Hola!

I had a phone interview yesterday with four people from the Peace Corps: The country director for Mexico, the Technology Transfer Program director and two others. It could not have gone better. They were enthusiastic about what I would bring to the position and are recommending me for several openings. The next step is to get approval from the sponsoring organizations in the country. The soonest I will hear is early November.

I also learned more about the positions they are recommending me for: I would work with scientists and engineers at a research and technology center or university in a medium to large city to help them improve their business, communication, management and English skills. They wondered if that sounded OK to me. I resisted saying "DUH!" and instead said "It sounds like it's made to order," and they agreed. Then I said "I hope the organizations agree with you and me," and they said "We'll do everything we can to make that happen, and we hope to see you in March."

I have already purchased The Rosetta Stone Spanish (for Latin America) Level 1. Oy gevult. (<-- not Spanish).

This is definitely not a typical Peace Corps assignment. I was prepared to use a squat toilet and fetch water from a community well if I had to. But I'll adapt.

I'll report back in a few weeks.

Invited to interview

Happy day! I was invited to interview for the Mexico position departing in March 2011. The interview will be either this Thursday or Monday. Here's a link to more information about this assignment: http://mexico.peacecorps.gov/faqs/future.php.

According to the site:

Mexico's program is made up largely of mid to late career professionals or retirees. Approximately 50% of the Volunteers are over 50 in Peace Corps Mexico, and include many couples. The program is slightly different from other Peace Corps programs in that Volunteers frequently work with other Volunteers in the same office or nearby communities, and/or may be part of a cluster or multi-disciplinary work team which is made up of other Volunteers, Host Country partners and/or staff. This is a program that fosters collaboration, partnerships and networking, both amongst Volunteers as well Host Country Agency partners.

I'll post the results of the interview.