When to apply...well the process takes roughly a year. Busiest times of year are spring into summer. October to December is the slowest time of year (# of programs). It's harder to get college seniors to go in the spring because they're still in school. If you can go in the spring you've got less people to compete with. I'd shoot for applying right now if you want to leave in 2011. The earlier in 2011 you can go the better. If you can't go until the summer time, you should still apply right now as that gives you more leeway should you hit a medical speed bump, or if you need to gain more skill to be competitive.
How much does your application date matter?
Programs leave year-round to all regions. Some countries have multiple inputs (like Nicaragua) while some have one big input per year. Do not concern yourself with an equation like "time of year = more likely to get Central/South America (CSA)". There are just too many variable to make that worth your time or trouble (by variables I mean all of the factors that could cause you to "move" from your originally nominated pool into another pool, which about 35-40% of all applicants do).
If you have a preference for CSA then state it. If you are not open to serving elsewhere than either A) get flexible, or B) don't apply. Inflexibility will get your rejected or withdrawn.
But if you are flexible and just have a preference for CSA, go ahead and list that on your application and tell your recruiter that when s/he asks you that question in the interview.
FYI - Africa has roughly 40% of all volunteers while CSA and Eastern Europe have about 20-25 % each. Roughly 6% in Asia, another 3-5% in Central Asia, 3% or less in (each) Pacific Islands, Caribbean, and North Africa/Middle East (NAME)...I have no idea if that even adds up to 100%
I bring that up because if you are flexible, be flexible to the larger regions to help get you placed.
Regarding Spanish. Yes, you need the equivalent of 2 years of college Spanish. So take Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202 or 1-4. You really just need to pass that fourth class (must be an accredited college/university). I repeat, you need to show that you are at the proficiency of the fourth class. SO, if you are good enough to jump to Spanish 201 and 202, then do it. Or take a standardized language exam like CLEP II or ACTFL. Ask your recruiter what the minimum score is to be at the Spanish 202 (fourth class) proficiency.
When to apply...well the process takes roughly a year. Busiest times of year are spring into summer. October to December is the slowest time of year (# of programs). It's harder to get college seniors to go in the spring because they're still in school. If you can go in the spring you've got less people to compete with. I'd shoot for applying right now if you want to leave in 2011. The earlier in 2011 you can go the better. If you can't go until the summer time, you should still apply right now as that gives you more leeway should you hit a medical speed bump, or if you need to gain more skill to be competitive.
If you aren't in school and want to leave ASAP, let your recruiter know and be prepared to whiz through the medical process. Ask your recruiter to put in your file that even if you are nominated to (for example) Spring 2011, that you are available ASAP. The Placement Office will see this once you are medically cleared and if they can use you earlier they will contact you. PO's love people who can move forward and leave earlier. It helps when their current pools of applicants dry up due to medical issues or app's withdrawing themselves from consideration.
Finally, person with Americorps teaching experience, that's awesome! Peace Corps loves former Americorps volunteers. If your teaching wasn't in ESL be prepared for a possible At-Risk Youth focused program. Or go get some ESL experience to add to your resume for an English Teaching position. HOWEVER, be aware that there are not a lot of English Teaching programs in CSA. Those are most commonly found in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Asia and Africa. CSA does have some but it's extremely competitive so be flexible to At-risk youth and/or go get more ESL experience. BUT, with Americorps and if you are flexible, you sound like a good applicant thus far!!!
