I am excited about the possibility of joining the Peace Corps but I wouldn't recommend it for people who have no patience and the need for instant gratification. This application process doesn't cater to that.
I received an email updating my status today and here is what I was told.
"Peace Corps received the results of your physical exam on September 8, 2010. If the program you are nominated for is not scheduled to leave in the next 4 months you may not hear from Medical until the time of departure is closer. Currently those programs scheduled to leave in the next 4 months are being reviewed. For applicants leaving within 4 months Peace Corps may request additional medical information. Please respond quickly to these requests."
Review my stuff already! I am getting antsy!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Peace Corps Timeline
11/30/2009-
Email from the PC acknowledging that I started my application process.
Thanks for taking the first step toward the most challenging and rewarding adventure of your life -- serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer. We urge you to continue and complete the Volunteer application. Peace Corps just might be the toughest job you'll ever love.
12/9/2009- Recommendation Letter completed by Misty Stensile
4/19/2010- Recommendation Letter completed by Cory Gonzales
4/21/2010- Recommendation Letter completed by David Wright
Dear David P. Wright:
Thank you for taking the time to submit a recommendation for Mark Leeper Jr. Your recommendation has been successfully submitted.
Sincerely,
Peace Corps
4/21/2010- Two emails from the Peace Corps
Dear Mark:
Thank you for completing the first part of the Peace Corps online application.
Please note that there are two parts to the Peace Corps application -- the Volunteer application, which you have completed, and the Health Status Review form. Your Peace Corps application is NOT complete until you have completed the Health Status Review.
The Health Status Review asks a series of questions about your medical history. It's simple -- mostly a series of yes and no questions -- and won't take a lot of your time. Click here to complete the form or confirm that you've already submitted the form online: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=pc
An important part of the process towards becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer is the submittal of 3 references as outlined in the Recommendation section of the Volunteer Application.
As previously stated you may have your recommenders submit these references either online or offline. The instructions for submitting the recommendations are as follows:
Online reference providers will receive an email with instructions on how to access the recommendation form. Completed forms will be returned to our office via email by the reference.
For Offline reference providers, please print the recommendation form which is available in the Downloadable Form section of the online Volunteer Application. You should then deliver or mail the printed recommendation form to your reference provider. The reference provider will in turn complete the recommendation form, seal it in an envelope and sign it across the back. Your reference provider should then return the sealed reference envelope(s) to you, so that you can return it to your recruiter with the other materials you will receive from your local recruiting office.
Thanks again for applying to Peace Corps. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Sincerely,
Peace Corps
4/21/2010- The second email came after I completed the HSR the same day!
Dear Mark:
Thanks for applying to the Peace Corps. We look forward to reviewing your application.
WHAT'S NEXT?
You've taken a big step by submitting your application, but there are still several steps in your journey to becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. A Peace Corps recruiter will contact you within the next two weeks to discuss the next steps of the application process.
You may also receive one or more email messages requesting that you complete additional forms. If you receive these emails, please complete the forms as instructed to ensure timely processing of your application.
MY TOOLKIT
Within the next 10 days, you should receive a letter (through regular mail) that includes instructions for logging on to My Toolkit. Accessible through the Peace Corps website, My Toolkit allows you to check the status of your application and to update your contact information.
Thanks again for taking the first step toward becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Sincerely,
Aaron Williams,
Peace Corps Director
P.S. If you still have questions, contact your local Peace Corps recruiter.
TELL A FRIEND!
Know someone who might be interested in becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer? Send them a message.
4/23/2010- An email from the LA Recruitment Coordinator
April 23, 2010
To: Peace Corps Volunteer Applicant, Mark Leeper Jr.
Subject: Peace Corps Application
Congratulations on applying to serve in the Peace Corps. As an applicant, you join a special group of people willing to volunteer their skills to help people of developing countries build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. More than 182,000 volunteers before you have found Peace Corps service to be a rewarding experience of a lifetime.
We have begun our review of the initial steps of your application and look forward to working with you during this stage of the application process. Though the application process may seem arduous, it is our way of ensuring the best fit between potential volunteers and the mission of the Peace Corps.
Next in the application process, you should ensure that your references submit their recommendations as soon as possible (if they have not already done so). Reference delays can adversely impact the scheduling of your interview, and as a consequence, hold up your application, possibly delaying your departure should you be chosen for service.
There will be a number of forms that you will be required to complete; some have been attached to this email. Please review the attached documents and fill out only the ones that apply to you (i.e. if you are a vegetarian then you will need to complete the vegetarian questionnaire). You will need to bring a copy of the completed required forms and documents to your interview. This includes a copy (either official or unofficial) of all of your college transcripts.
You should arrange to have these forms and all other documents requested by your recruiter completed and available within two weeks of receiving this e-mail. Please inform us immediately of any changes to your email address, as it is a vital link in our communication with you.
If you have not already attended a Peace Corps presentation, I strongly recommend that you attend one of our General Information Sessions before the date of your interview. The information presented there will give you a better idea of what we are looking for in potential volunteers and give you a chance to hear about a recruiter’s experience as a volunteer. To find the time, date and location of a future event, please visit www.peacecorps.gov and click on “Find Local Events.” Friends and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend these events.
Please contact your recruiter immediately upon receipt of this email to discuss the next step in the application process:
Lassana Toure
Peace Corps Recruiter
310.356.1111
ltoure@peacecorps.gov
Again, thank you for applying to the Peace Corps, and good luck in your pursuit of the toughest job you’ll ever love.
Jacob Hall
Recruitment Coordinator
Peace Corps Los Angeles Regional Office
Telephone: 310-356-1114
Fax: 310-356-1125
http://www.peacecorps.gov
So of course I called him that day and started working on the following forms:
Financial Obligations Handout.pdf
Relationship Forms.pdf
New Vegetarian Questionnaire.doc
Medical Info for Applicants (Rev. Feb. 2008).pdf
LG -Prior Conviction.doc
Skill Enhancement.pdf
Student Loan Form.pdf
5/10/2010- I got an email from my recruiter today:
Hello All
If you are receiving this message it means that I have received your references and I need to set up an interview with you. Please see the interview times below.
May 18th- 21st; 10am-4pm
May 24th- 28th; 10am-4pm
The interviews will be held at the Tempe Center in the Global Education Services Department (next to the Passport office-on ASU's campus), suite 150,
951 South Mill Ave. 85287. Let me know if these times don't work for you and we can try to accommodate you.
My interview is scheduled for 5/20/2010 at 12pm. Yippie!
5/20/2010- I had my interview today. After some discussion and an interview which lasted for about 1.5 hours, my recruiter was more than happy to tell me he was nominating me to work in Youth Development. Yay!
5/25/2010- My fingerprints have been received today.
6/2/2010- Recruiter sent me an email and asked me to fill out some more forms. Finished them this afternoon and sent them back.
Urban Youth Development.doc
Youth Development.pdf
6/5/2010- My toolbox today reflected that I am now a Peace Corps Nominee!
6/7/2010- Received an email notifying me that my toolbox has changed.
Peace Corps has updated your Application Status account. Log in to http://www.peacecorps.gov/mytoolkit to see the latest information.
So… I logged in and saw this:
Status : A hold has been placed on your file. This may mean simply that your file is under review. See below for further information.
Legal: HOLD. Your legal eligibility to serve in the Peace Corps is currently under review. If further information is required, our legal eligibility specialist will contact you. TIP: Some commonly requested legal forms are available in the Download Center.
Hmmm…. Interesting. Guess I wait.
6/9/2010- The Peace Corps has sent my medical and dental forms out today. I started making dental and medical appointments.
7/15/2010- I got an email from my Recruiter.
Hello Mark,
Just in case you didn’t receive your nomination letter see the attached and let me know if you have any questions.
I downloaded it and here is the nomination letter:
"Dear Mr. Leeper Jr.,
I am pleased to nominate you for the following Peace Corps assignment:
Youth Development
Program Name:Central/ South America/ Caribbean
Program Number:164-11-022-M3/A
Region
A nomination is a recommendation that an applicant move to the next stage of consideration; the medical, legal, suitability, and competitive reviews. You should expect to receive further requests for information during these reviews. It is important to respond to any requests quickly and completely. We cannot move forward with the review process unless all requested information is in your file. As a result of your nomination, the Office of Medical Services (OMS) will review your Health Status Review and then mail you a Medical Forms package that outlines the requirements for physical, dental, and eye exams. Please schedule your exams as soon as you receive this package and promptly submit all requested information. If you have questions, a Customer Service Representative in OMS will assist you. If you are medically qualified and legally cleared, your application will be evaluated by a Peace Corps Placement Officer for suitability and competitiveness. You may be contacted at this point for additional information including an update on the status or completion of any previously requested volunteer experience or language coursework. Please note you are responsible for informing the Placement Legal Office if there are any changes to your legal status. If you are selected for service, a Placement Officer will work to match you with an opening, taking into account your skills, availability, necessary medical accommodations, and the needs of our host countries. If this match is made, you will receive a written invitation to serve in a specific country as well as a job description. Please keep in mind that the program to which you were initially nominated may not be the program to which you are ultimately invited. Upon invitation, you will be asked to apply for a Peace Corps passport which is specific to our agency. You may use either a current U.S. passport or a copy of your birth certificate to apply for this passport. A delay in submitting your Peace Corps passport application may prevent you from departing for service; therefore, it is advisable to have one of these documents ready for submission. An invitation is your official offer from Peace Corps. We recommend that you not make any major commitments or changes, such as moving out of your residence or leaving your job, until you receive and accept an invitation.
Congratulations on moving to the next stage of consideration for Peace Corps service.
Sincerely, Lassana Toure
Regional Recruiter"
7/15/2010- Appointment with the Dentist today. He said there were no issues and completed the forms. He sent in the paperwork.
7/24/2010- Dental Clearance! Yay!
8/9/2010- Met with my doctor for my physical. Everything except a possible perforated ear drum looks fine. Took blood for the medical labs required. Doctor refers me to a ENT specialist.
8/11/2010- All of the lab work came back fine.
8/18/2010- Met with ENT specialist. My ear was fine.
8/27/2010- I went and picked up the rest of the Peace Corps paperwork that the doctor needed to fill out after the ENT visit.
8/30/2010- I sent the ENTIRE packet of PC Medical stuff in today. I double and triple checked it all. I found an interesting fact on the Peace Corps website. Only 15% of PC Nominees send in Medical paperwork correctly the first time. Let’s hope I did it all right!
And now I wait.
Email from the PC acknowledging that I started my application process.
Thanks for taking the first step toward the most challenging and rewarding adventure of your life -- serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer. We urge you to continue and complete the Volunteer application. Peace Corps just might be the toughest job you'll ever love.
12/9/2009- Recommendation Letter completed by Misty Stensile
4/19/2010- Recommendation Letter completed by Cory Gonzales
4/21/2010- Recommendation Letter completed by David Wright
Dear David P. Wright:
Thank you for taking the time to submit a recommendation for Mark Leeper Jr. Your recommendation has been successfully submitted.
Sincerely,
Peace Corps
4/21/2010- Two emails from the Peace Corps
Dear Mark:
Thank you for completing the first part of the Peace Corps online application.
Please note that there are two parts to the Peace Corps application -- the Volunteer application, which you have completed, and the Health Status Review form. Your Peace Corps application is NOT complete until you have completed the Health Status Review.
The Health Status Review asks a series of questions about your medical history. It's simple -- mostly a series of yes and no questions -- and won't take a lot of your time. Click here to complete the form or confirm that you've already submitted the form online: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=pc
An important part of the process towards becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer is the submittal of 3 references as outlined in the Recommendation section of the Volunteer Application.
As previously stated you may have your recommenders submit these references either online or offline. The instructions for submitting the recommendations are as follows:
Online reference providers will receive an email with instructions on how to access the recommendation form. Completed forms will be returned to our office via email by the reference.
For Offline reference providers, please print the recommendation form which is available in the Downloadable Form section of the online Volunteer Application. You should then deliver or mail the printed recommendation form to your reference provider. The reference provider will in turn complete the recommendation form, seal it in an envelope and sign it across the back. Your reference provider should then return the sealed reference envelope(s) to you, so that you can return it to your recruiter with the other materials you will receive from your local recruiting office.
Thanks again for applying to Peace Corps. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Sincerely,
Peace Corps
4/21/2010- The second email came after I completed the HSR the same day!
Dear Mark:
Thanks for applying to the Peace Corps. We look forward to reviewing your application.
WHAT'S NEXT?
You've taken a big step by submitting your application, but there are still several steps in your journey to becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. A Peace Corps recruiter will contact you within the next two weeks to discuss the next steps of the application process.
You may also receive one or more email messages requesting that you complete additional forms. If you receive these emails, please complete the forms as instructed to ensure timely processing of your application.
MY TOOLKIT
Within the next 10 days, you should receive a letter (through regular mail) that includes instructions for logging on to My Toolkit. Accessible through the Peace Corps website, My Toolkit allows you to check the status of your application and to update your contact information.
Thanks again for taking the first step toward becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Sincerely,
Aaron Williams,
Peace Corps Director
P.S. If you still have questions, contact your local Peace Corps recruiter.
TELL A FRIEND!
Know someone who might be interested in becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer? Send them a message.
4/23/2010- An email from the LA Recruitment Coordinator
April 23, 2010
To: Peace Corps Volunteer Applicant, Mark Leeper Jr.
Subject: Peace Corps Application
Congratulations on applying to serve in the Peace Corps. As an applicant, you join a special group of people willing to volunteer their skills to help people of developing countries build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. More than 182,000 volunteers before you have found Peace Corps service to be a rewarding experience of a lifetime.
We have begun our review of the initial steps of your application and look forward to working with you during this stage of the application process. Though the application process may seem arduous, it is our way of ensuring the best fit between potential volunteers and the mission of the Peace Corps.
Next in the application process, you should ensure that your references submit their recommendations as soon as possible (if they have not already done so). Reference delays can adversely impact the scheduling of your interview, and as a consequence, hold up your application, possibly delaying your departure should you be chosen for service.
There will be a number of forms that you will be required to complete; some have been attached to this email. Please review the attached documents and fill out only the ones that apply to you (i.e. if you are a vegetarian then you will need to complete the vegetarian questionnaire). You will need to bring a copy of the completed required forms and documents to your interview. This includes a copy (either official or unofficial) of all of your college transcripts.
You should arrange to have these forms and all other documents requested by your recruiter completed and available within two weeks of receiving this e-mail. Please inform us immediately of any changes to your email address, as it is a vital link in our communication with you.
If you have not already attended a Peace Corps presentation, I strongly recommend that you attend one of our General Information Sessions before the date of your interview. The information presented there will give you a better idea of what we are looking for in potential volunteers and give you a chance to hear about a recruiter’s experience as a volunteer. To find the time, date and location of a future event, please visit www.peacecorps.gov and click on “Find Local Events.” Friends and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend these events.
Please contact your recruiter immediately upon receipt of this email to discuss the next step in the application process:
Lassana Toure
Peace Corps Recruiter
310.356.1111
ltoure@peacecorps.gov
Again, thank you for applying to the Peace Corps, and good luck in your pursuit of the toughest job you’ll ever love.
Jacob Hall
Recruitment Coordinator
Peace Corps Los Angeles Regional Office
Telephone: 310-356-1114
Fax: 310-356-1125
http://www.peacecorps.gov
So of course I called him that day and started working on the following forms:
Financial Obligations Handout.pdf
Relationship Forms.pdf
New Vegetarian Questionnaire.doc
Medical Info for Applicants (Rev. Feb. 2008).pdf
LG -Prior Conviction.doc
Skill Enhancement.pdf
Student Loan Form.pdf
5/10/2010- I got an email from my recruiter today:
Hello All
If you are receiving this message it means that I have received your references and I need to set up an interview with you. Please see the interview times below.
May 18th- 21st; 10am-4pm
May 24th- 28th; 10am-4pm
The interviews will be held at the Tempe Center in the Global Education Services Department (next to the Passport office-on ASU's campus), suite 150,
951 South Mill Ave. 85287. Let me know if these times don't work for you and we can try to accommodate you.
My interview is scheduled for 5/20/2010 at 12pm. Yippie!
5/20/2010- I had my interview today. After some discussion and an interview which lasted for about 1.5 hours, my recruiter was more than happy to tell me he was nominating me to work in Youth Development. Yay!
5/25/2010- My fingerprints have been received today.
6/2/2010- Recruiter sent me an email and asked me to fill out some more forms. Finished them this afternoon and sent them back.
Urban Youth Development.doc
Youth Development.pdf
6/5/2010- My toolbox today reflected that I am now a Peace Corps Nominee!
6/7/2010- Received an email notifying me that my toolbox has changed.
Peace Corps has updated your Application Status account. Log in to http://www.peacecorps.gov/mytoolkit to see the latest information.
So… I logged in and saw this:
Status : A hold has been placed on your file. This may mean simply that your file is under review. See below for further information.
Legal: HOLD. Your legal eligibility to serve in the Peace Corps is currently under review. If further information is required, our legal eligibility specialist will contact you. TIP: Some commonly requested legal forms are available in the Download Center.
Hmmm…. Interesting. Guess I wait.
6/9/2010- The Peace Corps has sent my medical and dental forms out today. I started making dental and medical appointments.
7/15/2010- I got an email from my Recruiter.
Hello Mark,
Just in case you didn’t receive your nomination letter see the attached and let me know if you have any questions.
I downloaded it and here is the nomination letter:
"Dear Mr. Leeper Jr.,
I am pleased to nominate you for the following Peace Corps assignment:
Youth Development
Program Name:Central/ South America/ Caribbean
Program Number:164-11-022-M3/A
Region
A nomination is a recommendation that an applicant move to the next stage of consideration; the medical, legal, suitability, and competitive reviews. You should expect to receive further requests for information during these reviews. It is important to respond to any requests quickly and completely. We cannot move forward with the review process unless all requested information is in your file. As a result of your nomination, the Office of Medical Services (OMS) will review your Health Status Review and then mail you a Medical Forms package that outlines the requirements for physical, dental, and eye exams. Please schedule your exams as soon as you receive this package and promptly submit all requested information. If you have questions, a Customer Service Representative in OMS will assist you. If you are medically qualified and legally cleared, your application will be evaluated by a Peace Corps Placement Officer for suitability and competitiveness. You may be contacted at this point for additional information including an update on the status or completion of any previously requested volunteer experience or language coursework. Please note you are responsible for informing the Placement Legal Office if there are any changes to your legal status. If you are selected for service, a Placement Officer will work to match you with an opening, taking into account your skills, availability, necessary medical accommodations, and the needs of our host countries. If this match is made, you will receive a written invitation to serve in a specific country as well as a job description. Please keep in mind that the program to which you were initially nominated may not be the program to which you are ultimately invited. Upon invitation, you will be asked to apply for a Peace Corps passport which is specific to our agency. You may use either a current U.S. passport or a copy of your birth certificate to apply for this passport. A delay in submitting your Peace Corps passport application may prevent you from departing for service; therefore, it is advisable to have one of these documents ready for submission. An invitation is your official offer from Peace Corps. We recommend that you not make any major commitments or changes, such as moving out of your residence or leaving your job, until you receive and accept an invitation.
Congratulations on moving to the next stage of consideration for Peace Corps service.
Sincerely, Lassana Toure
Regional Recruiter"
7/15/2010- Appointment with the Dentist today. He said there were no issues and completed the forms. He sent in the paperwork.
7/24/2010- Dental Clearance! Yay!
8/9/2010- Met with my doctor for my physical. Everything except a possible perforated ear drum looks fine. Took blood for the medical labs required. Doctor refers me to a ENT specialist.
8/11/2010- All of the lab work came back fine.
8/18/2010- Met with ENT specialist. My ear was fine.
8/27/2010- I went and picked up the rest of the Peace Corps paperwork that the doctor needed to fill out after the ENT visit.
8/30/2010- I sent the ENTIRE packet of PC Medical stuff in today. I double and triple checked it all. I found an interesting fact on the Peace Corps website. Only 15% of PC Nominees send in Medical paperwork correctly the first time. Let’s hope I did it all right!
And now I wait.
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