Why you should journal during your Peace Corps Service
The benefits of journaling our well documented. Aside from organizing your projects and promoting mindfulness, journaling in Peace Corps gives you an areal view of your service that your future self will be happy to have. Learn why journaling is the most popular habit of Peace Corps Volunteers in this month’s article.
"Journal writing is a voyage to the interior."
Your Peace Corps service will be one of the most transformative chapters of your life.
Like any major life event, your service will be filled with highs and lows. There will be days when you feel overjoyed and fulfilled, and others when you’re unsure if you made the right decision. These emotional peaks and valleys are entirely normal—they’re part of the process of growth and adaptation.
In navigating these ups and downs, establishing mindful habits can help you stay grounded and make thoughtful decisions. One of the most effective and widely practiced habits among Peace Corps Volunteers is journaling.
Why Journaling Matters During Your Peace Corps Service
The benefits of journaling are well-documented: it reduces stress, enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, and even bolsters your immune system—an underrated perk in environments where maintaining health is critical.
Beyond these universal benefits, journaling during Peace Corps service offers unique advantages. It serves as a way to:
Process Your Experiences: Journaling helps you work through challenging moments and reflect on positive ones, giving you clarity and perspective.
Preserve Your Memories: Years down the line, you’ll appreciate having detailed accounts of this life-changing period. Journals can act as personal archives that help you remember the people you met, the cultural nuances you observed, and the impact of your work.
Simplify Reporting: Peace Corps VRFs (Volunteer Reporting Forms) are essential for documenting your projects and progress. Journals can double as a reference, making it easier to recall the details of your activities, like workshops, community events, and outcomes.
Tips for Effective Journaling
Start Small and Consistent
Don’t feel pressured to write lengthy entries every day. Start with a few sentences about what stood out to you—whether it’s an interaction, a success, or a challenge. Consistency matters more than volume. Over time, this habit will grow naturally.Use Prompts to Spark Ideas
If you’re unsure where to begin, prompts can help. For example:What made you smile today?
What’s one thing you learned about your host culture this week?
Describe a challenge you faced and how you handled it.
Prompts like these can make journaling less daunting and more meaningful.
Make It Portable and Durable
Invest in a high-quality journal that can withstand the wear and tear of travel and daily use. Moleskin journals are a popular choice—they’re durable, compact, and have a timeless design that makes writing feel intentional.
How Journaling Helps Beyond Your Service
The habit of journaling doesn’t just support your Peace Corps experience; it has lasting benefits for your personal and professional life.
Self-Reflection: Regular journaling helps you understand your emotions, track your growth, and identify patterns in your thoughts and behavior.
Communication Skills: Writing about your experiences sharpens your ability to articulate ideas and convey complex emotions, which can translate into stronger personal and professional communication.
Career Development: Your journal can act as a source of inspiration for future projects, speeches, or even job interviews. Employers often appreciate the unique insights and stories Peace Corps Volunteers bring to the table, and your journal can help you recall them vividly.
Journaling isn’t just about documenting your journey—it’s about enhancing it. So grab a journal, start small, and let this habit become an anchor in your Peace Corps service and beyond.
Concerned Parents of a Peace Corps Volunteer: A quick Q&A
Leaving for the Peace Corps is not a small thing. It only makes sense that you are going to have friends and family that will have a lot of questions about your upcoming service. If you’re a concerned parent of a Peace Corps Volunteer or have parents that worry about your decision, grab a coffee and read this article.
You care.
With that care comes a mix of emotions—anxiety, excitement, worry, and even fear. It’s natural.
As your child serves overseas, it can feel like you’re right there with them, sharing their journey from afar. While the internet and Peace Corps safety protocols provide reassurance, some questions linger.
This Q&A pulls from our experiences and insights from other Peace Corps parents to help answer them. Don’t see your question? Leave a comment or reach out—we’re here to help.
Let’s dive in!
Q) How do I get in contact with my child while they are in the Peace Corps?
A) The Peace Corps has established systems to help volunteers stay connected with their loved ones. Volunteers have access to internet and phone services at their country headquarters, and they can use these facilities to contact home.
While the quality of service can vary depending on the volunteer’s location, most volunteers can access basic cell phone service and some form of internet, though it may not always be reliable. It’s a good idea to discuss communication preferences with your child beforehand, as they will likely have limited or intermittent access depending on where they are stationed.
Q) What happens if there is an emergency in the country?
A) Peace Corps service does carry some inherent risks—whether from natural disasters, political unrest, or other challenges. However, the Peace Corps has comprehensive safety measures in place to protect volunteers.
Each Peace Corps post is equipped with a Safety and Security office, as well as a highly qualified medical team. During Pre-Service Training (PST), volunteers undergo extensive safety training, covering a variety of situations including public transportation safety, personal security, and regional emergency evacuation plans.
These systems help mitigate risk and ensure that volunteers are prepared to respond if something goes wrong.
Q) How does the Peace Corps keep track of my child?
A) One of the most fulfilling aspects of Peace Corps service is the freedom to travel—whether it's exploring the host country or taking short trips during designated breaks. However, safety protocols ensure that volunteers are always accounted for.
Before traveling, volunteers are required to report their whereabouts to the Safety and Security team. If they plan to leave the country, they must submit a vacation request, detailing their travel plans, accommodation information, and emergency contacts. This ensures that the Peace Corps can reach them if needed and maintain oversight of their safety during travel.
Q) What if there is an emergency back home?
A) If an emergency occurs back home and you need to contact your child, the Peace Corps has two emergency lines that you can use to get in touch:
855.855.1961 ext. 1470
Calls made to these lines are transferred from the Peace Corps headquarters directly to your child’s country of service. The appropriate Peace Corps staff will be notified and will help facilitate communication with your child as quickly as possible. More details on how to handle emergency situations can be found on the Peace Corps website.
Q) Could my child get seriously hurt?
A) Yes, there are always risks associated with living and working abroad, especially in unfamiliar environments. Peace Corps volunteers are in a foreign country for 27 months, which naturally carries a certain level of risk. However, the Peace Corps is committed to minimizing these risks through training, preparation, and support systems.
Volunteers are not alone—besides the Peace Corps staff, they have fellow volunteers and local partners to look out for them. In addition, the Peace Corps has numerous resources and protocols in place for emergency situations, from medical care to evacuation procedures, ensuring that your child is supported if something goes wrong.
Q) What is the outline of my child's Peace Corps training?
A) Peace Corps training is a comprehensive and intense process, usually spanning three months and focusing on language, culture, and technical skills. Volunteers undergo training tailored to their sector—whether that’s community development, education, agriculture, or another area—and receive practical knowledge in areas like farming techniques, small business management, and health education.
The training program varies by country, but the overall goal is to ensure that your child is well-prepared for their service. They will leave training with the confidence and tools they need to succeed in their role and adapt to their new community. For a more detailed breakdown, we recommend reading Peace Corps Training.
Q) Can you tell me more about safety and security?
A) The Peace Corps does a thorough job of explaining safety and security on their website, and we recommend reviewing it for in-depth information.
While the Peace Corps continually works to improve its safety protocols based on volunteer feedback and global factors, it’s important to acknowledge that no system is perfect. Volunteers may still face safety concerns, particularly around issues like sexual assault. We encourage you to read both the CBS coverage on these matters and the Peace Corps’ response for a more balanced understanding.
Q) How can I send packages to my child?
A) Receiving a care package can be a meaningful and uplifting experience for Peace Corps volunteers. Though sending packages is possible, it can be a bit tricky, as each country has its own regulations for customs and prohibited items. However, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Mark the package as a “gift” to avoid customs fees.
If the value of the contents exceeds $10 USD, declare the items as used.
Clearly label the package with your child’s name, address, and any additional information needed.
Use flat-rate shipping to minimize costs.
Be sure to check with the Peace Corps or other online resources for specific guidelines about sending packages to the country where your child is serving.
Q) How can I send money to my child?
A) Sending money internationally can be challenging, but there are several options for getting funds to your child. We recommend reviewing the Peace Corps' finance guide to better understand the landscape.
If you’re looking for a quick and reliable way to send money, a simple but effective method is to place cash in a book or other secure item and send it with your care package. While it’s not the most straightforward option, it’s worked for many families. Check with your child first to feel out any obstacles to this idea.