MY PEACE CORPS EXPERIENCE! What it's really like as a Peace Corps Volunteer?!? (Living in Africa)

Hey guys today I share my Peace Corps Experience serving in the education sector in Liberia, West Africa and what it's really like as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I go threw the whole process from my I wanted to join the Peace Corps, threw the Peace Corps application and tips and trick for the interview process and what training was like and learning a new language and culture. Being in the Peace Corps was such amazing time in my life and am so happy to share it with you guys! Peace corps volunteers have crazy experiences and there are many different Peace Corps countries all unique but one things for sure its the toughest job you'll ever love. The life of a peace corps volunteer is one of the craziest experience ever but theres nothing you'll love more than your peace corps job ❤️Here's a little peace corps vlog talking about all the benefits of this amazing organization, i hope you guys enjoy to get a peak of what it means to Serve in the US Peace Corps :D
My mom came to visit me in Liberia! • MY MOM VISITED ME IN A...
What it was like living in Liberia! The food! • I SPENT A YEAR LIVING ...
My school and what its like to teach in Liberia • WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A...
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[@JoeyBriggs]

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this video 🤩😁 Make sure to check out the other videos about my time living in Liberia if you haven't already. How is everyone staying busy during quarantine???

[@jeena5210]

nice to meet another rpcv from liberia! i served as a junior high science teacher then transitioned into a community health partnership specialist until we were evacuated for covid :)

[@christopherisraelson7920]

Hello Joey!!! Is every Peace Corps volunteer a college graduate? I am thirty-three years old, and a H.S graduate. I have career working as U.S Merchant Marine Sailor. I have experience volunteering In Honduras and Colombia, contributing in agriculture and construction. Does the Peace Corps have a need for someone like myself?

[@JoeyBriggs]

Hi Cristopher, short answer yes! I had people in my cohort ranging from 21-70+ I was actually the second youngest I believe. Especially if you have international volunteering experience they will be excited to have you

[@kevinwhite1772]

I am serving as an Americorps Vista Leader at #LiteracyKC

[@a.dukuly8032]

I am a Liberian living in Arizona. I was there for about three months last year. I want to say thank you for your service and helping my people.

[@JoeyBriggs]

A. Dukuly it is very nice to hear from you! I am glad you were able to visit recently. I love your country very much ❤️🇱🇷

[@kevinwhite1772]

I am Peace Corps Morocco 🇲🇦 evacuated after 6 months. I am committed to returning. I like your enthusiasm.

[@JoeyBriggs]

Thank you for your service!

[@lauren4637]

I have looked at a lot of information about the Peace Corps online but hearing personal stories about how it actually works helps me so much and just gives me that reassurance that I want to continue on that path thank you!

[@toritor831]

I want to sincerely thank you for sharing your experience! Your thorough break down in the four videos you have here really helped me decide about joining the Peace Corps.

[@JoeyBriggs]

Wow thank you for watching all 4! Yes it is such an incredible experience I loved so much haha so wanted to be very thorough and try not to leave too much out. Of course I could have gone on for hours with stories 😂 but tried to stay concise

[@ebonyhermosillo9895]

I got chills when you talked about your dream! That's so amazing, thank you for your service and for sharing about it. I'm applying for Eswatini to be a Youth Development Volunteer and I'm super excited!

[@jmathues1]

Sooo cool! Love hearing about these experiences!

[@JoeyBriggs]

Glad you like them 🤩

[@freespiritfriendly]

Thank you so much for sharing! You're a great communicator and I enjoyed this video :)

[@akilahprovost5409]

Joey!!!! You were in my suggested vids!! Proud of you!

[@MCDigi1]

The speed-talking really scatches something in my brain. so good.

[@jodimiddendorf]

I love hearing about other people’s experiences in the Peace Corps. Great video!

[@JoeyBriggs]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! Did you serve?

[@jodimiddendorf]

Joey Briggs yes! I served in Madagascar 2017-2019 as an education volunteer. I can’t wait to go back and visit.

[@JoeyBriggs]

@@jodimiddendorf Ahh that must have been amazing to be in madagascar! While I loved my time in Liberia and wouldn't trade it for anything that was one of the places I was strongly hoping id be placed haha. Thank you for your service!

[@aaronadkins74]

I am also former PCV in Guinea and remember seeing many refugees from Liberia. I really enjoy your videos and keep u the great work. It is true, once you have been a PCV you have a unique perspective on the rest of the world. Joey, keep up your momentum and energy. Thank you for what you do.

[@KnowItAllSarah]

i've been thinking about applying for the peace corps post grad so thank you for making such an informative video!

[@JoeyBriggs]

Hope you do it!

[@PS-xb9hc]

Yay! Chile!🇨🇱 it's very cool that you did the peace corps.

[@cristinashelton1891]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 😊 I am being interviewed for a healthcare position in Liberia 🇱🇷

[@helios1912]

Thanks Joey for helping in this needy world we share

[@ryantouhey1997]

Fantastic Joey! You've had so many cool experiences in the past, you oughta do a slideshow or video, or even make a scrapbook for yourself.

[@JoeyBriggs]

Ryan Touhey haha thanks man! Kinda what I’m doing here goal is to make a video about as many as I can! Can’t wait to make them! Coming up soon climbing Kilimanjaro and winning a free trip around the world!

[@ryantouhey1997]

@@JoeyBriggs Can't wait to see it.

[@michaelbriggs7724]

Looks great. Love Peace Corps!

[@JoeyBriggs]

🤩🤩🤩

[@jmathues1]

Staying busy during quarantine doing lots of cooking! 😃

[@JoeyBriggs]

I bet its delicious! 😍😍

[@barcodebear]

I'm currently an FYCS major at UF and considering Peace Corps, this really helps. I loved seeing you were a Gator! This video was super encouraging and its getting me closer to the thought

[@AidanBryant-dd9us]

chomp chomp

[@barcodebear]

@@AidanBryant-dd9us Go Gators 🗣

[@kennytwotimes5805]

this video is mad helpful, I'm a sophomore in highschool and I want to apply to the peace corps sooooo bad

[@alexandriadial6292]

I just applied to Peace Corp today 😃 thanks for the info

[@EducAnimalsAndFun]

Hey Joey, thanks for sharing your Peace Corps experience. Actually, I'm originally from Cambodia myself. How did you like serving in Cambodia? Like you, I served (PC) in Africa 30+years ago. Now that I'm retired and all kids are grown, I'm looking forward to serving again soon. Got my backpack ready.😁👍🙏

[@olaopesan9296]

Super presentation. What a flow ...

[@peanutbuddy2009]

I love your energy and positivity! I would love to hear more and have some questions to ask you... do you take emails from people to ask about the experience?

[@paulinacosta511]

Great video, thank you.

[@JoeyBriggs]

Glad you liked it!

[@sethgsf4120]

This is so cool. It's something I've always wanted to do. Not sure I've got the balls/background to though.

[@henryvicta6103]

Nice experience joeyyyy 💙 Btw i followed u on IG stay home stay safe 👌

[@JoeyBriggs]

Thank I appreciate that! Need to get back on that haha been taking a bit of a break during quarantine

[@andyzehner3347]

Nice report! I was PCV in Zwedru, 85-86.

[@michaelbriggs7724]

Great insights!

[@JoeyBriggs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tbpker22]

Great, Joey. And I guess that a chance to travel to unknown parts of the world was a major reason you joined the Peace Corps.

[@JoeyBriggs]

It definitely was, and their goal of total integration into a local community was huge for me. I love taking part in another culture and being part of a community unlike my own. ❤️🌍

[@tetaclark6582]

God bless you I've been in the us since I was 11🙏🙏🙏

[@JoeyBriggs]

🤩❤️🇱🇷

[@jolenemurray4929]

It's being over 15 years since I came back from my Peace Corps service (RPCV Mauritania 2006-2008) and I still think about my time there very fondly.

[@stephencallahan4351]

The application process and waiting time 40 years ago was the same as you described for your application. Key to success is demonstrating a willingness to stick it out for 2 years. Peace Corps is always looking for math and science majors and folks with business skills. Don’t be afraid to apply even if you are out of college for a number of years. My group was mostly in their late 20s to late 30s. Peace Corps changed my outlook on life and set in the direction of a global career. I still keep up with my host family…yes, from 45 years ago. The toughest job I ever loved!

[@laurenhalsey7701]

i am so glad i found this video. i have been wanting to volunteer in africa since i was 16. now, being halfway through my junior year of college, i see that this is truly an opportunity. i will graduate with my degree in prek-5 education in 2025 at 20 years old. rather than settling down right away, i would love to travel somewhere new and use the skills i have acquired - i feel i would grow much more as a person. however, i am family oriented so i have some hesitation and i also struggle with being independent. but, your video has really helped me lean toward a decision!! thank you :)

[@bunnychacha7358]

I really want to join the peace corps Im 18 and about to graduate Im so excited to join after college

[@zitasuzah6207]

so amazing

[@iwouldntshowmom4007]

Super cool video.

[@JoeyBriggs]

thank you! 😁

[@itsgeodoodz]

Super cool man

[@haileyneuburger2067]

Hey! I was wondering if you could share about what you majored in or the internships before getting into the peace corpse. If you could elaborate on what exactly you did :)

[@hardyho]

I've filled out my application already!

[@Lealea2828]

Hey Joey enjoyed the video, I wondered how you felt about Peace Corps bringing everyone home because of co-vid?

[@JoeyBriggs]

Leadrice hi! Yes great question. I talk about that briefly in my other video on My Life in Africa. It’s very sad and probably going to impact a bunch of communities around the world tremendously. Possibly even more so than the virus. But I was also abroad during when all this ramped up and experienced first hand just how hard it was to get home with all the flights getting canceled and boarders closing. So it is super unfortunate but for the safety on the volunteers it was probably the right call with how uncertain everything was and fast it was escalating. If they weren’t pulled then they may not have been able to get home later

[@Lealea2828]

@@JoeyBriggs Hi Joey thanks so much for taking the time to respond... Im going to watch your other videos to see. It is overwhelmingly sad for how much people are going through during these times especially those in other countries who already had chaellenges trying to make it by day to day. Well I really admire you and the work you did hopefully this will all pass sooner then planned and Peace Corps, life business can continue... So glad you all made it home and im really happy to see more blogs on meaningful life experiences.

[@serenahanke883]

Hi! I just stumbled upon this video when I was researching the peace corps and I'm just curious, did you go right after high school or did you go to college first? The peace corps is something I am really interested in but I don't know if I should go to college first or at-least get 2 years in and then go or if I should just try and go right away.

[@JoeyBriggs]

Most posts like mine you will need a college degree for

[@Ty-tv1ep]

I’m 18, just graduated and i think i’m gonna do this !! I don’t have much skills though, will this be a big problem, or do you get training and such?

[@JoeyBriggs]

You get 3 months of training! You do have to be 21 though for most countries 😁

[@davidmcdonald1469]

Don’t do it, join the military

[@forrest24272]

@@davidmcdonald1469 Don't listen to this chuckle fuck. Please by all means if you feel the ability to do so, there are many nations that need the aid. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel through south America through my Parish. Missionary work was amazingly fulfilling . I'm not going to say ohh the military is evil we need our men in the field without them to pave the way the peace corps nor missionaries would be able to go. However without a large abundancy of people some areas are not safe for priests or monks to travel and the church will not get behind mission, a healthy amount of P. C volunteers allows help to make it to areas that it would just not be possible without.

[@CursedKoopa]

@@forrest24272 "chuckle fuck" had me rolling 😂

[@itsgeodoodz]

@@davidmcdonald1469 f the military just a pawn waiting for instructions

[@maxattack5772]

I'm amazed by how you take all these - poverty, people who live with nothing, nothing seems bothered you or made you sad - which I know what I would be. This is a great attitude, actually make you more productive - be happy with the little contribution you could make to other's life, and leave the rest for god to worry about.

[@karthikshanmugam6226]

Hello there, thank you for sharing your experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I'm an international student in the US and thinking of changing my career or even the path of my life at this point. I could see that we need to be a US citizen to be a volunteer. As you can see, I don't satisfy the criteria but is there any way I can be part of it or prove my willingness to volunteer without giving up my nationality?

[@fadelmuthana]

Great video! How long was your stay in Liberia.

[@JoeyBriggs]

I stayed a year before we were sent home

[@joanaclement7449]

i am so passiinate about helping other people. I yhink i am gonna do that after i get my degrees.

[@morganmueller7737]

Would love an interview tips video!!!

[@JoeyBriggs]

Morgan Mueller tips for interviewing people? Is that what you mean?

[@morganmueller7737]

Joey Briggs a video with peace corps tips for being interviewed for a position

[@JoeyBriggs]

@@morganmueller7737 Ahhh gotta yes maybe I can do one of those soon! Preparation is key for that interview. If you think up some good things to talk about before hand it goes pretty smooth

[@Xibalba_x_LMl2902]

Can you make a video about finding work or life after peace corps?

[@raymondsmith9886]

I heard the peace corp is low on volunteers I feel like they would take anyone now

[@bigredone1030]

Hey look at that! My name is joey too and im applying for peace corps. How timely.

[@ike_em_all]

im in highschool and kind of have the same path where i just only imagine myself serving i totally get that part

[@JoeyBriggs]

Yeah never have know what pushed me to do it haha just kinda knew I would. Well I definitely encourage it and hope you do. One of the greatest experience of my life

[@ike_em_all]

@@JoeyBriggs yea I'm literally bingeing your vids rn cuz I just find it all so facinating. The culture, situation these people are in. It makes me so happy that I could possibly do that too one day.

[@JoeyBriggs]

It is a whole other world for sure. Haha thats awesome that you're so excited about it man! Sounds like you'd make a great volunteer one day ❤️🌍

[@itzelmontalvo6645]

What did you research in Cambodia? I am currently a nursing major with a minor in English and Spanish but I have many research plans, lol people tell me I should become a professor, scientist, or journalist. My research involves health, culture, and socio-political issues.

[@JoeyBriggs]

In cambodia I did a research project on growing an artificial coral reef. Did a whole video about that if you want to check it out!

[@K-Lowe]

Question, do you have to have a college degree to volunteer? I honesty fell in love with the idea of helping people and the idea of seeing these beautiful countries... but im not sure if I can make it through college, and if I do it would be a simple degree, so any recommendations on a degree if needed would help

[@Ricky_Evans1611]

You don't need a college degree.

[@emmanemm]

So since the process take a long time to complete would you reccomend applying a year or so before I graduate college?

[@JoeyBriggs]

Yes I applied in august for a spot in June

[@MimiPinkjested]

So in the whole country of Liberia there were no resources, electricity or textbooks?? Or just in the area you were in ?

[@JoeyBriggs]

Good question! I visited villages and schools in 11 different counties and for the most part almost all these places had no electricity or textbooks, of course Monrovia and the bigger cities are a different case and electricity and school resources were much more common. Im speaking about the normal village though where most the volunteers were serving ❤️🇱🇷

[@Networkwtme]

Don’t see how I’d go wrong if you get that central core you go back too

[@MsKim-jp3yf]

Is closet kind of thing provided in housing for peace corps () places to put clothing and shoes?

[@MsKim-jp3yf]

I am talking about furniture kind of thing.

[@AyeeeItsCam]

There's actually 6 sectors! You forgot about Youth/Family Development (YFD). Awesome video tho 👌🏾

[@joshuafranklin3924]

Does anyone know if you’re allowed to grow your hair and beard out? Or is like the military and you have to have a chit or something

[@N3ssa212Linda]

Hi!was this a peace corp response position or a 2 year position?

[@JoeyBriggs]

It was a 2 year position

[@bechirhasan982]

I'm asking about the main reasons .that peace corps works for it .because I haven't gotten his .what this group can give us

[@bradyszczerbik639]

Where did you go to college?

[@brennawall1062]

Do you think they would turn someone away for a food allergy?

[@ebonyhermosillo9895]

No, they will work with you on your food sensitivities

[@pulsatingsausageboy2076]

I lost count of how many “likes” five minutes into it.

[@trulykeanna148]

Was it difficult to get in?

[@JoeyBriggs]

To the peace corps? Yes very they are super selective

[@RoquieDoki]

As far as health, do they not accept volunteers that are overweight or?

[@JoeyBriggs]

They don't turn away for overweight as long as all the other health background checks out

[@snoopybrown8359]

Do they teach you what to do if there's like a terrorist attack like what if someone gets sent to a tribe or village that happened to b at war with another tribe or village do y'all get guns just in case like right now africa has to b pretty hectic right

[@enquiryagency]

Thinking of volunteering in Africa? Why not Ghana? Safe and affordable volunteer placements to suit your interests. Visit www.enquiryagency.net for more information. Africa is the best place to be ! Send us a personal statement : [e-mail] Till we meet, stay safe !

[@LiveFaustDieJung]

When you turn the CC on it says your Liberian name was koolaide 😭

[@JoeyBriggs]

Oh my hahaha

[@itzelmontalvo6645]

No degree needed? What was your major?

[@JoeyBriggs]

Yes you have to have a degree but they didn't have a specific degree requirement

[@nick8173]

did you apply your junior year of college?

[@JoeyBriggs]

Britania Mowatt hi! I applied the week my senior year of college started end of August for a position in June

[@elijah1110]

HOLY SHIT GO GATORS

[@JoeyBriggs]

Go Gators! 🔶🔷🐊🐊🔷🔶

[@WhiskerWhippers]

I’ve been uploading videos about my service and journal entries. Check them out!

[@JoeyBriggs]

Oh nice! Where did you serve?

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Joey Briggs Honduras 03-05

[@JoeyBriggs]

@@WhiskerWhippers oh wow! I have never been to central America. Thank you for your service! I bet the people there are very appreciative of you

[@cajunkarl4828]

I fucked up

[@marthatarr7876]

You and all you do. Keep it up 👍

[@onepeople8407]

Lol can you speak Liberian English let's hear? 😂

[@JoeyBriggs]

Haha its been a few years but yes I used to teach every day in full Liberian English. 😂

[@onepeople8407]

Joey Briggs ok 👌

[@JoeyBriggs]

Nerie Nyentan maybe I will one day in a video haha 😜

[@davidbrazell5179]

So they wouldn't let me join being a convicted felon?