Peace Corps in China

Based on previous programs and the experience of other volunteers, most TEFL couples in Asia are placed in China. They work somewhere in the southwest region, so says the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu:

"The Peace Corps office in China is located in Sichuan Province, the second most populous province in China with nearly 90 million people. Currently, the Peace Corps program works in Sichuan and Guizhou provinces and Chongqing Municipality."

Based on this likelihood, I have been doing some research on PCV currently serving there, or recently having served there. What I have found out is both good and bad, but the overwhelming comment is that an assignment in China is unlike any other assignment because of the different type of location (rural vs. urban), the different job (working at a large University or school vs. small schools), and the mindset/teaching methods of the country (rote vs. creative/independent thinking). There are many TEFL teachers in China that come from English-speaking Europe and the US, so Peace Corps workers are not really acknowledged as such, but rather as just another worker. I don't feel like PCV should be put on a pedastal, but the preparation and commitment are much different than other programs.

The word of the day in China assignment materials online is 'hardship.' Some of the things which contribute to that sentiment are racism, pollution, and low pay. The rewarding parts tend to be relationships formed while there, and the willingness of some students to learn and grow.

I am considering writing an e-mail to our recruiter D---, just telling her that we are excited, but very willing to go somewhere else. Nick is right when he says we would have to be very careful with the wording as not to scare her that we are shaky and might leave the application process.

Found one more interesting site: William M. Speidel at UVA teaches an entire class on "The Peace Corps in China: Sharing American Values and Solutions Within An Authoritarian Society (3 units). Wish I could take it!!

Haven't gotten the health packets yet, but should be soon. I plan on trying first to make the appointments at the VA hospital because then the fees will be paid directly by Peace Corps. If that doesn't work out, we'll go through student insurance or something else. All of that might be changing soon if my status changes slightly at UF. Anyway, we will get some checkups we haven't had in years :)

*alison