I know that these posts are very helpful to all those nominated to serve in the Peace Corps. Waiting for that invitation can be a long and arduous process, and given that the Peace Corps had changed its application process during the summer of 2012, I hope that my timeline will help those future volunteers who remain in flux.
Summer 2008
I begin my Peace Corps application for the first time! Basically I filled out all of my personal information, but I never started an essay since I was still in College.
July 2012
I find out that the Peace Corps changed its application interface, and I must start my application all over again! Oh well...
August 25, 2012
I finally complete and submit my Peace Corps application. My first go at the waiting game...
August 26, 2012
I register for Medical Pre-Clearance. I complete the information shortly.
September 17, 2012
I receive my first email from my recruiter (Jessica!). Supposedly one of my three references did not submit his or her letter on my behalf. I am notified that the recommender has one week to submit the letter.
October 3, 2012
I receive confirmation that all of the letters on my behalf are received. I am invited to an interview on October 10 in Chicago, but alas! I am traveling in Florida for work and will not return to Chicago until the end of October. I am offered the options to interview via Skype or wait to interview in person. I elect to interview in person.
October 29, 2012
I interview with Jessica at Peace Corps' downtown HQ (in Chicago). I am offered a nomination on the spot for Economic Community Development. Jessica informs me that I will receive an email notification regarding my nomination within a week. Since I elected to be completely flexible on my geographical placement, I am nominated for any ECD program around the world, for a departure date between May and September.
November 3, 2012
I receive an email in regards to my nomination as an Economic Community Development volunteer, with a tentative departure date of May 2013.
December 10, 2013
My finger prints are cleared for security.
January 9, 2013
I receive an email from the NGO Development office. It looks like I have been nominated to a different role! I am asked to complete a few documents regarding my credentials and skills.
January 17, 2013
I submit the NGO documents to the Placement Specialist (while vacationing in India).
January 22, 2013
I receive confirmation of receipt of my documents from the Placement Office, and I am notified that I may be contacted within 4-6 weeks regarding my placement.
March 26, 2013
At this point, I am nervous that I will never be invited to a program and send an email to inquire about my application process. I am informed that all of the positions have been filled, and that my application will be prioritized for the next programs. Oof!
April 25, 2013
I RECEIVE MY INVITATION TO SERVE AS AN NGO DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER IN MACEDONIA!!!!!!!!!!
My departure date is September 13, 2013. I received a phone call from the placement office, and I was notified that there were two positions open- one as volunteer for Environmental Development (location unknown), the other as an NGO Development volunteer. The choice is easy for me.
April 28, 2013
I accept my invitation as a Peace Corps volunteer. I also receive access to my medical portal. Instead of receiving those infamous blue packets, I am sent an email with all of the materials I need.
April 29, 2013
I receive access to the New Volunteer Portal. I am asked to send an updated resume and aspiration statement within 10 days of accepting my assignment.
May 6, 2013
I meet my doctor for a check-up. My physician fills out the paperwork while I receive three immunizations and undergo blood work (they took about 8 vials of blood from me!!!). I almost pass out by the end of the visit.
May 21, 2013
My first dentist appointment! One of many as I keep accruing cavities over the months.
June 5, 2013
I attend my first CAPCA event and meet RPVCs.
June 10, 2013
I submit my final medical documents (the last to be submitted were my dental X-Rays) through the Medical Portal. Hopefully everything is submitted correctly!
June 22, 2013
I mail my materials for the Peace Corps passport. I must have it sealed by a clerk at the post office, and then send the materials via FEDEX.
June 27, 2013
I receive a message in my Medical Portal. It seems that I submitted the wrong type of test for my urinalysis results. I must also provide further information regarding my eczema during my next dermatologist appointment (to take place August 5).
July 1, 2013
I submit my new urinalysis results. I comment to the nurse reviewing my medical portal that the process is smoother than I thought it would be. She remarks that I am more thorough than some volunteers. Flattery will take you places.
August 14, 2013
I receive my first email regarding staging! Staging begins on Friday, September 13. The flight to Macedonia takes off from Washington DC on Saturday evening, connecting in Vienna before landing in Skopje. PST staging in-country takes place in Tetovo at the Woodrow Wilson School.
Summer 2008
I begin my Peace Corps application for the first time! Basically I filled out all of my personal information, but I never started an essay since I was still in College.
July 2012
I find out that the Peace Corps changed its application interface, and I must start my application all over again! Oh well...
August 25, 2012
I finally complete and submit my Peace Corps application. My first go at the waiting game...
August 26, 2012
I register for Medical Pre-Clearance. I complete the information shortly.
September 17, 2012
I receive my first email from my recruiter (Jessica!). Supposedly one of my three references did not submit his or her letter on my behalf. I am notified that the recommender has one week to submit the letter.
October 3, 2012
I receive confirmation that all of the letters on my behalf are received. I am invited to an interview on October 10 in Chicago, but alas! I am traveling in Florida for work and will not return to Chicago until the end of October. I am offered the options to interview via Skype or wait to interview in person. I elect to interview in person.
October 29, 2012
I interview with Jessica at Peace Corps' downtown HQ (in Chicago). I am offered a nomination on the spot for Economic Community Development. Jessica informs me that I will receive an email notification regarding my nomination within a week. Since I elected to be completely flexible on my geographical placement, I am nominated for any ECD program around the world, for a departure date between May and September.
November 3, 2012
I receive an email in regards to my nomination as an Economic Community Development volunteer, with a tentative departure date of May 2013.
December 10, 2013
My finger prints are cleared for security.
January 9, 2013
I receive an email from the NGO Development office. It looks like I have been nominated to a different role! I am asked to complete a few documents regarding my credentials and skills.
January 17, 2013
I submit the NGO documents to the Placement Specialist (while vacationing in India).
January 22, 2013
I receive confirmation of receipt of my documents from the Placement Office, and I am notified that I may be contacted within 4-6 weeks regarding my placement.
March 26, 2013
At this point, I am nervous that I will never be invited to a program and send an email to inquire about my application process. I am informed that all of the positions have been filled, and that my application will be prioritized for the next programs. Oof!
April 25, 2013
I RECEIVE MY INVITATION TO SERVE AS AN NGO DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER IN MACEDONIA!!!!!!!!!!
My departure date is September 13, 2013. I received a phone call from the placement office, and I was notified that there were two positions open- one as volunteer for Environmental Development (location unknown), the other as an NGO Development volunteer. The choice is easy for me.
April 28, 2013
I accept my invitation as a Peace Corps volunteer. I also receive access to my medical portal. Instead of receiving those infamous blue packets, I am sent an email with all of the materials I need.
April 29, 2013
I receive access to the New Volunteer Portal. I am asked to send an updated resume and aspiration statement within 10 days of accepting my assignment.
May 6, 2013
I meet my doctor for a check-up. My physician fills out the paperwork while I receive three immunizations and undergo blood work (they took about 8 vials of blood from me!!!). I almost pass out by the end of the visit.
May 21, 2013
My first dentist appointment! One of many as I keep accruing cavities over the months.
June 5, 2013
I attend my first CAPCA event and meet RPVCs.
June 10, 2013
I submit my final medical documents (the last to be submitted were my dental X-Rays) through the Medical Portal. Hopefully everything is submitted correctly!
June 22, 2013
I mail my materials for the Peace Corps passport. I must have it sealed by a clerk at the post office, and then send the materials via FEDEX.
June 27, 2013
I receive a message in my Medical Portal. It seems that I submitted the wrong type of test for my urinalysis results. I must also provide further information regarding my eczema during my next dermatologist appointment (to take place August 5).
July 1, 2013
I submit my new urinalysis results. I comment to the nurse reviewing my medical portal that the process is smoother than I thought it would be. She remarks that I am more thorough than some volunteers. Flattery will take you places.
August 14, 2013
I receive my first email regarding staging! Staging begins on Friday, September 13. The flight to Macedonia takes off from Washington DC on Saturday evening, connecting in Vienna before landing in Skopje. PST staging in-country takes place in Tetovo at the Woodrow Wilson School.
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