Soap Packaging Project |
So if I’ve created a bucket list, you better believe the thought has crossed my mind once, or several hundred times, what I’ll be doing once my service with Peace Corps is up. It’s not unusual that I have no idea- that hasn’t changed much since people started asking in high school. However, there are a few things I’ve figured out. I’m not boarding a plane from Dakar directly to the US. Wherever I land will give me reliable internet access. At some point I’ll force my Dad to sit through another graduation ceremony (for my master’s degree), but I don’t know that that will be this year or the next. I’m also certain that I’ll have to determine a permanent address in the USA to maintain voting privileges, but I couldn’t tell you where that will be. Basically, I still use the phrases “when I grow up” and “I’ll tell you when I’m done.”
Start a Business Class |
However, I’m not opposed to outlaying some of the options I’ve kicked around: grad school full time, apply to the state department, return to the auto industry, teach English somewhere, become a full time travel bum, or even do a 3rd year of Peace Corps service. Most of those pretty much describe themselves (no, not a real bum but a wonderer of sorts), save the last which is the awe inspiring 3rd year of service. In short, I mean extending to stay here in Senegal. But let’s go deeper…
Scholarship Award Winner |
A volunteer has the option to leave any time he or she pleases. The only thing that changes is the paperwork. Leaving before the end of service is called “early termination.” Leaving on time (within 90 days before or after the date 2 years following swearing in) is called “COS-ing,” where COS stands for close of service. Leaving any time after that is called an “extension” of service. A volunteer has the option to stay after for anywhere between a few months and a full year. Technically, a volunteer can stay for a 4th year, but its rear and comes with extenuating circumstances. Back on point, the volunteer that commits to full additional year will then receive a month vacation along with plane faire to return home for the month. Essentially, they are in the PC lifestyle an additional 13 months. Anything less than a year commitment doesn’t warrant the trip… but that doesn’t mean it can’t be granted if you end up changing your mind months into your extension.
According to the PC Manual, the criteria for extensions are as follows. “Volunteers should speak to their program managers in advance and extension requests should be made at least two months before a Volunteer’s established COS date. A country director will consider the following factors in determining whether to grand an extension request:
Yoga at Girls' Camp |
1. A Volunteer's unique importance to the total program and the overall benefit to the host country.
2. The degree to which the Volunteer's supervisor and other host country officials support the extension.
3. The Volunteer's motivation in seeking the extension.
4. Medical approval from the Peace Corps medical officer.
5. The conduct of the Volunteer.
6. The quality of the Volunteer's service to date."
Tie-Dye Products |
Attraction to staying in the previously assigned village can include familiarity with area, already learned language skills and built-in friends. For me, the draws are my family, social network here in Mboro, and constant electricity. On the contrary, Dakar affords volunteers with increased availability of conveniences from the western world, anonymity in the large city, and a community of fellow ex-patriots. These attractions could be seriously expanded upon, but isn’t the point I’m trying to make.
English Class |
It’s unclear if this is the path for me. I’ve pondered options both in Dakar and here in Mboro that are feasible. I’ve had conversations with people. But some of those other after-service ideas are calling my name, too.
New Leather Product Design |
No comments:
Post a Comment