Volunteering

[hopefool]

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Hello Everyone,

I am sitting here reading and studying, more non-school related things than I would like and would really like to be more involved in volunteer services. I have volunteered for about a year at a hospital but I can only do that during certain times because of schedule conflicts. I am planning to volunteer abroad in either Africa or South America in a year for a year but for now I would like to make the best of my time. Im looking to expand my volunteering horizons and become involved in volunteering at free health clinics, nursing homes or any other places that accept willing young people.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much

 

[hopefool]

Peace Corps

Evil Monkey,

Ive looked into the Peace Corps and it just seems like too much time to be devoting. You need to do a minimum of two years, as I understand it and that I feel may be more time than I want or can spend overseas somewhere not doing any work on my academic record.

 

[CJC]

Peace Corps is techinically a 27 month deal. 3 months of training and then 2 years at your site. HOWEVER, you are always allowed to leave when you want. Some people say it looks back that you break your 'contract' but others say that future employeers don't really even know how long PC is. For example, one of my good friends left after 7 months (3 months training and 4 months at site). She now has an amazing job w/the government for public health. They asked why she left and she was honest with them and they moved on. Other people leave because they get into school, find a great job, or just do not like it. I'm currently in and depending on when my post-bac starts (knock on wood I get in) I may have to quit early. It does take 6 months to a year to get accepted into PC, so that puts a delay on things. I'm a public health educator and have done a lot with women, family planning, HIV/STDs. Also, I have had chances to work with the United Nations Develop Program (UNDP) and United States Aid in International Development (USAID). Definitly good experience and I wouldn't have changed going into PC for the world, but it isn't for everyone. If you have any more questions, feel free to private message me.