FAQs about Peace Corps Morocco (1)

These are questions people have asked me about Peace Corps, Morocco, or my soon-to-be position as a Youth Development Specialist. I am posting my responses here because they may answer some of the questions you have about Peace Corps Morocco.

1. What's Peace Corps? It's a volunteer service opportunity abroad, run by the United States government. Its mission is to "promote world peace and friendship" by helping the people in-country meet their needs, helping promote a better understanding of America, and helping promote a better understanding of the people in-country for the Americans (quote from the Peace Corps site).

2. Where is Morocco? It's the most North-West country on the map of Africa. I decide not to attach a map to this question because of this.

3. Did you apply for Morocco or for your position? I applied for both and got both. On my application, I said that this was the only position I'd accept, and I would only do it in Morocco. However, Peace Corps is looking for volunteers who are flexible when it comes to placing you where you are most needed.

4. How many people are selected to serve? I don't really know, but each Staj (cohort of volunteers) that arrives in Morocco has had a little over 100 volunteers in recent years. If/when you are invited to join Peace Corps, you also must go through a medical and legal clearance. It is estimated that in 10% of cases, Peace Corps "cannot support an applicant's medical condition in the country where the applicant was invited to serve" (quote from an email sent by Peace Corps).

5. Where will you be? A rural area. This is the most I really know about my placement. The first three months, I will be living with a host family doing language and culture training in one town. Then, based on my skills at the end of the training, I will be placed in my "final site," a rural town where I will be serving.

6. When are you leaving/ When are you coming back? September 2019 - November 2021 (inchaallah)

7. What will you be doing? According to an email I received outlining the duties of a Youth Development Specialist in Morocco, I am expected to "spend approximately 30-35 hours a week on [my] primary assignment. Typical activities include teaching classes, organizing clubs, leading camps, and organizing other activities for youth in [my] community."

8. Does it look good on a resumé? It's OK to have; I'm not going to say "great" because I can't honestly say that yet. It's a U.S. government job so you have a foot in the door when it comes to working for the government. Being a volunteer may signal for employers that you have language skills, that you are adaptable, that your global awareness may be higher than someone who hasn't done Peace Corps, or none of these things. It truly depends.

If you have more questions, let me know.