THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

Moldova

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

June 2013

June 2013 CCD
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

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A Welcome Letter

Greetings from Moldova, and congratulations on your invitation to become a 

Peace Corps Volunteer. Your decision sets in motion what will be one of the 

most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. Peace Corps 

Moldova‘s staff and Volunteers look forward to meeting and working with 

you over the next two years.

Your exposure to Moldovan culture will begin quickly. After a few days in 

the capital city, Chisinau, staff will take you to your training site, where you 

will live with a Moldovan host family for the remainder of your initial 

period of Pre-Service Training (either 8 or 10 weeks depending upon the 

project to which you‘ve been assigned). You will find Moldovans to be 

friendly and gracious and interested in learning more about Americans and 

the United States. Our program in Moldova started in 1993 and has 

developed a solid reputation with local officials and citizens, and this history 

means that Volunteers are warmly welcomed into their communities. 

Plunging right into Moldovan life and adapting to the food, smells, sounds, 

language, and routines of a new culture will be both surprising and 

exhilarating.

Our staff will provide the best support they can to make your service 

valuable both to you as well as to Moldova. In addition to organizing your 

pre-service training, they match the needs of Moldova with the Peace Corps‘ 

mission and capabilities, carefully screen and select work sites and host 

families, and support Volunteers during times of adversity and frustration. 

Peace Corps Moldova also provides excellent in-country health services, 

coordinates a myriad of administrative and financial details for Volunteers, 

and serves as the liaison between local government officials and Peace 

Corps headquarters in Washington, DC.

Of course, Volunteers are the key to the success of any program. Your 

successes, and the experiences you take home at the end of service, will 

depend greatly on the attitude you bring, your level of commitment, and the 

intensity of your spirit of collaboration with Moldovan colleagues, fellow 

Volunteers, and Peace Corps staff. Along these lines, come ready to serve. 

Part of this service, particularly during your first few months as a Volunteer, 

includes working with colleagues and people in your communities in 

identifying promising areas in which to place your efforts. 
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Please reread your Volunteer Assignment Description and be absolutely 

certain before you start your trip to Moldova that this is an assignment that 

excites you and that you believe you can dedicate the next two years of your 

life pursuing as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Staff will assume that you come to 

Moldova with an understanding your assignment and a strong commitment 

to pursuing it.

Health and safety are very important to us all. Moldova has a relatively low 

crime rate, but life as an American in economically poor environments does 

present some security challenges. Our staff will work with you on ways to 

be proactive regarding safety and health issues. As anywhere, staying 

healthy and staying safe here starts with a personal commitment to being 

healthy and being safe.

Throughout your service, you will learn a great deal about Moldova and 

about yourself, so be prepared for one of the most exciting and rewarding 

experiences of your life. Bring your optimism, patience, humility, sense of 

humor, respect for others, willingness to learn with people (rather than teach 

them), and enthusiasm for new experiences. These items won‘t negatively 

impact your luggage limits, but they are the most valuable things you can 

pack.

Pe curind and do svidania, (See you soon!)

Janet Utecht

Country Director
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CONTENTS

A Welcome Letter.........................................................................2

Core Expectations.........................................................................6 

Peace Corps/Moldova History and Programs..........................................7

History of the Peace Corps in Moldova.............................................7

History and Future of Peace Corps

Programming in Moldova.............................................................7

Country Overview: Moldova at a Glance.............................................10

History..................................................................................10

Government.............................................................................11

Economy................................................................................12

People and Culture.....................................................................13

Environment............................................................................14

Resources for Further Information.....................................................14

General Information About Moldova..................................................15

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle...........................................18

Communications.......................................................................18

Housing and Site Location............................................................19

Living Allowance and Money Management.......................................20

Food and Diet...........................................................................21

Transportation..........................................................................22

Geography and Climate...............................................................23

Social Activities........................................................................23

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior..............................................24

Personal Safety.........................................................................25

Rewards and Frustrations.............................................................26

Peace Corps Training....................................................................28

Overview of Pre-Service Training...................................................28

Technical Training...................................................................................29
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Language Training............................................................................29

Cross-Cultural Training.....................................................................30

Health Training................................................................................30

Safety Training.................................................................................30

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service...................................31

Your Health Care and Safety in Moldova.............................................31

Health Issues in Moldova.............................................................32

Helping You Stay Healthy............................................................32

Maintaining Your Health.............................................................33

Women‘s Health Information........................................................33

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit......................................................34

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist...........................................35

Safety and Security—Our Partnership..............................................37

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk................................................38

Support from Staff............................................................................39

Staying Safe: Don‘t Be a Target for Crime........................................39

Crime Data For Moldova.............................................................41

Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training

and Volunteer Support in Moldova..................................................41

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues...................................................42

Overview of Diversity in Moldova..................................................43

What Might a Volunteer Face?........................................................................43

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers....................................................43

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color...................................................44

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers......................................................45

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers..............................46

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers...................................................47

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities..........................................48

Possible Issues for Married Volunteers....................................................49

Frequently Asked Questions............................................................49

Welcome Letters From Moldova Volunteers.........................................54

Packing List...............................................................................56

Pre-departure Checklist..................................................................59

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters................................................62
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CORE EXPECTATIONS

FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of promoting world 

peace and friendship, as a trainee and Volunteer, you are expected to:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment 

to serve abroad for a full term of 27 months

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom 

you live and work; and, in doing so, share your skills, adapt them, 

and learn new skills as needed

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of 

hardship, if necessary, and with the flexibility needed for effective 

service

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work 

is based on the local trust and confidence you build by living in, and 

respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community and 

culture

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

for your personal conduct and professional performance

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual 

learning, and respect

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the 

local and national laws of the country where you serve

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your 

health, safety, and well-being and that of others

9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and 

community, as a representative of the people, cultures, values, and 

traditions of the United States of America

10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions 

of your host country and community to people in the United States 

both during and following your service
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PEACE CORPS/MOLDOVA

HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Moldova

In 1993, the government of Moldova invited Peace Corps to open a program 

in Moldova. The Peace Corps‘ first assignment was to help expand the 

English-teaching capacity of Moldovan educators. Government 

representatives believed that well-developed English language skills would 

help Moldovans participate in the international community and global 

economy by helping them gain access to a wealth of information, resources, 

and markets. Current English education Volunteers also incorporate 

environmental issues into the curriculum.

Recently, Peace Corps Moldova has added projects in community and 

organizational development, agribusiness and rural business development, 

and health education to assist the Moldovan government in addressing the 

country‘s economic and social development needs. Currently, Peace Corps 

Volunteers are working in about 100 towns and villages throughout the 

country. Since the program‘s inception, almost 1,000 Volunteers have 

served in Moldova.

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Moldova

Peace Corps Moldova works in four major project areas: English education, 

health education, community and organizational development, and 

agribusiness and rural business development. Project plans are jointly 

developed by Peace Corps staff, Volunteers, and Moldovan partners.

Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) assigned to the English Education (EE) 

project work at three levels: with students, teachers, and schools. They work 

as full-time, regular classroom teachers of English and teach in compliance 

with the requirements of the Moldovan National English Teaching 

Curriculum. EE Volunteers teach the majority of their classes alongside 

Moldovan teachers. This team teaching practice is designed to improve 

Moldovan teachers English language skills and to allow the Volunteer and 

Moldovan teacher to learn from each other and present high-quality lessons 

to students. Working both inside and outside of the classroom, PCVs and 

their teaching partners help students to improve their English language, 
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critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills. They also 

seek to broaden students awareness of issues affecting their local 

communities, Moldova and the rest of the world. Working directly with their 

teaching colleagues, PCVs occassionaly implement training workshops and 

present model lessons designed to introduce teachers to different teaching 

practices. At the institutional level, PCVs work with their schools and 

communities to improve the quality and the quantity of resource materials 

available for teaching and learning English, promote the use of technology 

in education, improve community development, and promote community 

and parent involvement in schools.

During the Soviet era, the healthcare system in what is now the Republic of 

Moldova focused on curative and clinical care provided by the state as 

opposed to health promotion and disease prevention. In 1995, health 

education was introduced as an optional course in the Moldovan school 

system.

Education in basic life skills forms the framework for all health education 

conducted by the Peace Corps in Moldova. Volunteers are assigned jointly 

to secondary schools and local medical units or health-related, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Volunteer accomplishments have included assisting teachers to develop 

long-term plans and lesson plans for Health Education classes and youth 

clubs, assisting community health staff to develop and conduct health 

education activities for the adult population, developing materials for health 

education activities, and facilitating health campaigns and community health 

projects. Additionally, Volunteers have assisted in the development of 

youth-oriented health centers and health education resource centers. They 

have also worked to develop and distribute educational materials in 

Romanian (the country’s official language) on reproductive health, 

HIV/AIDS, STIs, breast cancer prevention, and the dangers of the substance 

abuse.

The Community and Organizational Development (COD) project assigns 

Volunteers to work with local NGOs and municipal offices. These 

organizations are often seeking greater institutional capacity while 

struggling with the difficulties of poor internal financing, limited community 

outreach abilities, and overworked and overextended members of the 
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organization. Volunteers in this project have worked alongside their 

Moldovan partners in the promotion of women‘s and children‘s rights, 

minority rights issues, youth development, senior citizen care, development 

of arts, environmental awareness, and general community development.

Volunteers in the Agribusiness and Rural Business Development (ARBD) 

project collaborate with local organizations that provide services in the area 

of information dissemination, consulting, training, and extension in 

agriculture, micro-credit institutions and saving and credit associations, and 

community economic development organizations. Partner organizations 

include locally registered NGOs working to become self-sufficient and selfsustainable business training institutes and municipal government offices. 

Volunteers are involved in a range of activities targeting organizational 

development (needs assessments, training skills, extension methodology, 

organizational management, customer services, transparency, and 

representation) and directly assist small businesses and private farmer clients 

of these organizations through strengthening production knowledge, training 

in financial management and business planning, and assisting in 

development of marketing skills and ideas.

While remaining focused on their primary activities as outlined in each 

project plan, Volunteers in all four projects engage in a wide variety of 

secondary activities. Volunteers have been involved in English clubs, 

development of a Moldovan branch of the Special Olympics, organizing 

self-esteem and leadership weekends, development of summer camps for 

youth with a focus on gender and development, sports, life skills, and 

business education, youth entrepreneurship programs, training peer 

education groups, conducting health education activities in kindergartens 

and promoting non-violence in the family. They have also helped their 

assigned communities obtain small grants for the renovation of school 

gymnasiums, school kitchens, dormitories at orphanages, the establishment 

of libraries and resource centers, the construction of greenhouses for winter 

farming, and the provision of heating for rural schools.

The Peace Corps is committed to working alongside its Moldovan partners 

in meeting the country‘s economic and social development challenges. 

Peace Corps Moldova will continue its emphasis on placing Volunteers in 

towns and rural villages, where the need is greater than in Chisinau and 

other large cities.
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW: 

MOLDOVA AT A GLANCE

History

Moldova is uniquely located at the frontier of Eastern and Western cultures. 

This has contributed to a long and difficult struggle by the indigenous 

Moldovan people to maintain their cultural and political sovereignty. During 

the Middle Ages (as in modern times) Moldova, like other principalities in 

the region, engaged in efforts toward the maintenance and recognition of its 

independence, the defense of its territory, and the preservation of its borders.

One of the country‘s most glorious eras occurred during the reign of Stefan 

cel Mare (Steven the Great) between 1457 and 1504. During these years, 

Moldovans won impressive victories over the Turks, Tartars, Hungarians, 

Poles, and other invaders. This temporary success, however, was no 

guarantee of the nation‘s future stability. Under the permanent threat of 

invasion, the principalities of this region unified as a means to resist 

aggression. The first unification—of Transylvania, Moldova, and 

Muntenia—took place during the rule of Mihai Viteazul (1593 to 1601). 

Although short-lived, this event served as a precedent for the union of the 

principalities of Tara Romaneasca and Moldova to form a new country, 

Romania, in 1859.

Following the Crimean War, political stability in the area was fleeting. In 

1856, Russia lost the southern region of Basarabia to Moldova, only to gain 

it back from Romania in 1878 at the Congress of Berlin. With the collapse of 

the Russian Empire in 1918, this area, made up of part of the present 

territory of Moldova and part of Ukraine, declared its independence and 

reunited with Romania. The newly formed Union of Soviet Socialist 

Republics refused to recognize this reunification, however, and in 1924 

created the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. In June 1940, 

after Hitler and Stalin signed the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop pact of 

nonaggression, the Soviet Union annexed additional territory to form the 

Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (MSSR). In the early 1940s, as World 

War II raged in Europe, Romania again claimed the territory of the MSSR. 

As the war came to a conclusion, the Soviet Union annexed the region again 

for a final time.
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Subsequently, in an attempt to create a uniform culture among the Soviet 

republics, the leadership of the Soviet Union began a period of intense 

Russification, replacing Moldovans‘ traditional Latin alphabet with the 

Cyrillic alphabet and Romanian with Russian as the official language.

The tone of Soviet leadership changed in 1986 with the introduction of a 

policy of glasnost (openness) by President Mikhail Gorbachev. This new 

policy permitted the pursuit of traditional culture by the Moldovan 

population and leadership and set the stage for the republic‘s independence. 

On August 27, 1991, Moldova declared its independence, an event that is 

now celebrated every year on that date. To restore the cultural heritage of the 

majority of its citizens, the Moldovan government reestablished Romanian, 

using the Latin alphabet, as the national language.

Government

In the early 1990s, the government was distracted and weakened by a 

proclamation of secession by ethnic Russians and ethnic Ukrainians in the 

Dniester region (primarily on the left or Eastern bank of the Nistru River) 

and Gagauzia in the southeast. The Moldovan government announced the 

declarations invalid and armed conflict ensued in the Transnistria area. The 

fighting stopped in 1992, but a final settlement for Transnistria is still under 

negotiation, with both sides officially committed to a peaceful resolution. 

The conflict with Gagauzia has been resolved through elections and the 

establishment of the semiautonomous region of Gagauzia.

The first multiparty presidential elections were held in the fall of 1996 and 

were generally regarded as fair. The winner, Petru Lucinschi, assumed office 

in January 1997. Since July 2000, the president has been elected by 

Parliament for a four-year term under a parliamentary system modeled on 

the system in Italy. The parliamentary elections held in 2001 as well as in 

2005 were won by the Party of Communists. 

In April 2009, new elections were held, which the Party of Communists 

won. These results were initially hotly contested and a large protest in 

Chisinau turned into rioting within a few days of the vote. The Moldovan 

constitution has a unique requirement for 3/5ths majority of parliament to 

elect a President or else call for new elections. The Parliament elected in 

April 2009, having twice failed to elect a President was disbanded and new 
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elections were held in July. This election was won by a group of parties 

(now called the Alliance for European Integration) opposed to the Party of 

Communists. This Alliance, holding an even smaller majority than the Party 

of Communists, also failed to elect a President. As the Moldovan 

constitution only allows two parliamentary elections in a given year, the 

country is currently governed by the Alliance for European Integration and 

an Acting President. . New elections were held in November 2010 and the 

same each of 3/5 as majority occurred. Currently the Temporary government 

has Marian Lupu as President and Vladimir Filat as prime minister. 

Economy

With fertile soils and bountiful sunshine during the growing season, the 

Republic of Moldova is primarily an agrarian country. Because of its 

plentiful natural resources, Soviet Moldova was assigned the role of supplier 

of foodstuffs for the rest of the Soviet Union. More than half of its 

population still lives in rural areas, and approximately 40 percent of the 

workforce is engaged in horticulture, viticulture, or animal husbandry. The 

agricultural sector accounts for about 11 percent (World Bank 2008) of the 

gross domestic product. If agribusiness is included, the degree of 

dependence on agriculture becomes even greater, as food processing 

contributes approximately 40 percent to the country‘s industrial production. 

Jointly, these sectors constitute a third of the GDP and more than half of all 

merchandise exports.

Other industries, while never as significant as agribusiness, tend to be 

concentrated in Transnistria and therefore suffered disproportionately during 

the civil war in 1992. This is particularly true for heavy industries such as 

machinery. Consequently, the proportion of employment and output 

accounted for by industry is low, and most industrial companies still have 

underutilized capacities.

Disparities remain between the economic development of urban and rural 

areas. In 2008, 22 percent of Moldova‘s economic output came from direct 

agricultural production, based and 18 percent was based on manufacturing 

industries, almost half of which was related to agriculture. The remainder is 

attributed to the service sectors. After the recession of the 1990s, which cut 

GDP to almost a third of its pre-independence level, the Moldovan economy 

experienced strong and steady growth until it began to suffer from the 
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current global financail crisis. The growth during this period was largely 

driven by the stability of the Russian economy, high consumption fueled by 

remittances from Moldovans working abroad; and low inflation. Even 

during this period of growth, though, Moldova‘s economy was intermittantly 

impacted by Russian economic policy and political relatiosn including a ban 

on imports of Moldovan wine and agricultural products combined with 

higher tariffs on natural gas imports- Moldova is totally dependent on Russia 

for gas and primarily dependant upon Ukraine for electricity. 

Moldova‘s annual per capita GDP remains one of the lowest in Europe at 

U.S. $2,400 (2009).

People and Culture

Despite Moldova‘s small size, its population is quite diverse. According to 

the 2004 census, the majority of the population (78 percent) consists of 

Moldovans or people of Romanian descent. Other significant ethnic groups 

include Ukrainians (8 percent), Russians (6 percent), Gagauzians (4 

percent), Bulgarians (2 percent), Roma (0.4 percent), and Jews (0.1 percent). 

Small numbers of Belorussians, Germans, Poles, and Turks also live in 

Moldova.

The official language of Moldova, as specified by the Constitution, is 

Moldovan (Romanian,) written in the Latin alphabet. Although Russian is no 

longer the official language, many Moldovans, especially in urban areas, are 

more familiar with Russian than with Romanian. Several years ago, the issue 

of declaring Russian as a second official language was the subject of great 

national debate and political demonstrations. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in 

Moldova, you will need to exercise a large degree of diplomacy when 

dealing with the language issue. Although certain regions or communities 

are predominantly Romanian or Russian speaking, there is considerable 

intermingling of the two, which can present linguistic challenges. You will 

also meet people who understand both languages but do not want to speak 

one or the other for personal or political reasons. English is spoken by 

increasing numbers of younger people, but fluency is still rare in most areas, 

and proficiency in Romanian or Russian is vital for Volunteers to be 

effective.
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Moldovans are open, warm, friendly, and generous people and are renowned 

for their hospitality. However, living and working in a culture that is not 

your own can be frustrating and uncomfortable at times. As a guest in 

Moldova, you will be expected to respect the country‘s culture and traditions 

and make a host of adaptations to fit in. If you are willing to be open to all 

the good things that Moldova has to offer and to demonstrate understanding 

toward people undergoing difficult economic and political changes, you will 

be rewarded with one of the greatest experiences of your life.

Environment

Strategically located at the crossroads of central, southeastern, and Eastern 

Europe, the Republic of Moldova is the second smallest of the Newly 

Independent States. Situated along the Danube, Prut, and Nistru rivers, 

Moldova occupies 13,000 square miles and has a population of

approximately 4.4 million. The country borders Romania in the west and 

Ukraine in the east and south. Its central region, the Basarabian Plateau, 

consists of forested highlands (up to 1,300 feet in elevation) and is known as 

the Codru. Most Volunteers easily adjust to Moldova‘s geographic 

environment.

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace 

Corps and Moldova and to connect you to returned Volunteers and other 

invitees. Please keep in mind that although we try to make sure all these 

links are active and current, we cannot guarantee it. If you do not have 

access to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries offer free Internet 

usage and often let you print information to take home.

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find 

bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people are free to express opinions 

about the Peace Corps based on their own experience, including comments 

by those who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. 

These opinions are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and 

we hope you will keep in mind that no two people experience their service in 

the same way.
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General Information About Moldova

www.countrywatch.com/ 

On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the Chisinau to 

how to convert from the dollar to the leu. Just click on Moldova and go 

from there.

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the 

world.

www.state.gov

The State Department‘s website issues background notes periodically about 

countries around the world. Find Moldova and learn more about its social 

and political history. You can also go to the site‘s international travel section 

to check on conditions that may affect your safety.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm

This includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.

www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm

This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and 

each country page contains links to other sites, such as the Library of 

Congress, that contain comprehensive historical, social, and political 

background.

www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp 

This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for 

member states of the U.N.

www.worldinformation.com

This site provides an additional source of current and historical information 

about countries around the world.

Connect With Returned Volunteers

and Other Invitees

www.rpcv.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned 

Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all the Web pages of the 

―Friends of‖ groups for most countries of service, comprised of former 
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Volunteers who served in those countries. There are also regional groups 

that frequently get together for social events and local volunteer activities. 

Or go straight to the Friends of Moldova site: http://moldrpcv.tripod.com/.

http://www.rpcvwebring.org

This site is known as the returned Peace Corps Volunteer Web ring. Browse 

the Web ring and see what former Volunteers are saying about their service.

www.peacecorpswriters.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a monthly 

online publication of essays and Volunteer accounts of their Peace Corps 

service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Moldova

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/mdtoc.html 

A Library of Congress Federal Research Division study of Moldova

www.news.ournet.md

A Moldovan Web portal

www.ngo.md/index_eng.html

A listing of nongovernmental organizations in Moldova

International Development Sites About Moldova

www.unhcr.ch

Site of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

www.info.usaid.gov/pubs/cp2000/eni/moldova.html

A Web page with information on the U.S. Agency for International 

Development‘s work in Moldova

Recommended Books

1. Kaplan, Robert D. Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History. NY: Picador: 

distributed by Holtzbrinck Publishers, 2005.

2. King, Charles. The Moldovans: Romania, Russia, and the Politics of 

Culture. Palo Alto, Calif.: Hoover Institution Press, 2000.
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3. Kokker, Steve. Lonely Planet Romania and Moldova. Footscray, Victoria; 

London: Lonely Planet Publications, 2004. 

3. Mitrasca, Marcel. Moldova: A Romanian Province Under Russian Rule : 

Diplomatic History from the Archives of the Great Powers. New York: 

Algora Publishing, 2002. 

4. Smith, Hedrick. The New Russians (revised edition). New York: Random 

House, 1991. (Note: this book does not refer specifically to Moldova, but it 

does provide a good framework for examining issues in the former Soviet 

Union.)

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the 

Spirit of the 1960s. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.

2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps. Notre Dame, 

Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1985.

3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. Washington, 

D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2004.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place. Santa 

Barbara, Calif.: McSeas Books, 2004.

2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps 

Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red Apple Publishing, 2000.

3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an 

African Village. New York, N.Y.: Picador, 2003.

4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: 

Perennial, 2001.

5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the 

Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.: Clover Park Press, 1991.

6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: 

University of Washington Press, 1997 (reprint).
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LIVING CONDITIONS AND 

VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE 

Communications

Mail

Mail service in Moldova is not completely reliable. Letters to and from 

Moldova typically arrive in two to three weeks, but some letters and flat 

mail never reach Volunteers. Advise family and friends not to send anything 

of value via flat mail. Packages generally arrive safely, although they are 

often opened by Customs agents and some contents are occasionally lost in 

transport. During pre-service training, letters should be sent to you at the 

following address:

―Your Name,‖ PCT

Corpul Pacii

Str. Grigore Ureche 12

2001 Chisinau

Republica Moldova

Packages sent to Moldova by airmail arrive as quickly as letters but can be 

quite expensive, costing as much as $10 per pound. During pre-service 

training, packages can be sent to the same address as letters. Once you move 

to your site, you can make arrangements to receive mail and packages there, 

or continue to receive mail at the Peace Corps Office. 

Telephones

Communication by telephone, both domestically and internationally, is more 

complicated in Moldova than in the United States, but is still manageable. 

There are a number of ways to call the United States, but the cost can be 

high. American calling cards will not work in Moldova, but international 

phone cards can be purchased that will give you enough time to give your 

family your phone number and instructions on when to call you back. 

Normal calls to the U.S. can cost about 50 cents per minute; phone cards can 

be purchased that will cost about 15-20 cents per minute; phone calls via 

computers (Skype, etc.) can cost about 2 cents per minute or be free for PC 

to PC calls (not including the cost of connecting to the Internet).
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

19

Your home will have a phone, and you will find that many people 

(Moldovans, Volunteers, and others) have cellphones. International lines are 

clearest early in the mornings and on weekends. Moldovan time is seven 

hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Cellphones are not purchased for Volunteers by the Peace Corps. The 

cellular phone system in Moldova works on GSM technology. Unlocked 

GSM cell phone purchased in the United States will typically work here, but 

other cellular technologies will not.

Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access

The computerization of Moldova is progressing rapidly, so e-mail, blogs, 

Skype, and social networking sites are among the most common way 

Volunteers remain in contact with friends and family in the United States. If 

you have a laptop computer, you should consider bringing it, although 

Internet service in villages may be limited dial up or via the cellular phone 

network. On the other hand, many villages now have access to high speed 

Internet even in places where there is no gas or running water! Volunteers 

can access e-mail at the Peace Corps office, and the number of cybercafés 

around the country is growing.

Note that the Peace Corps does not provide any reimbursement for lost or 

stolen electronic equipment and cannot provide technical support or 

assistance with maintenance. Insurance against theft is a good idea.

Housing and Site Location

You will live with one host family during pre-service training (your first 8 to 

10 weeks in country) and with another family for at least the first three 

months at your permanent site. You will have your own room, but you are 

likely to share kitchen, bath, and toilet facilitieswith the entire family. 

Houses seldom have indoor plumbing in most rural areas, so you may not 

have running water or an indoor toilet. After your first three months at site, 

you will have the option of finding other housing if it is available, meets 

Peace Corps‘ safety requirements, and can be leased within the Peace Corps‘ 

housing allowance. Most Volunteers choose to live with a family throughout 

their two years of service and find the experience a rewarding one. 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

20

Life in Chisinau, the capital, varies considerably from life in villages, where 

the pace is slower and the atmosphere is charmingly rustic. But, along with 

the great appeal of a gentler pace, villages in Moldova offer a somewhat 

arduous lifestyle. The primary form of entertainment is socializing with 

friends with modern forms of entertainment including watching television, 

listening to radio, surfing the Internet becoming more popular. People live 

the life of a farm family even if they work in a profession such as teaching. 

Each household usually has a very large vegetable garden and farm animals 

that they raise. There is generally no running water, outhouses are the most 

common toilet facilities, and bathing is usually done once a week in a

bathhouse or using buckets of water in a tub. Despite the lack of amenities, 

however, life in a village will be rich in traditional Moldovan customs and 

friendships with Moldovans.

Towns or regional centers lack some of the compelling appeal of rural 

Moldova, and the pace is somewhat faster. There are more local resources, 

more forms of entertainment, and housing with running water is more 

common. Running water does not necessarily mean an indoor toilet, 

however, as the first priorities for plumbing are providing water for the 

kitchen and the garden.

Streets and sidewalks are muddy for a large part of the year in towns and 

villages alike. Heating in winter can be problematic, as many municipalities 

cannot afford to turn on the heat until long after the weather has turned cold, 

and ,even then, heating may be minimal or nonexistent for periods of time. 

For this reason, host families are required to have independent heating 

sources. Most families in villages rely on ceramic stoves, called sobas, that 

are built into the walls and burn wood, coal, or corncobs. In larger towns or 

cities, houses may have their own gas boiler.

Living Allowance and Money Management

After pre-service training, you will receive a monthly living allowance in 

local currency that will allow you to maintain your health and safety while 

living at a standard comparable to your Moldovan counterparts.

Moldova has a cash economy, and Moldovan banks and currency exchange 

offices are stringent about the condition of the U.S. banknotes they will 

accept due to concerns about counterfeit currency. Make sure that any U.S. 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

21

currency you bring is not worn, torn, or written on, and that the bills are 

fairly new. A few banks accept traveler‘s checks; others allow cash 

withdrawals via credit card or ATM card. There are increasing numbers of 

the machines in both Chisinau and regional centers, although Volunteers are 

advised to be cautious about which machines they use as ATM crimes are 

common. We discourage you from having cash sent to you from home, as 

sending money through international mail is risky. Furthermore, having your 

Peace Corps allowances substantially subsidized by funds from home runs 

counter to Peace Corps‘ philosophy of living at a similar level to those 

people with whom you work and serve. 

In an emergency, you can have money sent through Western Union or 

international bank transfer. Most businesses, including restaurants and 

hotels, do not accept traveler‘s checks or credit cards. Those that do most 

commonly accept Visa. Some will charge you more for paying with a credit 

card.

If possible, we recommend that you keep an U.S. bank account with ATM 

capabilities to assist you with accessing occassional or emergency money 

from home. It will be the easiest way for Peace Corps to provide you with 

your Readjustment Allowance when you complete your Volunteer service, 

and is typically easier and quicker than having a check mailed to your U.S. 

home of record.

Once again, it is important to recognize that your Moldovan co-workers and 

friends will not have large sums of money or credit cards and that 

conspicuous displays of wealth on your part could drive a wedge between 

you and them. The Peace Corps discourages you from living beyond your 

monthly allowance.

Food and Diet

Moldovans love to cook, and they love their guests to eat a lot. Many 

traditional Moldovan dishes have roots in the Slavic and Romanian cultures. 

Pork is the meat of choice, followed by chicken, turkey, beef, and rabbit.

The national dish of Moldova is mamaliga, which is made from cornmeal 

and tastes somewhat like polenta or grits. It is served with soft cheese, meat, 

eggs, butter, or fish. Another interesting dish is achituri, which consists of 

chicken pieces in a brothlike jelly made of bone marrow and is usually 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

22

served cold. Coltsunashi, which is similar to ravioli, is usually filled with 

potato, cheese, cabbage, and meat (or sometimes cherries) and served with 

butter or sour cream. Friptura is a beef or pork stew, sometimes baked with 

dough on top and usually served with vegetables. Similar to Greek 

dolmades, sarmale consists of grape leaves, green peppers, or cabbage 

stuffed with rice, meat, and vegetables. Moldovan barbecue is called frigarui

or shashlik. Borsh is made with cabbage and other vegetables, and chiorba is 

made with meat, beans, and pasta. Zeama is a tasty chicken soup. Placinta, a 

baked or fried pastry, is filled with potato, cheese, cabbage, or fruit. Foods 

that should taste more familiar include brinza (a soft cow or sheep cheese), 

cashcaval (a hard, mild cheese), smintina (similar to sour cream), pilaf (rice 

with meat and vegetables), clatite (similar to crêpes), and tocanista (cooked 

vegetables).

Vegetarians may find it challenging to maintain their usual diet. It may also 

be difficult to explain why you are a vegetarian in a meat-and-potatoes 

culture. Although the concept of vegetarianism will not be entirely new to 

most Moldovans, you should expect some surprise and confusion. You will 

have to be clear about what you can and cannot eat (e.g., most soups have 

meat-based broths). You will also have to be sensitive and gracious when 

Moldovans try to prepare special food for you. If you offer to cook your own 

food, Moldovans will be curious to see how someone can actually prepare a 

dish with no meat. Yet many Moldovan dishes can easily be made without 

meat, so there is no reason why you cannot maintain a healthy vegetarian 

diet in Moldova. Vegans will have a more difficult time maintaining their 

diet and should consult the health unit in Moldova about maintaining a 

healthy vegan diet in Moldova .

Transportation

Operation of motor vehicles of any kind (e.g., cars, motor scooters, and 

motorcycles) is prohibited for Peace Corps Volunteers. Violation of this 

policy will result in termination of your service. Peace Corps policy also 

requires the use of a bicycle helmet, which the Peace Corps provides, when 

riding bicycles.

Volunteers will rely mostly on public transportation in Moldova. All the 

towns and villages in which Volunteers are placed have regularly scheduled 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

23

bus or ―maxi-taxi‖ service to Chisinau and other towns. In the case of an 

emergency, Peace Corps staff can get to any site by car within four hours.

Geography and Climate

The landscape of Moldova consists of hilly plains with an average altitude of 

about 150 meters (495 feet) above sea level, which flatten gradually toward 

the southwest. Old forests called codrii cover the central part of the country. 

Moldova is in an earthquake zone connected to the Carpathian Mountains. 

The last major earthquake occurred in 1989.

Moldova‘s two major rivers are the Nistru and the Prut, and a short span of 

the Danube crosses the extreme southern part of the republic. There are more 

than 3,000 small rivers or tributaries, of which only seven are longer than 50 

miles. Moldova has more than 50 natural lakes and is rich in mineral-water 

springs.

The country has a temperate climate with four definite seasons; some 

Volunteers liken it to Minnesota. Summers are warm and humid, with an 

average high temperature in July of 80 degrees Fahrenheit; hot days in the 

90s or even over 100 are not unusual. Winters are cold. Temperatures can 

remain below zero degrees Fahrenheit for weeks, and although snowfall is 

not extreme, it oftentimes remains in place for a month or more. Some 

offices and classrooms are poorly heated during the winter, requiring 

Volunteers to dress very warmly for work. Volunteers are also normally 

required to wear mutliple layers of clothing to remain warm at home during 

the winters. Spring and Autumn are usually beautiful with mild 

temperatures. 

Social Activities

Chisinau, the capital, offers a wide variety of cultural and entertainment 

possibilities, such as opera, ballet, theater, circuses, and nightclubs (at which 

Moldovans love to dance). The options decrease, however, in proportion to 

the population of the community. In the smaller cities, there are cinemas, 

community centers, and universities at which plays, concerts, and other 

cultural events are occasionally presented. In villages, people socialize with 

relatives and friends, getting together in someone‘s home for fun and 

relaxation.
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

24

It is extremely important to develop a network of friends for social 

interaction, whether you live in a town or a village. Generally speaking, you 

should not expect to socialize with many single people of your own age. 

Moldovans tend to marry young and to stay married, so most adults are 

likely to be married and have children. Any single friends will probably be 

students.

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

One of the challenges of being a Peace Corps Volunteer is fitting into the 

local culture while maintaining your own cultural identity and acting as a 

professional all at the same time. It is not an easy situation to resolve, and 

we can only provide you with guidelines. As a member or representative of a 

school faculty, business development center, non-governmental 

organization, farmers‘ association, or health center, you will be expected to 

display sensitivity and respect toward your supervisor and colleagues in 

order to develop mutually-beneficial working relationships. 

Moldovans are typically well educated and take pride in their education and 

abilities. Finding ways to demonstrate your own professional competence 

and willingness to work while simultaneously demonstrating a humble 

respect for the skills and abilities of your partners will be essential to your 

success. Inherent in Peace Corps‘ model is the understanding that better 

ideas and approaches result from people with different backgrounds working 

in partnership and learning alongside each other. While seldom easy, this is 

the only path toward long-term success as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Come 

prepared to put your patience, problem-solving, and communication skills to 

perhaps the greatest tests of your life. 

As a rule, Moldovans pay attention to the way they dress. Dressing 

professionally and neatly is regarded as a sign of respect toward others and 

is important for gaining credibility with Moldovans. This cannot be 

overestimated. In general terms, Americans tend to dress casually and place 

more emphasis on what a person knows and what a person can do rather 

than on outward appearances. It can be difficult for Americans to understand 

the cultural significance of dressing appropriately and dressing well. 

Nonetheless, it is an expectation for Volunteers in Moldova to dress 

professionally when at the workplace. The more quickly you can adapt to 

this norm, the more easily you will integrate into your living and working 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

25

communities in Moldova. Please plan the wardrobe you will bring with you 

accordingly. In order to help Trainees and Volunteers to get off to the best 

start possible with host families, neighbors, and future work partners, Peace 

Corps Moldova staff strongly recommend Volunteers to remove obvious and 

multiple facial piercings and cover highly visible tattoos to aid Volunteers to 

be accepted initially by host families, supervisors, partners, students, and 

neighbors. Please contact the country desk if you have any questions.

Teachers in Moldova tend to dress more formally than teachers do in the 

United States. Business casual (slacks, dress shirts, and dress shoes—

preferably highly shined and black) is appropriate attire for men, whether 

working for a non-governmental organization or a school. Most women may 

wear professional-looking dresses or skirts and tops, but nice slacks are also 

acceptable in most places.

Another cultural issue is the role of alcohol in Moldovan society This can be 

a delicate issue as Volunteers will need to find a healthy balance between 

being an active participant in Moldovan culture while appropriately 

representing America and the Peace Corps. Many Moldovans make their 

own wine and spirits, and proudly encourage guests to try them. Being very 

good hosts, they will make sure that your glass is always full and will exert 

pressure on you to continue to drink. You will have to decide for yourself 

how much is appropriate for you and learn to politely and firmly refuse if 

you do not want to drink any more. While cultural sensitivity and social 

graces are important, it is more important that you know your limits and not 

endanger your health or your safety, or those of others.

Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps‘ approach to safety is 

contained in the ―Health Care and Safety‖ chapter, but it is an important 

issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook,

becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and 

traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited 

understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off 

are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers 

experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty 

thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and 

sexual assault do occur, although most Moldova Volunteers complete their 

two years of service without incident. The Peace Corps has established 
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26

procedures and policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance 

your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety 

training, will be provided once you arrive in Moldova. Using these tools, 

you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers 

with the support they need to successfully meet the challenges they will face 

to have a safe, healthy, and productive service. We encourage Volunteers 

and families to look at our safety and security information on the Peace 

Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov/safety.

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and 

Volunteer safety. There is a section titled ―Safety and Security in Depth.‖ 

Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, posts‘ safety 

support systems, and emergency planning and communications.

Rewards and Frustrations

Despite a few certain frustrations, Volunteer job satisfaction in Moldova is 

quite high. The pace of work and life is slower in most Moldovan 

communities than what most Americans are accustomed to, and some people 

you work with may be hesitant to alter long-held practices and traditions, 

including some stemming from the Soviet era. Different cultural concepts of 

timeliness and what constitutes a promise or pledge also confuse Volunteers 

leading to frustration. Most of these misunderstandings, with time, become 

more easily expected and better understood.

You will be given a high degree of responsibility and independence in your 

work—perhaps more than in any other job you have had or will ever have 

again. You will often find yourself in situations that require an ability to 

motivate both yourself as well as your counterparts with little guidance from 

supervisors. You might work for months without seeing any visible impact 

from, or without receiving feedback on, your work. Development is a slow 

process. Positive progress most often comes after the combined efforts of 

several Volunteers over the course of many years have had time to make 

their impact. Peace Corps expects and will aid you with developing the selfconfidence, patience, and vision to continue working toward long-term goals 

without seeing immediate results. To overcome these difficulties, you will 

need maturity, flexibility, open-mindedness, resourcefulness, and a 

commitment to optimism.
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

27

Moldovans are warm, friendly, and hospitable, and the Peace Corps staff, 

your co-workers, and fellow Volunteers will support you during challenging 

times and congratulate on your successes. Judging by the experiences of 

former Volunteers, the rewards of service are well worth the difficulties 

encounterd. Overwhelmingly, Volunteers leave Moldova feeling that they 

have gained much more than they sacrificed during their service. If you are 

able to make the commitment to integrate into your community and work 

hard, you will be a successful Volunteer.
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

28

PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Overview of Pre-Service Training

Pre-service training begins the day you arrive in Moldova and ends when 

you are sworn in as a Volunteer (after week 8 for COD and ARBD 

Volunteers and week 10 for English Education and Health Education 

Volunteers). The days are full with plenty to accomplish and a great number 

of things to learn. 

Peace Corps Moldova uses a community-based training approach. Trainees 

live in small villages with five or six other trainees from their project area. 

Language classes occur daily, and afternoons are usually devoted to selfdirected activities and homework assignments.Once or twice a week, 

trainees come to a central hub site for technical, administrative, medical, 

safety, and joint cultural sessions and activities.

Due to the structure of Moldova‘s pre-service training program married 

couples may be required to live apart in different villages during training. 

Couples will see each other at the hub site on hub site days (twice a week) 

and are free to stay together with their respective host families on weekends 

and other times when the training schedule permits.

Assessment criteria, which you will be informed of early in pre-service 

training, will help you attain and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, 

skill, and attitudes (KSAs) for successful Volunteer service. A combination 

of staff, Volunteers and Moldovan partners worked to identify these KSAs 

and group them in competencies. The core competencies for all Volunteers 

in Moldova state that, for a Volunteer to successfully serve they will:

1) Commit to Peace Corps mission and professionalism;

2) Safely integrate into Moldovan society, and

3) Improve individual and organizational capacity.

During training, you will have periodic interviews with staff to discuss your 

progress toward attaining and demonstrating these competencies and, if 

helpful, be assisted with developing a plan of action for improvement.
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

29

The members of the training staff are Moldovan, and most of them have 

worked with Peace Corps for several years. They are a valuable resource for 

getting to know the Moldovan culture and language, and we expect that you 

will learn to use them for advice and support.

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Moldova by building on the 

skills you already have and helping you develop new skills in a manner 

appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps staff, Moldova

experts, and current Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training 

places great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the 

community in which you will serve as a Volunteer. 

Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and 

political environment in Moldova and strategies for working within such a 

framework. You will review your technical sector‘s goals and will meet with 

the Moldovan agencies and organizations that invited the Peace Corps to 

assist them. You will be supported and evaluated throughout the training to 

build the confidence and skills you need to undertake your project activities 

and be a productive member of your community.

Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are key to 

personal and professional satisfaction during your service. These skills are 

critical to your job performance, they help you integrate into your 

community, and they can ease your personal adaptation to the new 

surroundings. Therefore, language training is at the heart of the training 

program. You must successfully meet minimum language requirements to 

complete training and become a Volunteer. Moldovan language instructors 

teach formal language classes five days a week in small groups of four to 

five people.

Overwhelmingly trainees will study Romanian as their primary language. In 

addition, a limited number of Volunteers study Russian. The decision 

regarding who will study which language is a decision taken by staff and 

based upon the place you will likely be placed based upon the needs of 

specific site placements.

Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In 

addition to classroom time, you will be given assignments to work on 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

30

outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to get you to 

a point of basic social communication skills so you can practice and develop 

language skills further once you are at your site. Prior to being sworn in as a 

Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language studies during 

your service.

Cross-Cultural Training

As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a Moldovan host 

family. This experience is designed to ease your transition to life at your site. 

Families participate in an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to 

explain the purpose of pre-service training and to assist them in helping you 

adapt to living in Moldova. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting 

friendships with their host families.

Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve 

your communication skills and understand your role as a facilitator of 

development. You will be exposed to topics such as community 

mobilization, conflict resolution, gender and development, nonformal and 

adult education strategies, and political structures. You will also have 

opportunities to take field trips to historic sites and to learn traditional songs 

and dances.

Health Training

During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and 

information. You will be expected to practice preventive health care and to 

take responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. 

Trainees are required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include 

preventive health measures and minor and major medical issues that you 

might encounter while in Moldova. Nutrition, mental health, setting up a 

safe living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually 

transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.

Safety Training

During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle 

that reduces your risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will 

also learn appropriate, effective strategies for coping with unwanted 

attention and about your individual responsibility for promoting safety 

throughout your service.
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31

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service

In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace Corps has 

implemented a training system that provides Volunteers with continual 

opportunities to examine their commitment to Peace Corps service while 

increasing their technical and cross-cultural skills. During service, there are 

usually three training events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are 

as follows: 

In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade 

their technical, language, and project development skills while sharing 

their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served 

for three to six months.

Midterm conference (done in conjunction with technical sector inservice): Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first year, reassessing 

their personal and project objectives, and planning for their second year 

of service.

Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after 

Peace Corps service and reviews their respective projects and personal 

experiences. 

The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to countryspecific needs and conditions. The key to the training system is that training 

events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation 

through the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and 

evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps staff, and 

Volunteers.

YOUR HEALTH CARE AND

SAFETY IN MOLDOVA

The Peace Corps‘ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety 

of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the 

preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. The Peace Corps in 

Moldova maintains a clinic with a full-time medical officer, who takes care 

of Volunteers‘ primary health care needs. Additional medical services, such 

as testing and basic treatment, are also available in Moldova at local 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

32

hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to an 

American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United States.

Health Issues in Moldova

Major health problems among Volunteers in Moldova are rare and must can 

be avoided by taking preventive measures to stay healthy. The most 

common health problems in Moldova also exist in the United States. These 

include colds, allergies, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation, sinus 

infections, skin infections, headaches, dental problems, minor injuries, 

STDs, adjustment disorders, emotional problems, and alcohol abuse. These 

issues may be more frequent or compounded by life in Moldova because 

certain environmental factors here raise the risk of or exacerbate the severity 

of certain illnesses and injuries.

Under local law, foreign residents are required to have proof of a negative 

HIV/AIDS test to receive a residency permit. The law requires that the test 

be done in Moldova; any HIV test done in the States cannot be used. The 

first or second day after your arrival in Moldova, the Peace Corps medical 

officers will draw blood in collaboration with the local health department 

and send the blood for analysis anonymously. Copies of the negative results 

will be sent to the governmental agency responsible for issuing the residency 

permits.

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations,

medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon your arrival in Moldova, 

you will receive a medical handbook. At the end of training, you will receive 

a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first aid needs. 

The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter. 

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies 

through the medical officer. However, you will be responsible for your own 

supply of prescription drugs and any other specific medical supplies you 

require, as the Peace Corps will not order these items during training. Please 

bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they 

may not be available here and it may take several months for shipments to 

arrive.
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33

You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your service. If you 

develop a serious medical problem during your service, the medical officer 

in Moldova will consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, 

D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in Moldova, 

you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care.

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own 

health. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your risk of serious 

illness or injury. The adage ―An ounce of prevention ...‖ becomes extremely 

important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the 

standards of the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in 

Moldova is to take the following preventive measures:.Many illnesses that 

afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and 

water precautions are taken. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic 

infections, hepatitis A, dysentery, Guinea worms, tapeworms, and typhoid 

fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and 

food preparation in Moldova during pre-service training.

Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and 

other sexually transmitted diseases. You are taking risks if you choose to be 

sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every time you have sex. 

Whether your partner is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone 

else, do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will 

receive more information from the medical officer about this important 

issue.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to 

prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide

on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive 

methods are available without charge from the medical officer. 

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or 

other designated facility for scheduled immunizations, and that you let the 

medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses and injuries.

Women’s Health Information

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health 

conditions that require medical attention but also have programmatic 

ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical 

risk and the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

34

in-country. Given the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work 

in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps‘ medical and 

programmatic standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met. 

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the 

local market, the Peace Corps medical officer in Moldova will provide them. 

If you require a specific product, please bring a three-month supply with 

you.

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that contains 

basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during 

service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office.

Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages

Adhesive tape

American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook

Antacid tablets (Tums)

Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)

Band-Aids

Butterfly closures

Calamine lotion

Cepacol lozenges

Condoms

Dental floss

Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)

Insect repellent stick (Cutter‘s)

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

Lip balm (Chapstick)

Oral rehydration salts

Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)

Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)

Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)

Scissors
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35

Sterile gauze pads

Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)

Tinactin (antifungal cream)

Tweezers

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or dental—

since you submitted your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must 

immediately notify the Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose new 

illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may 

jeopardize your eligibility to serve. 

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam 

is more than two years old, contact the Office of Medical Services to find 

out whether you need to update your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps 

dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or 

repair, you must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends 

requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services.

If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physician‘s 

office to obtain a copy of your immunization record and bring it to your predeparture orientation. If you have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps 

service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps 

will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment, 

either at your pre-departure orientation or shortly after you arrive in 

Moldova. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to 

departure.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter 

medication you use on a regular basis, including birth control pills. Although 

the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply, it will 

order refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which can take 

several months—you will be dependent on your own medication supply. The 

Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as 

St. John‘s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your 

physician. This is not a requirement, but they might come in handy if you 

are questioned in transit about carrying a three-month supply of prescription 

drugs.
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

36

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and a spare. If a 

pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace them, using the information your 

doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your 

examination. The Peace Corps discourages you from using contact lenses 

during your service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or 

other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate water 

and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The Peace 

Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless 

an ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific medical 

condition and the Peace Corps‘ Office of Medical Services has given 

approval.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health 

condition that may restrict your future participation in health care plans, you 

may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs 

before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health

care from the time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you 

complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the postservice health care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer 

Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in 

effect during your service if you think age or pre-existing conditions might 

prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan when you return home.
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

37

Safety and Security—Our Partnership

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. 

Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding 

of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy 

American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property 

theft and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of physical and sexual 

assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of 

service without serious personal safety problems.

Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a 

partnership with you, it might be helpful to see how this partnership works. 

Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in place to promote your 

safety. We depend on you to follow those policies and to put into practice 

what you have learned. An example of how this works in practice—in this 

case to help manage the risk of burglary—is:

 Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will 

live and work

 Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to 

established security criteria

 Peace Corp provides you with resources to take measures such as 

installing new locks

 Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country 

authorities in your new community

 Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise

 You lock your doors and windows

 You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you 

live

 You get to know neighbors

 You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is 

appropriate for you

 You don‘t change residences before being authorized by Peace 

Corps

 You communicate concerns that you have to Peace Corps staff

This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer 

Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care and Safety that all

include important safety and security information to help you understand 

this partnership. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

38

tools they need to function in the safest way possible, because working to 

maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not 

only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the 

unexpected, but we teach you to identify, reduce, and manage the risks you 

may encounter.

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer‘s risk, many of which 

are within the Volunteer‘s control. By far the most common crime that 

Volunteers experience is theft. Thefts often occur when Volunteers are away 

from their sites, in crowded locations (such as markets or on public 

transportation), and when leaving items unattended.

Before you depart for Moldova there are several measures you can take to 

reduce your risk: 

Leave valuable objects in U.S.

Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with 

someone you trust in the U.S.

Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet as a decoy

Purchase personal articles insurance

After you arrive in Moldova, you will receive more detailed information 

about common crimes, factors that contribute to Volunteer risk, and local 

strategies to reduce that risk. For example, Volunteers in Moldova learn to:

Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted 

by the community whenever possible

Make sure one‘s personal appearance is respectful of local customs

Avoid high-crime areas

Know the local language to get help in an emergency

Make friends with local people who are respected in the community 

Limit alcohol consumption
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39

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt 

your lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a target for crime. As with 

anywhere in the world, crime does exist in Moldova. You can reduce your 

risk by avoiding situations that place you at risk and by taking precautions. 

Crime at the village or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; 

people know each other and generally are less likely to steal from their 

neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for 

pickpockets.

While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this 

behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, abide by local cultural 

norms, and respond according to the training you will receive. 

Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff 

is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in 

place to respond to incidents of crime committed against Volunteers. The 

first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the 

Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring 

the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff response may include

reassessing the Volunteer‘s worksite and housing arrangements and making 

any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may 

necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist 

Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the 

perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report

incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to 

preserve the future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the 

process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this 

option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been 

preserved at the time of the incident. 

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility for your 

own safety. You can make yourself less of a target, ensure that your home is 

secure, and develop relationships in your community that will make you an 

unlikely victim of crime. While the factors that contribute to your risk in 

Moldova may be different, in many ways you can do what you would do if 

you moved to a new city anywhere: Be cautious, check things out, ask 

questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky 

locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

40

vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the local 

language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps policies and 

procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Moldova will require that you 

accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle.

Volunteers attract a lot of attention both in large cities and at their sites, but 

they are likely to receive more negative attention in highly populated centers 

than at their sites, where ―family,‖ friends, and colleagues look out for them. 

While whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street, this 

behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, avoid eye contact, and 

do not respond to unwanted attention. In addition, keep your money out of 

sight by using an undergarment money pouch. Do not keep your money in 

the outside pockets of backpacks, in coat pockets, or in fanny packs. Always 

walk with a companion at night and avoid drawing unneeded attention by 

speaking loudly or obviously speaking English.

Most security incidents involving Peace Corps Volunteers in Moldova 

involve alcohol. These incidents also tend to occur when Volunteers gather 

in Chisinau or other large towns late at night, when their awareness may be 

lowered as a result of alcohol consumption. It is important that Volunteers 

recognize the danger of being in places where people are consuming (often 

overconsuming) alcohol and where a group of Volunteers may receive 

unwanted attention.

Crime Data for Moldova

Crime data and statistics for Ukraine, which is updated yearly, are available 

at the following link: http://www.peacecorps.gov/countrydata/moldova

Please take the time to review this important information

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that 

do occur overseas are investigated and prosecuted by local authorities 

through the local courts system. If you are the victim of a crime, you will 

decide if you wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace 

Corps will be there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully 

informed of your options and understand how the local legal process works. 

Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the fullest 

extent possible under the laws of the country.

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe 

location as quickly as possible and contact your Peace Corps office. It‘s 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

41

important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as you can so Peace Corps 

can provide you with the help you need.

Volunteer Safety Support in Moldova

The Peace Corps‘ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay 

safe during your service and includes the following: information sharing, 

Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, 

and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Moldova‘s incountry safety program is outlined below.

The Peace Corps/Moldova office will keep you informed of any issues that 

may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. Regular updates 

will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in memorandums from the 

country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be 

contacted through the emergency communication network. An important 

component of the capacity of Peace Corps to keep you informed is your buyin to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is expected that 

you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps staff members are kept 

apprised of your movements in-country so they are able to inform you.

Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security 

issues in Moldova. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally 

appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces 

risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered 

throughout service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural aspects, 

health, and other components of training. You will be expected to 

successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas, 

including safety and security, as a condition of service.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for 

Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff works closely with 

host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a 

Volunteer‘s arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in 

supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the Volunteer‘s 

arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and 

worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access 

to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of 

communications, transportation, and markets; different housing options and 

living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.
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42

You will also learn about Peace Corps/Moldova‘s detailed emergency action 

plan, which is implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a 

natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, you will complete and submit 

a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to your 

house. If there is a security threat, you will gather with other Volunteers in 

Moldova at predetermined locations until the situation is resolved or the 

Peace Corps decides to evacuate.

Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of 

Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers immediately report any security 

incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps has established 

protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and 

appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to 

track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.

DIVERSITY AND 

CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES

In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host countries, the 

Peace Corps is making special efforts to assure that all of America‘s richness 

is reflected in the Volunteer corps. More Americans of color are serving in 

today‘s Peace Corps than at any time in recent history. Differences in race, 

ethnic background, age, religion, and sexual orientation are expected and 

welcomed among our Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps‘ mission is to help 

dispel any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish 

that each of us is as thoroughly American as the other despite our many 

differences. 

Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways, however, it poses 

challenges. In Moldova, as in other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers‘ 

behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context 

very different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or 

characteristics commonly accepted in the United States may be quite 

uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Moldova.

Outside of Moldova‘s capital, residents of rural communities have had 

relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and 

lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be 

a misconception, such as the belief that all Americans are rich and have 

blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Moldova are justly known for their 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

43

generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in 

which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences 

that you present.

To ease the transition and adapt to life in Moldova, you may need to make 

some temporary, yet fundamental compromises in how you present yourself 

as an American and as an individual. For example, female trainees and 

Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence available to them 

in the United States; political discussions need to be handled with great care; 

and some of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. You will 

need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these and 

other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity 

discussions during pre-service training and will be on call to provide 

support, but the challenge ultimately will be your own. 

Overview of Diversity in Moldova

The Peace Corps staff in Moldova recognizes the adjustment issues that 

come with diversity and will endeavor to provide support and guidance. 

During pre-service training, several sessions will be held to discuss diversity 

and coping mechanisms. We look forward to having male and female 

Volunteers from a variety of races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual 

orientations, and hope that you will become part of a diverse group of 

Americans who take pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the 

richness of American culture.

What Might a Volunteer Face?

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Traditional or stereotyped gender roles are more prevalent in Moldova than 

they are in the United States. One estimate stated that Moldovan women do 

300 percent more work in the home than men do. And it is common for a 

man to enter a room and shake every other man‘s hand while completely 

ignoring the women who are present. Although Americans are often 

bothered by such behavior, women do not have a subordinate role in 

Moldova. Historically, they have been a vital part of the workforce, taking 

on both managerial and supervisory positions. Moldovan women work as 

school administrators, business owners, doctors, local government officials, 

and members of Parliament.
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44

Female Volunteers should not expect, however, to be able to continue all of 

their American practices in Moldova. Adapting to local mores and customs 

is a necessity for Peace Corps Volunteers wherever they are. Moldovan 

women generally lead more restricted lifestyles than American women do. 

For instance, Moldovan women do not go out alone at night, and jogging or 

walking alone for exercise is uncommon. Women in villages do not usually 

smoke in public, and all Moldovans tend to speak more quietly than 

Americans do in public places. While these activities are not forbidden for 

Volunteers, sometimes they have to make compromises and alter their 

behavior. Female Volunteers are advised to avoid eye contact with men who 

are strangers, especially on buses and in the street.

Volunteer Comment

―As a female Volunteer, expect to be kissed on the hand a lot, as hand 

kissing is a traditional greeting here in Moldova. You should also be 

prepared to answer repeated questions regarding your marital status. In my 

work, I have encountered situations where older men have considered me 

to have a diminished capacity for business or work because I am a woman. 

Despite this, I have managed to carry out many successful projects in my 

community and have enjoyed my time in Moldova.‖

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 

African-American Volunteers often express frustration and disappointment 

at being asked where they are from because when they answer ―African 

American‖ or ―black American,‖ some Moldovans react with surprise or 

disbelief. Although they may be the subject of frequent stares and questions 

as well as occasional insults, most African-American Volunteers say they 

are well accepted in their communities after an initial settling-in period. 

There is a small population of students and businesspeople from Africa in 

Chisinau, and some African Americans are assigned to the U.S. Embassy.

Hispanic American Volunteers have found that some Moldovans stereotype 

them as similar to the characters they watch in the popular Latin American 

soap operas on television. Also, some Hispanic American Volunteers have 

been misidentified as Romany (a.k.a., gypsies) and have been harassed 

according to local stereotypes and prejudices related to this population.

Asian-American Volunteers often find that they stand out more than 

Caucasians, as there are relatively few ―East Asians‖ (Japanese, Chinese, 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

45

Southeast Asians) in Moldova. People may assume that Asian-American 

Volunteers are from China, and may express skepticism that they are 

Americans. In addition some Asian American Volunteers have reported 

being stopped more frequently by local police to check their identification. 

While much of this extra attention is not intended to be negative, it can be 

tiresome. Many of these irritations dissipate as Volunteers become better 

known in their communities.

Volunteer Comments

―As an African American, I found the responses to me annoying and 

frustrating the first few months, but I invented my own ways of survival 

and won my way into people‘s warm hearts. I was quietly assertive, 

outgoing and determined to talk about diversity and my Afro-African 

American heritage. My experience in Chisinau was different than when I 

lived in the village during training, and having some diversity in Chisinau 

did make a difference. My advice is to be positive, educate the people and 

let them know that everyone deserves a chance no matter the color of their 

skin.‖

―As a Native American serving in Moldova, I found it to be rather 

disheartening at first. Because I am darker in complexion than Moldovans, 

I was often called racial names, which bothered me greatly at first. I am 

also pierced in several visible places (eyebrow, lip, and ears) and am 

constantly being stared at and talked about. However, with a little 

education, for both myself and Moldovans, I found these behaviors to 

decrease over time. They can be tiresome and irritating, but in the end the 

benefits outweigh the temporary discomforts.‖

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

Respect comes with age in Moldova. Younger Volunteers may have to work 

harder than their older colleagues to be accepted as professionals. It is not 

uncommon for younger Volunteers to look to older Volunteers for advice 

and support. Some seniors find this a very enjoyable part of their Volunteer 

experience, while others choose not to fill this role. Overall, senior 

Volunteers are highly valued for the wealth of experience they bring to their 

communities and counterparts.
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46

Volunteer Comments

―At this time of your life, you have much to offer Moldovans, more in 

many ways than the younger Volunteers. You know business in depth, you 

know life in depth, and you can be a solid, steadying influence in the 

Peace Corps and in Moldova. Saying that this is the  ̳Toughest Job You‘ll 

Ever Love‘ is not just a quaint, patriotic slogan; it‘s true—perhaps even 

more so at our age. You no longer fear life, and you have good, practical, 

and tried ideas.‖

―Do not worry about being older than many or most of the other 

Volunteers. From the first day, you will see that Peace Corps Volunteers 

are as wise, caring, hardworking, generous, tolerant, and fun to be with as 

we seniors believe we are. If you sometimes lead, sometimes follow, and 

are always willing to participate at some level, you will be effective and 

enriched. As an older Volunteer in Moldova (I‘m 70), I know that, while I 

may have added years to my life while being in the Peace Corps, I have 

truly added life to my years!‖

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

Homosexuality is misunderstood and generally not accepted by the majority 

of Moldovans, and discussing the issue of sexual orientation may be 

problematic. It is advisable to use discretion because you may experience 

difficulties if your community becomes aware of your sexual orientation, 

compromising your ability to be effective. Peace Corps staff in Moldova can 

provide you with information on organizations in Moldova that are working 

on issues concerning sexual orientation, and there is a Volunteer Gender 

Workgroup of gay, lesbian, bisexual and supportive straight Volunteers, 

whose coordinator and members can also provide information and support. 

You may also find helpful information on serving in the Peace Corps as a 

gay or lesbian from a group of returned Volunteers affiliated with the 

National Peace Corps Association (for more information, go to 

www.lgbrpcv.org; for country-specific info, go to www.gay.md).

Gay and lesbian Volunteers can (and do) productively serve and have 

positive experiences here in Moldova. However, there are some issues you 

will face in Moldova that may be quite different from what you were used to 

in the States. There is a small community of gay, lesbian and bisexual 

Moldovans in Chisinau, which is becoming increasingly active and hosts 
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47

social events, but there are few other social activities or meeting places. As a 

result, many gays and lesbians experience feelings of loneliness and 

isolation. This is especially true for those who choose closeted lives in 

communities outside of Chisinau.As a result, you will encounter bias and 

prejudice about gays and lesbians. You will need to be cautious about who 

you come out to amongst your Moldovan friends. However, you are 

encouraged to be out with Peace Corps Staff and Volunteers to lessen the 

feeling of isolation. Peace Corps Moldova is committed to ensuring an 

environment that is safe, secure, and accepting of all forms of diversity, and 

gays, lesbians and bisexuals should feel comfortable talking about whatever 

issues they are facing. You will find staff and your Volunteer peers to be 

very supportive.

Volunteer Comment

―Moldova is no different from other Peace Corps countries in that 

homosexuality is feared, judged, and misunderstood. There is pressure on 

everyone here to get married and have children. I recommend extreme 

caution in choosing whom you come out to. On the other hand, the other 

Volunteers are very supportive, and a small but friendly gay, lesbian, and 

bisexual community exists in Chisinau.‖

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

There are no official or societal restrictions with regard to religious belief in 

Moldova. The primary religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which is 

divided between those affiliated with the Romanian Orthodox Church and 

those affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church. There are also 

congregations of Jews, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Seventh-Day Adventists, 

Mormons, and others. Religion is an important part of life for many, but by 

no means all, Moldovans. Most towns and villages have at least one 

Orthodox church, and some also have small Baptist churches.

Volunteer Comments

―The Romanian Orthodox Church does not recognize Roman Catholics as 

communicants, so full participation in services here can be difficult. There 

are not many Roman Catholic churches in Moldova, and they will most 

likely not be close to your site. You may wish to bring books or other 

materials to help you maintain your spiritual practices when attending 

church is not possible. However, a positive side of this for me has been 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

48

that when I can join in on the Eucharist, I am often more grateful and 

attentive than when I took its availability for granted.‖

―As a Jew in Moldova, I have been open in my Jewish observance. I pray 

every morning and have a religiously restricted diet. Both of my host 

families were aware of this and were accommodating, though rather 

perplexed. If there is a religious event that I am uncomfortable attending, I 

just plan ahead and make an excuse to avoid it. There is a small, but active 

Jewish community in Chisinau, and I have attended holiday, Sabbath, and 

daily services there. Unfortunately, many other activities are scheduled on 

Saturdays, which has often made participating in services difficult.‖

―As a Mormon, I find a great amount of curiosity from the community I 

live in. Exposing yourself to religious experiences in Moldova isn‘t hard, 

but be aware that church attendance by those with faiths other than Eastern 

Orthodox is difficult. At times, you may feel like the only Mormon, 

Catholic, Jew, etc. in the whole country. It is not impossible to meet 

people of your own faith, however. For example, I can take an hour‘s bus 

ride on Sunday to meet with other Mormons. Most Moldovans don‘t know 

about the vast number of different religious denominations in the United 

States, so discussing one another‘s religious beliefs is a great way to 

exchange ideas and culture.‖

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical 

Services determined that you were physically and emotionally capable, with 

or without reasonable accommodations, to perform a full tour of Volunteer 

service in Moldova without unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or 

interruption of service. The Peace Corps/Moldova staff will work with 

disabled Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations for them in 

training, housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and 

effectively. 

As a disabled Volunteer in Moldova, you may find that you face a special set 

of challenges. In Moldova, as in other parts of the world, some people may 

hold prejudicial attitudes about individuals with disabilities and may 

discriminate against them. In addition, there is little of the infrastructure to 

accommodate individuals with disabilities that has been developed in the 

United States.
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49

Nonetheless, as part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps 

Office of Medical Services determined that you were physically and 

emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, of serving 

in Moldova without unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of 

your service. The Peace Corps Moldova staff will work with disabled 

Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations for them in training, 

housing, job sites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and

effectively.

Possible Issues for Married Volunteers

Married couples who are in different programs may have to live with 

separate host families in separate villages throughout PST. This is due to the 

fact that each site contains Trainees from only one program. It may be 

impossible to find housing near the location of two program sites or within 

daily commuting distance. The spouses see each other on hub site days, and 

may travel to visit each other on weekends and other times allowed by the 

training schedule.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Moldova?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for 

transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. The Peace Corps has its own 

size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that 

exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps‘ allowance is two checked pieces of 

luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches 

(length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more 

than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 pounds total with a 

maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, 

radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted), automobiles, or 

motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable materials 

or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol 

containers. This is an important safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Moldova?

The current in Moldova is 220 volts. If you bring American electronics 

(which generally run on 110 volts) with you, you will need both a 

transformer to convert the 110 volts into 220 volts and a converter to fit the 
PEACE CORPS | MOLDOVA WELCOME BOOK 

50

American-style plug into a Moldovan outlet. Transformers come in varying 

wattages, but they are designed to be used primarily with blow dryers, irons, 

and the like; they are not designed for more sensitive equipment like laptops 

and cameras (many of which can support 220 volts., but you should always 

be cetain before plugging them in).

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their 

community. You will be given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living 

allowance, which should cover your expenses. Volunteers often wish to 

bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards 

and traveler‘s checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra 

money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. 

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding 

training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of 

service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an 

authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you 

after pre-service training and the first three months of service as long as their 

stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not 

encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The 

Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel 

assistance. 

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects; 

Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the safekeeping of their personal 

belongings. However, you can purchase personal property insurance before 

you leave. If you wish, you may contact your own insurance company; 

additionally, insurance application forms will be provided, and we 

encourage you to consider them carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take 

valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive 

appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many places, 

satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available. 

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Moldova do not need an international driver‘s license because 

they are prohibited from operating privately owned motorized vehicles. 

Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and 
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minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. On very rare occasions, a 

Volunteer may be asked to drive a sponsor‘s vehicle, but this can occur only

with prior written permission from the country director. Should this occur, 

the Volunteer may obtain a local driver‘s license. A U.S. driver‘s license 

will facilitate the process, so bring it with you just in case.

What should I bring as gifts for Moldovan friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift 

suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars 

of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that will not 

melt or spoil; or photos to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how 

isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after they have 

completed pre-service training. This gives Peace Corps staff the opportunity 

to assess each trainee‘s technical and language skills prior to assigning sites, 

in addition to finalizing site selections with their ministry counterparts. If 

feasible, you may have the opportunity to provide input on your site 

preferences, including geographical location, distance from other 

Volunteers, and living conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors 

influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot 

guarantee placement where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers 

live in small towns or in rural villages and are usually within one hour from 

another Volunteer. Some sites require a 10- to 12-hour drive from the 

capital. There is at least one Volunteer based in each of the regional capitals 

and about five to eight Volunteers in the capital city.

How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps‘ Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling 

emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before 

leaving the United States, instruct your family to notify the Office of Special 

Services immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness or 

death of a family member. During normal business hours, the number for the 

Office of Special Services is 800.424.8580; select option 2, then extension 

1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and holidays, the 

Special Services duty officer can be reached at the above number. For nonemergency questions, your family can get information from your country 

desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 800.424.8580. 
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Can I call home from Moldova? 

The cost of international calls can be high. American calling cards will not 

work in Moldova, but international phone cards can be purchased that will 

give you enough time to give your family your phone number and 

instructions on when to call you back. Moldova CyberCommunity calling 

cards for calling the United States from Moldova are readily available at 

kiosks in Chisinau for a reasonable price. If your home does not have a 

phone, you should be able to use a neighbor‘s phone or the local telephone 

office. International lines are clearest early in the mornings and on 

weekends. Moldovan time is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

Moldova has cellular phone service that covers most of the country. Peace 

Corps staff members carry cell phones to attend to emergency calls, and 

Volunteers are required to have cell phone as well. However, differences in 

technology make most U.S. cell phones incompatible with the Moldovan 

cellular phone network. Although the Moldovan cell network uses GSM 

technology, most GSM phones bought in the U.S. typically need to be 

―unlocked‖ before they will work here. These phones can be bought in the 

U.S., usually as world-band phones as well as on eBay. Volunteers are 

provided funds at the end of training to purchase a cell phone and receive 

funds for communication as part of their monthly allowances.

Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?

There are a number of Internet service providers in Moldova and Volunteers 

are increasingly connected to the Internet at their permanent sites. An 

increasing number of Moldovan communities have high-speed Internet 

connectivity available. Some Volunteers remark how strange it is to have 

DSL in a home without gas or running water.

Volunteers who come to post with laptops generally report that they are glad 

that they did. Most laptops sold recently are able to handle both 110 and 220 

volt (please be certain BEFORE actually inserting the plug in an outlet) 

power supplies although you may need an adapter for your plug. Bring a 

good carrying case for lugging your computer around. It is a good idea to 

check your warranty to see what options are available in Europe for any 

needed repairs. Load your software on your computer before you leave and 
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bring only the manuals and disks you believe will be critical to have in 

Moldova. It is also a good idea to insure your computer.
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WELCOME LETTERS FROM

MOLDOVA VOLUNTEERS

Greetings and welcome to Moldova! My name is Selby Stebbins. As a health 

Volunteer, I‘m assigned to both a school and a community health 

organization. During pre-service training, I didn‘t want to be a health 

education teacher in a grammar school. I only wanted to work at the 

community organization. However, as preparation for working in schools, 

we had a two-week ―practice school‖ with children in our training village. 

To my surprise, I fell in love with teaching after the first class. A year later, 

it is one of the most rewarding things I do here. I also work with a group of 

peer educators at the school and have really enjoyed helping them put on 

after-school, health-related activities for their classmates.

Health education classes are taught in Romanian. I thought it would be 

impossible to learn enough Romanian in 10 weeks of training. Have faith! 

The language program here in Moldova is excellent, and you‘ll be proud of 

yourself, just as I was, when at the end of the first day of school you realize 

you just successfully taught several classes in a language other than English.

The best advice I‘ve received regarding coping with life in a foreign country 

is: ―Be patient. The more patient you are with yourself and others, the more 

you will enjoy your experience.‖ I have found this to be very true. Some 

days are more difficult than others, but when I have a rough moment, I try to 

remind myself that things in the United States didn‘t always go my way 

either. I don‘t regret one moment—difficult or humorous or just plain 

crazy—that I have spent here. The Peace Corps does many things to help 

Volunteers have a successful two years, but ultimately the quality of your 

experience rests upon your own willingness to work, to adapt, and to forgive 

yourself and others. Keep your heart and mind open for an incredible two 

years and that‘s what you will receive!

Here are a few things I am really glad I brought or had sent: a one-month 

supply of underwear, colored markers, a sun shower, lots of quality long 

underwear and gloves (in different weights, for winter), a waterproof jacket, 

waterproof boots, and good facial care products.

Things I wish I had brought (and now can‘t really get) include my 

professional books related to NGO development and health. I recommend 

that trainees send professional books by surface mail before they leave the 

United States. The books will not take up luggage space and will arrive by 

the time you need them.

Things I wish I had done before leaving include gathering materials related 

to my assignment. I wish I had visited local health organizations, the 
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American Cancer Society, the Red Cross, and so on in pursuit of posters, 

toothbrushes, pamphlets, medical diagrams, and more.

—Selby Stebbins

Today I have three sweet potatoes sitting in my living room and 75 

kilograms of sand in two bags sitting outside my door. It is late, but I will do 

my best to get some seed potatoes out of those gifts from the United States.

The other day it was pouring down rain and I was in back of a farm truck 

loaded with workers going to pick peppers and tomatoes. The workers 

laughed at how slow I was and asked how my back felt. It ached. We picked 

33 sacks of peppers and about 50 crates of tomatoes. 

It is seven kilometers to the fields, and the 15-year-old son of one of the 

farmers and I go out together and loaded down our bikes with vegetables to 

bring back. I don‘t mind the exercise. I go sometimes with my counterparts 

at work when they measure the growth patterns of our crops. We measure 

the leaves, count them, and then measure the height of the plant itself. When 

we harvested the sweet corn last week for sale in Chisinau, I wanted to go 

too just to make sure the corn was good; I even wanted to taste it before our 

first sale.

What I am trying to say is that life in Moldova is just life in general. It is 

hard and frustrating, and it is a challenge to try to figure out. Maybe the 

reason I like it here is that I want to drink in the whole experience, to 

immerse myself in Moldovans‘ lives, to feel their problems, and to revel in a 

success or two. I will always be the American. There is something different 

about me that I don‘t even recognize, but the community likes me working 

next to them and sharing their life experiences. I like listening and think I am 

learning more about what life is all about than I ever did back home.

—John Goodrick

I want to wish you all good luck! Training is long and arduous, but I 

believe in you all. Keep a positive outlook; enjoy the newness of the culture 

and the beginning of a great experience. When you think you can‘t do it 

anymore—around week seven of pre-service training—remember that it 

only gets better and others have survived it, too! So welcome to Moldova. It 

is a great place to work, and you will see the progress happening right in 

front of your eyes.

—Angie Carr
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PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Moldova and is based 

on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, 

bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! 

You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items 

that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can 

always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in 

mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, 

you can get almost everything you need in Moldova.

General Clothing

Bring clothes that are comfortable, that can be mixed and matched, and that 

are easy to wash by hand (i.e., made of synthetics like polyester or acrylic). 

Dry cleaning is available but not reliable or inexpensive, and generally not 

available in villages. Moldovans place great emphasis on clothing and 

dressing neatly, including making sure clothes are ironed, so ―permanent 

press‖ clothes are useful. Although most clothes are available locally, 

women who wear larger sizes may have difficulty finding those sizes in 

Moldova. Some specific suggestions follow.

• A variety of professional clothes for work (see earlier section titled 

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior), i.e., Dockers-type pants and 

dress shirts and ties for men, and skirts and dresses for women.

• One or two dressy outfits for special events, such as a suit or 

blazer(s)/sports coat(s) for men. 

• Two pairs of jeans.

• Pullover sweaters and cardigans (wool is best).

• One or two pairs of long shorts (short shorts are not appropriate).

• Swimsuit.

• Sweatsuit for relaxing at home.

• One all-weather coat for spring and fall and one very warm winter 

coat (e.g., down).

• Warm winter hat, earmuffs, and gloves or mittens.

• Socks, both wool and cotton. Dark colors work best—black and 

brown.
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• Underwear (cotton for warm weather, thermal or silk for cold 

weather).

• Two or more sets of long underwear for winter (Volunteers 

recommend Duofold and Patagonia brands and items made of 

Capilene, polypropylene, silk, and a silk and wool blend).

• Pantyhose and tights for women (available in Moldova but quality 

may be poor).

Shoes

• Dress shoes for work; select comfortable styles.

• Sneakers, sandals, or other shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

• Two pairs of sturdy boots, one waterproof (e.g., rubber duck boots 

with removable lining) and the other warm and preferably dressier. 

Simple rubber boots can be bought here cheaply. The dressier boots 

can substitute for work shoes in winter.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Three-month supply of toiletries, as it may be difficult to find time to 

shop during training.

• Three-month supply of sanitary pads or tampons, if you require a 

particular brand (Tampax and local brands are available in Moldova).

Kitchen

• Basic cookbook, with measurement conversions and suggested 

substitutions.

• Plastic food storage bags.

• Measuring cups.

• Spices (some that are popular with Americans may be hard to find 

locally); popular items to bring include taco seasoning and ranch dip).

Miscellaneous

• Map of Eastern Europe.

• Musical instrument (if you play).

• Music and movies.

• Power converter for electrical appliances requiring them.

• Sewing kit.

• Small tool kit (a leatherman or Swiss Army knife may suffice).
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• Teachers should bring a good set of markers and some ―sharpies.‖

• Nail care items such as clippers and emery boards.

• Inexpensive, durable, water-resistant watch (replacement batteries are 

available here).

• Sleeping bag with stuff sack for traveling in cold weather (or it can be 

borrowed, although some Volunteers find the sleeping bag valuable 

for warmth in the winter).

• Laundry bag.

• Camera (35 mm compacts are best for travel). Note that Advantix 

film is not available and cannot be developed in Moldova and that 

processing of black-and-white film is not reliable. You can print 

digital photos in most large towns.

• Rechargeable battery set (that takes up to 220 volts).

• Money belt or pouch .

• Internal frame backpack.

• Small overnight bag.

• Envelopes of various sizes and U.S. postage stamps.

• Duct tape.

• Swiss army knife or Leatherman tool

• Set of towels (bath, hand, and face) – can be bought here, but quality 

is uncertain.

• Photos from home (postcards are good).

• Posters, picture frames, etc. to make your room homey.

• Bandannas and handkerchiefs.

• Frisbee.

• Games (e.g., Uno, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, chess, volleyball, etc.)
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare 

to live outside the United States for two years. Not all items will be relevant 

to everyone, and the list does not include everything you should make 

arrangements for.

Family

Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps‘ Office of Special 

Services at any time if there is a critical illness or death of a family 

member (24-hour telephone number: 800.424.8580, extension 1470).

Give the Peace Corps‘ On the Home Front handbook to family and 

friends.

Passport/Travel

Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace 

Corps passport and visas.

Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for 

international travel.

Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. 

(Your Peace Corps passport will expire three months after you finish 

your service, so if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular 

passport.)

Medical/Health

Complete any needed dental and medical work.

If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including 

birth control pills) you are currently taking.

Insurance

Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.
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Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you are away. 

(Even though the Peace Corps is responsible for your health care during 

Peace Corps service overseas, it is advisable for people who have preexisting conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental 

health coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and 

expensive to be reinstated.)

Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting

Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state 

universities consider voting and payment of state taxes as evidence of 

residence in that state.)

Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas. 

Personal Effects

Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave 

your home for service overseas until the time you complete your service 

and return to the United States.

Financial Management

Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S. 

Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service.

Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your property and 

business.

Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay 

alimony, child support, and other debts through the Office of Volunteer 

Financial Operations at 800.424.8580, extension 1770.
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Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, and bonds—in a 

safe deposit box or with an attorney or other caretaker.
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CONTACTING PEACE CORPS 

HEADQUARTERS

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate 

office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various questions. 

You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly 

using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free 

number and extensions with your family so they can contact 

you in the event of an emergency.

Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800.424.8580, Press 2, and then

Ext. # (see below)

Peace Corps‘ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20526

For Direct/

Questions Toll-free Local

About: Staff Extension Number

Responding to Office of Ext. 1840 202.692.1840

an Invitation Placement

Programming or Desk Officer Ext. 2413 202.692.2422

Country Email: Moldova@

Information peacecorps.gov
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For Direct/

Questions Toll-free Local

About: Staff Extension Number

Plane Tickets, Travel Officer Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Passports, (Sato Travel) 

Visas, or Other

Travel Matters

Legal Clearance Office of Ext. 1845 202.692.1845

Placement

Medical Clearance Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

and Forms Processing 

(including dental)

Medical Handled by a

Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772

Loan Deferments, Volunteer Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Taxes, Readjustment Financial

Allowance Withdrawals, Operations

Power of Attorney

Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Orientation) and 

Reporting Instructions

Note: You will receive 

comprehensive information 

(hotel and flight arrangements) three to five weeks

before departure. This information is not available 

sooner.

Family Emergencies Office of Special Ext. 1470 202.692.1470

(to get information to Services (24 hours)

a Volunteer overseas)