Recently, the volunteers of BH 2 were asked to participate in a mentor program for the group coming in June. I've been corresponding with my pen pal, and I figured that I would post a few questions and answers for any future PCVs that might happen upon this blog.
Is training hard?
I have no doubt that you'll survive training. It's a learning curve for everyone. For some people, it's language. For others, it's living with a family because they're so used to living alone. There will be diarrhea as people adjust to the food and water. There will be tears of exhaustion when PC staff pushes too hard sometimes. There will be stupid spats between volunteers because, guess what, you've been stuck together in a tiny classroom in 100-degree weather for 45 hours this week. The amazing thing about it is that you come out on the other side of those three months of craziness with 18 new best friends.
Is PC staff cool?
I find them amazing and helpful. Sometimes, they are put in the difficult position of having to enforce rules, and they make enemies in the process. In my opinion, they are competent and professional individuals to deal with, who really understand the challenges of living and working in such an unstructured environment.
How is training different from service?
The thing about training is that PC is babysitting you. You have so much face time with staff that there is a lot of hand-holding. Sometimes, it feels like they think everyone is five years old. I found this article pretty accurate. Your movement is very limited. Life as a volunteer is completely different. Sure, you still have to follow PC policy, which is extensive, but you can, for the most part, live your life as you choose because there is no one there on a daily basis to tell you what to do. You learn to strike a healthy balance of upholding your PC role and responsibilities while integrating comfortably into your village.
Will we learn about Belizean culture during training?
These are four Saturdays in which the group is introduced to four main ethnic groups in Belize: Creole, Mestizo, Maya, and Garifuna. You will get a crash course in language, tradition, etc. then travel to a location for a little cultural exposition. There is food, dancing, storytelling, and so much more. I do not want to ruin the element of surprise by going into too much detail, but, through these days, you will become acquainted with the truly diverse cultures in this tiny country.
Do you have electricity?
In the north, most volunteers have electricity and water, including myself. Right now, I can only think of maybe seven sites out of 30, throughout the whole country, that do not have those amenities. Mostly, they are in the south near a river that can be used for washing and bathing. If you do happen to get one of those sites, PC will set you up with a water filter and solar charger.
How do you deal with the heat?
The heat. Oh, the heat. You will be sweaty sunup to sundown, probably at night, too. It's just the way it is. I spend most of my days in short-sleeved shirts with knee-length shorts or skirts. A cotton dress is a must. I brought three skirts; two were long, but I have since cut them into knee-length because it is too hot. What you wear during training is a little different from what you end up wearing during service. PC is fairly strict on the business casual dress code during sessions and especially for days in the office. I would recommend a pair of longish shorts or two for free time/weekends.
I hope someone out there finds this helpful!
Love always,
Jess
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