I decided to create this blog to document my progression through the Peace Corps application process. Of course, I am creating it fairly late in the game. So here's the roundup:
I submitted my application in April 2010. I had my initial interview in early May and was nominated that day to teach English as a Second Language to secondary students in Eastern Europe. I was initially told that I would be leaving in March 2011. Since then, my departure date has been pushed back, I think.
The process of completing the medical paperwork dragged on. Unfortunately, I spent my summer working at a residential camp and leading hikes on the Appalachian Trail. This situation gave me little to no opportunity to visit doctors and so forth. Therefore, my medical process dragged on for about four months. I finally submitted the paperwork in late October 2010. The next few months consisted of me practicing patience and occasionally e-mailing my medical review contacts.
A few weeks ago, the Office of Medical Services (OMS) finally informed me that they were reviewing my file. They also informed me that three minor things were filled out incorrectly and I would have to redo them. After a hasty doctor's appointment, lab test, and a few shots, I got everything sorted out. Two fax machines later, the OMS received my paperwork.
This pretty much brings us up to date. Today I received an official letter stating that I have been medically cleared for Peace Corps service. From what I understand, the next step is being contacted by a placement officer to discuss the specific dates, location, and job.
At this point, I'm not so much nervous as anxious. I don't know what to expect next. I don't know if I'll be getting a phone call, e-mail, telegram, or what. I'll be keeping an eye on the sky for smoke signals, that's for sure. This all still seems very surreal. I have been talking about Peace Corps for so long now, it doesn't seem real. I don't know what I'll do or how I'll react if/when that invitation comes. Any support or advice from current or returned PCVs would be greatly appreciated at this point!
Congrats on passing medical! You will most likely get an email from your Placement Assistant asking for an updated resume and any other items needed to complete your file. Good luck with the rest of the process!!
ReplyDeleteDon't stress! Everything will come together for you very soon! I was cleared by medical Jan 8th and received notification of my invite (now in transit) Jan 26th! I also had a placecement interview Jan 24th.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is have faith (easier said that done) and if they email you asking for any updated resume or skills addedums, get those back asap. Best of luck and hopefully you will find out very soon!!!
Rachel and Natalie, thank you both for your words of encouragement. I've enjoyed reading the positive stories in your blogs; they've given me a bit of hope. I'll update mine as soon as I hear anything...keep you fingers crossed for me!
ReplyDeleteKelsey,
ReplyDeleteI am not a returned volunteer but I am at the same point in the application process as you are. I too was nominated to leave in March for a teaching position in Eastern Europe. After a medical clearance on December 20th, I received an email asking me to rewrite the Cross Culture essay and submit transcripts, resume, etc. Like you, I am waiting. Patiently.
Good luck.
Kelsey, thanks for letting us know about what to expect concerning post medical. I was interviewed in November and sent in the medical/dental documents two weeks ago. So far only dental has been approved and I hope that there's nothing wrong with any signatures in the physical! I've been told that I'll be going to sub-Saharan Africa in early summer (June?). We'll see, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteBailey and Hombreverde -- best of luck to you both!!
ReplyDelete