vyshyvanka_tuesday

American style Chinese food. I miss it soooo much!

I really like Ukrainian trains. They are pretty convenient, not too expensive, and they have bunks for sleeping. I wish America had more railroads!

That's great, and good for you for helping her get more info! My parents were very worried when I joined, but now they are cool with it, even came to visit!

As for your questions:

1 It used to be mostly random, but now you get to choose where you apply. You pick three countries and three programs.

Example:

Ukraine, TEFL (ME!)

Ghana, youth development.

Mexico, community development.

You also have the option of saying "send me anywhere." Some pick this, some don't.

2 For me, no. Someone tried to pickpocket me once when I was in Kyiv, but failed. But every site is different. I can't tell you exactly what your daughter will face, I'd be lying if I said I did. What I can say is that PC works VERY hard on vetting their sites and host families, to try and make it as safe as possible serving there. Each country has a safety and security manager to make sure things run smoothly, and to help volunteers if they get into jams. I personally feel very safe at site, more than I did living in DC to be honest.

3 Know what you want to do. Don't go into anything halfhearted. Read books about the PC, watch video blogs, try to skype with serving volunteers. Know what you are getting into. Once you know all that information, and you still want to serve, GO FOR IT! IT WILL BE AMAZING!

Visit peacecorps.gov for more info

Its the same vice versa. When JFK made the PC in the 60's, he told the CIA and co "Hands off." Peace corps can only function when we have the trust and cooperation of host countries. The Peace Corps and the US government foster that trust by assuring countries that the Peace Corps is not a front for the CIA to operate under. We are non-political, non-religious, and non-intelligence.

Even having a close relative in the intelligence service can make your application to the PC very difficult.

International relations. I honestly don't know.

Yes, I got to pick Ukraine. You apply for the country and field.

Well, we are not "officers" we are volunteers. My basic security is a smile, and that has worked so far. Most Ukrainians are very nice people! I'm about 20 miles from the nearest American.

Yes, my name is super Irish. I'm American though, which is a requirement of being a volunteer. You can join by going to peacecorps.gov and looking at the programs, and what best suits you. Peace Corps pays you a good stipend while you are in country, so you don't have to worry too much about money.