Tag: Peace Corps

  • How Much Do Peace Corps Volunteers Get Paid? My Budget in the Dominican Republic

    How Much Do Peace Corps Volunteers Get Paid? My Budget in the Dominican Republic

    Do Peace Corps volunteers get paid? There are many financial questions surrounding Peace Corps volunteers. And I understand the confusion. We are called volunteers, so you would think the position is unpaid. But nope—we still get a paycheck, or a stipend as they call it. As a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in the Dominican…

  • Is Peace Corps Worth It? What I Wish I Knew Before Serving in the Dominican Republic

    Is Peace Corps Worth It? What I Wish I Knew Before Serving in the Dominican Republic

    After two years serving as a youth development volunteer in the Dominican Republic, I came home with a lot more than a stamp in my passport. I taught sexual health education to middle schoolers, learned to live without running water and consistent electricity, made friends who became family, and discovered — sometimes the hard way…

  • Working as a Peace Corps Youth Development Volunteer (in the DR)

    Working as a Peace Corps Youth Development Volunteer (in the DR)

    After 10 months in the Dominican Republic, I finally feel settled into my role as a Youth in Development Volunteer. From teaching sexual health to 8th graders to running a girls’ self-esteem cooking club, I’m learning what it means to create real impact—one charla at a time. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my daily work,…

  • How to Travel the Dominican Republic Without a Car (Public Transport Guide)

    How to Travel the Dominican Republic Without a Car (Public Transport Guide)

    From chaotic guaguas to hidden bus stops, this guide shows you how to navigate the country like a local — stress-free and on a budget. Learn the hacks I’ve picked up while living here: what a guagua really is, how to find stops on Google Maps, useful Spanish phrases, typical fares, and how to avoid…

  • From Arrival to Swearing-In: The Reality of Peace Corps Training

    From Arrival to Swearing-In: The Reality of Peace Corps Training

    Ever wondered what the first few months of Peace Corps training are really like? From the chaos of flying to the Dominican Republic to long days of technical training, language lessons, and community integration, I’m sharing all the details! Follow along as I reflect on my experiences during Pre-Service Training and the steps it took…

  • Sworn In: Reflecting on My First 10 Weeks of Peace Corps

    Sworn In: Reflecting on My First 10 Weeks of Peace Corps

    After 10 intense weeks of training, I’ve officially been sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. From culture shock to campo life, mosquito bites to personal growth, I’m reflecting on everything I’ve learned during Pre-Service Training—and what it means to begin this new chapter along the northern coast.