In this interview, you’ll hear from Rachel Engle, a Peace Corps Youth Development volunteer in Ecuador. Rachel shares what daily life looks like, the work being done, and how service has shaped their personal and professional growth. You’ll learn about housing, cultural differences, project work, language learning, and what it’s like to live and work in a new country. This interview offers a real look into Peace Corps service and what future volunteers can expect.
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. What do you do as a Peace Corps Youth Development volunteer in Ecuador?
I work at the municipality under the social unit. Specifically, I work at my community’s youth center. Generally, I help with the day-to-day operations of the youth center – we currently have music, cooking, art, and dance classes. The social unit also puts on a lot of events for the community that I help with. So in some regards, I feel like a normal employee.
As for my programmatic work, I am a former college soccer player who loves sports and fitness. I decided to start a youth sports club in addition to the classes that my youth center already has. We hold the club at two different community parks on a weekly basis. I started with only one soccer ball and a basketball, which has been tough to navigate with upwards of 20 kids, but I recently got a grant approved for more sports equipment 🙂 I also lead a fitness activity for two other youth groups who are a part of our social unit program.
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Ecuador?
My journey with the Peace Corps started back in October 2018 when I first applied. I ended up going to Rwanda in September 2019 as a TEFL volunteer. I absolutely loved it! However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was evacuated in March 2020 – definitely feeling like my service was cut WAY too soon.
After job hunting for months, I finally landed a great position in Washington, DC. I lived there for 3.5 years, and I am so grateful for that time. But as much as I loved the life I created, I still felt like I had an abroad adventure in me. I also HATED saying “I was in the Peace Corps…but only for 6 months”. On a whim and literally the very last hour you could apply, I applied to be a Youth and Families Development volunteer in Ecuador. I preferred that sector over others. I liked Ecuador as it seemed like a beautiful country, not too big, and I would learn Spanish. I told myself I would only go if I got that specific position, and I got it!
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Ecuador?
I feel very lucky with my housing. I live in a spacious apartment by myself with a huge terrace, amazing views, and it is located in the town center. Not exactly what I imagined for my Peace Corps service and very different from Rwanda…but I’ll take it! For Ecuador, we are required to live with a host family for our first 3 months at site. My host family lived on the side of a mountain, so I had about a 45-minute walk into the town center for work every day. It was a tiring commute, but also a great built-in daily workout!
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
When I arrived at site, my coworkers had just started a sports tournament competing against other local offices/workplaces. I guess this tournament has been a tradition in my community. It was about a 6-month-long league where we played basketball and soccer games. I already love sports, and it was an AMAZING way to bond with my new coworkers. I am so thankful I had that opportunity when I arrived because I feel like my coworkers got to see a glimpse of my real personality, since verbally communicating can be so hard when dealing with a language barrier.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Ecuador?
They love to celebrate any and all occasions. The fiestas can go until the early morning with everyone still participating!
6. What challenges have you faced in your Youth Development work, and how did you respond?
It’s been difficult for me and my coworkers to fully understand my role. Since the majority of YFD (Youth and Families Development) volunteers in Ecuador do not get placed in schools, it can be hard to have access to the local youth. That’s why I started my own club within the youth center. Our role can be very general as well, so I have had to advocate for myself that I am not an English teacher just because I’m an American who speaks English.
Advice and Support
7. What advice would you give to future Youth Development volunteers in Ecuador?
Keep an open mind and try to say yes, but also establish boundaries!! Boundaries are so important during any Peace Corps service. Push yourself to experience new things, but also know when you need a break. I’ve seen volunteers burn themselves out because they want to do all the work, integrate in all forms, but that is not always sustainable.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
8. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
To be honest, I’ve found those packing lists to be overwhelming. I think there are some country-specific things that are very good to know. It’s hard to prepare for it all. There are more things that you can buy in the country than you may think. I think my best item has been my Kindle! I’ve never been a huge reader, and if I do read, I always prefer physical books, but I brought my Kindle just in case, and it’s been my lifeline.
9. How has language learning been for you in Ecuador?
This has probably been my biggest challenge by far. Everything comes back to communication. I came to Ecuador with basically no level of Spanish, and I’ve passed all the PC training language requirements, but it is so hard. I know that in some ways my service has had more limitations than a volunteer with a more advanced level. I do daily practices and try to do extra studying when I can, but it’s hard to be fully immersed in another language and then continue to study on my own. I try to give myself grace and take the time to realize how far I’ve come. I am very proud of my progress, and I hope to improve more post PC. More than anything, you truly just need time to master a language.
Final Thoughts
10. What final advice or thoughts would you share with future volunteers?
It’s important throughout your service to be honest with yourself. I think because the Peace Corps is such a unique and life-changing experience, that volunteers can fall into the trap of “toxic positivity”. Not allowing themselves to admit if they are having a tough time. There will be low lows and high highs throughout your service. Bond with other volunteers, people in your community, and form a steady communication with loved ones back home (I’ve adopted the use of voice notes to keep more in touch since finding time to call can be hard). Appreciate the beautiful aspects of your service and also allow yourself grace in the tough moments.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Rachel, you can live abroad, work with communities, and grow in ways you didn’t expect. Apply to the Peace Corps and take the next step.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Ecuador Government.
