For any returned or current Peace Corps volunteer (PCV), you know that there are many crazy ups and downs during these two (or more) years of your life. This diagram was put together by a group of COSing volunteers in Senegal in the mid-1980's. I thought that it might be good to share it with y’all. Whether you’re a friend of a PCV, a relative, someone currently serving or someone looking into serving in the Peace Corps, it’s worth a look.
| Month | Issues | Behavior/Reaction | Interventions |
| 1 Pre-Service Training (PST) | Depart States Arrive in country Disorientation Health Self-consciousness | Anxiety Loneliness Feeling incompetent Nervous about personal changes over 2 years | Build relationships Social events Establish routine Maintain link home Develop interests, hobbies, "positive habits" |
| 2 PST | Too much structure Too routine Group constancy Fatigue Impending affectation Language, language, language | Withdrawal Anxiety Restlessness Easy irritation Low tolerance level | Explore independence (e.g. go for walks on day off) Make plan for first 3 months Establish relationships/familiarity with host country nationals, PC staff Build skills for immediate use |
| 3-6 | Assignment Separation/solitude Uncertainty of role | Fright Frustration with self and others Loneliness Weight/health changes Homesickness Uselessness | Develop in-country correspondence Host visitors Visit peers/friends Establish links with local organizations Do technical research with local organizations Language study, language study, language study Establish schedule, routine sense of “home” Simple projects: plant trees, plant garden, play with kids |
| 7-10 | Slow work progress Language plateaus Cross cultural frustration/”shock” | Comparison to others Over zealousness Homesickness Uncertainties about adaption abilities Intolerance with host country | Reconnect with other PCVs Cards, letters home to forgotten relationships Talk with friends about slow starts & failures Simple projects: cooking, personal crafts, meetings, garden for self Consolidate friendships with host country nationals Refer to this sheet/culture shock sheets |
| 11-15 | Mid service crisis Doubt about program, role, self, government Various failures over time Reflection: disillusionment, confusion, resolving frustrations with victories New trainees arrive in sector Holiday time | Impatience with self, program, system Blame on program Constant complaining Lethargy Haughtiness w/new trainees | Holiday planning/mini vacation Review work plan, set new goals Review personal goals for service 1 year anniversary celebration Develop new recreation options Write long lost acquaintances Explore better relations with government and NGO folks Return to language study and practice |
| 16-20 | Increase/more defined work pace Project work Awareness of time constraints Realization of own limitations Consideration of “post PC” life | Hyperactivity or apathy Procrastination Self-recrimination Resignation Disappointment Downplay achievements Over-identification in behavior | Visit new volunteers Physical activity – “get in shape” Focus on relationship in the town Re-examine goals and time frame Research post-PCV activities (talk to other PCVs, do web search) Explore work possibilities in neighboring towns |
| 21-23 | Prep for COS: work/follow up Depression about perceived lack of accomplishment and/or lack of time Anticipated separation Demanding work pace Consideration of extension, post PC options Acknowledgment of chance for unmet goals | Monumental building Withdrawal into work details Panic Procrastination Frustration with self Moodiness | Vacation/travel Review work plans, assess feasibility Plan “closing out” and follow up Work with counterparts, government, town groups on planning for departure, follow up Collaboration with 1st year PCVs Consider post-PC planning, first draft of resume Create a four months personal calendar Give quality time to colleagues/personal friendships |
| 23-27 | Trauma of departure Concerns about social re-entry Bridging host country with US/former identity Re-definition of career Closer or re-definition of country based on relationships | Fright Confusion Alienation Anxiety Panic Giddiness Impatience Obsession with planning and scheduling | Ask PCVs about trends, US popular culture Do self-analysis (i.e. factors of self-growth, work accomplishment) to consolidate self-confidence Work on self-image Shop for local art, crafts, etc. Write friends, make social plans Post PC travel plans Transfer work skills, area-specific knowledge to trainees Arrange for gifts to host family |
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