2011.11.15: November 15, 2011: I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in a communist-era apartment bloc in a steel-mill city in Romania. Ask Me Anything.
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2011.11.15: November 15, 2011: I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in a communist-era apartment bloc in a steel-mill city in Romania. Ask Me Anything.
I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in a communist-era apartment bloc in a steel-mill city in Romania. Ask Me Anything.
Romania isn't exactly a "poor" country, and as part of the EU, it has the highest HDI of any Peace Corps country. That being said, my group of volunteers is the last group of Peace Corps volunteers in Romania. The Romania post will close in July of 2013, in part because of the progress we (an Romania) have made in the last 20 years, and partially because of budget cuts from Washington. Romania has some serious development in the cities, but the rural areas are a different story. Houses without running water and little to any reliable electricity are common, and its a very "Peace Corps" environment for many of my colleagues.
I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in a communist-era apartment bloc in a steel-mill city in Romania. Ask Me Anything.
I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in a communist-era apartment bloc in a steel-mill city in Romania. AMAA (self.IAmA)
submitted 8 hours ago by politik86
I am an English teacher at a very low-level high school in a Romanian city. I have been here for six months, and will be here for another 21 months. I am (obviously) American, male, and in my early twenties. Moving from America to a very, very post-communist environment was initially a shock, but I'm finding people are more or less the same everywhere.
...so, yeah! Ask me anything, ranging from mundane things to philosophical inquiries. I'll be happy to answer. One of our objectives with Peace Corps is to share the culture of our host countries with others, so why not here?
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Judgmental_Cunt 6 points 7 hours ago
What is the most trivial thing you miss from home?
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politik86[S] 11 points 7 hours ago
Not so trivial, but definitely driving. Its a Peace Corps policy that we can't drive in our assigned countries. I'm a big car guy, so that's tough.
The most trivial thing though, peanut butter candy. Peanut butter is pretty American, I'm coming to find, and I really miss Reese's cups (my favorite). My parents always send me some in care packages, and its like heaven.
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landragoran 5 points 4 hours ago
as someone who also lived for an extended period of time in a former soviet bloc country, i second your missing of reese's cups.
if your parents ever send american soaps/deodorants to you (mine did; at the time, deodorant was nearly impossible to find where i was), may i recommend that they send them in separate packages from the reese's cups? trust me. that peanut butter filling will absorb the flavor of anything with a strong scent, and eating old spice-flavored reese's is about as disappointing as it gets.
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politik86[S] 3 points 4 hours ago
Haha oh wow I just laughed out loud! I'll definitely keep that in mind! Fortunately I can get things like deodorant here, and don't need to have it shipped, but good to know, I don't want my Reese's to taste like Speed Stick.
Where'd you live?
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landragoran 1 point 4 hours ago
i was in the baltics - lithuania, latvia, and estonia, with the majority of my time spent in latvia. this was also 10 years ago, so i imagine things have probably modernized somewhat in that area.
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politik86[S] 2 points 4 hours ago
Cool! Yes, there's been a lot of change, especially in the Baltics.
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dilly1977 3 points 7 hours ago
Was is the reasoning behind this policy of no driving in your assigned countries?
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politik86[S] 5 points 7 hours ago
Well, it's a general Peace Corps policy, for all the PC posts in the world. That being said, Romania is PROBABLY one of the places where it would be safest to drive (quality of the roads, actual enforcement of the need to earn a license). However, people are nuts here on the road. There are no interstates of any real length (~100 miles total around Bucharest), so for the rest of the country, the "major" roads are like state routes in the US, single lane each way, speed limit around 45-50 mph. People pass on these roads with other cars VERY close in the opposite direction, and I think it would be very scary indeed if I were to drive.
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Garthenius 7 points 6 hours ago
What city are you in? As a Romanian I can tell you that most of our roads are really bad (they don't get a lot of funding) and is not the best place to drive around. The procedure to obtain a driver's license has recently been made more difficult, but once people get one they pretty much free to wreak havoc on the streets. We have this saying that, if you want to be a driver in our capital (Bucharest), you must be able to swear continuously for half an hour without repeating yourself.
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politik86[S] 4 points 6 hours ago
Our safety coordinator tells us not to get too specific about where we are on the internet, but I'm in Transylvania.
Şi da, birou noastre este în Bucureşti, şi nu îmi place se merg acolo. Oamenii sunt nebuni în maşinile lor, şi este prea murdar pentru mine. Daca eu vreau sa merg la un oraş, eu o sa merg la Sibiu sau Braşov.
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MMGAV89 2 points 5 hours ago
Sibiu is not too far away from transylvania, and its an absolute beautiful city. Highly recommend you go there.
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
I love Sibiu (and it's the heart of Transylvania anyway)
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itsavw 1 point 5 hours ago
Timisoara is a fantastic city if you get the chance to visit, great old architecture and a city full of young life and culture since Politechnica Timisoara is located there, and if you love soccer it's a very soccer oriented city.
Bucharest is generally the worst of what Romania has to offer, mafia, crime, gangs, violence, corruption, not to mention it's a dirty place. At the same time some of the sexiest women in the world can be found in Bucharest.
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cbr777 2 points 3 hours ago
ITT: People that haven't lived in Bucuresti more than a few days at most.
Contrary to popular belief and by that I mean people that don't actually live in Bucharest, Bucharest is one of the safest cities in Romania, even in the worst parts of the city you can walk safely in the middle of the night without anyone bothering you as long as you mind your own business and don't bother them. The whole mafia, crime, gangs, violence is nothing but tired old bullshit idiots tell themselves to rationalize why they still live in the noname shitholes they do. As for corruption, making it seem like it's restricted to Bucharest is amusing.
As for drivers, in an ironic twist of fate, the worst drivers on the roads of Bucharest are actually the people not from Bucharest. It's the guys that drive here from some midsize city thinking traffic here is the same as in their city and when they see how wrong they are they panic and fuck up all the traffic.
If you want to see crazy drivers I would strongly recommend going to Italy, any major city will do, but especially drivers in Rome. One trip to Rome and you will never complain of Bucharest drivers.
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florinandrei 1 point 1 hour ago
I lived in București between approx 1990 and 2000. If things haven't changed, it should be a pretty safe city.
But traffic and driving... yeah, it's an insane asylum.
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
I love Timi, I haven't been able to spend much time there though. In January I'm going to Recaş, and while I'm there, I plan on spending some time in Timişoara.
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itsavw 4 points 5 hours ago
Try and buy tons of the wines from Recas! They are very respected and excellent tasting wines. Recas is in a perfect wine growing region of Romania and still a secret from the masses.
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Sine_qua_non 4 points 3 hours ago
Way to keep it a secret.
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
That's the goal 
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sensetarget 1 point 5 hours ago
Go during the winter, my god I went to Timisoara and Poiana. It was the most peaceful place ever. Snow on the ground, quiet.
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AndreiP 1 point 4 hours ago
You don't say, well if you really want to visit Sibiu message me, I'm heading there in about 3-4-ish weeks...I'm from Romania, visited Sibiu loads of times so it would be nice to have a guide and I'd like to meet somebody who has traveled the world :P win-win situation.
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omgwolverine 1 point 4 hours ago
I was going to ask you if you speak Romanian or are learning it. Never mind.
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YouMad 1 point 3 hours ago
lol isn't most Romanian public money being taken by the Church to build gaudy churches?
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andyv 2 points 5 hours ago
You can find peanut butter easily in larger cities. Most of the larger supermarkets (Cora, Carrefour, maybe even Kaufland) have it.
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
I get mine at Kaufland, but its expensive for a pretty small jar.
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all_the_days 1 point 3 hours ago
I hear ya! I am American teaching English in Chile and I miss Reese's so much. When ever a family member or a friend comes to visit me the request is always bags full of Reeses!
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Larwood 5 points 7 hours ago
What's the internet connection like?
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politik86[S] 15 points 7 hours ago*
AMAZING! This was my biggest surprise. I often get download speeds of around 3.1-3.5 mb/s. The infrastructure is all new, and high quality fiber optic. Look around online and you'll see the highest quality internet is in S. Korea (obviously) and a lot of E. European countries.
PLUS, it's about 50 lei a month, which comes out to $15, and that includes about 60 TV channels too. Definitely pretty happy about that, being an internet addict. This is the fastest internet I'll probably ever have.
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Larwood 2 points 7 hours ago
woah. nice. definitely wasn't the answer I was expecting.
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Oghma_Infinium 5 points 5 hours ago
As a Romanian, I'm also surprised, it can get even better than that.
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dyslexicsuntied 2 points 5 hours ago
That's incredible. I'll be heading to Guatemala in January to start my 27 months of Peace Corps service and am definitely jealous of your access to technology. They do give us cell phones down there...but other than that, internet, even electricity can be spotty in the highlands. Though it should provide a quick cure to my reddit addiction.
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oldspice75 5 points 7 hours ago*
How are the kids? How is high school different in Romania?
I wouldn't have thought that Romania is really a poor enough country to have Peace Corps, although maybe I am wrong and it doesn't have to do with that. Is it?
Communism ended in Romania over 20 years ago. It still seems "very post Communist"?
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politik86[S] 8 points 6 hours ago
Well, I am in an industrial high school, or a "colegul technic", which in the Communist era took students who were to specialize in a mechanical or technical field and gave them technical training along with typical classes. Now, it pretty much gets the students who score lowest on the high school admission exams. Our budget has been slashed, and there is little technical training to speak of. My students, in general, are very poor. They come from broken homes (many have parents working in Italy or Spain as menial laborers because of a lack of jobs here), and typically have very little interest in learning English. However, I do have a few students who give it their all, and they make the job do-able. Otherwise, I break up fights and have to act as a babysitter for a lot of the kids who just cause trouble without taking notes/trying at all.
Romania isn't exactly a "poor" country, and as part of the EU, it has the highest HDI of any Peace Corps country. That being said, my group of volunteers is the last group of Peace Corps volunteers in Romania. The Romania post will close in July of 2013, in part because of the progress we (an Romania) have made in the last 20 years, and partially because of budget cuts from Washington. Romania has some serious development in the cities, but the rural areas are a different story. Houses without running water and little to any reliable electricity are common, and its a very "Peace Corps" environment for many of my colleagues.
As for the post-communist thing, well, in my city, about 80% of people still live in the communist-era blocs (including me). There are a lot of communist-era Dacia 1310's creaking around the roads, and many people still have the "hoarde food when it's available" mentality, a holdover from the almost famine status of the late 1970s and 1980s. Also, there is a near-universal disdain for the government, and a deeply seeded mentality of "well, we can't do anything about it". This is expressed through the Romanian saying "Ăşa, este" (pronounced "uh-shah, yes-tay". As an American, it's difficult to understand the complete feeling of helplessness and inability to change things expressed by ăşa, este.
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HoMaster 2 points 4 hours ago
asa este would pretty much be, it is what it is.
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badforbusiness 1 point 3 hours ago
Budget cuts? I was under the impression that Obama wanted to expand the Peace Corps, but then again I guess I must have heard that before the debt ceiling issue. I'm interested in joining the Peace Corps and given my background I feel like they would probably send me to teach English in a Latin American country, but I'd love to go somewhere else too. Forgive me if you answered this question somewhere else, but you seem to know the language very well. Did you know it before, were you taught it in training or is it something you've just picked up?
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cycle2 1 point 2 hours ago
Sounds like you're teaching in any other school district in the US.
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florinandrei 1 point 1 hour ago
As an American, it's difficult to understand the complete feeling of helplessness and inability to change things expressed by ăşa, este.
50 years of dictatorship. Enough said.
It will take some time for that mentality to dissipate.
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Sad_Wallaby 5 points 6 hours ago
What's the local food like?
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politik86[S] 6 points 6 hours ago
It's largely good. Traditional Romanian food is... interesting, hah. No, some of the most popular dishes are ciorba, (pronounced chore-buh,) which is a "sour" soup (though that sounds gross it's quite good). Also, sarmale (sahr-mah-lay) is delicious, rolled cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice (my fav). Şniţel (schnitzel) is pretty common too, though it's not really Romanian. Basically, seasoned meats, starches like rice and pasta jazzed up with veggies, and a WHOLE LOT OF DILL.
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itsavw 4 points 6 hours ago
Romania has some of the best tasting plates in the world, but be careful because you'll end up consuming a lot of animal products and not even veggies (you wont notice the disproportion), I'd check your cholesterol levels when you get back stateside
Sarmale are definitely freakin' amazing, my grandmother is visiting my family stateside and she's whipping up all these fantastic dishes that I really missed eating.
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politik86[S] 3 points 5 hours ago
Yeah, I do a lot of cooking on my own with fresh veggies from the piața, with rice and pasta. Though I know the incredible bounty from the piața is going to start to dry up soon with the cold weather 
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Sine_qua_non 2 points 3 hours ago
I know A LOT of Romanians. They pretty much eat the typical Romanian fare even stateside or in Canada. They seldom have any cholesterol issues when in Roumania, and within their first decade in the US. Some of them start having issues after that. I don't know what it is, but whatever it is it's in the food in the US/Canada. No stats to back this up, just based on personal knowledge.
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florinandrei 2 points 1 hour ago
They were probably a lot less sedentary back in RO.
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BeepsNSqueaks 3 points 5 hours ago
Home made pasta = Romanian staple food. Sarmale is also pretty damn good. You'll find it all over the former communist states in eastern europe.
Best part about Romania: Romanian women. Ooowwowowoweeewow!
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Kakielynn 1 point 4 hours ago
Şniţel was one thing I could never stomach, though when I tried it the lady just called it some form of a salad. Sarmale is one thing I would still make if I could cook worth a lick.
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layed_out_frontier 4 points 7 hours ago
how hard has it been to learn the language? any racism towards you because you're american? any crazy stories?
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politik86[S] 6 points 7 hours ago
The language is difficult, but somewhat do-able. Romanian is a latin-based language, (though Romania is surrounded by slavic-speaking countries), which makes it a bit easier. I studied French in high school/college, and there are a few similarities in grammar structures and words. I'm not perfect by any means, but I can converse and live fairly easily here.
I haven't encountered much negativity towards me as an American, partially because I don't really stick out too much. I'm in a city of about 65,000, so it's not like everyone knows me. Some of my fellow volunteers are in small, rural villages, and everyone knows them as the American. Being a white guy with dark hair, I don't really stand out.
Let me type up a crazy story and put it in another reply.
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alxmiu 2 points 4 hours ago
(Romanian speaker here)
Getting the right accent in Romanian is the tough part. The language has a natural flow and a few sounds that are specific to it. like Mancare (food), for example, you would stick out like a sour thumb if you were to pronounce it man-car-eh. I'm not sure how to put in the symbol for the a, laziness be damned. :D
Those who know the language will understand, surely. Other than that, it's not the most difficult language to learn. I'd imagine learning Russian would be a true challenge.
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politik86[S] 2 points 4 hours ago
I've been told my accent is good, but I have a habit of messing up grammar, so I stick out eventually. Most people are just so delighted I can speak Romanian at all, and respect that I'm constantly asking to be corrected/ asking how to say things like a native would.
Funny you say that about Russian! I firmly believe Romanian is a "bully" language, because when I started learning it, the pretty decent knowledge I had of Russian got pushed out.
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florinandrei 1 point 1 hour ago
Russian grammar is relatively straightforward and logical. Romanian grammar, like all the other Romance languages, is fairly complex and riddled with exceptions.
But I agree that the Slavic vocabulary would be harder for a Westerner to learn.
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dilly1977 4 points 7 hours ago
How did you get into this? Did you need any special qualifications?
Also, is it the toughest job you'll ever love?
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politik86[S] 8 points 7 hours ago
To join the PC, you need: -A bachelor's degree -Relevant experience in the field you want to go into (English teaching, AIDS education/prevention, business/economic development, etc.) -A strong resume
I studied Political Science and Geography in college, and eventually want to work for the Department of State as a foreign service officer. Peace Corps was a great option for me for several reasons. First, it would be invaluable for my efforts to get a job with DOS. I would spend over two years living abroad, learning a foreign language, and proving I could take living outside of the US for a prolonged period (something necessary in DOS work). Secondly, and most importantly, I had a bit of a crisis of identity in college, and wanted to step WAY out of my norm and try something completely new. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could be selfless and give part of myself to help people. This is definitely proving that.
Lastly, I was just excited to get in. With the economy in the toilet, PC has been inundated with applications from kids who have the mentality of "I'll just do Peace Corps until the economy improves". They get weeded out, but the acceptance rate has dropped to about 35% of all applicants actually being invited to serve.
As for the "toughest job" thing, it's definitely tough, but I've only been here for six months, so I'll have to get back to you.
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VTBOS 3 points 7 hours ago
I'm a Geography minor and Political Science/Spanish minor! Planning on joining the PC after I graduate this year.
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politik86[S] 4 points 7 hours ago
What do you want to do in the PC? Typically they put liberal arts majors in English teaching positions, and judging by the fact that you're a Spanish minor, you'd probably go to South America, though this isn't a given. My girlfriend (an American who I met here) was a French minor and expected to go to Africa, but they put her here.
To be a more competitive applicant, I would volunteer as an English as a second langage teacher as soon as possible. It's good practice, and you need that kind of experience if you want to make it into the second round of interviews. Churches typically offer ESL classes to immigrants, and that's where I got my ESL experience.
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dyslexicsuntied 1 point 5 hours ago
So you're girlfriend is another Volunteer? How does that work out? I mean from the eyes of your supervisors because I was under the impression that volunteer relationships were frowned upon, or is that just volunteer/staff relationships?
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
That's just volunteer/staff relationships. They actually took steps to put us (reasonably) close together, with the mentality being "a happy volunteer is an effective volunteer", which is true.
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reneemegs88 1 point 5 hours ago
Do they look at the actual grades you made in college, or just the fact that you have a degree? I count myself as having a fairly strong resume for something like this, but definitely don't have the strongest GPA of all time.
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politik86[S] 2 points 4 hours ago
It all factors in. Like any interview, they might ask why your GPA is in the toilet. Depending on how you handle it, they might weigh your other resume items more heavily, or not. I don't know.
They definitely want a well-rounded person though, and I know that they don't put TOO much emphasis on grades (though they're obviously important).
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VTBOS 1 point 2 hours ago
I have already taught English in Argentina, Ecuador, and Costa Rica so I should be okay, planning on getting my TOEFL before I apply as well!
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BlairB___hProject 1 point 2 hours ago
So, why the Peace Corps instead of teaching English for a private organization? Getting to say you were in the PC sounds like it could have more clout with the DOS than saying "I taught at the Randomov For-Profit English School in Randomia, Randomistan," but I dunno; I'm attached to the idea of choosing where I live and work when I finally move.
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CaptainE0 4 points 6 hours ago
You guys get paid, right? I know your trip is paid for but don't you guys get a small sum of money despite this being like a volunteer job?
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politik86[S] 5 points 6 hours ago
Kinda.
Our flight here and back to the states at the end of our service is paid for. We also get a monthly living allowance to cover bills, food, clothes, etc. This allowance is pretty modest, but I live comfortably with it. At the end of our service, we get ~$6,000 as a "re-adjustment allowance", which is intended to provide rent/pay bills during the period when we get back to the US and are looking for a job.
So, we're paid enough to live modestly, but it's not enough to save up or travel lavishly. I personally saved a decent amount of money that I have in an account I can access from ATM's here that I use for travel/personal expenses.
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comradevoyager 2 points 5 hours ago
I really want to join the Peace Corps or Americorps but I'm worried about my qualifications. I mean I'm still in college, just going at a relatively slightly less than average speed. Is it possible for me to get into a program with nothing more than a high school diploma and 60 odd credits from college? And especially if I plan on still attending school?
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HaterzGon_Hate 2 points 5 hours ago
Not sure about the Peace Corps, but as for AmeriCorps you'd be just fine. I did it myself in WA state after college. But many, many, of the programs are just looking for "the right fit." Not necessarily the right resume. Definitely look in to AmeriCorps, great experience plus you'll get money for college.
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ationstation1 2 points 5 hours ago
How difficult was the application process? I am seriously considering the Peace Corps but the task of applying seems so daunting...
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
It definitely wasn't easy, and it was quite long. But honestly, now that I'm here, it was so worth it. I waited tables for a year while I waited for my application to go through and to ship out. I'd do it all again though.
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ationstation1 1 point 4 hours ago
Thanks for the motivation
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Tonx86 2 points 4 hours ago
Fellow PCV here. No questions, because I too am "living the dream" as they say. Just wanted to send warm greetings from Guyana!
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RocketRay 2 points 6 hours ago
My wife from my starter marriage is from Timisoara, so just a word of advice. Romanian women are hot, but you gotta watch out for the crazy.
Have fun, and don't worry if a gypsy puts a spell on ya!
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politik86[S] 4 points 5 hours ago
Fortunately I have an American girlfriend, but I've heard alllll about the crazy Romanian women from other volunteers who have taken that plunge!
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royalewithche 1 point 1 hour ago
You can't say something like that and not tell us stories! Come onnnnnnn!!
Quick question: how do you deal with homesickness? I'm an International Studies/Politics student doing a semester abroad in France right now and although it's going really quickly, I do get homesick. The only thing holding me back from a PC application would be the length of time living somewhere so different from home (not that it's a bad thing, I'm just very close with my family and I'm not sure they'd be able to afford to visit me if I went). How are you finding the length of time that you've committed to? Is it daunting?
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digitalinfidel 2 points 5 hours ago
So which govenment agency/unit or industrial corporation are you spying there for?
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
Har har.
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DocMarlowe 2 points 5 hours ago
It's been my aspiration to join the Peace Corps since junior year of high school. I know it's pretty tough to get in. Do you have any tips for what a college student can do to make his resume look good to a recruiter?
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
Depends on what you want to do/what you're studying. Like I said, liberal arts people typically get put into TEFL programs. Volunteer as an English teacher at a church or other organization to prepare for that. Also, be involved in as many charitable/volunteer based organizations as possible at your school. Basically, the more experience in volunteer-type work, the better!
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gypsyred 2 points 5 hours ago
Whoa! You are a rare bird! When I was in the Peace Corps in Moldova in 2001-2003, there maybe half a dozen of you guys in Romania. We had 90~ average, and I don't think any of us ever even saw a Romanian volunteer. Noroc!
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
Mulțumesc! I've been wanting to get up to Chisnau and check it out, and also, want to speak Romanian in another country (and my choices are pretty limited, huh?). Did you ever come to Romania during your time in MD?
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gypsyred 1 point 5 hours ago
Of course! Romania is possibly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and I got to live next door. Moldova is...well, if you don't make it up there, let's just say you aren't missing much. Be honest with me though, am I over-romanticizing Romania because Moldova was such a crappy place to live, or do you find it truly as beautiful as I did? I honestly think I might retire there.
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
It's very nice, I think retiring in Sibiu would be a hell of a choice. I love that place. Brasov is very nice too. It is really a beautiful place. Some of the smaller cities are a bit harsh, full of blocs and litter, but the country itself is great.
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nm132 1 point 1 hour ago
Friend of my family (V.N.) was country director in Moldova I think around the time you were there
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BoszLightyear 2 points 5 hours ago
This is bizarre. My mom is from Transylvania. And even more odd, my stepdad met my mom while he was in Peace Corps teaching English in post-communist Hungary. We moved to America almost 15 years ago.
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politik86[S] 3 points 5 hours ago
Cool! Your mom is Székely, from Hargița? We have some volunteers there, (trying) to learn Hungarian. I'm just glad I only have to work with Romanian, Hungarian is a nightmare to learn. How old were you when you left Romania/Hungary?
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BoszLightyear 1 point 3 hours ago
Yup, she's Székely, but like most, identifies as being Hungarian but from Romania. I've never heard of Hargita before, all I know is that she grew up in Transylvania and later moved to Hungary for school.
I was five when I moved to New York and forgot 90% of my hungarian trying to learn English as quickly as possible. It is a tough language.
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like9mexicans 1 point 5 hours ago
My cousin is with the Peace Corps in Nepal right now. She pretty much gets sick every month.
Hope you stay safe and well.
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
Thanks! In PC Romania, we have access to cleaner water and medicine, so fortunately illness isn't as common. I hope she can work through it, I know how awful it is to have your body go from nice clean American food and water to questionable quality things in other countries.
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Avwyn 2 points 5 hours ago
I've heard a lot of negative things about PC-- lack of safety, rape epidemics, administration that's not responsive, etc. My friend was about to start this year in Azerbaijan and was told less than a month before she was to go that they canceled her program. Have you encountered these problems? Would you recommend PC to others?
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
The rape/safety problem in some countries has recieved a lot of publicity recently, (I know there was a story on 20/20 that got a lot of press), but at least in my experience Peace Corps has been very supportive, and I've never felt unsafe. We have a safety and security coordinator who is very effective, and we're trained on potential safety threats. I haven't had any issues, and would definitely recommend PC to others. It's a great, all-inclusive way to get out into the world and help others.
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HoMaster 3 points 4 hours ago
That's cuz you are a dude and Romania is pretty modern as far as PC sites go.
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Avwyn 1 point 2 hours ago
What have you heard from your female colleagues though? I'm sure it's an entirely different story for them.
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what_american_dream 1 point 5 hours ago
It's my goal to get accepted into the Peace Corps just after I graduate. I will go ANYWHERE (I'd never say no to the Pacific Islands haha)
How many volunteer hours did you do?
How long did it take you to learn the local language?
How much is your stipend?
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
Funny you say that, a fellow volunteer has a friend in the Pacific Islands, Tonga, I think, and her ONLY contact with the outside world is a BOAT that comes twice a month. No internet, electricity, or reliable transportation. Quite different from here in Romania, but they stress that every post is different, with its own challenges. While I have blazingly fast internet and a fully stocked American-style supermarket nearby, I'm sure its not around 15 degrees in Tonga right now!
For my preparation, I got a total of 55 hours in the classroom, about double that planning my lessons outside of class. It was a lot, but it paid off in my interview.
I'm still learning Romanian, and probably will be until I leave. The first three or so months in country, my whole group of volunteers (about 35 of us) had intense language and cultural training sessions every day, 8 hours per day. During this time, we lived with Romanian host families. It was a great, effective way to learn the language.
My stipend comes out to about $280 a month. Take into account that things cost less here, and that's about right to live modestly for a month. I definitely don't have to rough it, but I'm not eating out every night either.
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gypsyred 1 point 5 hours ago
I agree completely with OP. I was very fortunate in getting an assignment in Eastern Europe because I was able to travel so much. My friend ended up on an atoll in the Pacific and hated it because she felt trapped. But I loved it. I may even join again someday. Good luck!
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sensetarget 2 points 5 hours ago
what city are you in? Grew up in Romania and still visit family with my wife every year. NM, its been answered
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FraggotMan 2 points 5 hours ago
how easy is it to get a bag of weed?
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
I'm sure I could, if I wanted. I would never try that though, there's a zero tolerance policy from Peace Corps, and its hard enough to learn a language and live abroad without a 4:20 clouded brain.
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FraggotMan 1 point 5 hours ago
the women are nice, eh?
visited teh impalers castle?
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
You mean Bran castle in Brasov? Yes, and it was a bit underwhelming. Really nice from the outside, but spartan inside. There are other castles and monasteries in Romania I prefer much more.
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HoMaster 1 point 4 hours ago
It's easy enough to get, you just have to know the right people like anywhere in the world. Most volunteers just become alcoholics any way.
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youngjeezyvsgbush 1 point 5 hours ago
I'm really interested in joining the Peace Corps, but without a college degree (currently in college) can I still volunteer without one? I've read that it isn't necessary to have a degree to join? Did you need a lot of volunteer experience (i.e. shelters) to get accepted?
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
Gotta have a bachelors degree, that's a basic requirement to move past the application process.
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BottleCap42 1 point 5 hours ago*
Were you the guy in the beckoning of lovely by any chance?
Edit: Or do you know him? His name is Scott Redpath.
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politik86[S] 2 points 4 hours ago
Hah yes I know Scott quite well. He's a real good guy.
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
I don't know what you're talking about, so, no.
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railroad-redditor 1 point 5 hours ago
Can you outline the application and acceptance process? Also, how long does it take from the first contact to shipping out?
I'm a Civil Engineer working in the private sector, but I intend to join the Peace Corps later in life (depending on the situation, maybe once my student loans are paid off). I know it's hard to get in, but can you explain the process? Do you think an engineering background would help my prospects?
Also, is it possible for married couples to join and get deployed to the same area?
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
It's a long process, I'll be honest. From starting the application to officially receiving word that I was accepted and assigned to a country was about a year (though I've heard that my experience was a bit longer than average). The application is quite long, and you need recommendations from former work supervisors, friends, family, etc. There are several interviews, and an intense battery of medical tests. Then the waiting game. It can take 4-5 months for an application to be processed. I shipped out about 16 months after I started the application. This is long though, because after I was accepted I was told if I wanted to go to Eastern Europe (my region of choice), I'd have to wait a few extra months to go with a group. I chose to do this.
An engineering background will be great for your chances. I'm an English teacher, but one of the major sectors PC works in (mostly in Africa and Southeast Asia) is water sanitation and water cleanliness resources. I'm sure you'd be put into that.
Yes, married couples can deploy together. We have four married couples in Romania, and they live together but work at different schools at their sites.
Hope this helps.
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railroad-redditor 2 points 5 hours ago
Thanks for the advice. Since it takes that long I'll make sure to apply long before I want to leave. Water purification is what I figured I would want to do, there are so many small villages without access to clean drinking water.
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UnitedGrape 2 points 5 hours ago
First off, thanks for doing this!
Secondly, I'm majoring in International Relations and History and my goal is to work for the DOS some day...did you make really good grades? I'm a pretty average B student haha.
Peace Corps, is also something I have been interested in. I think if the DOS doesn't work out, I'd try for the PC.
Again, thanks for this, I've learned a lot of cool information by reading it!
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago
In college, my cumulative GPA was a 3.2 (lot of screwing around freshman year), with a GPA in my major of 3.65. So, I did decently. It was a tough program at a high quality school.
PC is great for potential DOS applicants. I don't know how much you've looked into requirements for becoming a FSO, but you have to spend time living outside the US. Peace Corps is a free way to do this, while also volunteering and helping your fellow man. I recommend it, and I certainly hope it will make me more competitive when I return.
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UnitedGrape 1 point 4 hours ago
Awesome! I really appreciate the response! Thats about where I am, right at a 3.4. Would you mind sharing what school you went to? I realize that might be too personal haha but thats something that I've always worried about...I'm not at the greatest school.
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
Lets just say it was competitive. I wouldn't worry, there are volunteers in my group from small state colleges that were accepted. Its more about how much of a "total package" you are, of course academics are important, but did you volunteer on campus/elsewhere? Have you organized events/shown you can lead people? These are what they look for.
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ecsurfer 1 point 4 hours ago
When did you start the application process? Do most people begin applying while still in college or do you have to wait until you actually get your degree?
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politik86[S] 2 points 4 hours ago
I started in college, October or so of my Senior year. You don't have to have the degree in hand when you start the process, but if anything happens (i.e. you have to take another semester unexpectedly) they'll put your application on hold or make you start all over again.
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ecsurfer 1 point 4 hours ago
How long does the process take usually and what does it entail?
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shanshan412 1 point 5 hours ago
Would you recommend joining the Peace Corps?
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
Oh yeah. I explained why in previous replies.
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shanshan412 1 point 4 hours ago
Oh, sorry! I'll read on.
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
No worries!
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justautoclaving 1 point 5 hours ago
How much time do you have to travel around? I am also a Romanian and I can tell you that there are some pretty amazing locations you should visit if you get a chance. I like to visit castles and what not, but the really amazing part are the mountain hiking trails. My parents and I used to go to Predeal when I was younger and I have some great memories from there. You should try it if you get a chance/if you can make it there. Can you go out sightseeing on your own or do you have to go out in a PC group? Do you have any Romanian friends? Sorry, lots of questions but I am really liking this AMA.
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politik86[S] 1 point 5 hours ago*
Nice, thanks for the pointers.
I have a pretty good amount of autonomy regarding travel. I can visit other volunteers on the weekends all I want as long as I'm not missing work. Other than that, I get two days of leave a month, which I can use to travel around Romania or to leave the country. I have a few Romanian friends, it's becoming easier as I learn the language better.
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justautoclaving 1 point 4 hours ago
How do you find the customer service in Romania? Not just at the grocery store or at the mall, but at the bank and other governmental or private institutions you had to deal with.
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
It varies, sometimes I get wonderful ladies who are polite and take pleasure in helping an aloof American speaking shaky Romanian.
Other times (true story) I'll be standing in a loooong line at a train station, where one of six ticket windows are actually open, and the lady behind the counter is chatting with her friend on the phone and ignoring everyone in line. Ugh, frustrating.
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justautoclaving 1 point 4 hours ago
Thanks for taking the time to do this. It's really great! Onto a lighter note now: what is your favourite Romanian beverage and have you had tuica (pronounced tsoooeeecah... I'm having fun with this ) yet? It is commonly known as plum alcohol that people make in their homes, mostly in the rural areas. It can be made from any fruit, really, but I think the best one is made from plums. It also has a high alcohol percentage... 40-60% maybe, depending on where it's made, I guess.
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politik86[S] 3 points 4 hours ago
Have I had țuica?!?! HAH!
But seriously, yes, I have. A lot. Drinking is different here, and when you enter someone's home the man of the house will typically offer you something alcoholic to drink, normally țuica or beer. It's quite impolite to say no
In different regions, the țuica is called different things and made differently. In the south, where I lived with a host family during training, it was called țuica and made from plums. In the mountains of transylvania, it can be called palinca, is stronger than țuica, and is made from apples or plums. In the far northern region of Maramures, there is a powerful hootch called horinca. It's made from apples or pears, and it is ear-steamingly strong. I've had nights with other volunteers and a bottle of horinca that resulted in seriously hungover mornings.
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civildefense 2 points 5 hours ago
Stuff you should Know podcast : How the Peace Corps works
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halfbrit08 1 point 5 hours ago
I've been interested in joining the Peace Corps after college and I had a few questions.
What is the minimum contract time for the Peace Corps?
Do you get any say in where you go or what you do?
Many thanks!
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politik86[S] 2 points 5 hours ago
It's a standard 27 month deployment, with the option to extend on a year-to-year basis.
During the application process, you can indicate which region you'd like to be in, and at least for me, they put me where I asked to be.
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halfbrit08 1 point 4 hours ago
Thanks for the information and the speedy reply!
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TheGreatBeldezar 1 point 4 hours ago
I am wanting to join the Peace Corps after I graduate. I'm an International Studies major with a Minor in Spanish. Any tips on getting a foot in the door?
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
Be well rounded, and have experience in the field you want to be put into. Read on my friend, I've explained in other posts.
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AndreiP 1 point 4 hours ago
Where do you currently live/reside?
If by any chance Bucharest, maybe we can have a beer. It would be interesting to meet someone who has traveled the world.
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
Îmi pare rau, eu stau cum 9 oră de la Bucureşti. Dar, mulțumesc!
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AndreiP 1 point 4 hours ago
Ah, damn too bad, well either way, as I said in another comment, if by any chance you'd like to visit Sibiu in the near future, leave a message and we'll talk, I'm heading there in about 3-4 weeks, not really sure.
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MuffinMopper 1 point 4 hours ago
Are the women hot?
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
Some are incredible. Many are not. Just like any other country, I'm coming to find.
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butwhatwilliwear 1 point 4 hours ago
Do you speak Romanian? If not, how do you get by without it?
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
I didn't in the states, but I've learned since coming here. We were trained very intensely upon arrival, and I learn more every day. Learning the language is one of the most crucial aspects of integrating into society. It shows people you give a damn about their culture and care enough to put effort into learning their language.
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iodinehead 1 point 4 hours ago
Hi, I'm a journalism student in Chicago and I plan on joining the Peace Corps as soon was I graduate. Can you give me any tips? What did you study? I've done some research but obviously haven't begun the process yet....Is the application process extensive and difficult? What are some credentials that you had that really worked to your benefit? Did you have an input as to what country you were sent to?
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politik86[S] 1 point 4 hours ago
Hey guys, thanks for a great few hours! I have some work to do, so I'm going to go now. I guess I want to say in closing, APPLY FOR THE PEACE CORPS IF YOU'RE ON THE FENCE ABOUT IT. It's a great program, and you can do so much with it. Ask more questions if you'd like, I might respond to them tomorrow evening/in the future. La revedere din România!
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guntfuddler 1 point 4 hours ago
A fairly layman question but,
are there many gypsy communities near where you're teaching? If so, what are they like/ experiences with them?
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Kakielynn 1 point 4 hours ago*
I lived in a very similar situation when I was young, my father was a preacher and decided he wanted to save the gypsies, so we took off and stuck 6 people in a 2 br cement apt (that we had to block off half of... we couldn't keep it warm). But I loved Romania. Kudos to you for doing such good in a place that really needs it in some ways.
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HarvardCurlingTeam 1 point 4 hours ago
What is the one biggest regret you have?
What is the best decision you've made in your life?
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bowlfrog 1 point 4 hours ago
could u post some pics of the area?
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alexsb92 1 point 4 hours ago
Aww man, try the CEREAL! Seriously. There are so many things that are the same, and yet different between US and other countries. For one, cereal. Nesquik, Chocapic and Cini Minis, are amazing. Then there's the ones as mini chocolate chip cookies.
Also the Romanian Fanta is different and much better than the American/Canadian one.
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repsuc 1 point 4 hours ago
no question here really just saying hello. i live in mozambique and hang out with the PC kids one a weekly basis. very fun group of people, and man can most of them party.
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RPCV20 1 point 4 hours ago
Dude I was in Group 20 there. Been back for 4 years now. I was situated in a small city near Targoviste between Ploiesti and Pitesti.
Where did you have your PST?
We had ours in Brasov and 4 satellite cities.
Before you go you have to go to Costinesti.
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JohnnyGrey 1 point 3 hours ago
How does it feel to have more liberty in a post-communist country such as Romania compared to the US ?
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DoozerChant 1 point 3 hours ago
My wife is Romanian and stuck in Romania for at least 2 years fulfilling her HRR on her Fulbright. I have a Master's Degree but no Romanian language skills and am in the US (US Citizen). The separation is killing us financially and emotionally. I was thinking of joining the PC and trying to get to Romania so we can be together. Am I automatically DQ'd from the PC because of my Romanian wife/less than pure motives? Would it make it harder for me to request and get placed there?
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bitomax 1 point 3 hours ago
I am not American, nor am I a man, so I can't join the Peace Corps or the French Foreign Legion, how can I be as awesome as you?
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Smetsnaz 1 point 3 hours ago
I know nothing about the Peace Corps but am genuinely interested in the organization. I haven't had time to research myself yet, so maybe you could answer some questions?
Do I need a college degree? Is it paid? What kind of stuff can you do and where?
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fallingarrows 1 point 3 hours ago
Thanks for doing an IAmA! I'm currently waiting for my final interview ( during which i'm hoping to hear word of my invitation) It's great to see PC volunteers reaching out and talking about what they're doing! Keep up the good work.
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smoothoperator327 1 point 3 hours ago
first of all, great AMA. I appreciate your transparency in answering the questions!
my question is, how are you coping with loneliness? I saw you have a girlfriend. how are you getting by with the idea that you're apart for 2 years? skype? can you have a visitors?
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snoop_bobb 1 point 3 hours ago
I'm really interested in joining the peace corps, but I have a lot of questions...
I have a highly relevant skill set, I speak Spanish and I'm graduating in May with a degree in Physical Geography and a university-accredited Water Resource Management degree. I already have a certificate accredited by the state of Texas in Water Quality Testing.
I've had the idea of joining the peace corps for a while, but I've sort of changed my mind after thinking deeply about a few things. I've been to Argentina, Uruguay, China (study abroad month-long trips) and Belize (working on a banana farm and setting up a water drip system from a river to feed a house) and I love South America and will be moving to Buenos Aires for a short period after college.
Here are my issues... I'm a fairly lonely dude with a dog that is my best friend. I don't think I could leave her for 27 months even if my parents would watch her. I am also fairly young, I'm about to be 23, and I know the average age of PC volunteers is higher than that. Also my grades suck. But here is the biggest deal for me: I have an obscure, severe anxiety disorder that requires me to take medication at unpredictable intervals throughout the day. It's abusable medication I could die from withdrawal from and I'm terrified of losing it.
So given everything, I wanted to know about availability of medications, safety concerns, access to medical care, whether the living situation offers enough security for me to store medication there, and if it's at all likely that I would be placed where I want to be - Argentina, Chile, somewhere around there, doing high or low end water management (ie digging wells and toilets, or managing resources), and whatever else advice you could give me.
Sorry for length.
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RedRussian 1 point 2 hours ago
Do you live in a big 8/9 story block?
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Insegredious 1 point 2 hours ago
I'm working on my application for the Peace Corps - should I get accepted, what are some things I should know?
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metalcabeza 1 point 2 hours ago
Dacia is still manufactured there? We had lots of those cars in the Argentina's 90's and no one made it. They were so weak.
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theorymeltfool 1 point 1 hour ago
Were you an English teach at a public school in the US before you become a Volunteer?
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meanderingmalcontent 1 point 46 minutes ago
Do you work closely with any of the missionaries from American churches?
I hear reports from lots of missionary friends that the Roma kid abandonment is crazy there. One friend got kicked out of the country for trying to vocalize it on a national level.
Are you restricted from helping the Rome people?
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run85 1 point 17 minutes ago
I have an interview next week with PC! I was told that I could be nominated either for education or community development, but that education was more likely. Do you have any advice for the interview?
Also, how long did the whole process, from application to in-country training, take you?
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obvious_afc 1 point 3 minutes ago
i heard that Romania had the hottest girls on earth. Is that true? Thanks.
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: November, 2011; Peace Corps Romania; Directory of Romania RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Romania RPCVs
When this story was posted in November 2011, this was on the front page of PCOL:
Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers 
 | Peace Corps: The Next Fifty Years
As we move into the Peace Corps' second fifty years, what single improvement would most benefit the mission of the Peace Corps? Read our op-ed about the creation of a private charitable non-profit corporation, independent of the US government, whose focus would be to provide support and funding for third goal activities. Returned Volunteers need President Obama to support the enabling legislation, already written and vetted, to create the Peace Corps Foundation. RPCVs will do the rest. |
 | How Volunteers Remember Sarge
As the Peace Corps' Founding Director Sargent Shriver laid the foundations for the most lasting accomplishment of the Kennedy presidency. Shriver spoke to returned volunteers at the Peace Vigil at Lincoln Memorial in September, 2001 for the Peace Corps 40th. "The challenge I believe is simple - simple to express but difficult to fulfill. That challenge is expressed in these words: PCV's - stay as you are. Be servants of peace. Work at home as you have worked abroad. Humbly, persistently, intelligently. Weep with those who are sorrowful, Care for those who are sick. Serve your wives, serve your husbands, serve your families, serve your neighbors, serve your cities, serve the poor, join others who also serve," said Shriver. "Serve, Serve, Serve. That's the answer, that's the objective, that's the challenge." |
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