Language Training

So when I was nominated to serve in the Peace Corps, and after I received my invitation, I had approximately four Spanish classes under my belt. I hadn’t spoke extensively in over a year, and forgot a lot due to learning Arabic. But I still received the invitation. At the same time, people who had majored in Spanish where invited. As well as with people with less experience.

Before departure, Peace Corps gives us access to an online version of the Rosetta Stone. And it was a good review, but it was also just too boring and too repetitive for anyone to stick with it long enough. Also, many people also got their invite about 4-6 weeks before leaving so there wasn’t much time to sink your teeth into that.

I tested into the language level intermediate-middle, which is the requirement that ALL trainees have to be at before they’re allowed to swear in. It isn’t too complex. You need to be able to speak a bit in the past tense, and be able to function in situations beyond simply asking for food, such as talking about your personal interests or something like that. With language level, the Peace Corps gives you full resources to advance in your Spanish level. Everyone, including the advanced kids, have class for 3-4 hours a day, 4-5x a week. The classes focus more on functional spoken Spanish rather than focus too much on grammar. Plus, just being in the environment allows you to pick it up quickly (that is if you choose to talk to your family and are willing to make mistakes). We do a mix of class work, homework, field based exercises (interviewing people on the street), activities, and conversation.

The second half, after the second interview, the classes here focuses more on the technical aspects of your program and the vocab for that. For those who need help, one on one tutoring sessions are held for 30-40 minutes every day at the center during tech training. The Peace Corps really gives you every reasonable resource to improve with your language skills. Most people here increase dramatically during the first few months.

The Peace Corps gives each trainee a plethora of resources, but it is ultimately up to the trainee to make the effort. There’s no grades, no punishment if you don’t do the homework. It’s tough, but it’s doable if you’re willing to put in the effort. My advice (and this took me awhile to realize) is to just get out there and try to speak as much as you can. Maybe not to strangers, but to your host family who is likely to have hosted trainees before you. Read newspapers to absorb grammar and increase comprehension. And just try. You’ll make it.

Underwear

So as for underwear, I would recommend against the white variety. Like any white clothing they show dirt and filth more clearly (especially poopstains). But who is going to see your underwear? Most likely everyone. You see, washers and dryers are most likely going to be a luxury during training and while at site, so your clothing is going to be washed by hand and dried on a line. In my house, the line is on the roof, so my clothes wave freely for a day or two above the house like a proud flag of flannel and what ever else I threw in the wash. And chances are, you'll have the poops with some frequency, and white underwear will let your family and friends know just how that ceviche hit you...

As far as type goes, personal preference I guess. But remember, it will be hanging up so nothing too risque. Not sure what other people where, but I think your regular cotton variety would be just fine, just bring a lot (turnover from laundry day to back in the drawer can be three days for me). On the other hand, maybe think about investing in some higher class underwear. Brands like Exofficio, REI and even sport brands like Underarmor and Reebok might be worth the investment. Brands like these tend to be more durable in the wash, as well as 'moisture wicking' the easy the comfort in hot days. You can also rotate them in and out to air them out, thus using less pairs. They also wash easily and dry quickly, giving you a quicker turn around time if you need an emergency wash. I've also washed mine in the shower for a quick fix (was out of underwear).

Why is this important? Well, things are always a bit different as a Peace Corps volunteer and some commodities we're used to just don't exist (washers/dryers, quality readily accessible underwear) and you can't just run to Wal-Mart or wherever while you're at site. So a little foresight helps.