I thru hiked last year and it was truly something that put perspective in my life. Right now I’m in the corporate world, and I’m looking for a new journey that I can use to gain some more perspective in my life while helping others. I was looking into the Peace Corps and I feel this would be worthwhile. Does anybody have any experience with this after hiking, or can anyone offer any insight? Thanks!
Flowcefus
Flowcefus … I just finished my southbound thru hike nov. 8th … i am and have felt exactly as you … the peace corps is rather tempting but daunting, nonetheless … I have been in contact with the peace corps … began the application process, but I am still a little unsure … its a very serious committment … feel free to email me, so maybe we can share some personal insight, and help each other make a fair, rattional decisions … any advice is good advice!!
Waldo
Waldo
Hey guys,
I actually thru hiked after I served in the Peace Corps. I did find them to be quite similar in a lot of ways, but to be honest really enjoyed the hike and had a harder time adjusting to the real world after the AT than after 2 years in West Africa. I would suggest that you look into the peace corps if you really want to work in the sector (health, education, development) while it’s a great way to travel and live in another culture, it’s extremely hard and takes a lot of commitment.
Feel free to drop me a line with any questions!
She-ra AT 2002
She-ra
I was about to write about you and Joe in response to the question and saw your entry. Hope all is well.
Steamboat
steamboat
I hiked with Windtalker last who is in Fiji on her assignment. I found this link on her Trailjournal page (2003). http://www.angelfire.com/trek/peace2go/
I’m sure she would be happy to help answer your questions.
Parkway
I suspect that anyone who can handle a thru hike would make a good Peace Corps volunteer. The two experiences seem to have a lot in common - isolation, tedium (at times), hard work, opportunities to see a part of the world experienced by few in the states, challenges, and the feeling that it may never end (how many more months/miles until its over).
The committment to stay in PC after the honeymoon period is over must be like the committment and dedication needed to complete the second 1000 miles on the AT. The only problem, is that once you have done it (PC) you are a changed person that views the world in a different perspective (sounds like what some thru hikers have said).
I’m still section hiking so I don’t yet know how it will feel to thru hike, but I did PC in central america for 2 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 8 hours (but who was counting).
She-ra - when and where in Africa were you?
Stumps Guatemala 80-82
Stumps
I agree with Stump. They do have a lot in common it seemed to me. I just got back last May from doing 2 years in the Philippines with Peace Corps. Did a thru-hike in 99. I actually got interested in doing the Peace Corps by meeting a thru-hiker on the AT that had just come back from being a PCV.
Its a very commendable cause, but its not for everyone. But I do agree that thru-hikers have a good background on handling some of the same kind of adversities that PCVs encounter at times. I am now working for Peace Corps in one of their recruiting offices, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. I love talking about my Peace Corps experience almost as much as I do my thru-hike!
man-who
Steamboat! Good to hear from you. Hope all is going well. Joe and I are doing great. She is in California doing her MA, and I’m across the pond in London doing mine. I’m hoping to get in some nice hikes in Wales and Scotland soon.
Stumps, I was in Burkina Faso '99-'01. I also heard of some other RPCVs on the trail from time to time. I think it is becoming a popular thing to do. I think it’s a great way to ease back into the not so normal world. 
She-ra