Four weeks down, Four weeks until PERMANENT POST ANNOUNCEMENTS
There’s quite a buzz amongst the volunteers these days. In two weeks time, we’ll take a “mock” language proficiency interview, so that the staff may judge our language progress to date. In three weeks’ time, we’ll have one-on-one interviews regarding our permanent post preferences. Presumably we’ll be given additional detail about each post before then, but possibly not… Then – in FOUR weeks time, they’ll announce our individual post assignments. Four weeks . . .
That’s the official story, which incites buzz enough (“how will they choose?” “how good does my language need to be in 2 weeks??”) – BUT, there’s more to it. Apparently, they’ve already made unofficial placements for a few of us. What? How? A couple of us found out today that the program staff has been actively observing us on our central training days – observing what we display interest and knowledge in, our strengths and weaknesses, gauging leaders, etc. AND – the director of Programing and training has essentially been interviewing us without us knowing it: he often strikes up conversations with individuals during meals, or in the hall – and I’m absolutely certain he’s been taking mental notes, in the least. Sneaky man! I’ve had a few good talks with him about my interests and perspective – and I now realize that they’ve undoubtedly substantially effected his thoughts on where to place me. While it always feels funny to learn about such unannounced surveillance, I also admit – it’s probably a really good thing. Because through these casual conversations, Our director is getting genuine responses – bypassing any opportunity we may have to fool ourselves.
So – why would it matter which permanent post we get? They like to tell us that they’re all very similar, but – it’s clear that there’ll be some distinct variations. The first big deal difference: there will be 1 or 2 Agriculture and 1 or 2 Health posts in the central district offices. The implications of these posts: policy level work, probably in the regions most-urban center (which will be a tiny town, but also means somewhat reliable internet and market access). The next big-deal difference: there are three regions that will contain 2 volunteers, which implies (though not necessarily) a higher chance at being within 1.5 hours of another volunteer. The final big-deal difference: those regions containing 2 volunteers each are also at the highest elevation.
My conflict: do I push for the district post with the policy-level work, which very well may be the most beneficial to my Masters’ degree and future career aspirations? Or do I push for the most remote post possible, where I can truly take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect for a couple years, and work outside as much as possible with my hands in the dirt? Obviously – I want both!! I want a hybrid, if it’s possible: I would definitely like to gain experience working on at the policy level in a developing country – it’s be so insightful, and would give a lot of depth to the things I’ve been learning about in Grad school. But – y’all know I’m also a country bumpkin at heart – a backpacking, dirt-loving gal who would relish the opportunity to be away from it all for two years… There’re a couple important pieces of information to recognize as well: I am the only masters’ international student of our group, my degree is in policy, and I already have experience working in land-use policy whereas the majority of our group is fresh out of undergrad. So – the general buzz is that I’m a shoo-in for the policy post, if I want it.
And so – I turn to you, dear friends, to give me your advice. Obviously I’ll ultimately be making my own decision about what to push for, and the Peace Corps staff will be making their own decision about what they think would be best. But – I’d love to hear your opinions in the meanwhile!
I vote rural! I feel as if this may be the most unique, different type of experience you could have….while I’m sure policy and how things are run and such is VERY different in another country, I feel as if being in a more civilized, structured region is (somewhat) more similar to things you could experience later in grad school and your career. Though to contradict that, it could give you a completely different, broadened view on how to look at things when you come back to do policy here (assuming you don’t stay a world traveler forever ;). And truth be told, the selfish part of me kind of wants you in the place that’s more easily reachable by the rest of the world! Although coming to visit you somewhere extremely rural would be a lot of fun… ahhh! touch choices! Not sure I helped very much…. :)
The policy post would enable you to apply the knowledge you have gained from MIIS; it is a once in a life time opportunity to truly apply the policy you have learned to help others, and you know you will find time to work in the dirt as well!
I agree with Roxanna. Since this counts as part of your Masters Program, see what you can apply from MIIS and learn practical policy skills in the process. You will ALWAYS be able to find in-the-dirt stuff, but how many times are you going to be handed an opportunity to test your policy mojo and learn in the process? This is, of course, predicated on the idea of being in a small town with a host family. If it would be near an urban center, I would agree that’s not for you (nor me, as it turns out). Also, remember this: nothing is forever. If it turns out after one year that you really can’t stand doing the policy stuff, you may be able to switch sites; I know a couple people in Peru who have switched sites after a year. Of course, in the end, it’s all what you make of it anyway, so you’ll do well in either situation. Besos y abrazos de Peru!
Amanda–As you clearly are learning, there are many factors that influence how others view us and what and where they think we should be working. I have seen you win hearts and influence minds. Have a clear focus on what you want to do and if someone makes a decision that gives you a left or right turn, make it interesting and an opportunity to express your talents (which you have an abundance of). Zee and I call it “teaching world literature.” Short translation–she was given the world lit class to teach, which wasn’t on the A-List curriculum. She did such a great job that by the next year everyone at the University wanted to take or teach World Lit. Your love of cities and the physical environment and how we live and work will fuel your work for all your life. I will be cheering you on. Go Girl.
Cant go wrong, dude!