Invitation Kit, Part Two

I've had a chance to get through the invitation kit, so here's some thoughts:

--Assignment booklet: chockful of interesting information. Lots of details about the sort of places I'll be working and what I might be expected to do. For example, I'll teach between 14 and 16 hours in the classroom, and I'll have between 35 and 85 folks in my class. Oof.

--I get to apply for a government passport. That's sort of exciting, no? I also have to fill out the visa application. After some debate, I decided to include my Chinese name. I hope it doesn't confuse anyone, but I might as well make it official now. I'm fond of the name my teacher gave me, so now's a good time to stick with it.

--I have to submit a resume and aspiration statement. I spent a lot of time crafting my original resume, so I'm a little sad to have to put it into a standardized format. The aspiration statement is also a little tricky- they ask about anticipated challenges and expectations. This is odd, since the PC theme seems to be "have no expectations." Anyway, I think I can handle it.

--The Finance folder was extremely helpful. I get life insurance as a PCV, so there's a form to designate a beneficiary. Also, they have brochures on personal property insurance. Mine works out to be about $70 a year, which seems reasonable. I got a cheap computer for a reason, but I'd still pay $100 for a deductible than $500 to replace it. It also includes information on student loans (which I don't have, thank heavens), income taxes (I probably won't make enough to be taxed), and other debts (which I also don't have).

--Staging forms. Mostly empty since the Staging Kit comes later. For now, just a registration form and a final eligibility check: Have you been arrested since the last time we spoke? etc.

--Domestic Connections: Press release info and signing up to penpal with American school kids. Not super exciting, since I'm not sure my program is well-suited for cultural exchange with kiddos.

--Welcome Book- no surprise here since it's on the yahoo group's website.

--Volunteer Handbook- Pretty much what I expected. Some interesting rules on appropriate use of PC owned technology.

I think that's all. It was a very hefty package. Now I just have to get a bit more dental work done, and I should be good to go.

The Invitation Kit

The much-awaited kit arrived today, only three days after it was mailed. I'm going to miss American mail service.

It contains quite a wealth of information: a pamphlet on my assignment, a booklet on cultural adjustment, the volunteer handbook (read: rulebook), the welcome book for China, and a booklet for family entitled "On the Home Front." Has a nice patriotic ring, no? :0)

In addition, there are bunch of folders, my passport and visa info, resume instructions, finance info, staging information, and "domestic connections" which is a chance to penpal with American schools, etc.

I look forward to wading through all of this fun stuff, and I'll keep you posted!

I'm in!

Yay! I was phoned by my very friendly Placement Officer yesterday. Apparently my availability was still listed as September even though I was nominated for a June program. I clarified, and he said he was inviting me to the China program. Excited is a slight understatement.

My parents, I think, have resigned them to the Peace Corps as inevitable. They were appropriately happy for me. I was worried about my grandfather's reaction- I hadn't told him because I didn't want to worry him prematurely. When I called him last night, he got really excited and thinks it's great! I love pleasant surprises.

This morning my toolkit updated. I was curious- does the toolkit update when someone updates and then you get an email at 5 am OR does it all sort of upload at 5 am? Turns out that its the latter. Just so you know.

My new and improved toolkit begins with a cheery "Congratulations! You have been invited to be a Peace Corps Volunteer." The status is no longer on the first page. there are links to My Application (all those circles and checks), Prepare Yourself, Prepare Your Friends and Family (which both are unchanged), and My Assignment. I kow have a Place checkmark in My Application, so the only thing missing is Dental. More fillings, whoo.

My invitation kit is in the mail, so I will read it, then phone to accept. More forms, presumably. Then a welcome kit a couple months before departure, then a staging kit, then staging then I'm off to China!

The "My Assignment" section doesn't have much, actually. There are sections for pictures and journal of PCV's, but both are blank. There is some general info, but nothing about China. I wonder if that will update. I suppose most people don't get a phone call, so they don't know where they will be until their invitation comes in the mail. Interesting.

I will continue to explore and keep you posted.