Background

Hi folks! So, I'm going to Africa for a couple years, and apparently the cool thing to do when that happens is to start a blog. Last time I did something blog worthy (study abroad in Germany) I created a blog with a grand total of six entries. In my twenty seven month trip, I promise to make at least seven entries. But seriously, I'm terrible at this, yell at me if I don't update.

Here's a blurry picture of my official assignment!

So, I tend to get the same questions about what I'm doing. I'll answer them here.

Wait, why don't you have a job?

Well, because I'm just kinda hanging out until I start the Peace Corps in June. Specifically June 5th, 2012.

Peace Corps, that's like the Army right?

No, not really. You get paid way less and don't get a gun. The Peace Corps sends volunteers (mostly kids my age, though anyone with a college degree can apply, and lots of different people do it, including retirees) to developing nations. We bring technical support in a variety of fields (health, education, environment, agriculture, and youth development are the major ones). We're also there to "promote a better understanding" between the U.S. and other nations. So, read this blog, and hopefully you'll get a better understanding of Tanzania.

Why?

I really like to travel and adventure and I want to go for it while I can. I enjoy volunteering, and I want to be a part of something positive. I've realized I am at least a little interested in teaching and want to see what it's like. Also I don't know what I want to do with my life and this gives me a couple more years to decide!

Where are you going?

Tanzania! On the eastern coast of Africa, between Kenya and Mozambique. 

Think the Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and white sanded beaches of Zanzibar. For Africa, it's a fairly politically stable country. Brief history - Cradle of Mankind back in the long time ago's, became part of German East Africa, Brits and Germans fought over it during WWI, Brits ended up with it, and independence in 1963.  

So, do you get paid?

I'll get paid what a local teacher makes, which comes out to around $180 a month. I also get a chunk of cash when I'm done, but no, I'm not going to make much money. But, the Peace Corps pays for travel, medical coverage, and things like that, so it really is a "no cost" volunteer opportunity.

How long will you be gone?

Its a 27 month commitment. I'll spend the first three months in Tanzania going through intensive training mostly for language and teaching, though also some cultural adjustment stuff. Then I'll spend two years working as a teacher.

What are you teaching? Umm, do you know how to teach?

Theoretically physics (not theoretical physics). I could also end up teaching other science or math classes. And no, not really. I've taken a class or two and tried to bone up on my physics, but its going to be a learning curve!

What language do they speak? Will you be teaching in English?

The official languages Tanzania are Swahili and English. English is generally only used in secondary and higher education. Tribal languages also exist. Most people speak Swahili. I'll be teaching secondary education, so primarily in English. The problem is, schools switch from Swahili in primary school to English in secondary school very abruptly, and students often have a very limited grasp on English. So in reality, it'll probably teach with a little of both.

Want to learn a little Swahili? Turns out, you already know a few words! "Simba" is lion, "rafiki" is friend, and of course "hakuna matata," well, it means no worries!

Will you have electricity/running water/internet/a bed?

What, a bed? Yes there are beds in Africa. Actually apparently queen sized ones. Which is exciting. Not so sure on the rest. It's about a 50/50 chance that my home will have electricity and running water. I probably won't have internet at my house. Most schools have electricity and many have internet, so I'll probably have fairly easy access to both. It could be a journey to the nearest town to get internet though. We'll see!

Will you live with other people? Will you be with other Peace Corps people?

For training, I'll live with a local host family, and be training with other volunteers. After that I'll probably have my own 2ish room home. There may be one or two other volunteers in my village, or I may be up to a few hours from the nearest volunteer.

Can I send you awesome stuff once you get there?

Yes! Sorta. Its really expensive. I'll post when I know more.

Okay! That covers the main questions I've gotten. More? That's what the comment section is for!

Its been a very looong application process. I started about a year ago, and I guess that's a fairly typical timeline. So, if anyone is thinking about Peace Corps, remember, start applying EARLY! Recently I've been able to connect with both current volunteers in Tanzania and soon-to-be volunteers that will be in my "class." They've provided a lot of great practical info (unexpected: bring movies to share on your computer) and generally made the experience feel a lot more real.

So, three months! Next time I'll post a nice big picture of my packed bags!