So, I was reading some other blogs of people who are going to be going on the same journey as me and came across a FAQ section. I'm totally stealing his idea- so thanks Dan!
Where again are you going?
I'm going to be headed to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for two months or so of training and then will either be stationed in FSM or Palau.
When are you going?
I'll be leaving on or around September 3, 2009
How long will you be gone?
The Peace Corp is a two year commitment. Add in the training- and I'll be away for 27 months.
Wont you miss us?
Of course I will. I cannot believe you even have to ask.
Where will you be staying?
I will be staying with a host family the entire time.
What will you be doing there?
Teaching English and being a Community Development worker.
What will you eat there?
From what I've read, a lot of fish, rice, and spam. I'll have more information on that once I'm actually there.
What's the weather like?
Lots of rain. The temperature is pretty stable year-round- with highs in the upper 80's and lows in the mid 70's.
Won't you get sunburn?
Yes, I will. Probably very badly too. Peace Corp provides sun block, so I think that I'm going to be OK.
Will you have reliable internet access?
I don’t know. I do know that there is internet access on some of the islands- but as I don't know exactly where I'm going to be stationed, we'll have to wait and see.
Can you at least call?
From what I've read, the international phone service to and from FSM and Palau is very good relative to that in other developing countries. Phone cards are available for purchase, and even though my host family may not have a phone, I should be able to find one to use should the need arise.
What if there is an emergency? How do I get a hold of you?
The Peace Corps' Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. My folks will have all the information necessary- so hit them up if there is an emergency.
What do you get to bring with you?
I wont bore you all with the recommended packing list, but I will say that it seems the list is very long and I might find some difficulty fitting it all in two suitcases.
Can you take a vacation while serving?
Each volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service- so yes; I can take vacation.
Can we come visit?
Family and friends are welcome to visit, so long as it does not interfere with my work. The Peace Corp is not able to provide any travel assistance to my visitors- and I need to be mindful that visitors may cause a stressed situation with my host family. So if you do come, just be polite.
What is the religion there?
Mom and Dad can rest easy here- half the population in FSM is Roman Catholic and the other half belong to a variety of Protestant denominations.
What if you get sick or hurt?
I will be provided with a medical kit that I can use to self-treat most minor injuries/ailments. The Peace Corps also maintains its own health unit with a physician's assistant and a full-time nurse. If I'm stationed too far from that health unit, healthcare will be provided by professionals in the capital center. Should I become seriously ill and local resources prove to be inadequate, I'll be transported to a medical facility in Guam, Hawaii, or Washington DC.
Can I send you a letter or package?
Yes, you can- while in training the first few months feel free to send to:
Robert Steffens, Peace Corp Trainee
Peace Corps Micronesia
PO Box 9
Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
You didn't answer my question. Where do I go for more information?
Well, you can ask me- comment here, facebook, email, or call. Otherwise you can check out this link- as that's where I got most of this information anyways.
