By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 1:54 pm: Edit Post |
Critical Periods in the Life of a PCV by a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal
Critical Periods in the Life of a PCV by a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal
Month 1:
Issues: Depart states, Arrive in Africa Disorientation, Health, Self-Consciousness
Behavior/Reactions: anxiety, lonliness, feeling incompetent, nervous about personal changes over 2 years.
Month 2:
Issues: Too much structure, too routine, group constancy, fatigue, impending affectation
Behavior/Reactions: withdrawal, anxiety, restlessness, easy irritation, low tolerance level
Month 3-6:
Issues: Assignment, separation/solitude, uncertainty of role
Beavior/Reactions: fright, frustration with self, lonliness, weight/health changes, uselessness
Month 7-10:
Issues: Slow work progress, language plateaus, cross-cultural frustration/ "shock"
Behavior/Reactions: comparison to others, overzealousness, homesickness, uncertainties about adaptation,/ abilities, intolerance w/ host culture
Month 11-15:
Issues: Mid-service crisis, doubt about program, role, self, govt., various failures over time, reflection: disillusionment, confusion in resolving frustrations with victories, new trainees arrive, holiday time
Behavior/Reactions: impatience with self, program, "system", blame on program, constant complaining, lethargy, haughtiness w/ new trainees via superidentification in image, dress
Month 16-20:
Issues: increased/ more defined work pace, project work, awareness of time constraints, realization of own limitations, consideration of "post" PC
Behavior/Reactions: hyperactivity or apathy, procrastination, self-recrimination, resignation, disappointment, downgrade achievements, overidentification in behavior
Month 21-23:
Issues: Prep for COS: work/follow-up, depression about perceived lack of accomplishment, anticipated separation, demanding work pace, consideration of extension, post-PC options, acknowledged chance of unmet goals
Behavior/Reactions: fright, confusion, alienation, anxiety, panic, giddiness, impatience, obsession with planning and scheduling