In this interview, we hear from Claudia Bulnes. Claudia was working as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in The Philippines. What Claudia shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers do. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Claudia talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Claudia’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Can you tell us more about serving as an Education volunteer in The Philippines?
My service took place in the municipality of Villasis, in the province of Pangasinan, where I spent two years serving as an Education Volunteer in the Philippines. I worked as a middle school English teacher, primarily teaching 7th grade alongside a Filipino counterpart, while also supporting students across grades 7 through 12 at the local high school. In total, I taught more than 175 students.
My day-to-day work
My role mirrored that of a full-time teacher. I created daily lesson plans, developed PowerPoint presentations and instructional materials, collaborated closely with fellow teachers, participated in staff meetings, and graded student work. My schedule ran Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though longer days were common, especially when teachers stayed late to prepare or support school activities. On occasion, I also worked weekends for schoolwide initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, a community-led effort focused on cleaning, organizing, and preparing schools before the start of the academic year.
A typical day began at 6:00 a.m., followed by a short walk to school just five minutes from my home. After clocking in, I headed to the English Department to greet colleagues, review my lessons, and prepare materials for the day or upcoming classes. I usually taught two to three classes per day, with the remaining time dedicated to lesson planning and curriculum development. Around mid-morning, teachers gathered for merienda, a shared break that included snacks and coffee. It was also a time for rest and connection, and occasionally even quick desk naps, a tradition I eventually embraced myself.
Outside of the classroom
Beyond the classroom, I had the opportunity to take part in several meaningful and memorable experiences. I acted in a school-produced film promoting mental health awareness, served as a spelling bee pronouncer, and volunteered as a guest reader at the local library. While these moments stood out, my favorite part of service was the daily laughter shared with my students. Seventh graders are wonderfully goofy everywhere, but Filipino humor has a distinct warmth and playfulness that resonated deeply with me. My students were creative, expressive, and delightfully “out of the box” when it came to humor, making each day both meaningful and joyful.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose The Philippines?
I’ve wanted to join the Peace Corps since I was young. I can’t remember if it was in middle or high school when I first watched videos about the Peace Corps (back when YouTube had no ads!) and imagined what it would be like to volunteer and live in another country. The idea of immersing myself in a completely new culture and making a difference was incredibly exciting, even if I didn’t yet fully grasp the personal growth and impact that would come with service. From an early age, I knew I wanted to travel and experience life outside the United States.
Ironically, I grew up in Daly City, California, a place often called “Little Manila” due to its large Filipino community. When I applied to the Peace Corps, I selected the option to let the organization choose my country, ready to go anywhere. When I received the invitation to serve in the Philippines, I remember smiling and thinking I would get to experience life in “Big Manila,” but this time in the country of origin. My family laughed along with me, and I felt a mix of excitement and gratitude.
Serving in the Philippines was an incredible experience; the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and the warmth, friendliness, and happiness of the people made my service deeply rewarding. ❤️
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
With a host family
At first, I lived with a host family that included my host mom (a history teacher at my school), my host dad, my host brother, and my host cousin (my host mom’s niece). We lived in a compound with two other families, my host mom’s brothers and their families, each in separate homes. One of my favorite parts of the home was all the cats and dogs roaming around outside.
My bedroom was on the second floor, and honestly, I’m still amazed I lasted seven months in that little room; it was essentially a mini oven! I had a single fan, which didn’t do much beyond circulating hot air. I didn’t have to cook or do laundry, which was a relief, but after seven months, I wanted a bit more autonomy, so I found an apartment within walking distance of the school. My host mom took the news gracefully, and it worked out perfectly.
My own apartment
Once I moved into my apartment, I felt much more at peace and independent. Having the space to myself, and a comfy black couch I could lounge on without worrying about manners, was incredibly freeing.
While I enjoyed Filipino food, I also started cooking meals that were familiar to me, like pasta, chicken wings, and quesadillas. Everything was conveniently nearby: the school was a five-minute walk, the gym was just down the street, and the market and library were close as well. There was even a nearby bypass road popular for jogging, which made it easy to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. My new living situation made my daily life smoother and more balanced, giving me the space I needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
One unforgettable memory from my first year of service happened when I wore a pair of brown, well-worn mini boots to my counterpart’s class. The boots had been used and kindly given to me by my host mom. One of the students looked at me and said, “You look like your shoes, ma’am.” I couldn’t help but laugh, thinking, “Oh no, this kid thinks I’m old and ugly!”
Later, my counterpart explained that the student actually meant it as a compliment; he thought the shoes were nice and was his way of saying I was beautiful. The mix-up was hilarious, and it’s a memory that still makes me laugh to this day.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about challenges in The Philippines?
One of the biggest surprises for me in the Philippines was the heat and humidity. The moment you step off the plane, you feel it, it’s like walking into an oven! It was especially challenging during power outages.
I didn’t have air conditioning, so when the power went out, my fan stopped working too, and I often found myself sitting in the dark with just a flashlight, waiting for it to come back on. The longest I had to wait was 30 minutes at night, which felt like forever. Some power outages were scheduled, which was helpful because I could plan ahead, sometimes even taking a bus to a nearby city to enjoy Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Experiencing these frequent power outages firsthand was something I hadn’t anticipated, and it definitely taught me patience, adaptability, and how to make the most of any situation.
6. What challenges did you face while working on Education projects?
One challenge I faced was following up with parents and teachers for a remedial reading project I started for struggling readers. I had prepared documents explaining the program for parents and consent slips for their signatures, which I gave to students’ advisors. I quickly realized that I needed to remind teachers and advisors repeatedly to return the signed forms. On one occasion, a teacher even asked me for a second copy because he had misplaced the originals, which was a bit frustrating at first.
Looking back, I learned that teachers in the Philippines are extremely busy. Many teach six classes a day, and if they have fewer, they are often assigned other administrative tasks that consume their time. While these responsibilities can make it challenging for teachers to focus on creating meaningful materials for students, understanding their workload helped me approach follow-ups with patience and flexibility. This experience taught me the importance of persistence, clear communication, and empathy when navigating logistical challenges in educational settings.
7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
In addition to my primary teaching responsibilities, I was involved in several secondary projects. During my first year of service, I helped implement a reading program for struggling readers. I also participated in Project PAGbASA (Hope in Reading), an initiative launched by a local non-profit in 2022 to promote literacy and a love of reading among students.
Additionally, I helped organize an event for senior high school students focused on higher education and career pathways. The event connected students with university students, alumni, working professionals, and volunteers to help them explore future opportunities and think critically about their goals.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Education volunteer in The Philippines?
My advice for anyone considering serving as an Education Volunteer in the Philippines is to take your time building relationships and immersing yourself in the local culture. Genuine connections with community members are key to integrating successfully and show that you truly care.
I attended wakes, playing bingo with my coworker, her husband, and relatives late into the evening. I joined birthday celebrations, sharing food and conversation to strengthen bonds. I even attended a Toastmasters class with a neighbor who was a teacher at another school, meeting his peers and expanding my network.
These experiences—sometimes random, often fun—made my service unforgettable. Looking back, I realize I could have done even more, but each connection I made deeply enriched my experience.
9. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
Pre-Service Training (PST) was incredibly valuable for me, particularly in building a foundation in Tagalog, which made daily life and classroom interactions much smoother. The education-focused sessions helped me feel confident and prepared to reach out to fellow volunteers once actual service began. Training also provided important insights into Filipino culture, giving me a better understanding of the community I would be joining.
To get the most out of pre-service, in-service, and mid-service trainings, I would recommend actively engaging with your trainers and peers, asking questions, practicing the language as much as possible, and immersing yourself in the cultural lessons. These experiences lay the groundwork for a more meaningful and effective service.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future The Philippines volunteers?
When packing for service in the Philippines, I initially focused on conservative clothing, which felt necessary given the cultural norms. Looking back, I would have also packed items that reflected my personality and personal style to feel more like myself while still respecting local customs.
One item I’m glad I brought were my Birkenstock sandals, which were incredibly comfortable for walking and became a daily staple. Future volunteers would do well to invest in a reliable, comfortable pair of shoes like these for everyday use.
11. How has learning the language been?
During my service, I learned both Tagalog and Ilokano, since some sites require knowledge of a local dialect. After passing the Language Proficiency Interviews (LPIs) for both languages, I decided to focus solely on Tagalog. I felt it was better to master one language rather than be mediocre in two, and since most places in the Philippines use Tagalog, it made sense to concentrate on it.
Knowing Spanish helped me a lot, as many Tagalog words are similar to Spanish, making it easier to remember vocabulary. The Peace Corps provided worksheets to study, which were helpful, but I wish I had arrived with a larger vocabulary already in my pocket. Having a strong base of words makes expressing yourself much easier. I found handwritten flashcards to be the most effective study tool, though digital platforms, including tools like ChatGPT, can also be great for practicing vocabulary and conversation skills.
Final Thoughts
Claudia encourages future volunteers in the Philippines to stay open, patient, and kind to themselves throughout service. She notes that Peace Corps service often stretches volunteers in small, everyday ways. Some days feel long, hot, and exhausting, while others bring unexpected laughter, generosity, and moments that linger long after service ends. She believes that consistency, listening more than speaking, and letting relationships guide the work matter most. As a volunteer in the Philippines, she found that real impact often comes less from large projects and more from how volunteers show up each day for their students, coworkers, and neighbors.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Claudia’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or The Philippines Government.
