Hello Jodi. I was in India Group 28 between 1966-68. I found it interesting that you did not have per-country training. For us, we were trained to be fluent in the language, reading writing speaking, and comprehension as well as the cultural norms, how to use a commode, quite comprehensive, including self-health care. Sorry, you had bad experiences, but I am sure your takeaway far outweighs those trials. Madagascar is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. Hope you feel blessed. I opted to be in the most remote tribal areas of the area. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Hard to comprehend there have only been 240,000 of us.
Hi! We had pre service training for three months where we had language, medical, cultural, and other training. It was super helpful. But there was still a steep learning curve when arriving at site. I LOVED my experience, even with any mishaps. 😉
Appreciate you for making this video! I recently applied to the peace corps and even tho I haven’t been invited it’s still just so exciting to think about
Hey Jodi!! I thought your insight on peace corps friendships was really interesting. Would you ever make a video about what it’s like making friends and establishing some sort of community while you’re far away from home volunteering for the peace corps? 💕
Hello Jodi, as of now I'm 17 but after high school I'm planing on joining the Peace Corpe. Watching this video can help me when the time comes for me to go. I want to say thank you for this.
99% of the time you have to have a college degree or trade to get in. When you get to your country you will have a job, so not having any special skill or degree is not useful. (I was in 2016-2018)
Yes! Having a degree or specific skill is necessary to be accepted in the Peace Corps, if you are 18 and have 4 years experience in a specific skill, by all means apply!
Hi! I'm thinking of joining the Peace Corps after graduating college and your videos are so helpful! I was just wondering, were you able to pay for all of your living expenses with the stipend that the peace corps provides or did you have to pay for some things out of pocket?
Great question! The answer to your question varies per person and their living style. Every country has different living stipends. In my experience, I had just enough to get by while living modestly. I was placed far from my banking town and had to Travel a significant distance each month which required 2-3 nights in a hotel room per month minimum + travel expenses. I used my own personal money often while on short vacations so that I could get a nice hotel room that actually had hot water and eat ice cream. I know of other volunteers who had plenty of money to live on and had extra to hire someone to help with their laundry as well as purchase nice house furniture. It really will depend on your living situation, travel requirements, and how often you splurge.
Great content!!! it is quite interesting to realize that I had pretty much the same issues (except point 2 at CC) but as an international student in the U.S from East Africa.
Hey Jodi! Thank you so much this was an awesome resource. I noticed at 5:10 & 6:18 to 7:20 there is a repeated cut of footage about getting ill and facing unforeseen symptoms. Just a heads up! Glad you're able to live in service and excited to see what it looks like to return to service!!
Hi Jodi, I thoroughly enjoy your video. I am thinking about deferring a year and joining the peace corps so it's very helpful hearing your thoughts . How did you get started in the peace corps?
Hi! I just learned about the Peace Corps as much as I could online And then applied. You can always try talking to a local Peace Corps group in your area as well, or a recruiter!
I applied and interviewed right in the midst of covid.. March 2020! I hope to be in Ecuador early January 2023! This video was so informative and made me super excited for the possible future! Do you plan on going back and serving more years?
Many rules are different per country of service. But in my case, I accrued "vacation days" that could be used for anytime I wanted or needed to be away from the community where I lived. Other Peace Corps Volunteers used those vacation days to go home and visit family. My family actually came to visit me, so I used the days to travel around with my Family.
Okay so just talked to my professor about possibly doing this in a year and I said after we talked that I am going to go watch youtube videos about it. Your video is the first one I clicked on and I am also from MN. Instant chills, I feel like it is a good sign:)
I have to admit that it’s been a while since I’ve watched your videos so I wanted to take the time to wish you a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 💯🙌💖your videos have given me an outlook as to what it’s like when you are selected to become a volunteer. So thx for sharing your experiences with the world 🌍👍keep it up.
Day Summer You can use your accrued vacation days to go home and visit family. I didn’t because it was very expensive. But my siblings both came to visit me in Madagascar!
They give you tips on how to be vegetarian without being rude. Malagasy people in my experience were very understanding when I would tell them I didn't eat certain foods. But meat is very special and sharing meat with people is generous in Malagasy culture, so refusing can come off as rude if they are unaware that you are vegetarian and what that means. I don't mean for this to sound discouraging to vegetarians! Again, Malagasy people are very understanding and accepting of in my experience!
Hi Jodi, I am currently in the application process for PC in Indonesia. I am wondering if you have any suggestions for my motivation statement. I am kind of navigating this alone. Thank you.
@@jodimiddendorf Thank you so much! I am doing just that actually. I am actually nervous about writing as it is not my strong suit. What is the likelihood of not being accepted because of your writing style? I can proofread over and over again but that is as much as I can do. Any pointers?
Good question! You can apply for an extension towards the end of your two years. You will probably not be doing the same exact work during your extension as you were during your first two years. You may choose to extend as a Peace Corps volunteer leader, or to work an office position for Peace Corps. You might be able to line up some work for yourself with an NGO in your country of service and so that for your extension. Usually extensions are 6 months to a year of additional service. I believe the limit is five years of consecutive Peace Corps service. Though anything past a year or two of extension (on top of initial two years of service) is very rare in my experience.
Basically you can't have any responsibilities in the U.S because you don't make a salary to continue car payments, a mortgage for a home, a family. You'll lose everything you own.
True. Even though Peace Corps gives a living stipend, it is still volunteer work. The money is just enough to survive. You will not receive enough money for a mortgage. There were a few volunteers who rented out their homes to people they knew and trusted so that they could do the Peace Corps. If you have a family of children under 18, Peace Corps probably won't work at this time. Children cannot come with to the Peace Corps and the stipend wouldn't contribute to care of children.
Kinda reminds me of joining the Navy. I had no idea how many critical freedoms I was giving up. I do not recommend anyone joining the military for that reason.
I just applied about a week ago, so they're still taking applications. I finally got another notice today that they'd contacted my references, and a notification that one had responded. Apparently, their actual employees are back at work. I'm guessing that they want to be ready for when they actually can send volunteers out again, but who knows when that'll be. I watched one video where a guy said that from applying to actually being sent off, it took about a year, and that was, of course, pre-COVID.
Probably. By their late 20s, society "expects" people to have an established career, be settled down and happily married with kids in a family home. But things might be different now for Millennials and Gen Z.
Some Peace Corps volunteers had other volunteers living very near them. Others were miles and miles from the nearest volunteer. It all depends. You get to voice your opinion and desires a bit before your living location is determined, but ultimately Peace Corps decides where you will live.
Everyone joins the Peace Corps for different reasons and in different times of life. A two year commitment to join a cause like this takes a ton of deliberation. I think anyone who takes on something like this because it "sounds cool" wouldn't last long. Everyone is on their own path and I hope you the best in yours!
@@jodimiddendorf I bet you do miss it. Question for ya did you bring back any coffee. Some of the African countries are known for their coffee. Just thought I’d ask. ☮️
@@jodimiddendorf honestly don't know how I ended up watching this video, google algorithm did you well. I'm a 40 year old war veteran with a dog, probably never going to join. Part of me wish I did and much kudos.
If you were in the Peace Corps, what else do you wish you would have known?
Were there other Peace Corp people there with you? Living near where you live? Like other Americans in the Peace Corp with you?
How do you balance your personal needs?
What were you allowed to bring with you?
How much money would you really need if you want to also look around on weekends and eat and experience some things while there?
Hello Jodi. I was in India Group 28 between 1966-68. I found it interesting that you did not have per-country training. For us, we were trained to be fluent in the language, reading writing speaking, and comprehension as well as the cultural norms, how to use a commode, quite comprehensive, including self-health care. Sorry, you had bad experiences, but I am sure your takeaway far outweighs those trials. Madagascar is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. Hope you feel blessed. I opted to be in the most remote tribal areas of the area. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Hard to comprehend there have only been 240,000 of us.
Hi! We had pre service training for three months where we had language, medical, cultural, and other training. It was super helpful. But there was still a steep learning curve when arriving at site. I LOVED my experience, even with any mishaps. 😉
@@jodimiddendorf Again thank for your service. Most of us go on serving.
I was in the Peace Corps in Jamaica in 1973-75. We had great training, including understanding the patois.
@@kathleensmith7260did you enjoy it
Appreciate you for making this video! I recently applied to the peace corps and even tho I haven’t been invited it’s still just so exciting to think about
Did you get in
What would be the reason for them to not invite someone? Do we know?
Hey Jodi!! I thought your insight on peace corps friendships was really interesting. Would you ever make a video about what it’s like making friends and establishing some sort of community while you’re far away from home volunteering for the peace corps? 💕
yes! I will think on the topic and make a video soon!
Hello Jodi, as of now I'm 17 but after high school I'm planing on joining the Peace Corpe. Watching this video can help me when the time comes for me to go. I want to say thank you for this.
99% of the time you have to have a college degree or trade to get in. When you get to your country you will have a job, so not having any special skill or degree is not useful. (I was in 2016-2018)
Yes! Having a degree or specific skill is necessary to be accepted in the Peace Corps, if you are 18 and have 4 years experience in a specific skill, by all means apply!
@@jodimiddendorfwhat was your degree in
@@cassidylee1330how was your time
@@cassidylee1330what was your job
This was SUPER HELPFUL! Thank you so much
I’m happy I could help!
Hi! I'm thinking of joining the Peace Corps after graduating college and your videos are so helpful! I was just wondering, were you able to pay for all of your living expenses with the stipend that the peace corps provides or did you have to pay for some things out of pocket?
Great question! The answer to your question varies per person and their living style. Every country has different living stipends. In my experience, I had just enough to get by while living modestly. I was placed far from my banking town and had to Travel a significant distance each month which required 2-3 nights in a hotel room per month minimum + travel expenses. I used my own personal money often while on short vacations so that I could get a nice hotel room that actually had hot water and eat ice cream.
I know of other volunteers who had plenty of money to live on and had extra to hire someone to help with their laundry as well as purchase nice house furniture. It really will depend on your living situation, travel requirements, and how often you splurge.
@@jodimiddendorf Thank you so much!
@@jodimiddendorfdo you know what country those other volunteers were in
House furniture? They got their own rental? Is that paid for by PC?
Great content!!! it is quite interesting to realize that I had pretty much the same issues (except point 2 at CC) but as an international student in the U.S from East Africa.
Living in a new culture was challenging! I am impressed that you spent so much time away from home!
Hey Jodi! Thank you so much this was an awesome resource. I noticed at 5:10 & 6:18 to 7:20 there is a repeated cut of footage about getting ill and facing unforeseen symptoms. Just a heads up!
Glad you're able to live in service and excited to see what it looks like to return to service!!
Thank you for letting me know!
You are a wonderful lady Jodi. God bless you 🙏
Thank you Bryan!
@@jodimiddendorf you're welcome 😊
Hi Jodi,
I thoroughly enjoy your video. I am thinking about deferring a year and joining the peace corps so it's very helpful hearing your thoughts . How did you get started in the peace corps?
Hi! I just learned about the Peace Corps as much as I could online And then applied. You can always try talking to a local Peace Corps group in your area as well, or a recruiter!
@@jodimiddendorfwas it a long process
im thinking of joining in the future
I applied and interviewed right in the midst of covid.. March 2020! I hope to be in Ecuador early January 2023! This video was so informative and made me super excited for the possible future! Do you plan on going back and serving more years?
Did you make it?
@@fleaz4984 yes i did! I’ve been here for 7 months now ❤️
@@fleaz4984are you interested in doing peace corps
You chose to wait three years after applying or is that normal? 😑
@@fleaz4984 yes! Have been serving for a little more than a year and a half. Love it! 🇪🇨
Thank you for the insights. While in the Peace Corps were you able to take time to go see family at all?
Many rules are different per country of service. But in my case, I accrued "vacation days" that could be used for anytime I wanted or needed to be away from the community where I lived. Other Peace Corps Volunteers used those vacation days to go home and visit family. My family actually came to visit me, so I used the days to travel around with my Family.
Okay so just talked to my professor about possibly doing this in a year and I said after we talked that I am going to go watch youtube videos about it. Your video is the first one I clicked on and I am also from MN. Instant chills, I feel like it is a good sign:)
I really appreciate my memories and lessons learned while I was in the Peace Corps! What kind of work do you hope to do in the Peace Corps?
I have to admit that it’s been a while since I’ve watched your videos so I wanted to take the time to wish you a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 💯🙌💖your videos have given me an outlook as to what it’s like when you are selected to become a volunteer. So thx for sharing your experiences with the world 🌍👍keep it up.
Thank you so much! You are very kind.
@@jodimiddendorf you are so welcome 😃
Thanks so much for sharing ❤
I hope it helps!
I’m really worried about the food situation. I don’t do well with new foods and I really don’t want to be rude
Did you try peace corps
Thank u for the advice
You're so welcome!
Makes sense for others to make the “volunteer’s” decisions. Scary
Do you get to visit family while serving?
Day Summer You can use your accrued vacation days to go home and visit family. I didn’t because it was very expensive. But my siblings both came to visit me in Madagascar!
@@jodimiddendorfdid you get to save up a good amount from serving
As a person that doesn't have time left in my life Ive always wanted to help before I go...I'm one the fence to go
Try it!
Why do you say you don’t have time left in your life
Jesus loves u bro praying for u
If you have medical conditions they might not take you? I keep seeing that they make people take lots of medical tests first
Do they also decide what kinda food you're gonna eat..i mean veg , non-veg..
They give you tips on how to be vegetarian without being rude. Malagasy people in my experience were very understanding when I would tell them I didn't eat certain foods. But meat is very special and sharing meat with people is generous in Malagasy culture, so refusing can come off as rude if they are unaware that you are vegetarian and what that means. I don't mean for this to sound discouraging to vegetarians! Again, Malagasy people are very understanding and accepting of in my experience!
Thanks for the information, Jodi. It was applicable.
Glad it was helpful!
Minnesota? Definitely got a new subscriber.
Hello! Are you a fellow Minnesotan?
@@jodimiddendorf yep born and raised.
@@videohound2005 cool! Are you interested in the Peace corps?
@@jodimiddendorf I wish I could. Medixal problems prevent me, but I know a few people that might be, ill definitely be sending them your way.
@@videohound2005is it with your heart
Hi Jodi, I am currently in the application process for PC in Indonesia. I am wondering if you have any suggestions for my motivation statement. I am kind of navigating this alone. Thank you.
Good luck in your application! Just be honest about why you want to join peace corps. Speak from the heart. ☺️
@@jodimiddendorf Thank you so much! I am doing just that actually. I am actually nervous about writing as it is not my strong suit. What is the likelihood of not being accepted because of your writing style? I can proofread over and over again but that is as much as I can do. Any pointers?
@@parishah7494are you in now
If you want to to more than two years - do they let you do more than two years?
Good question! You can apply for an extension towards the end of your two years.
You will probably not be doing the same exact work during your extension as you were during your first two years. You may choose to extend as a Peace Corps volunteer leader, or to work an office position for Peace Corps. You might be able to line up some work for yourself with an NGO in your country of service and so that for your extension.
Usually extensions are 6 months to a year of additional service. I believe the limit is five years of consecutive Peace Corps service. Though anything past a year or two of extension (on top of initial two years of service) is very rare in my experience.
Basically you can't have any responsibilities in the U.S because you don't make a salary to continue car payments, a mortgage for a home, a family. You'll lose everything you own.
True. Even though Peace Corps gives a living stipend, it is still volunteer work. The money is just enough to survive. You will not receive enough money for a mortgage. There were a few volunteers who rented out their homes to people they knew and trusted so that they could do the Peace Corps. If you have a family of children under 18, Peace Corps probably won't work at this time. Children cannot come with to the Peace Corps and the stipend wouldn't contribute to care of children.
Kinda reminds me of joining the Navy. I had no idea how many critical freedoms I was giving up. I do not recommend anyone joining the military for that reason.
I hear you brother. Fellow navy vet here.
Thank you
Thank you for watching!
Do you know if the peace corps are accepting applicants as of now? I know many peace Corp members were sent back home because of COVID.
I just applied about a week ago, so they're still taking applications. I finally got another notice today that they'd contacted my references, and a notification that one had responded. Apparently, their actual employees are back at work. I'm guessing that they want to be ready for when they actually can send volunteers out again, but who knows when that'll be. I watched one video where a guy said that from applying to actually being sent off, it took about a year, and that was, of course, pre-COVID.
@@chrisserrifichow many references did you need
Don’t they train you and instruct you in the first 3 months ?
Yes! But of course it is still a lot different to jump into it. Just like everything in life.
Do you think it's wise to join the Corps when in your mid-twenties after college?
Probably. By their late 20s, society "expects" people to have an established career, be settled down and happily married with kids in a family home. But things might be different now for Millennials and Gen Z.
People of all ages were in the Peace Corps! Only you know what is best for your personal situation!
@@casper-z9rkls6gldid you try peace corps
Were there other Peace Corp people there with you? Living near where you live? Like other Americans in the Peace Corp with you?
Some Peace Corps volunteers had other volunteers living very near them. Others were miles and miles from the nearest volunteer. It all depends. You get to voice your opinion and desires a bit before your living location is determined, but ultimately Peace Corps decides where you will live.
What happens when you let kids join and people that think I'm going to join cuz it sounds cool
Everyone joins the Peace Corps for different reasons and in different times of life. A two year commitment to join a cause like this takes a ton of deliberation. I think anyone who takes on something like this because it "sounds cool" wouldn't last long. Everyone is on their own path and I hope you the best in yours!
What’s your life like since your return from service?
Busy! I miss Madagascar!
@@jodimiddendorf I bet you do miss it. Question for ya did you bring back any coffee. Some of the African countries are known for their coffee. Just thought I’d ask. ☮️
@@jodimiddendorf what’s your degree in and what are you doing since your return from svc.
@@jonathanwilliams5235 I have a psychology and business degree! I am starting up a photography business! I’ll be making videos about that soon! 😉
@@jodimiddendorf wishing you all the best 🙏🙏
Do you get paid?
You get a stipend to live off of. It’s a small amount, but it’s something!
@@jodimiddendorfdid you not get to save
Hey Jooodi what’s new with you??👊
I’ve been super busy with photography lately! It’s a blast!
@@jodimiddendorf lovin that. Keep it up 👍
I kinda want to do this after my army contact is over
Are you going to
How do I join
Peacecorps.gov
RPCV Nepal N-168 1989-1992. Science/Math teacher.
Do it people o.o
Thanks beautiful. I’m looking into peace corps . Sounds very surprising .
I recommend doing the Peace Corps!
THAT IS RIGHT LADY, YOU NOT IN THE USA
Hello from morocco
Hello!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Thanks 😉
No offense but most of these things are 5 things you wished you knew about growing up. Not very helpful.
Then I guess you’re ready for Peace Corps 💁♀️
@@jodimiddendorf honestly don't know how I ended up watching this video, google algorithm did you well. I'm a 40 year old war veteran with a dog, probably never going to join. Part of me wish I did and much kudos.
@@edthacow crazy what UA-cam and Google will suggest to you. Thanks for your service. I wish you and your dog the best.
No one spreads peace quite like me
You're really pretty, Jodi
Thank you.
Madagascar would be amazing! Wow ❤
What a wonderful experience
It is a beautiful place.
What are the hours for your schedule?
My schedule changed throughout my service. Sometimes I worked 5 days a week, other times I worked 2 days per week!