Here's the lowdown for the down low

As I get my blog up and running, I thought it would be practical to clarify a little background surrounding my experience thus far and share that of what I learned of my further endeavor. I have always been interested in service and in high school my two month volunteer trip to Panama sprouted my passion for the Latin American community. Recently, I graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign – Urbana with a double major in Spanish and International Studies with a concentration in Latin America and their development. During my college experience I was also privileged to study abroad in Ecuador for 5 months and expand my first-hand knowledge of the communities that I had been studying. Upon my return from Ecuador I knew that my desire was to continue to strengthen my Spanish skills and further serve these people. As of August 2008 I had begun my Peace Corps application full of skepticism that I would be accepted. By the end of November I had turned in my completed application and by February 2009 I was nominated after completing more paperwork and an interview. In March I was medically and legally qualified, but I still had to complete 30 hours of environmental education volunteering. Impatiently awaiting, I was contacted on June 13, 2009 to officially join the Peace Corps, leaving August 31 for Nicaragua. Since then I have been in constant contact with the Peace Corps learning more and more about my upcoming duties. They give each volunteer the chance to prepare their language skills using the Rosetta Stone program if you dedicate at least 40 hours to it before your departure. Below I included an FAQ about the general questions that I have been asked that I tweaked from another person’s blog (Thank you Jason Azzo’s Blog):

How long will you be there?
- 27 months. 3 months of training around Jinotepe and 24 months "in-site." Where my “in-site” location will be isn’t determined until the end of my training.

Where is the location of your stay?

- I can not answer this question fully at this time. I know that I was generally be on the west coast of the country. For the three month training period I am around Jinotepe. Following that period of time, my location is still to be determined.

What is the climate like?

- “The climate varies with the region, but Nicaragua generally is hot and tropical, with cool, comfortable nights and a very short dry or cool season.” (Peace Corps Welcome Book)

How much do you get to pack?

- “The Peace Corps’ allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.” (Peace Corps Welcome Book)

What will you be doing in Nicaragua?
- Preparing for and holding environmental education classes at elementary schools regarding areas such as trash management, composting, and tree nursery and vegetable garden establishment; aiding local community organizations to increase their capacity to lead community-level sustainable environmental activities, such as reforestation projects in public areas and establishing family gardens.

Where will you be living? Do you get a house or apartment?
- All volunteers must live with a host family during the 3 month training period. Once a volunteer is "in-site" he/she must live with a host family for a month or so and then is free to choose whether he wants to get an apartment/house/ or continue a homestay.
Are you getting paid for all this?
- Sorta. We are volunteers but we do get paid a stipend each month to cover living, food, travel, and other expenses. At the end of the experience I am also paid a stipend as a “resettlement” fee.
Can you come home or travel outside of the host country?
-Yes. After the training period volunteers accrue 2 days vacation per month and can use them as they wish.
How will you get around?
-In bigger cities you can get around in local buses or taxis and smaller cities you can walk. Public transportation in Nicaragua is surprisingly efficient and cheap. However, I believe that I will most likely be walking a lot or using a bicycle depending on my placement.

How can we contact you in Nicaragua?
-Through mail, internet, cell phones. Nicaragua does have the internet in case you where wondering. Most cities are internet accessible but more remote villages and pueblos will not be. You can mail a parcel or package but expect it to take a while. Peace Corps says that mail between the U.S. and Nicaragua is dependable yet not timely. They recommend sending padded envelopes or small packages not exceeding two pounds. According to their website "airmail takes about two weeks." They also suggest not sending valuables since the package will probably be opened at customs. You can send something through DHL or UPS as well. Lastly, they suggest putting a religious symbol or saying something like "Que Dios te bendiga" (God Bless You) on the package to sway the handlers of stealing anything.

Can we come visit you?
-Of course! Visitors are welcome and encouraged. Just let me know way in advance so we can work out the logistics. Nicaragua is an up and coming tourist destination. It's a Costa Rica in the making...
What happens if you get sick?
- The health care coverage is very good. If I need medicine or to come back to the U.S. to see a doctor then the government will pay for everything.
Is Nicaragua safe?
-Latin America is safer than a lot of people think and there are thousands and thousands of foreigners, expats, and tourists in the region. Some places are safer there than here in the U.S. Also, Nicaragua has the reputation of being the poorest yet safest.
What happens if you want to quit and come back to the states?
-As we are volunteers nobody can make us stay but seeing as though we made a commitment to the Peace Corps and the host country for two years, early termination (ET) is the last resort.