In this interview, you’ll hear from Ashlin Klocke, a Peace Corps Education volunteer in the Philippines. Ashlin 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
- Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in the Philippines?
My main job consisted of co-teaching high school science and English. Alongside the English department, I was also actively involved in improving and developing the school library through English enhancement programs and grant applications to secure funding for new books, bookshelves, and other library resources.
I assisted in supervising a youth environmental club, where we carried out a recycled plastic project focused on promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. We also won the Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development grant and constructed benches out of recycled plastic bricks.
Beyond my work responsibilities, I could often be found at my co-teacher’s house, riding my bicycle, cooking with friends, or spending time at the ukay-ukay (thrift store).
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in the Philippines?
I wanted to join the Peace Corps because I wanted the privilege of stepping outside of my own experiences and gaining a deeper understanding of how different communities navigate their everyday lives. I hoped to gain new experiences in a new culture and develop a greater appreciation for different perspectives. I was also excited about the opportunity to learn a new language and work with youth.
Cultural Integration
3. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
The moment that stood out to me most during my service was my work with the youth environmental club at my school. We launched a school-wide ecobrick challenge where each class competed to create the most ecobricks. Students collected and submitted their ecobricks, and we stored them in the science lab.
However, a typhoon struck the community and swept away all of the ecobricks. When I returned to school, I initially felt that there were more immediate priorities to focus on and wondered if the project would continue. Slowly, students began bringing in ecobricks on their own, without any encouragement or reminders from me. Seeing their continued commitment showed me that the project had become something the community truly wanted. The project ended up being a huge success with over 700 ecobricks, 90 volunteers to build benches, and 4 benches built.
Surprises and Challenges
4. What has surprised you most about living or working in the Philippines?
I was most surprised by how easy it was to integrate. People in the Philippines are so warm, welcoming, and inviting. Even if I had no idea what was going on, they made sure I belonged there.
5. What challenges have you faced in your Education work, and how did you respond?
It was difficult to understand the correct hierarchy of the school system to get permission for activities. Getting permissions from people on all levels was incredibly necessary, but hard to navigate. Because of my confusion, this could often be viewed as disrespect. I made sure to work closely with my counterparts to ensure the correct steps were being taken.
6. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
I was actively involved in improving and developing the school library through English enhancement programs and grant applications to secure funding for new books, bookshelves, and other library resources.
I assisted in supervising a youth environmental club, where we carried out a recycled plastic project focused on promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. We also won the Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development grant and constructed benches out of recycled plastic bricks.
Within the Peace Corps Philippines, I was Chairperson of the Service Improvement Committee, regional warden, and a brand ambassador.
Advice and Support
7. What advice would you give to future Education volunteers in the Philippines?
Always talk about plans with your co-teacher, because you never know how something might be perceived, and it is important to work together. All things that you are going to be doing at the school are for the school, and should be wanted by the school. Personal projects will not be sustainable; it is so important to work as a unit with your school.
8. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
I enjoyed my training. I developed a good sense of cultural awareness, language skills, and teaching practice. I was also able to develop relationships with the other volunteers and staff.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
9. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
I would tell volunteers to pack less! There are so many ukay-ukays (thrift stores) and different standards of fashion around the Philippines. I ended up being in an area that encouraged me to wear sandals and shorts; however, other volunteers needed to wear closed-toe shoes and pants. It really depends on your site.
10. How has language learning been for you in the Philippines?
I studied Tagalog and Bikol-Naga. Besides everyday casual practice, I was lucky enough to live near one of the Peace Corps’ language coordinators and continued structured lessons throughout my service.
Social Identity
11. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable and be comfortable setting strict boundaries (and don’t feel guilty for it).
Final Thoughts
12. What final advice would you share with future volunteers?
It really is the best thing you can ever do! My view on everything has completely changed, and only people who have done the Peace Corps will understand.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Ashlin, 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 the Philippines Government.
