Joining the Peace Corps and becoming a "Water Resource Manager" in Mali, West Africa was an unparalleled overseas living experience. For two and a half years I lived in Fatoma, a village of about 500 people not far from Mopti, a regional capital located on the Niger River between Bamako and the legendary town of Timbuctou.
The Malian people were wonderful and the impact they and their country had on me remains indelible. Fortunately, that was not the case with the malaria or the schistosomiasis I contracted. In fact, the Peace Corps takes excellent care of its personnel. Likewise the three month in-country training we received before being assigned to our post was impeccable. They provided me with intensive language training (French and Fulani) as well as job specific training. As a "water volunteer" I was taught how to dig large diameter wells and line them with concrete bricks so they wouldn't collapse during the rainy season. My job was then to transfer this "technology" to everyone interested in learning about lining hand-dug wells.
Living expenses are provided for by the Peace Corps and for each month served, two hundred dollars is set aside for you till the close of your service. For young volunteers that have just graduated from college, this "settling back in allowance" is very handy.
Despite a very rigorous screening process, some volunteers found the experience too difficult and ended up leaving early or toughing it out until their two years were up. Early terminations for Mali were about 30%. Some of the reasons cited were homesickness, diet, and harsh conditions such as lack of amenities or health issues. On the other hand, I and many other volunteers found the experience absolutely amazing and for this we will forever be indebted to our host country and the Peace Corps.
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Hello, Im very intreasted in joining the peace corps. Im not a college grad (went for three years) but have done water treatment for 11 years now. Do you think that will make up for no college degree? Im 30 with little familey and peace corps seems to offer me the life changing expierce im looking for.
Hello Nathan, thanks for your post.
You should definitely check it out.
While PC appreciates a college degree, it is not essential. If you have a particular skill in an area that they have a post for, you would in fact be a more likely candidate than some one with no experience and degree.
In my case, they were much more interested in my construction experience than if I went to school.
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