My Peace Corps Story

On March 15, the Peace Corps announced it would temporarily suspend Volunteer operations and begin evacuating Volunteers from all posts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode, five volunteers share their story of evacuation in the time of coronavirus. [...] The post The Peace Corps Coronavirus Evacuation appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Happy National Peace Corps Week! This episode marks the return of the My Peace Corps Story podcast. After taking a few months off, I'm starting the show up again. This week, in honor of National Peace Corps Week, I would like to share three speeches from President John F. Kennedy. [...] The post Happy National Peace Corps Week – Return of the Podcast appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

After 27 months of the My Peace Corps Story podcast, I'm closing this chapter of the podcast. The podcast isn't over though. I plan to come back to the show with a new format. Producing weekly podcasts was an ambitious undertaking but immensely rewarding. I thank each and everyone of you, whether you were a guest or listener or both. [...] The post COSing – Tyler Lloyd, Peace Corps Podcast Host appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Inspired by a former teacher, Katie set off to Peace Corps for an adventure and a chance to prove herself. She did both and more. This week, I talk with Katie McNamara about her time in Namibia, a country that's twice the size of California while also being the second least densely populated place on earth. [...] The post Teaching in the Bush – Katie McNamara, Namibia 2016-18 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from Randy’s Service   Randy Hobler’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? Served in Libya from October 1968 thru most of October 1969. I, like all my colleagues, was a TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language) teacher. Almost all of us were teaching 5th Grade. [...] The post 101 Arabian Tales – Randy Hobler, Libya 1968-1969 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from Sharelle’s Service Sharelle’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? Ghana, 2010-2012. Primary Assignment was Biology Teacher – also ended up being head of the ICT department at my school and training new PCVs on PEPFAR grant project implementation. What is one of your favorite Peace [...] The post From Small Town to Smaller Town – Sharelle Ahrens, Mongolia 2018-2020 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Health Resource Partners (HRP) founder, Britany Ferrell, decided to join the United States Peace Corps during her last year of college at the University of Alabama. Shortly after her graduation in June 2010, she learned that she was going to be posted in Ghana, West Africa. Three months later, Britany arrived in the village of Eremon to be a secondary science teacher for the next two years. [...] The post Health Resource Partners – Britany Ferrell, Ghana 2010-12 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from Addis and Jim’s Service Addis and Jim Chapman’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? We served in what was then West Pakistan from 1961-63. Ours was the first multidisciplinary project in PC — nurses, teachers, lab techs, librarian, agriculture specialists, even a brick mason. Jobs [...] The post Serving in the First Year – Addis and Jim Chapman, West Pakistan 1961-63 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Since leaving Peru, Tasha Prados founded Duraca Strategic, a business and marketing strategy company. Tasha wants organizations that are doing good for the world to have access to expertise from a skilled partner that can help those organizations. She recently left her full time job and will be traveling the world as a digital nomad [...] The post Tough Cookie – Tasha Prados, Peru 2011-2013 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

In 2001 the first expedition of indigenous women reached the summit of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world just shy of 20,000 feet. Four Andean women (Warmis) and two American women all joined together to climb in celebration of women worldwide.  Dana Platin, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, was one of the women on that expedition. [...] The post Climbing Cotopaxi with the Warmis – Dana Platin, Ecuador 1997-2000 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from David’s Service David Hernandez’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador from 2013-2015. I worked as an Environmental Education/Business volunteer. This sector had me doing many different activities such: recycled art workshops, teaching environmental awareness classes, and [...] The post Peace Corps Host Family – David Hernandez, Ecuador 2013-15 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Jody Olsen first heard of the Peace Corps during a presentation from a recruiter attending a sorority dinner. The following day she informed her fiancé that they were going to join the Peace Corps and 18 months later they were headed to Tunisia. Almost 50 years after her service ended, she was sworn in as the 20th Director of Peace Corps. This is her story. [...] The post Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen, Tunisia 1966-1968 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

For the past two weeks I've been either rushing to the bathroom, doubled over in pain, or both. It reminded me a lot of Peace Corps actually. This was the first time I've had any major GI issues since Peace Corps, which I assumed hardened my gut and made it impervious to illness. Boy was I wrong. [...] The post Pathogenic E. Coli – Podcast News and Excuses appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Being a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer herself, she couldn't help but think that just such an in-depth, comprehensive documentary was needed for the Peace Corps. Alana says: "In a time when the American public either has a very antiquated notion of the Peace Corps, informed by an almost mythological awe of the 60s, or is not even aware that the agency still exists, it is high time to bring this unique organization back into the public discourse, to raise the level of the discussion from quaint to crucial." [...] The post A Towering Task – Alana DeJoseph, Mali 1992-94 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia, Bryn worked to rehabilitate the country's highly deforested environment. But Bryn’s drive to serve didn’t end with the Peace Corps. [...] The post From Volunteer to Emmy-Winning Filmmaker – Bryn Mooser, The Gambia 2001-04 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Abraham served in Indonesia from 2016-2018 as an education volunteer where he taught at a local Madrasah middle school on the island of Java. This is his Peace Corps story. [...] The post The Land of Dragons – Abraham Kahasay, Indonesia 2016-2018 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Chad only recently returned home from his Peace Corps service in Vanuatu. With the sand barely out of his shoes, he talks about living two years on a remote island followed by a third year in Port Vila. [...] The post Fresh off the Island – Chad Beatty, Vanuatu 2016-19 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Korea has been part of Ambassador (retired) Kathleen Stephens’ life and career since she served in rural Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer and trainer, 1975-1977. [...] The post From Volunteer to Ambassador – Kathleen Stephens, South Korea 1975-1977 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

This week, I go back to the beginning. Two years ago I recorded this intro episode with a friend, before the podcast had launched and before I knew what it would grow into. Hopefully you enjoy this return to the start as much as I did. [...] The post Back to the Beginning – Episode 1 Rebroadcast appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Jane Hale left her fiancé for Peace Corps service in Chad--where she was the only person to actively choose Chad as a country of service. She has numerous great stories that make this interview seem too short, even though it's the longest one yet on the podcast! [...] The post Leaving her Fiancé for the Peace Corps – Jane Hale, Chad 1970-72 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Americans have a lot of preconceived thoughts about Colombia, which range from drug running narcos deep in the jungle to rolling verdant hills filled with coffee plantations. Yet, as with many things, Colombia is far more complex and dynamic than you may think. On this week's episode, Jane Haines talks about her service as community economic development (CED) volunteer in the Caribbean coast of Colombia. [...] The post Not all Green Hills and Fresh Coffee – Jane Haines, Colombia 2018-Present appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Michelle Long did not serve in the the Peace Corps. Yet, Peace Corps has become a big part of her life because she said yes to marrying me, Tyler Lloyd: RPCV and Peace Corps podcast host! We explore dating and relationships after Peace Corps, when your significant other isn't a volunteer. [...] The post Dating after Peace Corps – Michelle Long and Tyler Lloyd appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

While some may think serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Caribbean is all white sandy beaches and coconuts, that's not the case. On this week's episode I talk with Megan Bordi about her service in St. Lucia. While she served 20 years ago, her memories are fresh and her fondness for her community is strong as the day she left the island. [...] The post Not Beach Corps – Megan Bordi, St. Lucia 1999-2001 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Alan Dockterman served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in northeast Brazil from 1968 to 1970. He discusses his opposition to the Vietnam War as a primary motivation for joining the Peace Corps. [...] The post Partying with Janis Joplin – Alan Dockterman, Brazil 1968-70 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

This episode is something a little different. Today, I talk about calling your friends and family in your community of service once you become an RPCV. [...] The post Call Home – Staying Connected with Your Community After Service appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Almost every time I do an interview with a Peace Corps volunteer, I end up wanting to travel to their country of service. Corey Jacobson's interview was one of those interviews. We talk about the general sense of adventure that Peace Corps offers, the climate and culture of Azerbaijan, about his numerous projects, and much more. Sevindirir! [...] The post The Sense of Adventure – Corey Jacobson, Azerbaijan 2012-14 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Sena Woldetensay wanted to serve in the Peace Corps since middle school. Born in Ethiopia, she originally had her sights set on Latin America, but when an earthquake changed her plans a month before she was to leave for Ecuador, Sena was reassigned to Zambia. We talk about village weddings, poaching, and serving in Africa as an African volunteer. [...] The post Weddings, Poaching, and More – Sena Woldetensay, Zambia 2016-2018 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

"I worked with another PCV to train Nazmi Rushiti's team for Model UN Albania. Our team represented Burkina Faso. I worked on a side project of trying to start a community radio station for Peshkopi and our local region. There had been attempts at a similar idea before me, and there were several residents and many students very interested in the project, but we did not succeed in getting together a Board of Directors willing and able to stick with it." [...] The post Linguist in Peshkopi – Kenji Yamada, Albania 2007-2009 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Weather is often a notable aspect of a volunteer's Peace Corps service. From snow to rain to lack-there-of, precipitation shapes the life of a volunteer and the communities they call home for two years. For Chris Maxwell-Gaines, weather continues to shape his life. On this week's episode, we learn about Chris's service in Suriname, his work with rain collection and water access, and how his service helped create his career. [...] The post Rain, Rain – Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Suriname 2000-2002 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

John W. Bing served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Afghanistan from 1964 to 1967 as an English teacher. Afterwards he worked on the Peace Corps staff in Afghanistan (1967), and at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., as Regional Training Officer for the Middle East (1967-1968). [...] The post From the JFK Library – John W. Bing, Afghanistan 1964-67 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Looking for something to fill her time this past winter, as her fellow teachers in Kosovo were on strike, Gina Larson turned to Instagram. Rather than opting to fill her time with endless scrolling, she decided to create @artistofpeacecorps. Through her awesome micro blog, Gina shares art created by volunteers and the local artists in communities where volunteers serve. [...] The post Artists of Peace Corps – Gina Larson, Kosovo 2018-Present appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from Betsy’s Service Elizabeth (Betsy) Gallery’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? Nkongsamba, East Cameroun 1963 What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories? Seeing the tiny gazelle eating from our salad dishes in Yaounde where I spent some time with a French boyfriend. And [...] The post Adventures Across Africa – Betsy Gallery, Cameroon 1963-1965 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Serving as a volunteer provides numerous unforeseen challenges and is a job that requires you to be "at work" 24/7. For even the most outgoing of volunteers, this can become tiring. For those who consider themselves introverts, it can leave you utterly drained. Yet, Kate Martin, a self-described introvert, had an amazing service, despite the pull to always be out in her community. It all comes down to knowing how to make your service yours and working within your personality and skill set. [...] The post Introvert in the Peace Corps – Kate Martin, Peru 2006-2008 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

NICA Ceramic Art was born out of the Peace Corps experience of founder Paul H. Devoti in the indigenous pottery pueblo of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua.  NICA Ceramic Art’s mission is to expose the world to the ceramic art work of the master artisans of the pueblo as well as the Nicoyan Indian heritage [...] The post Nicaraguan Pottery – Paul Henry Devoti, Nicaragua 1995-97 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Toward the end of my service, I was made queen mother of development (Nkosuahemaa) in my village. It was an amazing day full of music, speeches, parading through the village & celebrations. I was given a beautiful piece of kente cloth that probably weighed ten pounds & wore it throughout the day. It was just such a beautiful culmination to my service with so many people in my community who I loved. [...] The post Life in a Fish Bowl – Marta Block, Ghana 2002-2004 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from Mark’s Service Mark Bryson’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? I served in Jamaica from March of 2010 till June of 2013 as a volunteer in the Green Initiative Sector. I was partnered with the Ewarton Community Development Action Committee (ECODAC) in Ewarton , St. [...] The post Bless Up – Mark Bryson, Jamaica 2010-2013 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Adam’s desire to help others led him to the Peace Corps where he served as a business advisor in Moldova. While serving, he began building websites for the local governments and small businesses he worked with. Adam saw an opportunity to start a full-service creative agency. In 2016, he formed Enspire which has grown to a dynamic 11-member team of Moldovans and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers dedicated to creating unique value for their customers. Recently returned from Moldova, we talk about Adam's service, adventures, and learn more about Enspire. [...] The post Baba Dochia – Adam Lawrence, Republic of Moldova 2014-2016 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Photos from Deborah’s Service Deborah Moskovitz’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? I served with the Peace Corps in Concepcion, Intibuca, Honduras 1992-1994, as an Agricultural Extension Volunteer. We had a longer training of five months, because we had to learn Spanish, cross cultural training, and soil conservation [...] The post Boredom Will Not Kill You – Deborah Moskovitz, Honduras 1992-1994 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

On November 17, 2018, the Kentucky Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, with a grant from the National Peace Corps Association, held a day-long event centered around international experiences. This episode comes from audio recorded during that event. [...] The post Stories of Kentucky’s Engagement with the World appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Working with a non-government funded organization (NGO) I worked closely with the youth of my community creating sustainable projects primarily centered around eco-awareness and the arts. My secondary projects included an after school program that bridged the gaps between American and Macedonian culture, facilitating courses on college prep or the importance of volunteering, and co-lead the National English Essay Challenge (NEEC). [...] The post The Third Culture of Peace Corps – Allison Meredith Smith, Macedonia 14-16 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

"I miss my family and friends. I miss the food. I miss the ease of walking everywhere and the accessibility to cross-country transportation. I miss my healthy lifestyle. Feeling free and like I could do anything. Having no bills to worry about." - Kelly Branyik, RPCV China [...] The post Finding Community in a Gym – Kelly Branyik, China 2014-2016 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

I hope you had a great 2018 and have an even more amazing 2019. You'll be hearing from me in February. Until then, I wish you the very best and want you to remember that every volunteer has a story. What's yours? [...] The post Happy New Year from Tyler Lloyd appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Volunteers tell stories of celebrating with newly found family and friends in their community, sharing large meals with fellow volunteers, and crafting makeshift Christmas trees from Styrofoam packing material. [...] The post Celebrating the Holidays in the Peace Corps (Rebroadcast) appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Michelle Claus didn't go into Peace Corps expecting to have a pet, but after her house was broken into she thought getting a dog would be a good idea. You know, for security. But, she'd only have her dog during service. She wasn't going to bring him home. Yet, Sipi had other plans... [...] The post Peace Corps Pup – Michelle Claus (and Sipi), Uganda 12-14 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Photo’s from Craig’s Story Craig Hahn’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? Moldova 2011 Teaching health (preventative) education. What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories? Working with the children at the orphanage for those with tuberculosis. What is one of your least favorite Peace Corps memories? [...] The post Serving at 64 – Craig Hahn, Moldova 2011 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

We served in Jamaica 2012-14. Michelle did literacy tutoring at a rural primary school while Jedd helped start up a brand new community center in town and taught basic computer classes to senior citizens. [...] The post Jedd and Michelle Chang appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Chris Norris’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? Costa Rica, 2009-2011, Youth and Economic Development – taught business classes to teens and adults, taught English, did multi-use court infrastructure project, soccer tournament, wrote grant to build computer lab and get computers in high school. What is one of [...] The post Invested interests – Chris Norris, Costa Rica ’09-11 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Stephen McBay and Kevin Ryterski served as Community Economic Development volunteers in Paraguay. After their service, they found a way to continue to serve. Through their company Artezanz, they are working with the Artisan Community, both established and up and coming, to create an online marketplace where global goods can be made available to anyone. Kevin and Stephan give the artisan direct access to the site, so they can remove the need for a middleman and sell their products directly to you!  [...] The post Artezanz – Born in the Peace Corps: Stephen McBay and Kevin Ryterski, Paraguay 2015-2017 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

  Photos from Chelsea and Kyle’s Story Chelsea and Kyle Pease’s Peace Corps Story Where and when did you serve? What did you do? We served together as a married couple in Lesotho, Africa from 2014-2016, both as education volunteers. We lived in Motete, a village in the mountains about six hours from the nearest [...] The post Redefining Remote – Chelsea and Kyle Pease, Lesotho 14-16 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

Before Bob Vila begin his life in broadcasting, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer, building houses and communities in Panama. Mr. Vila even built the very house he lived in during his service! [...] The post Bob Vila – Peace Corps Panama to This Old House appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.

The culture of a new country can be a beautiful thing to behold. Yet, sometimes cultures and traditions of another group can run counter to your believes or even be downright dangerous to those who practice them. Taylor Nelson experienced this first hand, as she worked as a health volunteer while navigating around traditional witchcraft practices of Zambia.  [...] The post Culture and Witchcraft – Taylor Nelson, Zambia 2016-2018 appeared first on My Peace Corps Story.