T minus 3 weeks and counting, before departure. (I actually found out recently the T stands for time. A little sad I’m just finding that out as old as I am.) Alright, the application process is over. Now what? You know the region you’re going to & when, but that’s basically it. A lot of your questions are answered in the welcome kit. Once you’ve accepted your assignment to the Peace Corps they send you a welcome kit, which takes about 3 business days to get to your home. What REALLY adds to the anticipation of receiving the kit is that at the time you DON’T know what country you’re going to. I was given a general location, Sub-Saharan Africa, since they can’t tell you the specific country over the phone. In my case, I was accepted for an assignment on a Friday, so I had to wait 5 days instead of 3. It was like a blind date, except w/ a continent. You have all types of best & worst case scenarios going through your mind. I tried to keep my mind clear of expectations, so not to be disappointed. On a side note 2 of the most significant moments of my life have come via UPS. My college diploma & my PC assignment welcome kit. Given the fact that I didn’t even know I had graduated until then(thanks to my idiot academic advisor), both reactions were about the same. You know the reaction Michael Jordan had when he won his first big playoff series w/ a game winning shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers & he jumped about 4 feet in the air w/ a flurry of fist pumps, that was me, except I didn’t get a hug from Scottie Pippen. After settling down from finding out the country of service I started to read the welcome kit. You have some task to complete immediately. First, I had to send an email saying I accept the assignment to the specified country. Then I had to send an updated resume & write an Aspiration Statement & email that to the Ethiopia country desk. In the kit I received a Peace Corps volunteer handbook, an Adjustment handbook, a handbook for volunteer family members, and a handbook on my specified assignment/job (I‘ll talk about my assignment in my next post). I also received a packet of folders which mostly contained documents to fill out for orientation the day before I leave the country. It also had press release forms, insurance forms, & my passport & VISA application papers. The first, & most important task is to apply for the passport & VISA. Otherwise I wouldn’t get a plane ticket, and there goes 10 months down the drain. You get a different passport specific to the PC, so I had to send my current one in w/ the app. They don’t send it back. I’m supposed to get both passports, PC & personal, & my VISA at staging in Philadelphia. So I’ll have 2 valid passports, which makes me feel like a poor man’s version of 007...003.5!
There were also some dental & immunization task I had to complete before being cleared for departure as well. You can accept an assignment before getting required dental work done, so I still had to get my bottom wisdom teeth pulled & another tooth restored. I was nervous about the wisdom tooth surgery b/c of all the horror stories you hear. It actually wasn’t that bad. They put me under so I felt no pain, & there was hardly any pain after either. There was a lot of blood though. I had to keep gauze in my mouth for almost a week. Good thing I didn’t let them take all 4 wisdom teeth out, I would’ve been sucking on tampons for a week. I also had to get a yellow fever shot, which is specific for Ethiopia. It has to be documented on a yellow WHO(world health organization) card. I’ll have to keep this w/ me at all times, like a passport.
About 6 weeks out you’re sent a packing list, which is very detailed. It’s like a combination of packing for college, camping, and vacation all together. The list contains male & female items, some which I’ve never heard of. A “diva cup” for example, was something that not only I was unfamiliar with, but the women I asked as well. I made the horrible mistake of googling it. I was expecting some sort of rain forest make-up kit or a Mary Kay survival make-up kit. You won’t get a pink Cadillac from selling diva cups, maybe a red one. I’m going to try to upload the packing list to the blog, but I may have to paste it b/c I don’t think you can upload word documents. You’re advised to keep your packing weight to 80pnds, which is virtually impossible w/ what you’re asked to bring. I’ve already started picking up some things, rain boots, sleeping bag, binoculars, duffle bag, compass, canteen, survival knife, rope, & duct tape. It probably wouldn’t be wise to have female company over w/ all the slash & dash equipment in the apartment now. Yesterday I received a revised packing list & note on dressing appropriately. They say dressing there is not considered a manner of expressing yourself like here, but a manner of respect for the people around you. So no short skirts, profane t-shirts, tank tops, or spaghetti strap tops. It’s a more difficult adjustment for women b/c they’re expected to dress extremely conservative. I'm going to miss short skirts & high heels as much as the women do...let me rephrase that, I'm going to miss seeing women in short skirts and high heels.
Around 4 weeks out you receive a staging information email. It tells your where orientation is & where/when you depart the U.S. Orientation for me is in Philly on Oct. 3rd. There will be plenty of other PC volunteers there, although I’m not sure if all will be going to the same country. The PC flies you to staging from the closest airport of your choice, which will be RDU for me, since I‘ll be staying w/ my brother my last week end. So now I’m just spending my time getting items from the packing list, doing a little cultural research, & preparing to pack up & move. I’m to the point now where I’m mentally drained from the preparation & wondering what life is going to be like for the next few years, and I’m just ready to get to work & just live it.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Packing List
Since I couldn't upload the word doc of my packing list, I'm just going to paste it. This is the revised one, so some of the stuff is different. No diva cup or french press in this one.
Friends and Families of Trainees,
Many of you might be just as confused, scared and excited as the Volunteer themselves, but your support is critical to their success. Letters, phone calls and e-mails are some of the easiest ways to show your support.
The following list is some very basic suggestions of items to send to your loved ones in the Peace Corps. Everyone has different wants and needs, but here are many of the most sought after commodities of volunteers in Ethiopia:
· Current magazines, books
· Sudokus, crossword puzzles, word searches, etc.
· Toiletries: stick deodorant, lotion, travel size shampoo, tampons, tissues, favorite toothpaste
· Newly released movies and music mixes
· Chewing gum
· Hand sanitizer – travel size and refill packs
· Spices: parsley, black pepper, season salt, Old Bay, garlic powder
· Tuna packets, canned chicken
· Velveeta, parmesan cheese, other non-refrigerated cheese products
· Instant mixes – soup, sauces, cake, etc
· Chocolate or your Volunteer’s favorite candy
· Powdered drink mixes – Crystal Light, Gatorade
· Carnation Instant Breakfast
· Green tea, instant coffee (for cold weather sites: hot chocolate)
· Beef jerky
· Trail mix
· Peanut butter (Jiff, Skippy)
· Hot Sauce (only Tabasco is locally available)
· Granola bars
· Raisans, craisans, dried apricots, etc.
· Post-its
· Some one-time items to send after your Volunteer moves to site : butter knives, cloths pins, candle holders, sticky tack
Your Volunteer should have been given their address during the first three months in country during their training program (Note: this will change once they move to site). Once you receive this address, you can mail your first letter. You do not have to wait for your Volunteer to leave before you start sending mail out. This will shorten the delay between their departure and their first bit of love from home.
Thank you for your support,
Current Volunteers
Packing Suggestions for Female Volunteers
Suggestions for packing:
· Cardigans
· Layering tank tops
· Leggings
· Clothes you would wear to a dance club – only wear when at the dance club please
· A fake wedding band to deter all of the proposals
· Over-the-shoulder purse
· Bras – the locally available ones are of poor quality
The current Volunteers have the following advice:
· You should pack something that makes you feel beautiful whatever that might be. A tube of mascara, your favorite skirt, etc
· Even though you are moving to Ethiopia, DON'T leave your fashion personality at home. You do not need to go buy a whole new wardrobe. Bring things you would wear at home as long as it covers your shoulders and knees.
· A note about skirts: Many sites do not culturally require women to wear skirts. Some do. That being said, remember to pack what you feel comfortable in. If you wear trousers at home, pack some. All skirts you bring need to be at least past the knee, calf length is best, full length is not necessary. Please do not wear skirts that are see through in the sun light, or bring a slip.
Don’t be intimidated by the packing list. All are suggestions; simply pack what you think you will want and use. This is as detailed as possible to try and inspire smart packing decisions but beware it does not include everything. Best of luck!
Suggested Packing List Side Comments
Luggage Considerations
You have a two bag limit and a camping pack is highly suggested as one of the two bags. You will do a lot of traveling on crowded mini-buses and a suitcase will simply not fit.
An empty bag The Peace Corps likes handouts and you will get about 20 extra pounds of books and papers that you will then have to transfer to site after training.
Clothing
Please note: white clothing is strongly discouraged because of dust, mud and sweat considerations
Several pairs of trousers
T-Shirts
Sweatshirt/Fleece You will use them and love them
Your favorite comfy outfit Sweats, yoga pants, loungewear
Athletic Shorts (for home)
Jeans (not worn or torn)
One or two dressy outfits A full suit is not really ever required but instead try some nice slacks or a long dress
Bandanas
Long skirts – at least past the knee
Raincoat Best if insulated
Cotton socks (grey or athletic)
Belts Weight lost in men is very typical
Undergarments, including slips for women Slips are necessary if you were traditional clothing which is what most people wear at the swearing in ceremony
Scarves, hats Some sites are very hot, others very cold. Even if yours isn't you can use them when you travel
Swimsuit Bring one!
Shoes
Durable shoes are essential. Shoes will wear out more quickly in Ethiopia because of all the walking you will do. Make sure all shoes are mud friendly
One or two pairs of hiking/walking shoes or boots
One or two pairs of sneakers or running shoes
Two pairs of comfortable dress shoes Heels are not very practical in Ethiopia
Flip-flops Shower shoes or to slip on to visit the toilet
Comfortable sandals (e.g. Tevas or Chacos) You will wear these every day
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
A range of basic hygiene items is available in most towns and cities, however, if you have strong personal preferences, plan to bring enough of those brands for the first three months or until your first care package arrives. Most over-the-counter medicines (aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, benadryl, etc.) can be received through the Medical Unit in-country
Deodorant (if you prefer the stick kind, which is not available locally)
Contact lens solutions (available in Addis Ababa, but very expensive); the Peace Corps does not provide these But don't forget your two pairs of spare glasses in addition to the contact lenses
A three-month supply of any prescription drugs, including birth control pills
Tampons (expensive locally) Applicator free and only in large cities
Face wash
Q-Tips (these can be bought in Addis) Without a shower your ears take on a whole new level or dirty
Aloe or after-sun lotion Lots of Nivea products but no after sun skin care
Nail clippers, nail file
Foot scrubber
Medium or Large size quick-dry towel I.E. pack towel, ideal for traveling.
Baby Wipes
Electronics/Entertainment
Camera and accessories (film is available locally) Don't forget chargers, cords, etc.
LAPTOP!, chargers and a zip drive This will come in handy writing your reports, to listen to music and watch movies.
Voltage converter from 110-120V to 220-240V (note: this is not a power strip)
External hard drive People will share movies and music.
iPod or MP3 player (voltage converters are locally available)
iPod Speakers
Rechargeable batteries
Good headphones
Your favorite music (blank tapes are available locally) Yup, they still use tapes. Blank CDs are also available
Movies
Shortwave radio (three- to seven-band is recommended)
Journal
Portable musical instruments Group sing-a-longs are common
Sports equipment (e.g., Frisbee, kites, American football, soccer ball) Soccer is the game of choice for most Ethiopians
Art supplies Markers are very expensive and of very poor quality
Games and puzzle books (e.g., playing cards, cribbage, and skip-bo) Perfect for power outages
Favorite novels (but there will also be plenty circulating) The Peace Corps in Addis has a great library as well as fellow Volunteers passing them around
Your favorite hobby – scrap booking, knitting, etc
Miscellaneous
Pens and pencils, stationery, and notebooks (this can be bought here in stationary stores)
Alarm clock (battery power)
Sewing kit
Knives (available locally but of poor quality) Chef knives, butter knives, all are very hard to find
Duct tape A true life saver
Peeler, grater, etc. (available locally but expensive) Especially if you aren't a cook this will make meal times much easier
A Leatherman knife, or any multi-tool.
Packaged sauces, seasoning and drink mixes Soup mixes available in Addis, dried parsley and cilantro are non-existent
Potholders
Flashcards Helpful when studying the language
Cash (most Volunteers bring $200 to $500 in traveler’s check for vacation)
Credit card and/or ATM card (for travel)
Pictures from home
Checks from a U.S. bank account (handy for ordering)
Day planner and wall calendar
Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)
Sun glasses/visor
Tupperware, Ziploc baggies
Non-stick frying pan, plastic spatula
Sponges (can find locally) and brillo pads
Baggage locks
Scissors Many Volunteers trim each others hair
Oreos Even if you don't like them today you will in two months into service
Peanut butter or your favorite snack During the first few weeks you will be adjusting to a new diet and it’s nice to have something familiar to munch on
Addresses and phone numbers of loved ones
Ethiopia guide book
Pack towels Local towels are expensive plus these are good for travel
Sleeping bag
A watch You will soon learn that the Ethiopians have a different system to tell time.
Photos of your hometown The locals love this and it's nice to be able to share a part of you with them
Folders For all the handouts
Umbrella
Lighter
Gifts for Host Family Suggestions: photo albums, games, picture frame, dollar bill note, an American flag
Pillow Yes it's bulky but the comfort of home is well worth the hassle
Yoga mat
Ear plugs
Laundry bag
Don't Worry About Packing (unless you feel very passionately about them)
Solar Shower You can always heat the water or let the bucket rest in the sun
Camping gear Though some Volunteers are glad they brought sleeping bags
Non-prescription medications The medical kit includes all the basics and refills are available. Lactose intollerance pills are NOT available
Bug Spray In the medical kit
Sun screen In the medical kit
Solar Battery Charger Most Volunteers bring the standard rechargeable batteries.
Airplane pillow and blankets The local pillows are similar to cinderblocks
You favorite beverage NO glass bottles
Friends and Families of Trainees,
Many of you might be just as confused, scared and excited as the Volunteer themselves, but your support is critical to their success. Letters, phone calls and e-mails are some of the easiest ways to show your support.
The following list is some very basic suggestions of items to send to your loved ones in the Peace Corps. Everyone has different wants and needs, but here are many of the most sought after commodities of volunteers in Ethiopia:
· Current magazines, books
· Sudokus, crossword puzzles, word searches, etc.
· Toiletries: stick deodorant, lotion, travel size shampoo, tampons, tissues, favorite toothpaste
· Newly released movies and music mixes
· Chewing gum
· Hand sanitizer – travel size and refill packs
· Spices: parsley, black pepper, season salt, Old Bay, garlic powder
· Tuna packets, canned chicken
· Velveeta, parmesan cheese, other non-refrigerated cheese products
· Instant mixes – soup, sauces, cake, etc
· Chocolate or your Volunteer’s favorite candy
· Powdered drink mixes – Crystal Light, Gatorade
· Carnation Instant Breakfast
· Green tea, instant coffee (for cold weather sites: hot chocolate)
· Beef jerky
· Trail mix
· Peanut butter (Jiff, Skippy)
· Hot Sauce (only Tabasco is locally available)
· Granola bars
· Raisans, craisans, dried apricots, etc.
· Post-its
· Some one-time items to send after your Volunteer moves to site : butter knives, cloths pins, candle holders, sticky tack
Your Volunteer should have been given their address during the first three months in country during their training program (Note: this will change once they move to site). Once you receive this address, you can mail your first letter. You do not have to wait for your Volunteer to leave before you start sending mail out. This will shorten the delay between their departure and their first bit of love from home.
Thank you for your support,
Current Volunteers
Packing Suggestions for Female Volunteers
Suggestions for packing:
· Cardigans
· Layering tank tops
· Leggings
· Clothes you would wear to a dance club – only wear when at the dance club please
· A fake wedding band to deter all of the proposals
· Over-the-shoulder purse
· Bras – the locally available ones are of poor quality
The current Volunteers have the following advice:
· You should pack something that makes you feel beautiful whatever that might be. A tube of mascara, your favorite skirt, etc
· Even though you are moving to Ethiopia, DON'T leave your fashion personality at home. You do not need to go buy a whole new wardrobe. Bring things you would wear at home as long as it covers your shoulders and knees.
· A note about skirts: Many sites do not culturally require women to wear skirts. Some do. That being said, remember to pack what you feel comfortable in. If you wear trousers at home, pack some. All skirts you bring need to be at least past the knee, calf length is best, full length is not necessary. Please do not wear skirts that are see through in the sun light, or bring a slip.
Don’t be intimidated by the packing list. All are suggestions; simply pack what you think you will want and use. This is as detailed as possible to try and inspire smart packing decisions but beware it does not include everything. Best of luck!
Suggested Packing List Side Comments
Luggage Considerations
You have a two bag limit and a camping pack is highly suggested as one of the two bags. You will do a lot of traveling on crowded mini-buses and a suitcase will simply not fit.
An empty bag The Peace Corps likes handouts and you will get about 20 extra pounds of books and papers that you will then have to transfer to site after training.
Clothing
Please note: white clothing is strongly discouraged because of dust, mud and sweat considerations
Several pairs of trousers
T-Shirts
Sweatshirt/Fleece You will use them and love them
Your favorite comfy outfit Sweats, yoga pants, loungewear
Athletic Shorts (for home)
Jeans (not worn or torn)
One or two dressy outfits A full suit is not really ever required but instead try some nice slacks or a long dress
Bandanas
Long skirts – at least past the knee
Raincoat Best if insulated
Cotton socks (grey or athletic)
Belts Weight lost in men is very typical
Undergarments, including slips for women Slips are necessary if you were traditional clothing which is what most people wear at the swearing in ceremony
Scarves, hats Some sites are very hot, others very cold. Even if yours isn't you can use them when you travel
Swimsuit Bring one!
Shoes
Durable shoes are essential. Shoes will wear out more quickly in Ethiopia because of all the walking you will do. Make sure all shoes are mud friendly
One or two pairs of hiking/walking shoes or boots
One or two pairs of sneakers or running shoes
Two pairs of comfortable dress shoes Heels are not very practical in Ethiopia
Flip-flops Shower shoes or to slip on to visit the toilet
Comfortable sandals (e.g. Tevas or Chacos) You will wear these every day
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
A range of basic hygiene items is available in most towns and cities, however, if you have strong personal preferences, plan to bring enough of those brands for the first three months or until your first care package arrives. Most over-the-counter medicines (aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, benadryl, etc.) can be received through the Medical Unit in-country
Deodorant (if you prefer the stick kind, which is not available locally)
Contact lens solutions (available in Addis Ababa, but very expensive); the Peace Corps does not provide these But don't forget your two pairs of spare glasses in addition to the contact lenses
A three-month supply of any prescription drugs, including birth control pills
Tampons (expensive locally) Applicator free and only in large cities
Face wash
Q-Tips (these can be bought in Addis) Without a shower your ears take on a whole new level or dirty
Aloe or after-sun lotion Lots of Nivea products but no after sun skin care
Nail clippers, nail file
Foot scrubber
Medium or Large size quick-dry towel I.E. pack towel, ideal for traveling.
Baby Wipes
Electronics/Entertainment
Camera and accessories (film is available locally) Don't forget chargers, cords, etc.
LAPTOP!, chargers and a zip drive This will come in handy writing your reports, to listen to music and watch movies.
Voltage converter from 110-120V to 220-240V (note: this is not a power strip)
External hard drive People will share movies and music.
iPod or MP3 player (voltage converters are locally available)
iPod Speakers
Rechargeable batteries
Good headphones
Your favorite music (blank tapes are available locally) Yup, they still use tapes. Blank CDs are also available
Movies
Shortwave radio (three- to seven-band is recommended)
Journal
Portable musical instruments Group sing-a-longs are common
Sports equipment (e.g., Frisbee, kites, American football, soccer ball) Soccer is the game of choice for most Ethiopians
Art supplies Markers are very expensive and of very poor quality
Games and puzzle books (e.g., playing cards, cribbage, and skip-bo) Perfect for power outages
Favorite novels (but there will also be plenty circulating) The Peace Corps in Addis has a great library as well as fellow Volunteers passing them around
Your favorite hobby – scrap booking, knitting, etc
Miscellaneous
Pens and pencils, stationery, and notebooks (this can be bought here in stationary stores)
Alarm clock (battery power)
Sewing kit
Knives (available locally but of poor quality) Chef knives, butter knives, all are very hard to find
Duct tape A true life saver
Peeler, grater, etc. (available locally but expensive) Especially if you aren't a cook this will make meal times much easier
A Leatherman knife, or any multi-tool.
Packaged sauces, seasoning and drink mixes Soup mixes available in Addis, dried parsley and cilantro are non-existent
Potholders
Flashcards Helpful when studying the language
Cash (most Volunteers bring $200 to $500 in traveler’s check for vacation)
Credit card and/or ATM card (for travel)
Pictures from home
Checks from a U.S. bank account (handy for ordering)
Day planner and wall calendar
Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)
Sun glasses/visor
Tupperware, Ziploc baggies
Non-stick frying pan, plastic spatula
Sponges (can find locally) and brillo pads
Baggage locks
Scissors Many Volunteers trim each others hair
Oreos Even if you don't like them today you will in two months into service
Peanut butter or your favorite snack During the first few weeks you will be adjusting to a new diet and it’s nice to have something familiar to munch on
Addresses and phone numbers of loved ones
Ethiopia guide book
Pack towels Local towels are expensive plus these are good for travel
Sleeping bag
A watch You will soon learn that the Ethiopians have a different system to tell time.
Photos of your hometown The locals love this and it's nice to be able to share a part of you with them
Folders For all the handouts
Umbrella
Lighter
Gifts for Host Family Suggestions: photo albums, games, picture frame, dollar bill note, an American flag
Pillow Yes it's bulky but the comfort of home is well worth the hassle
Yoga mat
Ear plugs
Laundry bag
Don't Worry About Packing (unless you feel very passionately about them)
Solar Shower You can always heat the water or let the bucket rest in the sun
Camping gear Though some Volunteers are glad they brought sleeping bags
Non-prescription medications The medical kit includes all the basics and refills are available. Lactose intollerance pills are NOT available
Bug Spray In the medical kit
Sun screen In the medical kit
Solar Battery Charger Most Volunteers bring the standard rechargeable batteries.
Airplane pillow and blankets The local pillows are similar to cinderblocks
You favorite beverage NO glass bottles
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Application Process 2 Electric Boogaloo
Good day friends & family, mostly family. Sooner or later I’m going to tell people I have a blog, so I might have a few more followers. I guess in the back of my mind I still have that “what if they turn me down” feeling, which may sound crazy, but after a 10 month application process you feel like another essay or blood test can be expected at any moment. I think I’m safe now. The day after my last post they emailed me my staging information. I actually know now all my flight info & itinerary for orientation. I’m flying to Philly on Monday Oct. 3rd for orientation, then flying out of JFK on the 4th w/ a layover in Frankfort, Germany, then on to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’m scheduled to arrive there on Wednesday Oct. 5th around 9pm local. I also set up for my cable, phone, & power to be cut off at the end of the month, and let the landlady know I’m moving out…so, if they back out on me now, I won’t be very peaceful w/ the Peace Corps. Before I get too sidetracked, let me finish up explaining the application process w/ the medical/dental.
Once you’ve been nominated they send you a packet in the mail w/ everything they need you to do. One portion is on immunization. You have to send them your shots record, as well as get any that are missing & send those records as well. I had to request them from my college, & high school, since some were missing from the college records. I still had to get a Hepatitis test, MMR(mumps, measles, & rubella) shot, adult polio booster shot, a tetanus shot, & a yellow fever shot (this was specific for Ethiopia after being assigned). I had more needles in me than your local neighborhood dope fiend. Getting all those shots around the same time, I was either going to be very immune or very high.
The other portion is a detailed physical exam, which may be even more detailed depending how you answer the initial medical questionnaire in the online app. I mentioned a heart murmur some doctor said I had in one physical over 20 years ago & had to send in 2 letters from a doctor saying I don’t have one. That’s what I get for full disclosure. Other than that the doctor just follows the checklist provided by the PC, which is fairly standard aside from the blood test, AIDS test, & the dreaded rectal exam. Of aaaall the stuff I had to go through, the rectal exam had me the most nervous. My friends didn’t help w/ the jokes…make sure he has one hand on your shoulder & not two, or beware of the “David Blaine” (For those of you not familiar, David Blaine is a magician. The maneuver is when you bend over only to have someone else slip in from behind & when you look up you see the Dr. waving at you from out the window & the person from behind says TADAA!) Needless to say everything was fine, except for my blood test. I had a low red & white blood cell count. The PC sent my physical back requesting a 2nd blood test. Since the results were the same I had to go to a blood Dr. Same test, same results, so I finally ended up having to get a bone marrow biopsy. They laid me on my stomach & put an extremely long needle in my pelvis up my back to draw bone marrow & analyze it…& I was still more nervous at the rectal exam. Anyway, they did all that to basically tell me your blood count is different b/c you’re multi-racial. Thanks doc! After that I passed the physical.
The dental is a lot simpler. You go get a normal check up & x-rays at a dentist, following the PC dental checklist of course, & send the x-rays & results back. You can even get it done for free, b/c certain dentist give free exams to PC applicants. The PC dental examiners look at the data & either pass you or send a document back w/ requested dental work. Being that I hadn’t been to the dentist since Reagan was president, they had a few request. I had to get my bottom wisdom teeth pulled & one tooth drilled & filled. The good thing is you don’t have to get the dental work done until you’ve officially been medically cleared & been assigned your country. That way you don’t get your wisdom teeth pulled for nothing.
Ok, so once you’ve passed medical, you have to send in your resume again w/ any updates & any certificates of completion, or any other data, related to the language study agreement signed after nomination. Then they set up one more interview, really just to see if there have been any significant changes in your life that have occurred since the beginning of the application process that would effect you serving 27 months. It’s not long, maybe 20 minutes. Then they tell you right there if they have an assignment for you. They can’t say the country over the phone, just the region, your field of work, & when. All I knew was sub-Saharan Africa in Oct. doing business analysis for conservation & natural resource management (CNRM). I actually had to wait 3 days for UPS to deliver the welcome kit to me before I knew what country I was going to. It kind of had that game show feel to it, like what's behind door number 3?!.....ETHIOPIA!! I did have a little Price is Right come on down type reaction, doing Tiger Woods fist pumps all over my apartment. It was a pleasant surprise. The process still wasn't over though. I had to send a resume to the Ethiopia country desk & write an Aspiration Statement, which is another essay saying what your plans are during and after service in the selected country & how you plan to adjust to life there, as well resolve some of their ongoing issues. Then I had to send my passport & some photos in, for a specialized PC passport & VISA for my country of service.
FINALLY, that’s it. No more long post guys I promise. Summing up a 10 month application process can get a little wordy. From now on post will be strictly about my assignment & Ethiopia. The blog IS titled Mission to Ethiopia, not Mission to bore the hell out of everyone w/ long ass post.
Once you’ve been nominated they send you a packet in the mail w/ everything they need you to do. One portion is on immunization. You have to send them your shots record, as well as get any that are missing & send those records as well. I had to request them from my college, & high school, since some were missing from the college records. I still had to get a Hepatitis test, MMR(mumps, measles, & rubella) shot, adult polio booster shot, a tetanus shot, & a yellow fever shot (this was specific for Ethiopia after being assigned). I had more needles in me than your local neighborhood dope fiend. Getting all those shots around the same time, I was either going to be very immune or very high.
The other portion is a detailed physical exam, which may be even more detailed depending how you answer the initial medical questionnaire in the online app. I mentioned a heart murmur some doctor said I had in one physical over 20 years ago & had to send in 2 letters from a doctor saying I don’t have one. That’s what I get for full disclosure. Other than that the doctor just follows the checklist provided by the PC, which is fairly standard aside from the blood test, AIDS test, & the dreaded rectal exam. Of aaaall the stuff I had to go through, the rectal exam had me the most nervous. My friends didn’t help w/ the jokes…make sure he has one hand on your shoulder & not two, or beware of the “David Blaine” (For those of you not familiar, David Blaine is a magician. The maneuver is when you bend over only to have someone else slip in from behind & when you look up you see the Dr. waving at you from out the window & the person from behind says TADAA!) Needless to say everything was fine, except for my blood test. I had a low red & white blood cell count. The PC sent my physical back requesting a 2nd blood test. Since the results were the same I had to go to a blood Dr. Same test, same results, so I finally ended up having to get a bone marrow biopsy. They laid me on my stomach & put an extremely long needle in my pelvis up my back to draw bone marrow & analyze it…& I was still more nervous at the rectal exam. Anyway, they did all that to basically tell me your blood count is different b/c you’re multi-racial. Thanks doc! After that I passed the physical.
The dental is a lot simpler. You go get a normal check up & x-rays at a dentist, following the PC dental checklist of course, & send the x-rays & results back. You can even get it done for free, b/c certain dentist give free exams to PC applicants. The PC dental examiners look at the data & either pass you or send a document back w/ requested dental work. Being that I hadn’t been to the dentist since Reagan was president, they had a few request. I had to get my bottom wisdom teeth pulled & one tooth drilled & filled. The good thing is you don’t have to get the dental work done until you’ve officially been medically cleared & been assigned your country. That way you don’t get your wisdom teeth pulled for nothing.
Ok, so once you’ve passed medical, you have to send in your resume again w/ any updates & any certificates of completion, or any other data, related to the language study agreement signed after nomination. Then they set up one more interview, really just to see if there have been any significant changes in your life that have occurred since the beginning of the application process that would effect you serving 27 months. It’s not long, maybe 20 minutes. Then they tell you right there if they have an assignment for you. They can’t say the country over the phone, just the region, your field of work, & when. All I knew was sub-Saharan Africa in Oct. doing business analysis for conservation & natural resource management (CNRM). I actually had to wait 3 days for UPS to deliver the welcome kit to me before I knew what country I was going to. It kind of had that game show feel to it, like what's behind door number 3?!.....ETHIOPIA!! I did have a little Price is Right come on down type reaction, doing Tiger Woods fist pumps all over my apartment. It was a pleasant surprise. The process still wasn't over though. I had to send a resume to the Ethiopia country desk & write an Aspiration Statement, which is another essay saying what your plans are during and after service in the selected country & how you plan to adjust to life there, as well resolve some of their ongoing issues. Then I had to send my passport & some photos in, for a specialized PC passport & VISA for my country of service.
FINALLY, that’s it. No more long post guys I promise. Summing up a 10 month application process can get a little wordy. From now on post will be strictly about my assignment & Ethiopia. The blog IS titled Mission to Ethiopia, not Mission to bore the hell out of everyone w/ long ass post.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)