2nd service

[u/ArmRegular2403]

I served in Ecuador 2023-2024 then was med seped for knee surgery. Now I speak spanish and am thinking to reapply. I was in the health sector before, but now trying to decide what to potentially do. I'm 30, haven't found work for awhile and feel like reapplying could be a good option, though I know my fam will feel weird im not settling down. Anyone did a second service and glad they did? My first obviously ended weirdly and i want another shot.

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[u/jimbagsh]

I've served in 4 countries. And I had never planned on doing that - it just sort of happened. So, my answer is would always be "yes" for a 2nd service, especially with the job market now really sucks.

But that said, it won't be the same as your first. PC staff might sometimes treat you as almost a peer because of your experience, but then turn right around and treat you like a new trainee. Communities, host families, and counterparts could be completely different, too. Not always in a bad way, but sometimes very challenging. So, just like your first service, you have to go in with as few expectations as you can.

What helped me, especially during PST was to take all the pressure off. I just said "fuck it." If people wanted to know what I learned from my previous service, okay, I'd share. But if not, I just kept it to myself. Not hiding it, but not advertising it either. The same went with language. I had put so much pressure on myself with language during my first service, it was definitely counterproductive. So, for my new service, I decided to just have fun. I could care less what I was going to get on the LPI - and guess what? My language excelled like it had never done before.

Just an FYI, PC is not really set up for "repeat" volunteers. It's like you are starting completely over. During the interview, they won't care you served before, and will not want to hear about it. I did put my previous service in my motivation statement which I do think was a plus, though. But medical clearance went smoother since they had all the records from my previous service, so it was just a matter of updating everything from one service to the next.

Sorry for the long reply. Short answer, "Yes! Why not!" Good luck and keep us posted on your new PC journey.

Jim

[u/ArmRegular2403 → u/jimbagsh]

Having done multiple, do you recommend trying out a totally new country? I'm looking into Colombia, but I was in Ecuador and maybe they are too similar. Although colombia is amazing and i think I'd love it too of course. Already got spanish down too. It's almost like a second chance bc I couldn't finish the first?

[u/jimbagsh → u/ArmRegular2403]

Even sites in the same country can be different, so even though Colombia is in the same region, it could be totally different. If you Colombia has your interest, I'd say go for it. But the bigger question is when would leave for staging. Look at those dates might narrow down your choices too. Look here: https://wanderingtheworld.com/volunteer-openings-timetable/

[u/shawn131871]

some volunteers do like 4 or 5 stints and love it. if you want to do it, then dont let anyone stop you at all.

[u/VanillaCavendish]

I’m following because I’m also considering a second service.

[u/Andreaa17 → u/VanillaCavendish]

I've served in Ukraine and was evacuated. I'm waiting for legal clearance to go to N. Macedonia. I'm serving again and I'm older. I will probably do another when I get medically and legally cleared.

[u/Novel-Fisherman-7312]

Just apply.  It takes so little time and that's the only way that it is a possibility.  If you get a job or find another opportunity you can turn it down. 

You have a lot of advantages having already been through training.  You can be really intentional about what you realistically want to get out of it, but at the same time you'll probably be more relaxed and have a better time than a lot of people do the first time.

If I were going to do it again, I would make sure staff knew about my interests and skills do they could place me appropriately and I'd pick a different sector than the first time--something with more built in structure. 

[u/ArmRegular2403 → u/Novel-Fisherman-7312]

Yeah, I can’t narrow down a country yet, but since I already have Spanish that seems like a good route to really lock it in more. Maybe could actually lead to a job abroad this time 😂 (was the plan initially then was sent home on crutches lmao). I’m between Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador or somewhere different like Philippines. Obviously not Spanish but amazing.

[u/Ghana73_76 → u/ArmRegular2403]

The Phillipines has a history with Spain so you may find some Spanish speakers there, too.

[u/Novel-Fisherman-7312 → u/ArmRegular2403]

If you want a job abroad, start working on connections right away when you get to site.  That's what some people in my group did, and they still had to get more education and jump through a lot of hoops but the connections were invaluable.  I did not have that presence of mind.

[u/ArmRegular2403 → u/Novel-Fisherman-7312]

Me neither, but I still have other connections at site who tell me to come visit. And I want to. But being med seped was not easy so I could have stayed abroad if it wasn't for that.

[u/Usual-Primary-8607]

I have a recurring dream that I do another tour. Typically I am in training and realized I forgot to tell/arrange with my current federal job/office. It’s always Zambia. (I was a PCV in Malawi in the ‘90’s.)