FAQ
Q- Where are you going?
A- "Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) & Palau." Training was held on the island of Pohnpei, which is one state in the Federated States of Micronesia. The island is located in the Pacific ocean, about five degrees north of the equator, and in the area collectively known as “Micronesia.” Other places in Micronesia include Guam and the Northern Marianas, The Marshall Islands, and the Gilbert Islands. My 2 years of service will be spent in the state of Kosrae.
A- "Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) & Palau." Training was held on the island of Pohnpei, which is one state in the Federated States of Micronesia. The island is located in the Pacific ocean, about five degrees north of the equator, and in the area collectively known as “Micronesia.” Other places in Micronesia include Guam and the Northern Marianas, The Marshall Islands, and the Gilbert Islands. My 2 years of service will be spent in the state of Kosrae.
Q- What are you doing there?
A- My official assignment title is "ESL Teacher and Community Development worker." Although English is the official language of government in FSM & Palau, there are 18 different languages spoken across the many islands. According to my Welcome Book, "Lack of English skill is seen as a key factor in a 66% drop in enrollment between elementary school and high school and in very low entrance exam scores at the College of Micronesia. In addition to work at the school, Volunteers are capable and well positioned to support community development and service learning projects, especially as they relate to priorities in health education, environmental education, and youth development."
Q- How long will you be gone?
A- The standard length of Peace Corps service is 27 months. Before my 2-year service even begins, I have 3 months of PST (Pre-Service Training). Phase I, lasting about 6 weeks, focuses on TESL training and working with local schools. Phase II, will last the remaining 4 weeks in my permanent location and focus on language and cross-cultural training. After PST we have our swearing-in and 'graduate" from Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) to volunteers (PCVs).
Q- Will you have access to email/internet/phone/etc?
A- I am, indeed, one of the lucky few with "regular" internet access. Email is probably the fastest way to get in touch, but the internet isn't super reliable and mail is more fun anyway. Head over here to get my mailing adress! Our family has a phone, and Peace Corps requires me to have a cell phone, but I haven't exactly figured out how to use either of these to call home. Skype has proven to be the easiest way to talk to people.
Q- What kinds of foods will you be eating?
A- White rice is HUGE here in FSM. In Kosrae, breadfruit and taro are two of the more popular local foods. Chicken is plentiful, and there is also a lot of citrus here. It isn't uncommon to eat ramen for breakfast, or eggs for dinner. Fish, though not as common as I had expected, is also a regular at the dinner table. Turkey tail, turtle, and dog are rarer foods that people here quite enjoy. I have yet to encounter them, but I fully plan on sharing that story when it happens.
A- My official assignment title is "ESL Teacher and Community Development worker." Although English is the official language of government in FSM & Palau, there are 18 different languages spoken across the many islands. According to my Welcome Book, "Lack of English skill is seen as a key factor in a 66% drop in enrollment between elementary school and high school and in very low entrance exam scores at the College of Micronesia. In addition to work at the school, Volunteers are capable and well positioned to support community development and service learning projects, especially as they relate to priorities in health education, environmental education, and youth development."
Q- How long will you be gone?
A- The standard length of Peace Corps service is 27 months. Before my 2-year service even begins, I have 3 months of PST (Pre-Service Training). Phase I, lasting about 6 weeks, focuses on TESL training and working with local schools. Phase II, will last the remaining 4 weeks in my permanent location and focus on language and cross-cultural training. After PST we have our swearing-in and 'graduate" from Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) to volunteers (PCVs).
Q- Will you have access to email/internet/phone/etc?
A- I am, indeed, one of the lucky few with "regular" internet access. Email is probably the fastest way to get in touch, but the internet isn't super reliable and mail is more fun anyway. Head over here to get my mailing adress! Our family has a phone, and Peace Corps requires me to have a cell phone, but I haven't exactly figured out how to use either of these to call home. Skype has proven to be the easiest way to talk to people.
Q- What kinds of foods will you be eating?
A- White rice is HUGE here in FSM. In Kosrae, breadfruit and taro are two of the more popular local foods. Chicken is plentiful, and there is also a lot of citrus here. It isn't uncommon to eat ramen for breakfast, or eggs for dinner. Fish, though not as common as I had expected, is also a regular at the dinner table. Turkey tail, turtle, and dog are rarer foods that people here quite enjoy. I have yet to encounter them, but I fully plan on sharing that story when it happens.