Spring Break
Former Peace Corps Volunteer speaks about merit of joining
Sara Day
Issue date: 11/9/05 Section: News
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"The Peace Corps experience is unique to every person," Rutherford said in the Memorial Union to about 30 students.
Eric Bulmer, a returned Peace Corps volunteer from Nepal, also spoke.
"The closest friends I have in life are from the Peace Corps," Bulmer said.
When Bulmer shares his Peace Corps experiences with others, people often say that they thought about joining the Peace Corps as well, to which he replies, "I didn't just think about it, I did it."
After college, Rutherford joined from 1988 to 1991. He volunteered in the Democratic Republic of Congo and worked in fisheries.
Rutherford was a Public Administration major and said he knew nothing of fisheries prior to his Peace Corps experience.
"Your major in college doesn't matter," he said. "We will get you in the Peace Corps if you want to be in the Peace Corps."
For a majority of the programs, no experience is necessary, he said. The Peace Corps provides training. "The Peace Corps teaches you to do two things well: speak the language and the job you are required to do," Bulmer said.
There are five steps involved in the application process. The entire process takes six to nine months. "If you are a senior and considering the Peace Corps, you should apply now," said Rutherford.
There is no deadline for applications, but he said the greatest program range is available to applicants around July.
The application and the Peace Corps program are non-binding. Unlike the military, the Peace Corps is a commitment, not an obligation, Rutherford said. Leaving early is possible. Bulmer said one-third of his group left within the first year. He also said that every time he got frustrated and thought about going home, he would think, "What would I do in the States that would be better?"
