Peace Corps

Financial Management Intern for Gifts and Grants Management Department

June - August 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I was given a lot of freedom within the organization to learn about its different aspects and find what I was most interested in.

What I wish was different

Taken more advantage of all that was offered to me.

Advice

Explore the entire organization, not just the position or department you are in.

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Strategic Partnerships and Intergovernmental Affairs Intern

June - August 2020 • Washington, DC

What I liked

This is a great internship if you are looking to learn a lot about how Peace Corps HQ, Peace Corps Posts, and different partners interact on a global and local scale. I walked away from the internship learning far more than I anticipated, and if they certainly give you room to take a project and run with it from start to finish.

What I wish was different

This is not an internship where you will get assigned tasks to do every week - it really relies on you noticing where gaps are in the office and how you can help fill them. It can take some adjustment to get used to this.

Advice

Try to get into as many meetings and calls as your supervisor will let you, even if it isn't directly applicable to your work. These were the ways I got to see what the agency was doing outside of just my office, and it helps build connections throughout the whole team.

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Administrative Intern

April - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The exposure to the international community and international legal issues were applicable to my major as well as my area of professional interest.

What I wish was different

I wish the career center had processed my federal work study paperwork faster and more efficiently at the onset of my acceptance of the position.

Advice

Do not be afraid to branch outside of your comfort zone and ask questions. This will show your initiative and responsibility.

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Fundraising Intern

July - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

My experience at the Peace Corps was exemplary! My supervisor was a fantastic mentor who ensured that interns could maximize their experience. It was overall a great learning experience.

What I wish was different

I would say that this position fits best for students who enjoy routine and a steady workload.

Advice

Don’t be afraid to maximize your experience and speak to everyone at the agency! Everyone there is incredibly kind and helpful.

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Overseas Staff Training Intern

July - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

It was amazing being able to contribute to a government agency that sustainably creates meaningful change within communities around the world through partnerships with highly-skilled local staff. I was able to engage in work that directly impacted individuals in the field—such as supporting food security in Benin and environmental security in Senegal. As I am motivated by my desire to be a positive difference in the world, Peace Corps allowed me to continue to do just that and more! Also, the environment at PCHQ was very relaxed - we had a meditation room in the office & there were always events for group workouts or social outings like karaoke!

What I wish was different

Advice

Take advantage of resources and opportunities within the office! Network and schedule informational interviews to learn more about the organization that you’re interested in. At the Peace Corps, we we’re lucky to have access to learning programs at no cost. I took this opportunity to learn more about R and other data analytics tools. As well, through informational interviews, I had the opportunity to learn about fellow coworkers experiences in the field with international development and hear life-changing stories. It was an amazing opportunity! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in service and broadening their understanding of other cultures.

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Youth Development Facilitator

July 2019 • Manila, Philippines

What I liked

Everything! Haha, training was hard but it was super worth it.

What I wish was different

N/A Everything is truly perfect for me.

Advice

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you’re still deciding on committing to two years.

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Secondary Education Professor

May 2019 • Thalang, Phuket

What I liked

I throughly enjoy that ability to hone in on my skill sets and possess the freedom create and facilitate my own curriculum while making a global impact in access to education.

What I wish was different

I wish that I utilized USF resources earlier as a student to secure this position. Thus, giving myself more time to hone in on specific skill sets that the university could have strengthened over my time as an undergraduate.

Advice

Take advantage of your resources! Go to workshops over and over. Research and Request meetings or lunches with administration and faculty that could give you great insight. Form connections and fight for experience.

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Maternal and Child Health Volunteer

June 2018 • Butare, Southern Province

What I liked

Experiencing another culture and being encouraged to integrate and learn the language to really become a part of the community I’m working in.

What I wish was different

I wish my work would be a little more structured and that Peace Corps communicated better with my community about expectations and my role as a volunteer.

Advice

If looking into Peace Corps, I would advise anyone to be very flexible and open minded. Everyone’s experience is different, depending on the country they’re placed in and even within a country experiences vary widely.

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Peace Corps Volunteer

July 2019 • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

What I liked

I liked the organization and the training for volunteers. The staff took time to make sure new volunteers were comfortable and were always accessible.

What I wish was different

I wish I studied the languages for my country beforehand.

Advice

Peace Corps is very rewarding but also difficult. Make sure you are willing to commit yourself before signing up.

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Volunteer

July 2019 • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

What I liked

Peace Corps is a very well organized organization. They’ve been very helpful in helping us be ready for service and by providing us the necessary resources and trainings.

What I wish was different

I wish I had researched the country beforehand and better prepared myself.

Advice

Don’t do Peace Corps unless you’re 120% sure. It’s difficult and tiring but it’s been rewarding. It’s a great opportunity but only if you’re committed to the country you’re serving in.

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Intern

October 2016 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Great variety of tasks assigned, wonderful co-workers and opportunities to meet others, and cool projects!

What I wish was different

It would be nice to engage with the community more, instead of focusing on more administrative tasks.

Advice

Don't be afraid to reach out to people in the office! I've found that they are more than willing to chat with you about their experiences and give advice.

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Volunteer and Recruitment Intern

June 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The experience of working in a professional setting and being able to network with Peace Corps employees.

What I wish was different

I wish that staying on campus over the summer was cheaper so that way I wouldn't have commit to a lease in the summer.

Advice

Budget!

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Youth development volunteer

August 2017 • Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo Province

What I liked

Living abroad, teaching youth

What I wish was different

Institutional support, more work

Advice

Be ready for a challenge

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Communications Intern

February - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I loved the work atmosphere and the hard-working attitude of staff. A lot of staff are returned Peace Corps and bring their unique perspectives together to best represent the agency.

What I wish was different

Nothing - I loved everything. I just wish I had gotten the chance to know other interns as I was the only one on my team for most of my time working there.

Advice

Learn from RPCV staff about their experiences if you are even considering joining the Peace Corps. There are so many people willing to talk about what their service was like.

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Executive Secretariat Intern

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I loved the energy, the people, and the endless opportunities offered to grow.

What I wish was different

I wish my internship was longer.

Advice

Have an open mind and be ready to learn.

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Peace Corps Internship

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I loved the working environment. I feel like I learned a lot about the field of International relations through a government agency centered around implementing strategic development.

What I wish was different

I had a very positive experience and worked full time for Peace Corps. I can't really say I would change anything other than being able to stay longer, however I went abroad.

Advice

I would share that working for a government agency certainly is different than an NGO, as there were bureaucratic processes to everything, but this made it an invaluable experience where I learned so much. Keeping punctual and on top of things is necessary and putting your all into the work you have been given.

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Volunteer

January 2018 • Bolívar, Santander Department

What I liked

Living in a different country, helping communities, learning about project development, improving my Spanish

What I wish was different

I wish I knew what the reality of being a peace corps volunteer was before I joined.

Advice

Do more research before applying to make sure it’s right for you.

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Fundraising Intern

June - August 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The Peace Corps has a team of very motivated, caring individuals that are passionate about development. I was exposed to different areas of the organization and spoke with people from different offices about their experience.