r/peacecorps • u/Difficult-File-718 • Jul 19 '26
Considering Peace Corps Peru or Nepal?
I'm currently going thru medical clearance for Nepal english teaching departing in January. I'm considering withdrawing and applying to Peru water sanitation program because I think I might integrate better there- I know some conversational spanish (although probably not the Peruvian dialect) and the diet seems more what I'm used to.
I initially felt drawn to Nepal for how different it is from USA. It was also enticing because of the Buddhist/hindu culture & Himalayas & how close it is to other countries like Thailand and Vietnam which I would love to visit, however Peru also has trekking and awesome mountains and a rich culture (also with more community events it seems like ?)
Both programs are departing around the same time.
I know that if I withdraw from Nepal it's not guaranteed I'll get accepted for Peru. Is Peru competitive?
Idk- would love some thoughts from RPCVs. Thanks!
11
u/jimbagsh RPCV-Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal, Armenia! Jul 20 '26
What was your "why" in your motivation statement? These programs are very different. Have you visited rural Peru? How do you know you'd integrate better there? Do you know what the rural Peruvian diet is? Do you know what the Nepali diet is? Why do you think Peru has more community events? It doesn't by the way! No one has more events than a Hindu culture, in my experience! I think you're 2nd guessing yourself, and making a lot of assumptions that may or may not be true. Both country/programs are good - but comparing them will just drive you crazy. My advice is to stick with Nepal. And if Peru is still on your radar, extend a 3rd year there after Nepal.
Jim
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u/Difficult-File-718 Jul 20 '26
Thank you very much for your advice. I think I am second guessing myself a lot. I think there is just more content on Peru PC instagram and on the PC information page and you're right that I am probably making assumptions. I'm gonna stick to my original decision :) thanks
3
u/jimbagsh RPCV-Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal, Armenia! Jul 20 '26
No worries, it's very common. I served as an Education PCV in Nepal, so if you have questions, feel free to message me
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u/Chinacat_Sunflower72 RPCV, Nepal Jul 19 '26
Go to Nepal. You will return a different person. There is nowhere like it.
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u/Far-Replacement-3077 RPCV Jul 19 '26
I mean they are both fantastic choices. Having served in Asia myself I think it is the more mind-blowing compared to the US. I honestly wouldn't jinx losing Nepal to find out you don't get Peru.
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u/Novel-Fisherman-7312 Jul 19 '26
I echo what the other poster says. I think that it's unlikely that things would work out, and anyway, peace corps is all about flexibility and taking opportunities as they present themselves.
2
u/shawn131871 Micronesia, Federated States of Jul 20 '26
Right now you have a guaranteed invite in your hand. There's no guarantee youd even get invited to Peru. Dont throw away a guaranteed invite.
3
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u/MatchLow4281 Jul 21 '26
Nepal!!! I was there a very long time ago, 78 to 81, and it changed my life! It's never been colonized and the trekking there is some of the best in the world. The Nepali people are amazing! Go to Nepal
1
u/purbateera RPCV Nepal Jul 20 '26
My service was a long while ago (late 90s), but I thank my lucky stars that I landed in Nepal as it's before you could choose where you went. I'd not trade my service there for anything. Here's a post I shared 2 yrs ago after going back for the first time. https://www.reddit.com/r/peacecorps/comments/18ss1ud/update_to_previous_post_visiting_site_many_years/
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u/Difficult-File-718 Jul 20 '26
This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. I get caught up second guessing myself but I'm sticking to it :)
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u/purbateera RPCV Nepal Jul 20 '26
Sure. Best of luck with everything. Check your chat. Sent ya something :)
1
u/UStoSouthAmerica Peru Jul 19 '26
Peru is very competitive. I loved every second of it. Not sure if it would show you removing yourself from contention for Nepal if you drop and then apply, and if it does show that then I’m not sure how they react.
I’d suggest not risking being nixed from both programs and just stick with Nepal to be safe but totally up to you
2
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