30 tips for (approx) 30 incoming PCVs

We decided to make a list for those 30ish incoming Jamiaca PCTs. Much of this is applicable to posts all over, not just Jamaica. We know this, because we ‘borrowed’ many of these tips from PCVs serving elsewhere….

#1: You have to be flexible. Keep an open mind. It’s not going to be like anything you think it will be.

#2: Jamaican culture tends to be colorful and pretty aggressive. This can be overwhelming at times, but don’t worry, you’ll eventually get used to it, and maybe even come to appreciate it.

#3: Don't be afraid to "be yourself" (within reason). The idea is cultural exchange, not cultural assimilation. Share who you are, but be safe doing so.

#4: Unless things have changed significantly, your job ‘title’ given to you in your invitation kit means little-to-nothing. Your sector, a pretty big deal. Your job title, not so much.

#5: Developing relationships within Peace Corps is just as important as the relationships you have with locals.

#6: This experience is not for everybody.

#7: Don’t stress about packing. We know, easier said than done. But, you’ll learn to cope with what you have, and buy or have loved ones send/bring the rest.

#8: Take PCJ’s packing list with a grain of salt. I don’t know how much it’s changed but you won’t need a pant suit or a cocktail dress, or for the rest of your clothes to be in neutral or earth tones. I know Volunteers who wear chacos regularly, and Matt wears shorts pretty much every day.

#9: In our experience, we dressed the nicest during PST. PCJ drives a pretty hard line on this, and dress in Jamaica is important. But SO much will depend on your job and your community, and people will give you lots of lee-way as a PCV/foreigner, and you’ll be smart enough to figure out where to draw the line once you get to site. Some things are completely inappropriate, like wearing shorts or flip flops to school, other things are not that big of a deal.

#10: Cockroaches make you squeamish? Go with the flow… pick up a flip-flop, kill ‘em, throw ‘em in front of your favorite ant colony entrance and watch the fun begin!

#11: Chill out. Don’t try to be anybody’s hero. Too many PCVs either try to be Mr. Peace Corps, or expect for the locals to think they’re their savior. Be honest with yourself. If you’re struggling, be real about it.

#12: Bring pictures of home. You’ll want to put them all over your home. Plus, Jamaicans will love to see them, and you’ll love to tell them about your life. (um, shout out Goal #2).

#13: Just because you are not hand digging a well does not mean you aren't doing something worthwhile.

#14: PC can be bureaucratic, full of rules and regulations that at times feel like they control every aspect of your life. In those moments, just remember why you joined PC in the first place, the relationships you have at site, the lives you are touching, and the real reasons we’re all here to begin with.

#15: Patience is a virtue - simple saying, lots of meaning. There is a reason Peace Corps service is 2 years.

#16: PST can be overwhelming, and there’ll be many days that you’ll just want to get to your site. But then you’ll get to your site and you’ll miss hanging out with everybody at PST. Moral of the story: even though certain things suck in the moment, enjoy it, because you will miss it later (or at least parts of it).

#17: You are gonna be misunderstood. It sucks, I know, but get ready to spend the next 2 years being misquoted, misrepresented, and pigeon-holed. People at home don't get what you are going through and Jamaicans aren't gonna understand your particular thought-processes until they get to know you (and even then, it is not always you you).

#18: Pick your battles.

#19: Back everything up. You will thank us when your computer dies.

#20: Your life is now a fishbowl. Get ready for everybody to watch the show and subsequently commentate…

#21: Patwa is a pretty cool language, and EVERYTHING is funnier when it’s in patwa. When you’re having Spanish-envy, try to see this.

#22: Everyday is an emotional day. We stock chocolate. What's your vice?

#23: There are gender rules and cultural norms that are going to seem pointless and annoying at first. Abide by them before you break them (if you ever do).

#24: Keep in mind that everything you do or say leaves a permanent impression about Americans. Many of our sites only have PCVs representing the US.

#25: Learn to laugh at yourself as early as possible.

#26: Think big expect small.

#27: It is good to have PCVs as listeners, but try to find a group that is not always negative. Negativity can just spiral you down very fast here.

#28: Jamaica is still a developing country. You can’t change that in two years.

#29: Remember you decided to do this; you may get angry at many things, but you’re here because you felt the need to give your time to somebody else in a place unlike your own home; hang tough despite the hardships. You will meet great people, have fun and amazing times that nobody else you know can even come close to...unless they too were a PCV.

#30: Not all Volunteer advice is good advice for you or your situation. Keep an open mind and form your own opinions. Your experience will be different than anyone else’s.