Peace Corps?

[altblue]

When I was mulling over my (still ongoing) quarterlife crisis with a friend recently, she told me to go join the Peace Corps. Get paid to travel, get some kind of work experience, etc. There aren't a whole lot of choices of countries to go to though, and it's a 2-year commitment. Though I really want to live abroad again, I'm not sure I'd be able to handle being a Peace Corps Volunteer...especially as an INTP. ;) Just wondering if anyone here has had any experiences with Peace Corps or general thoughts about it, etc.

[papertrail]

ha! dude don't do it unless you believe in the mission or have a friend that can get you assigned to the bahamas.

it's serious stuff. the physicals, the pills, the weather, the living conditions, the food, the lack of amenities...it's not for the faint hearted or those looking to escape the quarter life crisis.

but if you do go and hate it you can always pull out.

[gman13]

I seriously thought about it, but two years... that is a mightly long time. I guess it all depends where you end up. I'm sure it is an amazing experience, but one that comes with a price.

[Ferrus]

I'm sure it is an amazing experience, but one that comes with a price.
But alas, so does working in an office. The price paid for the Peace Corps would be far more salutory and character building, and in the long term would be immeasurably beneficial.

[bergenski]

It sounds like you would really have to be comitted to it...they don't want people just looking to escape their lives, I would think...

[Nemesis]

When I was mulling over my (still ongoing) quarterlife crisis with a friend recently, she told me to go join the Peace Corps. Get paid to travel, get some kind of work experience, etc. There aren't a whole lot of choices of countries to go to though, and it's a 2-year commitment. Though I really want to live abroad again, I'm not sure I'd be able to handle being a Peace Corps Volunteer...especially as an INTP. ;) Just wondering if anyone here has had any experiences with Peace Corps or general thoughts about it, etc.
My 8th grade reading teacher was in the Peace Corps in Belize. No toilet paper, no utensils, no air conditioning, no plumbing, no money, got stung by a scorpion, BUT!!! If you ask her if it was worth it, she will always answer "I would do it again in a heartbeat."

[Leftfield]

I had considered it during the back end of my college career. I went to a Peace Corps meeting twice on campus.

First: before I worked 6 months in Germany, and once again after that. No chance when I am young, I am too comfortable living in this country and its not worth leaving everything behind for two entire years.

I would consider it when I am older and if I were a widow, and had less to live for, but as someone else mentioned - I would be more inclined to do it if I went with a spouse or a meaningful friend.