Author Archives: Kate

They always tell us that Peace Corps is a 24/7 job, that we are always on duty as Volunteers and Americans. I’ve blogged and posted a lot about cultural differences, learning the language, Albanian friends I’ve made, traveling, and how … Continue reading →

Originally posted on WildKat Formation:
When it comes to traveling in Albania, it’s wise to abandon all preconceived notions about safety, reliability, and punctuality. Getting from pikë A to pikë B here can be stressful from a foreign perspective, but it’s…

Press, Progress, and Pogradec.

Originally posted on WildKat Formation:
Last Saturday, instead of watching football, I went to a wedding. Two well-known facts about me: 1) I love sports. 2) I dread going weddings. So this decision was very out-of-character, but part of joining…

Every Peace Corps Volunteer signs a dotted line on their application acknowledging the fact that service is challenging both physically and mentally. I was well aware that Peace Corps service would be difficult before I arrived in Elbasan for orientation. … Continue reading →

Originally posted on WildKat Formation:
If you’ve never been in a situation where everyone around you speaks a different language, where the man at the post office is talking at rapid-fire speed and you can’t understand a thing, where you…

Originally posted on WildKat Formation:
The Good: After a frustrating Week 2 at-site in beautiful Kavajë, I decided to do what I did in the States to relieve stress: bake. School had ended–or, rather, it was the last week of…

I’m only a week away from my three-month mark, and I can’t believe how much has happened in just twelve weeks! On May 30th I graduated from Pre-Service Training and moved from my host family in Librazhd (east-central Albania) to … Continue reading →

Originally posted on WildKat Formation:
Technically I’m not a Peace Corps Volunteer until this Thursday morning, when I will be officially sworn in. I get to dress up nice and have pictures taken of me and recite an oath like…