Bureaucratic what-not

This is a spread sheet that PC gives to trainees so that we have an idea of what 'wacked' feelings we have are actually normal, and when they are not so we known when to get ourselves help...kidding....kind of. This list is in general pretty descriptive and does somewhat correspond to the times and emotions of a PCV,  although in one day or one week you can go through all your 27 months in country of feelings. This also doesn't include the happiness or feelings of bliss, so for parents and PC applicants, new trainees just remember that  no one ever lives by the list completely.

Months in Country	Issues	Behaviors/Reactions
1-3	Too much structure, Too much routine, Fatigue	Withdrawal, anxiety, feeling incompetent, nervous, restlessness, irritability, weight and or health changes Coping Strategies:  -explore independence -make plans for first 3 months -visit new site-establish relationships/familiarity with Gambia, PC staff -gather skills for immediate use
4-7	Assignment, separation/solitude, uncertainty of role, Language	Fright, frustration with self, loneliness, weight or health changes, homesickness, uselessness Coping Strategies:  -Develop in-country correspondence- Visit peers/host family- Efforts to establish support links with NGOs and government services- Technical research for future use- Language study- Establish schedule, routine, sense of “home”- Establish hobbies to do in public
8-10	Slow work progress, Language Plateaus, cross-cultural frustrations, Lack of support	Comparison with other PCVs, over-zealousness, home sickness, intolerance with host culture, uncertainties about adaptation Coping Strategies:  -reunions with group/site mates -cards, letters home to forgotten Relationships -talk with friends about slow starts & failures -simple projects: cooking, personal crafts, meetings, garden for self -consolidate friendships
11-15	Mid service crisis, doubt about program, role, self, government, reflections	Impatience with self,  complaining, lethargy, feeling useless, haughtiness with new trainees, confusion in resolving frustrations vs. victories Coping Strategies:  -Plan vacations  -Review work plan; set new goals  -Celebrate one year anniversary  -Find new recreation  -Physical activity: "Get in shape" -Write letters  -Explore better in-country relationships -Return to language study and practice -Visit new volunteers
16-20	Increased and more defined work pace, project work, awareness of time constraints, realization of own limits, post PC considerations	Hyperactivity or apathy, procrastination, self-recrimination, resignation, disappointment, downgrade achievements. Coping Strategies:  -visit new volunteers-physical activity; “get in shape” -focus on relationships in village -re-examine goals and time frame -apply for GREs, write grad schools -explore work possibilities in neighboring villages- look to collaborate on projects with volunteers.
21-23	Project work, awareness of time constraints, realization of own limitations, post pc-considerations,   depression about perceived lack of accomplishment, consideration of extension, checked out	Resignation, downgrade achievements, monument building, withdrawal into work, panic, procrastination, frustration with self, moodiness. Coping Strategies:  - Focus on relationships at site   -vacation/travel -review work plans, assess feasibility -plan “closing out”, & follow-up -work with counterparts on planning for departure, follow-up -collaboration with 1st year PCVs -consider post-PC planning; first draft of resume; 4-Mo. personal calendar
23-27	Trauma of Departure, Concern about social re-entry, Bridging new and former identity, redefinition of career goals, redefinition of host country based on relationships	Fright, confusion, alienation, anxiety, panic, giddiness, impatience, obsession with planning and scheduling. Coping Strategies:  -check on trends, US popular culture amongst Trainees - Job search /Apply for GRE, write grad schools  - do self-analysis: i.e. factors of self-growth; work accomplishment, to consolidate self-confidence -work on self-image -shop for art, crafts, etc. -write friends, make social plans -post-PC travel plans -transfer work skills, area-specific knowledge to trainees - Contact friends at home, make social plans