September 14, 2003 - Personal Web Site: Critical Periods in the Life of a PCV by a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Senegal: Peace Corps Senegal : The Peace Corps in Senegal: September 14, 2003 - Personal Web Site: Critical Periods in the Life of a PCV by a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal

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



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Story Source: Personal Web Site

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Senegal; For Prospective Volunteers; Humor

PCOL7759
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