Applying to, and being accepted by, the Peace Corps is a long process. For every 100 people who apply, 33 make it to another country, and only 22 finish their service. Here is my timeline for the application process. From beginning to leaving the U.S. will be 19 months. The time serving in Colombia will be 27 months.
April-May 2010 Gathered references and started application
June 2010 Completed and submitted application
August 2010 Interview in Chicago with Peace Corps recruiter
September 2010 Received nomination to teach English in Africa
October 2010 - January 2011 Medical and dental appointments and paperwork
March 2011 Even more medical paperwork and personal statements
April 2011 Submitted an updated resume and teaching license
May 2011 Phone interview with a placement specialist to confirm interest and flexibility in placement
1 June 2011 Notified that the assignment had changed to "Teaching English for Livelihoods" in Central/South America
10 June 2011 Received invitation to serve in Colombia from October 2011 - December 2013
14 June 2011 Accepted invitation
June - October 2011 Studied Spanish and enjoyed summer!
September 2011 Received yellow fever vaccination
12 October 2011 Flight to Miami for staging
13 October 2011 Flight to Barranquilla, Colombia!
24 November 2011 Received site information
14 December 2011 Swearing-in ceremony
