I think one of the reasons why I have decided to follow through with peace corps is due to the fact that you (like many other volunteers) still have a smile on your face, despite the living conditions. You genuinely seem happy, and that stands out to me most. Thanks for giving me motivation!
Thanks for the kind words! They just made my day. Had no idea that this video would be motivating, but I'm glad it was able to help. Have you received an invitation to serve?
I'm of the philosophy that if you want to serve and you're passionate about it, you will serve. So keep a positive attitude, an open mind and you'll be golden. Best of luck with the application process!
Dude..it's amazing!. Never in my entire life i'd imagine an american experiencing the beautiful culture of the "campos" of my country. Glad you enjoyed using the "letrina" that your fellow countrymen brought during the 1920's, if i'm not mistaken. And i hope you come back with your friends and let them experience life in the DR outside of Punta Cana.
I have returned with friends and family and we have never once been to Punta Cana! Although admittedly we did visit Puerto Plata and Las Galeras in Samaná. Such a beautiful country full of beautiful, warm people. La República Dominicana will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for watching!
Hey man, I'm leaving for the Dominican Republic in like a month with Peace Corps to teach English and this video just energizes me. I'm a thousand times more excited to go now. If possible I'd love to talk to you about your experience somehow.
Thanks for watching RJ! And welcome to the family. Feel free to send me an email, I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. ryanbrowning88@gmail.com I may not get back to you right away, but have patience! I'll get around to it for sure. And thanks again for watching, I made a few other videos while in the DR that you may enjoy. Just check out my profile
I am out of the country and unable to talk on the phone. Check out the Peace Corps wiki page. Most (if not all) of the interview questions are on there. Have a positive attitude, get excited to serve and have fun! Buenas suerte www.reddit.com/r/peacecorps/wiki/index#wiki_future_peace_corps_volunteers
This video was just what I needed as I plan my application for Peace Corps. Thank you so much for inviting us into your home. I inboxed you with a message hoping to receive more information about your position and experience. Happy New Year
Nice diggs. Im RPCV DR ,,. 1985. It's amazing how you can make yourself comfortable with just a little ingenuity. Brings back memories. In 1986 PCDR had our Better Shacks and Gardens Issue. I found out the word for aspestos when I asked what the roof was made of. Tarantulas? The first time reached up to my top shelf in the dark I thought," I didn't know there were 8 legged squirrels....furry....rats in the beams above me looking down. I enjoyed my work and time there. I lived in NYC in the 1990's. I had Dominicans stop me and say I know you. You did this for our barrio, thank you. All I needed.
Love the sound of Better Shacks and Gardens! That's hilarious. Have you been back to the DR since finishing your service? That's amazing that you were recognized in the streets of NYC. Go PCDR!
Hi Ryan! My husband and I are leaving for the DR in a month as youth and community volunteers. Thank you so much for this video! It really helps me understand what I need to prepare for. We are very excited!
Congrats on your placement! Don't be intimidated by my living situations, most DR volunteers have electricity for part of the day and some form of running water. Good luck in your service!
I just got back from a vacay at the DR and loved the people! This is an awesome video…my daughter wants to volunteer for the Peace Corp when she graduates from college next year….this is really helpful! THX
Awesome video. These are the kinds of experiences that I like to call the juice of life. And shorty at 8:15 definitely would've been over cada noche for tutoring lessons
That house reminds me of my abuelitas house. You were lucky believe it or not, there aren't many typical wooden houses over there. Good choice with the background music.
sweet vid man! You should def talk to MTV about starting up a pilot series of Peace Corps Cribs. btw, I'm a current PCV in an Andean village in Ecuador
Thanks for watching! PC Cribs would be an awesome show, I think you're on to something! If you've got a camera go ahead and make one yourself! Show the world what your Andean village is like. Best of luck with the rest of your service
Thanks for watching, Mischa! Glad you enjoyed. Colombia sounds amazing, you're going to have the most incredible experience! Be sure to document your service so the rest of us can follow along :)
Thank you for the kind words! And thanks for watching. The song is called “Dale Pal Piso” by Watussi, Jowell and a bunch of other people. It’s on Spotify.
Fabiola St Hilaire Buenas suerte! The DR is an amazing country full of wonderful people. I hope it works out for ya! PS I have a friend volunteering in Honduras right meow, not sure who she's working for though...
Thanks for watching, Jessica! I was not able to choose rural vs urban. However, I was able to voice my preference for rural. That being said, this was over a decade ago and I believe that the process for placing volunteers has changed dramatically. The Peace Corps wants their volunteers to succeed, and that starts with placing them in communities where they can thrive.
Nice video! I have to say, out of all the RPCV I've talked to..you're one of the most positive about your experience. People have described it as having some of their best and worst times of their lives. What sector were you working in? I love that you made such deep connections with your community.
Thanks for the kind words! It was definitely an unforgettable experience that was full of highs and lows. I was working in the Appropriate Technology sector. We were the first (and last) of our kind. We had volunteers building aqueducts, constructing solar dryers for cacao, building composting latrines... basically sustainable, tangible projects. I worked primarily with rain water catchment.
Great job with the video! You had sweet digs, and I don't think any PCVs had handles on our grecas by the end of service. Buen trabajo con el merengue, tambien.
man i know your making that little kids day !!!!! i probably has learned so much from u does he let u sleep after two years or is he still asking you question >?? about everything i could just imagine all questions that family has for u
You mean the kid that was filming the video?! Yeah he is my godson, mi ahijado mal creado jaja He lives in the campo still, we talk every week via Whatsapp. I miss that kid a lot, he was my panaful ("best friend")
I appreciate you posting this video. PC has been on my list of what I would like to accomplish in my life and I am about to apply. I would like to ask how the surrounding areas were/are?
Hello Ryan. My name is Jasmine and I have an interview coming up for the Peace Corps in DR. I would love to chat with you further about your experience .
strawberries322 I was most definitely NOT fluent! I could read and write decently well, but could not form more than basic, present tense sentences. Took me an entire year immersed in the culture to become fluent (languages come slow to me. Some volunteers were fluent in 6-8 months)
Dear Ryan. I am considering going to the Dominican Republic for a year as an exchange student. But I am a little worried about the bugs down there. Are there very many? Are they in your bedroom when you sleep? Hope I will hear from you. Regards Frida.
26 and under consideration for the DR in education, interview in December. Thanks for the video, looks like a blast and a half! Anything you wish you had known before going? Anything you would have packed that you didn't? Do they really say bacano? I'm living in Chile with study abroad and it would be nice if some of my Chilean slang would work there jajaja
Felicidades! I hope the interview goes well. You can find most of the interview questions on the Peace Corps wiki page (so study up!). I wish I had known not to stress about my lack of Spanish speaking capabilities. I thought I would be the only PCV with elementary Spanish skills, but gracias a Dios I was not. Wish I had packed an LED headlamp! The parents eventually sent me one in a much needed care package, but a headlamp is an absolute must have.
Glad you enjoyed the video :) My closest volunteer was about 1.5 hours away. Had to take a motorcycle and then two buses. As the crow flies we were close, but it's slow going on gravel roads. For 6 months of my service there was a fellow volunteer 15min away! We were basically in the same community
Thanks for watching! Definitely apply, it will change your life. I worked primarily on water related projects (rain water catchment, filters, etc.) and with youth
This video is amazing! My peace corps recruiter just submitted my application to a program in the dominican republic! I am extremely excited! Was DR your first choice? How did you feel a out your placement over all of the other possible places to volunteer? Also did your spanish skills improve?
When I applied we were only able to submit a regional preference, we couldn't select programs or countries. I wanted to serve in sub-saharan Africa! However, I absolutely cherished my time in the DR. And of course my Spanish skills improved! I didn't speak español at all when I began, now I'm fluent (as you will be too). Good luck with the rest of the application process :)
Is it hard to come by good water filters there? I depend on my water filter in the States, so I know I'd like it if living there, especially with the larvae situation you mentioned. Would it be hard to remain vegan there?
Vegan would be difficult, but you could make it work. All depends on where you live. Obviously larger cities will have more options in terms of available food. Are you looking at moving down to the DR? And you can buy purified water that comes in 5 gallon jugs. Very inexpensive. Water filters are also available should you wish to take that route
Ryan Browning Thank you for the information. I want to do some volunteer work, but that will be a bit in the future. I'm trying to get my son grown first (I'm a single mom). He's only 13 this year. I've considered the Peace Corps, but there are other volunteer opportunities it seems. I guess, though, as long as there is fruit available I should be okay as for my vegan diet. I don't eat processed foods, so I will be okay without the vegan junk foods. And it sounds like the 5 gallon jugs would be the best thing for me.
I am currently working on the reality television show "Survivor" in the producing department. Early this month I returned to the Dominican Republic and visited the community I served in. So great to see everyone grown up!
Hey man I'll be graduating from college soon and joining the peace corps is my number 1 option for what I want to do when I graduate. I'll be graduating with a BS in Political Science International Relations and a BA in Spanish. It would be great if I could have your email and you could give me more info about your experience in the DR!
I will be applying for the DR peace corps. I really want to learn spanish/get better at Spanish. The bathroom and wash bucket doesn't bother me. the no wifi doesn't bother me because I can finally get back to reading. What will bother me is strange bugs. I can handle mosquitoes and roaches but tarantulas?? idk man. But how far were you from Santo Domingo or another large town?
Hey Arria, there are really only tarantulas in the dry, arid provinces on the border (at least that I know of). I'd say the vast majority of volunteers did not have tarantulas in their communities! And don't get me wrong, I was DEATHLY afraid of them at first, but after you get practiced at killing them when they trespass into your home they become less scary ;) I was about 6 hours from the capital on public transportation and about 3 hours from Santiago (the nearest major city). The pueblo of Monte Cristi was about 1.5 hours away, but it's not nearly as large as Santiago. Hope this helps!
You will not be able to bring your dog from the states, but if you adopt a dog or cat while abroad, depending on that country's policies you should be able to bring your pet back stateside with you once you close out your service.
Did you speak Spanish before you went over? I've been looking and most of the South/Central America assignments have a language requirement. I still have a couple years to go in school first, just curious!
Amy House Pretty sure that the previous requirement was 2 years of college experience. The year I applied (2010) the Peace Corps changed their policy to either 2 years in college or 4 years in high school. I never took a single Spanish class in college, but had 3.5 years in high school. Guess that was enough! I'm not familiar with the current language requirements, but I'm sure if you have basic skills then you should get accepted into most programs. I know that Mexico is competitive, but not all Spanish speaking PC countries are. If you're still in school definitely sign up for some classes if you haven't already. Can't hurt, right?!
+Sharaya Parker I'm not sure what the current requirements are, but when I served applicants were required to either have a bachelor's degree or years of "real world" experience (I'm talking 20-30 years in a specific industry). The youngest volunteer in our group was 21 (fresh out of college). Our average age was 26. I started my service at 22 with a bachelor's degree in Film Production. My advice to you would be to continue your education, get that bachelor's degree and apply to the Peace Corps during your last semester of school!
wait what... is there an inside joke about you forgetting english words cuz at 7:20 you say bucket but then you ask how to say cubeta in english. so confused man lol. great video
i liked it. a little to extreme because you wanted it to be. such as the 6000 water gallon you could clean it yourself didn;t have to make it look that bad . other then that nice video enjoy my country and great things it has to offer
Good question Courtney! In my case, a neighbor across the street had 8 puppies in their litter. Typically the males are more valued since they won't give birth to more puppies (which are a hassle). I was gifted a female from the litter for free and she became my pet. Bought food for her, got her vaccinated, spayed, went on runs together, etc. If no homes are found for the female puppies, they are dropped off in a far away field, left to die. It sounds inhumane, but it is population control. If this doesn't happen, then the population grows and eventually someone who isn't too keen on how many dogs are running around will poison meat and throw it in the street. I was out of my community one time and got a call from a neighbor saying that EIGHT dogs had been poisoned and killed! I had them lock up Nevada so she wouldn't be harmed. Anyway, hope this helps answer your questions :)
Wow, interesting! I assumed that's probably how it went down? How did you get her to come back home with you?? Did she have to travel separately from you in transit to the States? I am looking into doing the Peace Corp and the looks of having gaining a pet while there... looks like good company! :)
I think one of the reasons why I have decided to follow through with peace corps is due to the fact that you (like many other volunteers) still have a smile on your face, despite the living conditions. You genuinely seem happy, and that stands out to me most. Thanks for giving me motivation!
Thanks for the kind words! They just made my day. Had no idea that this video would be motivating, but I'm glad it was able to help. Have you received an invitation to serve?
I haven't yet! Still waiting on them to contact me, but crossing my fingers everyday. Yeah man. When I saw this video it made my day too!
I'm of the philosophy that if you want to serve and you're passionate about it, you will serve. So keep a positive attitude, an open mind and you'll be golden. Best of luck with the application process!
Thanks bro! Appreciate the advice man
@@ryanduong4723 did u get an invitation? i just got back from serving in Ethiopia
This is the best Peace Corps Cribs I have seen. Kudos on an awesome video.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed :)
fahnfrkLook at the one for Jamaica
I have watched this many times. It is very funny, revealing, and honest. It really psyches me up to join PC. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Mark! Glad you enjoyed. Best of luck with your Peace Corps service! Will be an unforgettable 2 years for sure.
@@RyanBrowning88 I appreciate your support for volunteering! I've wanted to do it for decades. Thanks again for sharing. Be well!
Dude..it's amazing!. Never in my entire life i'd imagine an american experiencing the beautiful culture of the "campos" of my country. Glad you enjoyed using the "letrina" that your fellow countrymen brought during the 1920's, if i'm not mistaken. And i hope you come back with your friends and let them experience life in the DR outside of Punta Cana.
I have returned with friends and family and we have never once been to Punta Cana! Although admittedly we did visit Puerto Plata and Las Galeras in Samaná. Such a beautiful country full of beautiful, warm people. La República Dominicana will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for watching!
Hey man, I'm leaving for the Dominican Republic in like a month with Peace Corps to teach English and this video just energizes me. I'm a thousand times more excited to go now. If possible I'd love to talk to you about your experience somehow.
Thanks for watching RJ! And welcome to the family. Feel free to send me an email, I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. ryanbrowning88@gmail.com
I may not get back to you right away, but have patience! I'll get around to it for sure. And thanks again for watching, I made a few other videos while in the DR that you may enjoy. Just check out my profile
I have an interview on Wed. with the PC to serve in DR, I'd love to talk to you to get any pointers.
I am out of the country and unable to talk on the phone. Check out the Peace Corps wiki page. Most (if not all) of the interview questions are on there. Have a positive attitude, get excited to serve and have fun! Buenas suerte www.reddit.com/r/peacecorps/wiki/index#wiki_future_peace_corps_volunteers
RJ Nealon the best one so far🤓👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This video was just what I needed as I plan my application for Peace Corps. Thank you so much for inviting us into your home. I inboxed you with a message hoping to receive more information about your position and experience. Happy New Year
im dominican and i honestly could not live like this props to you
Arena Jimenez LOL
Nice diggs. Im RPCV DR ,,.
1985. It's amazing how you can make yourself comfortable with just a little ingenuity. Brings back memories. In 1986 PCDR had our Better Shacks and Gardens Issue. I found out the word for aspestos when I asked what the roof was made of. Tarantulas? The first time reached up to my top shelf in the dark I thought," I didn't know there were 8 legged squirrels....furry....rats in the beams above me looking down. I enjoyed my work and time there. I lived in NYC in the 1990's. I had Dominicans stop me and say I know you. You did this for our barrio, thank you. All I needed.
Love the sound of Better Shacks and Gardens! That's hilarious. Have you been back to the DR since finishing your service? That's amazing that you were recognized in the streets of NYC. Go PCDR!
Hi Ryan! My husband and I are leaving for the DR in a month as youth and community volunteers. Thank you so much for this video! It really helps me understand what I need to prepare for. We are very excited!
Congrats on your placement! Don't be intimidated by my living situations, most DR volunteers have electricity for part of the day and some form of running water. Good luck in your service!
Ryan great video thank you for services, we need more ppl like you helping the youth.
I just finished my application. Thank you so much for the post!
Awesome! Best of luck Torian. I took me 9 months from the moment I applied to when I hit the ground in Santo Domingo so be patient with the process
I just got back from a vacay at the DR and loved the people! This is an awesome video…my daughter wants to volunteer for the Peace Corp when she graduates from college next year….this is really helpful! THX
No problem, thanks for watching and best of luck to your daughter :)
My roommate and I just watched this and loved it.
nice ryan I truly love the simplicity of your life. one day I plan to volunteer in the dr
myself.
Go for it. It's a beautiful country full of amazing people. You won't regret it
Ryan Browning I know I have been sponcering children there and visiting
yearly since 2005.
Did you say Tarantulas...nevermind
El Pot Spot my thoughts exactly
Ravens Spot he got me at rats..so close!!
Okay!!!
this is a great video i really enjoyed it lol PC cribs should really be a show :)
This is awesome! I got my invitation a few weeks ago, there's so much to do before I leave!
Awesome video. These are the kinds of experiences that I like to call the juice of life. And shorty at 8:15 definitely would've been over cada noche for tutoring lessons
Awesome ! Great video, great filming. Loved it
I laughed so hard Ryan... you know all the "dominican slang" hahha!
Paola ulysse Ya tú sabes!
Love it !
That house reminds me of my abuelitas house. You were lucky believe it or not, there aren't many typical wooden houses over there. Good choice with the background music.
dominican kid at thee end killed it:)
This is so awesome. Thanks for this video!
My sister had those same Pocahontas pillow covers 20 years ago!
sweet vid man! You should def talk to MTV about starting up a pilot series of Peace Corps Cribs. btw, I'm a current PCV in an Andean village in Ecuador
Thanks for watching! PC Cribs would be an awesome show, I think you're on to something! If you've got a camera go ahead and make one yourself! Show the world what your Andean village is like. Best of luck with the rest of your service
Buen video, que enseña cómo vivir libre, con poco ... La cafetera napolitana es un buen toque, como un italiano, les deseo una buena vida.
Nice video!! Thanks for uploading!!
Cool love this video thanks! I'll be going to Colombia in April :)
Thanks for watching, Mischa! Glad you enjoyed. Colombia sounds amazing, you're going to have the most incredible experience! Be sure to document your service so the rest of us can follow along :)
Hey! What’s the reggaeton song you play at the beginning of the video called? I la la la love your video by the way. Thanks for posting this 😌✨
Thank you for the kind words! And thanks for watching. The song is called “Dale Pal Piso” by Watussi, Jowell and a bunch of other people. It’s on Spotify.
did you freaking say tarantulas
This is great thinking about doing peace corp after i graduate. Major exercise science minors in Nutrition and Biology
Go for it. You wont regret it.
Such a great video! Helped suspend my crazy imaginations.. Waiting on my answer!
Have you applied to the Peace Corps?
Ryan Browning Yes I have, back in July. I am currently in Honduras working with a NGO waiting "patiently" on a decision lol DR was one of my choices.
Fabiola St Hilaire Buenas suerte! The DR is an amazing country full of wonderful people. I hope it works out for ya!
PS I have a friend volunteering in Honduras right meow, not sure who she's working for though...
Ryan Browning Gracias! If I get in, I will reach out to you directly by email if possible if you have any advice or anything :)
Fabiola St Hilaire Not a problem. Hit me up: ryanbrowning88@gmail.com
Amazing video! We’re you able to choose whether you lived in a rural or urban area?
Thanks for watching, Jessica! I was not able to choose rural vs urban. However, I was able to voice my preference for rural. That being said, this was over a decade ago and I believe that the process for placing volunteers has changed dramatically. The Peace Corps wants their volunteers to succeed, and that starts with placing them in communities where they can thrive.
Nice house!! I was in Rodeo, La Entrada en KM 12 de Monte Cristi from 05-07. Sin luz y agua tambien!!
I'm sure not much has changed since '07!
At least it rained by you. It sprinkled maybe twice while I was there. Rained AROUND us.
I loved this
Emily, was Rodeo in Monte Cristi or in Dajabon? I know the PCV in el Rodeo in Dajabon right now, and I'm currently a PCV in Loma de Cabrera in Daja.
Wow this was such a long time ago but I hope you’re doing well now
This is awesome, im applying for the peace corps myself but probably not DR since i was raised there... Whats the best advice you can give us?
Have an open mind and let your service change you, because it will :)
Buenas suerte!
Whose video shows up in the first page of search results? Ryan Browning, of course!
Nice video! I have to say, out of all the RPCV I've talked to..you're one of the most positive about your experience. People have described it as having some of their best and worst times of their lives. What sector were you working in? I love that you made such deep connections with your community.
Thanks for the kind words! It was definitely an unforgettable experience that was full of highs and lows. I was working in the Appropriate Technology sector. We were the first (and last) of our kind. We had volunteers building aqueducts, constructing solar dryers for cacao, building composting latrines... basically sustainable, tangible projects. I worked primarily with rain water catchment.
Great job with the video! You had sweet digs, and I don't think any PCVs had handles on our grecas by the end of service. Buen trabajo con el merengue, tambien.
That was my second greca! Was tired of pouring hot coffee with the handleless one
awesome! so glad to finally see the footage of the latrine falling in. that could have been me... yikes!
I have the same pillow cases....!
man i know your making that little kids day !!!!! i probably has learned so much from u does he let u sleep after two years or is he still asking you question >?? about everything i could just imagine all questions that family has for u
You mean the kid that was filming the video?! Yeah he is my godson, mi ahijado mal creado jaja He lives in the campo still, we talk every week via Whatsapp. I miss that kid a lot, he was my panaful ("best friend")
I appreciate you posting this video. PC has been on my list of what I would like to accomplish in my life and I am about to apply. I would like to ask how the surrounding areas were/are?
Hello Ryan. My name is Jasmine and I have an interview coming up for the Peace Corps in DR. I would love to chat with you further about your experience .
did you have to choose or they just pick a country for you?
where you fluent in spanish when you arrived? are you fluent after two years of living there? Please let me know how your language improved.
strawberries322 I was most definitely NOT fluent! I could read and write decently well, but could not form more than basic, present tense sentences. Took me an entire year immersed in the culture to become fluent (languages come slow to me. Some volunteers were fluent in 6-8 months)
Dear Ryan. I am considering going to the Dominican Republic for a year as an exchange student. But I am a little worried about the bugs down there. Are there very many? Are they in your bedroom when you sleep? Hope I will hear from you.
Regards Frida.
Hahaha the aol sound for the photos. Classic.
26 and under consideration for the DR in education, interview in December. Thanks for the video, looks like a blast and a half! Anything you wish you had known before going? Anything you would have packed that you didn't? Do they really say bacano? I'm living in Chile with study abroad and it would be nice if some of my Chilean slang would work there jajaja
Felicidades! I hope the interview goes well. You can find most of the interview questions on the Peace Corps wiki page (so study up!). I wish I had known not to stress about my lack of Spanish speaking capabilities. I thought I would be the only PCV with elementary Spanish skills, but gracias a Dios I was not. Wish I had packed an LED headlamp! The parents eventually sent me one in a much needed care package, but a headlamp is an absolute must have.
haha LOVED this video. so cool!! I have been thinking about joining.
Did you hear him say Tarantulas? Are you about that spider life? Lol
This house remains me when i lived in D.R !!!! But I have a question 4 u .. Do u know how to dance bachata ,maybe merengue or perico ripiado????
Well, Gosh, Ryan! This was so very helpful, gracias!!! Were you near any other volunteers?
Glad you enjoyed the video :) My closest volunteer was about 1.5 hours away. Had to take a motorcycle and then two buses. As the crow flies we were close, but it's slow going on gravel roads. For 6 months of my service there was a fellow volunteer 15min away! We were basically in the same community
love the vid! I'm thinking about applying to the peace corps myself. what kind of work did you do in the dominican republic?
Thanks for watching! Definitely apply, it will change your life. I worked primarily on water related projects (rain water catchment, filters, etc.) and with youth
Justine
Nicaragua
Is it too expensive to use some of the gallon drinking water to bathe with?
On the budget I had it would have definitely been to expensive to bathe with drinking water. Thankfully the rain water was sufficient!
Yupp his Dominican swagg is there lol
Hi Ryan! what's the name of the opening song?
"Dale Pal Piso" by Watussi (feat. Jowell & Nengo Flow)
buen tigueraje & buen video, caballero. Gracia por el Video..!! XD
Gracias por mirarlo!
This video is amazing! My peace corps recruiter just submitted my application to a program in the dominican republic! I am extremely excited! Was DR your first choice? How did you feel a out your placement over all of the other possible places to volunteer? Also did your spanish skills improve?
When I applied we were only able to submit a regional preference, we couldn't select programs or countries. I wanted to serve in sub-saharan Africa! However, I absolutely cherished my time in the DR. And of course my Spanish skills improved! I didn't speak español at all when I began, now I'm fluent (as you will be too). Good luck with the rest of the application process :)
Why don't you go to the city??
I have that exact same pillow case
what is the whole point of peace Corp??
'this water is full of larvae, i've gotten dengue twice' lol
Is it hard to come by good water filters there? I depend on my water filter in the States, so I know I'd like it if living there, especially with the larvae situation you mentioned. Would it be hard to remain vegan there?
Vegan would be difficult, but you could make it work. All depends on where you live. Obviously larger cities will have more options in terms of available food. Are you looking at moving down to the DR? And you can buy purified water that comes in 5 gallon jugs. Very inexpensive. Water filters are also available should you wish to take that route
Ryan Browning Thank you for the information. I want to do some volunteer work, but that will be a bit in the future. I'm trying to get my son grown first (I'm a single mom). He's only 13 this year. I've considered the Peace Corps, but there are other volunteer opportunities it seems. I guess, though, as long as there is fruit available I should be okay as for my vegan diet. I don't eat processed foods, so I will be okay without the vegan junk foods. And it sounds like the 5 gallon jugs would be the best thing for me.
I apply but was deny. Why was I deny ?
what are you doing now since you have been back?
I am currently working on the reality television show "Survivor" in the producing department. Early this month I returned to the Dominican Republic and visited the community I served in. So great to see everyone grown up!
Hey man I'll be graduating from college soon and joining the peace corps is my number 1 option for what I want to do when I graduate. I'll be graduating with a BS in Political Science International Relations and a BA in Spanish. It would be great if I could have your email and you could give me more info about your experience in the DR!
No problem. ryanbrowning88@gmail.com
Write to me when you have the time
I will be applying for the DR peace corps. I really want to learn spanish/get better at Spanish. The bathroom and wash bucket doesn't bother me. the no wifi doesn't bother me because I can finally get back to reading. What will bother me is strange bugs. I can handle mosquitoes and roaches but tarantulas?? idk man. But how far were you from Santo Domingo or another large town?
Hey Arria, there are really only tarantulas in the dry, arid provinces on the border (at least that I know of). I'd say the vast majority of volunteers did not have tarantulas in their communities! And don't get me wrong, I was DEATHLY afraid of them at first, but after you get practiced at killing them when they trespass into your home they become less scary ;) I was about 6 hours from the capital on public transportation and about 3 hours from Santiago (the nearest major city). The pueblo of Monte Cristi was about 1.5 hours away, but it's not nearly as large as Santiago. Hope this helps!
SO if I join the peace corps am I allowed to bring my dog?
You will not be able to bring your dog from the states, but if you adopt a dog or cat while abroad, depending on that country's policies you should be able to bring your pet back stateside with you once you close out your service.
how is life after the peace corps?
Life after Peace Corps took some adjustment, but I can't complain. Would love to visit my Dominican family and friends when I have the opportunity :)
I miss my time there
Did you speak Spanish before you went over? I've been looking and most of the South/Central America assignments have a language requirement. I still have a couple years to go in school first, just curious!
Amy House Pretty sure that the previous requirement was 2 years of college experience. The year I applied (2010) the Peace Corps changed their policy to either 2 years in college or 4 years in high school. I never took a single Spanish class in college, but had 3.5 years in high school. Guess that was enough! I'm not familiar with the current language requirements, but I'm sure if you have basic skills then you should get accepted into most programs. I know that Mexico is competitive, but not all Spanish speaking PC countries are. If you're still in school definitely sign up for some classes if you haven't already. Can't hurt, right?!
i recently applied, what are the jobs that 18yr olds do?
+Sharaya Parker
I'm not sure what the current requirements are, but when I served applicants were required to either have a bachelor's degree or years of "real world" experience (I'm talking 20-30 years in a specific industry). The youngest volunteer in our group was 21 (fresh out of college). Our average age was 26. I started my service at 22 with a bachelor's degree in Film Production.
My advice to you would be to continue your education, get that bachelor's degree and apply to the Peace Corps during your last semester of school!
No wifi...that sucks
Hola Ryan
wait what... is there an inside joke about you forgetting english words cuz at 7:20 you say bucket but then you ask how to say cubeta in english. so confused man lol. great video
No inside joke, I was just going brain dead thinking in Spanish and English! It happens often when learning a foreign language. Thanks for watching
i love u dr
jaja!!..muy bueno Ryan!..:D
Gracias Michell por mirar
Créeme,fue un total gusto!!..:)..gracias a ti por tan bonito trabajo.:*
youth group for like a church?
No, youth group as part of the Peace Corps. We aren't affiliated with any churches
+Ryan Browning okay that makes sense.
i liked it. a little to extreme because you wanted it to be. such as the 6000 water gallon you could clean it yourself didn;t have to make it look that bad . other then that nice video enjoy my country and great things it has to offer
You're pretty cute, papi!!
how do people end up with pets in the peace corps? Do you just find them and claim them as yours? 😂 I've seen other volunteers with pets as well
Good question Courtney! In my case, a neighbor across the street had 8 puppies in their litter. Typically the males are more valued since they won't give birth to more puppies (which are a hassle). I was gifted a female from the litter for free and she became my pet. Bought food for her, got her vaccinated, spayed, went on runs together, etc. If no homes are found for the female puppies, they are dropped off in a far away field, left to die. It sounds inhumane, but it is population control. If this doesn't happen, then the population grows and eventually someone who isn't too keen on how many dogs are running around will poison meat and throw it in the street. I was out of my community one time and got a call from a neighbor saying that EIGHT dogs had been poisoned and killed! I had them lock up Nevada so she wouldn't be harmed. Anyway, hope this helps answer your questions :)
Wow, interesting! I assumed that's probably how it went down? How did you get her to come back home with you?? Did she have to travel separately from you in transit to the States? I am looking into doing the Peace Corp and the looks of having gaining a pet while there... looks like good company! :)
love the spanish directing, actor really needs to loose the shirt. I bet he's got killer abs.
Metz! Don't make me blush! The spanish speaking director was 12 years old at the time. Highly inappropriate if the actor had been shirtless ;)
Mmmmm