. It is ten weeks after you arrive, and you´ll have time here to shop and buy stuff. Definately folks in our group swore in in local shirts and dresses (while others had ties); personally, I mailed home the shirt I brought for Swearing In the very next day.
If your group is like us, you´ll have tons of questions at Staging in DC and won´t get a lot of good answers. But don´t worry, you´ll be eased into things, even if everything isn´t explained to you. Over your ten weeks of training, you´ll learn buses, travel, etc, and have a night or two on your own(you´ll need it! We argued for them to give you more!) You´ll probably have access to internet cafes nearly weekly (and have wireless internet for the first few days, before your host families) and be able to make inexpensive calls via calling card (supposedly the host families will be getting phones in the houses, so everyone doesn´t have to queue up at the pay phone - yet another cultural gathering point lost ;)
Oh, and you´ll have access to some current volunteers during the first few days, so you can ask questions, and I just emailed a two page örientation¨to the training staff that may help you out too.
If you happen to check today or tomorrow, I´ll try to check again before we head back to our site Monday afternoon. Good luck, and congratulations!!! Panama is a great PC site!
August 23rd, 2007 at 1:56 am
Community and Economic development in Panama… that sounds like my ideal PC assignment!
Andrew, what experience/education did you have to qualify for that program? I am trying to gain some experience before I apply. Thanks!