| Author |
Message |
virginiaeckert
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 72.133.51.231
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2011 - 2:22 pm: | |
I am a current applicant to the Peace Corps and I completed my interview with my recruiter yesterday. The main concern that the recruiter and I have is regarding my current romantic relationship. I have been with my partner (living together, not yet married) for 2 years and before speaking with my recruiter, we were hopeful that after my placement was determined, we could find a similar volunteer/work opportunity for my partner, either in my host country or nearby, so that we could at least visit each other on the weekends or during vacation. My recruiter stated that this may not be a realistic expectation, but since rules regarding relationships/visitors are country specific and to the discretion of the regional director, that the Peace Corps may be compassionate and understanding towards our commitment to each other and volunteering abroad and that it may be possible for us to live closely and see each other frequently. As I left the interview, the recruiter told me to think about strategies to cope with leaving my partner behind for the full 27 months (worst case scenario) and also to think about how we may explain our relationship to locals (being an unmarried couple) if we were able to live closely together & visit each other often (best case scenario). I am hoping that someone in the forums has had a similar experience, either with being able to live with/nearby your partner in country with you, or having to cope with leaving them behind. Any advice or information on this would be very helpful. |
Sherry Providence
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 24.147.67.126
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 01, 2011 - 8:06 pm: | |
Your experience will be very country specific. Something to think about is how committed you are to your experience vs your relationship. My suggestion would be plan some vacations to visit each other and stay connected electronically. |
Greg Wheeler (gwheeler)
New member
Username: gwheeler
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2011
Posted From: 98.64.224.93
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 02, 2011 - 9:00 pm: | |
Once you are established you will have lots of freedom. I knew several volunteers in this situation. One couple told the recruiter they were engaged and were marrying prior to enlisting. They never did and PC never knew. Another lived out in the country, her partner moved in after a brief visit from the US. I only found out about the relationship because they picked me up hitching. I wouldn't worry too much about this, just stay out of trouble and don't advertise. |
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