Medical Separation and Re-enrollement

Clearance

I first applied to the Peace Corps about a year ago. When I finally got an offer I spent 6 months waiting to go to my assigned country and dream position. I finally made it to country. Completed 1 week of PST then had a medical emergency (heat stroke).

They told me to take a few days to recover in a hotel then I could go back to my host family. After that they said actually we can't medically clear you to stay given your lack of tolerance for the heat so they said they could move me to a different country with a cooler climate but similar program (although not the same). I was willing to move and was 2 days out from flying to my new assignment when they call me to tell me they changed their mind again and will not medically clear me at this point. Now they want me to return to the US, get some tests as part of my COS medical checkout and then re-apply or re-enroll if there is a specific position I see that would align with my skills/interests and medical needs.

I'm devastated to be sent home, frustrated by all the back and forth, confused by all the paperwork and logistics and am just feeling completely lost.

Any advice, guidance or words of wisdom from anyone who's been in a similar position? I still really want to be a volunteer and was really enjoying my experience up until I had my medical emergency but the idea of going through the entire process again to find another assignment is daunting to say the least. The idea of figuring out what else I could do is just as terrifying though if not more so.

Posted Mar 6, 2026, 9:48 PM UTC

93
Loading comments…