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The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go
So, you want to join the Peace Corps . . . If you are interested in joining the Peace Corps, you probably have questions that run the gamut from "What is the application process like?" to "Is the Peace Corps effective as a development agency?" In this updated second edition, former Peace Corps volunteer Dillon Banerjee shares candid facts and insights about the experience in a practical question-and-answer format. With input from recently returned volunteers who served across the globe, this thorough guide presents valuable information • What Peace Corps recruiters look for in your application• Items you should--and shouldn't---pack for your two-year trip• Useful gadgets and technology that help volunteers stay connected from far away• Real answers to personal questions about culture shock, safety, dating, homesickness, and more Whether you're thinking of joining or have already been accepted and are preparing to leave, The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps will help equip you for the unique challenges and rewards of the volunteer experience, regardless of your program area or country assignment. It's essential reading for anyone interested in "the toughest job you'll ever love."
- GenresNonfictionTravel
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 9, 2012
I'm going to join the Peace Corps. Not right away of course, I still have responsibilities that I have to take care of before I can go (my parents would not appreciate me dumping two cats and two chinchillas on them). But when I don't have those responsibilities anymore, I'm going. After reading this book, I'm even more determined to do it.
And it's not because this book is all sunshine and rainbows. This book tells it as it is and I think its very truthful. Banerjee has taken the time to answer all sorts of questions you could think of (or not think of!) about the Peace Corps. He starts with the application process, and I've got to tell you, I didn't realize that there were some many needed qualifications to become a volunteer. It's competitive! Then he goes in to what to pack and what you can usually find in country. Next is the actual training, since it varies from program to program, he offers the basics, but it does help to know how the training process takes place. There's a short section on managing your money and then its on to "Living like the Locals" which gives an idea of what your accommodations will be. There's a rather large section on Medical Concerns, which was nice because that's a big worry for some. Next is a section on the postal service and phone calls and what's available. There is a section on technology, and sadly for the technophobes out there, most gadgets are really not that useful where the volunteers are located. There are also sections on other volunteers, what kind of work you'll be doing, and the rules of the Peace Corps. It finishes out with how to travel around while in country and what to do after the stint in the Peace Corps, and of course useful appendices.
I learned so much from this book and voraciously read it. Couldn't put it down in fact which made for a sleepy day the next day. But that's ok. As I said before it further convinced me that this is what I want to do. I like the way he approached all the topics too. He told what was good, what was not, and gave points of view from all different sides. In fact, its very rare that I could find him be biased anywhere about anything. There is a section on negative aspects of the Peace Corps, but he gave the reasonings behind these and balanced it out with the positives of everything. Additionally, there are also a couple of scary sections, like sexual harassment and some of the illnesses. But Banerjee takes the time to explain statistics and how these situations are handled and everything seemed to be well taken care of. In fact, in most cases it wasn't really any different than the statistics here in the United States.
A fantastic book if you're thinking about joining the Peace Corps or volunteering overseas. It really goes in depth on the program and could probably change a few peoples minds who are considering the program. It at least gives all the facts honestly and is definitely a book I will be keeping around to peruse over and over.
The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps
Copyright 2009
181 pages
Review by M. Reynard
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
And it's not because this book is all sunshine and rainbows. This book tells it as it is and I think its very truthful. Banerjee has taken the time to answer all sorts of questions you could think of (or not think of!) about the Peace Corps. He starts with the application process, and I've got to tell you, I didn't realize that there were some many needed qualifications to become a volunteer. It's competitive! Then he goes in to what to pack and what you can usually find in country. Next is the actual training, since it varies from program to program, he offers the basics, but it does help to know how the training process takes place. There's a short section on managing your money and then its on to "Living like the Locals" which gives an idea of what your accommodations will be. There's a rather large section on Medical Concerns, which was nice because that's a big worry for some. Next is a section on the postal service and phone calls and what's available. There is a section on technology, and sadly for the technophobes out there, most gadgets are really not that useful where the volunteers are located. There are also sections on other volunteers, what kind of work you'll be doing, and the rules of the Peace Corps. It finishes out with how to travel around while in country and what to do after the stint in the Peace Corps, and of course useful appendices.
I learned so much from this book and voraciously read it. Couldn't put it down in fact which made for a sleepy day the next day. But that's ok. As I said before it further convinced me that this is what I want to do. I like the way he approached all the topics too. He told what was good, what was not, and gave points of view from all different sides. In fact, its very rare that I could find him be biased anywhere about anything. There is a section on negative aspects of the Peace Corps, but he gave the reasonings behind these and balanced it out with the positives of everything. Additionally, there are also a couple of scary sections, like sexual harassment and some of the illnesses. But Banerjee takes the time to explain statistics and how these situations are handled and everything seemed to be well taken care of. In fact, in most cases it wasn't really any different than the statistics here in the United States.
A fantastic book if you're thinking about joining the Peace Corps or volunteering overseas. It really goes in depth on the program and could probably change a few peoples minds who are considering the program. It at least gives all the facts honestly and is definitely a book I will be keeping around to peruse over and over.
The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps
Copyright 2009
181 pages
Review by M. Reynard
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
November 26, 2017
When joining the Peace Corps, all the information you can get your hands on the better. Although it is by no means a definitive guide, it will give you greater insight than the organization's website can.
November 7, 2017
Helpful, but a little generic.
January 1, 2011
This book is an excellent resource in what amounts to a Q&A format. I would definitely recommend it to anybody considering applying for the Peace Corps, as it answers just about every question one might have as they begin to research the organization. My only complaint, which isn't so much of a complaint as it is a suggestion, would be to add a question about the resume you need to submit with the application and how it may be similar and/or different from the one you have to submit after accepting an invite.
November 21, 2018
Totally clear and concise. Banerjee answers the questions that you really want answered before you even consider applying, and he does it honestly. His assessment isn't all accolades and praise, he offers some gentle criticism of the program. But he is also very supportive of the program and the many RPCV's he interviewed had glowing reviews of their experiences. This was a surprisingly quick read and Banerjee's prose is incredibly readable.
January 27, 2013
Really informative and accessible. This book encouraged my tentative desire to serve in the Peace Corps one day and gave me a more realistic idea of what it might be like. It didn't go into depth about the individual programs though, and I would have liked to read more about those. Overall, it just got me really excited for the possibility of going!
November 18, 2014
Throughout "The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps:What to know before you go", Dillon Banerjee identifies some pertinent questions. He gives pause and perspective to some real scenarios reader's might have overlooked considering. Best wishes to any and who endeavors to join and serve or have already done so.
April 2, 2015
This book provides great insight to general Peace Corps questions. I would have liked more personal stories and experiences, but overall I enjoyed the helpful information that answered many of my questions that I had.
January 11, 2015
This book was a Christmas gift to my daughter from one of her friends, since she will be going to Swaziland for two years in the Peace Corps. As her mom, I was interested in the information provided in this book. I learned a lot about what my daughter will experience.
February 8, 2016
A quick and easy read which addressed many of the questions I had of a friend who was a PCV and many I could not have even considered at this early stage. I am left feeling more excited about the possibility of joining.
March 18, 2012
After hearing a friend's presentation about her stint with the PC in Azerbaijan, I got curious. The writing style is personable, making this a quick and enjoyable read, as well as a useful one.
February 13, 2014
Disappointingly short, but plenty of very good information in here. I recommend it if you don't think the price is too steep. If you don't like the price, it's probably not worth the money.
August 22, 2013
Very helpful! I would recommend this to anyone who has been accepted into the Peace Corps. There was a lot of useful tips I hadn't though of or read about in other Peace Corps materials.
July 30, 2016
Great book filled with practical tips and suggestions for those going into the Peace Corps, such as myself!
July 28, 2010
Very informative and helpful. I read it twice.
February 1, 2014
Helpful and informative. I should have read more books on the process before starting the process.
November 13, 2015
Gave me a lot of practical information.Honest
April 11, 2017
This book is a very good read! If you are wondering anything about the Peace Corps, your questions most likely will be answered in this book. Banerjee did a great job including very commonly wondered and asked questions, and then some. He himself has had the experience of being a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years and he used that to answer these questions. He included some of his experiences and other volunteers' that he knew as well to further the readers understanding. It is a very helpful book to read and it is a page turner. You will not want to put it down, and even if you don' want to volunteer in the Peace Corps, it's a very good book to read to be informed on the topic, or if anyone you know is curious, volunteering, or wanting to! I definitely recommend this book, it's a te out of ten.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews