2006.04.10: April 10, 2006: Headlines: COS - Benin: The Third Goal: The New Paltz Oracle: Carol Sneyd volunteered in the country of Benin from 1983 to 1985
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2006.04.10: April 10, 2006: Headlines: COS - Benin: The Third Goal: The New Paltz Oracle: Carol Sneyd volunteered in the country of Benin from 1983 to 1985
Carol Sneyd volunteered in the country of Benin from 1983 to 1985
“Just like coming to college the first day, you never know what you get,” said Sneyd, comparing the transition of America to Benin. She said that at first she was homesick, but after a while she said, “I’m home here.”
Carol Sneyd volunteered in the country of Benin from 1983 to 1985
Peace Corps Volunteer Imparts Wisdom
By Malleline Ferreras, Contributing Writer
A Peace Corps volunteer spoke about her past experiences in the program and about alternate post-graduation options on March 30 at 5 p.m. in Student Union Building 100.
Carol Sneyd volunteered in the country of Benin from 1983 to 1985. She was a college graduate when she applied, and did not know if the Peace Corps was the right choice for her.
Sneyd did not plan on applying to the Peace Corps but did because she could not find a steady job. She said the application process consisted of an interview, an application, a background check and, if chosen, an invitation.
She received the invitation stating that she was chosen, but did not know when or where she was going to be serving. After a couple of months she received a letter stating that she was going to serve in Benin, W. Africa. That is where her adventures began.
“Just like coming to college the first day, you never know what you get,” said Sneyd, comparing the transition of America to Benin. She said that at first she was homesick, but after a while she said, “I’m home here.”
Sneyd said the Peace Corps has sent volunteers to about 138 host countries worldwide. There are currently volunteers in 72 host countries. Because the cultures are so different, the program has to train their volunteers extensively so that they can work efficiently with the people that they are trying to help.
According to the Peace Corps catalog provided by Sneyd, there is a three-month language, cross-cultural and technical skills training period to help volunteers perform the job more proficiently.
The length of the service or “tour” is 27 months with a three month training period. A volunteer can sign up for more tours to continue providing service. Once their two-year service is completed, they can go home.
Sneyd also said a volunteer must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and a U.S. citizen.
Sneyd also showed a slide show of her experience. The slide show demonstrated how the people in Benin lived, how they behavedd the conditions of the country. She described the people as the “kindest and most generous people.” She also showed where she worked and who she worked with.
Sneyd said the key to surviving the Peace Corps is to “understand what the local people are thinking and doing.”
Overall Sneyd described her experience with the Peace Corps as “the toughest job I’ve ever loved. I’d do it again in a minute.”
In general, Sneyd was very well-received. Students who came to the presentation were interested and excited about what she had to say.
Gina Bambinelli, a junior majoring in journalism, said “I’m just really happy she’s not a recruiter.”
E-mail Malleline at ferrer24@newpaltz.edu
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Story Source: The New Paltz Oracle
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Benin; The Third Goal
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