Photo by Carly J. Collins
Hey there, I am Julia Schulkers. I have an English degree from the University of Cincinnati with a concentration in creative writing. I’m currently serving as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. I work with Thai teachers to help them improve their critical thinking practices, English teaching, and instill confidence. I also work with the community youth on projects related to gender empowerment, sex education, sexuality, and making healthy life decisions. Upon my return to the States I’ll pursue my deep passion for science and the art of medicine by attending medical school.
Aside from an aspiring doctor, I’m a woman, a daughter, a granddaughter, an aunt, and a sister. I’m a writer at heart, an artist, a lover of tea, a wanna-be lover of coffee, and all good things in life. I enjoy smiling like a Thai, picking the perfect word out of my head, and meeting strangers-become-friends along my travels. I can’t keep white clothes white, I get grumpy when I’m sleepy, and beware of me in early morning hours. I’m a sight for sore eyes.
Here are two truths I live by: Always do what makes you happiest.
Slow down. Breathe. Live.
Let us not rush through life hurried, anxious and rushed. We’ve been told many times before that this is not a dress rehearsal, but know all too well that this is also not a play. This is life and the only one we’ve been bestowed with – let us occasionally remind ourselves of that.
I’ll blog not just about what I do in the Peace Corps but what it means to be in the Peace Corps, hopefully with an enriching clarity that puts it all into a tangible shape. Occasionally I’ll write about stories of others and mishaps along my way. Please follow along on this long adventure.
Stick around. I promise… you’ll want to see what I do.
*Find me on Twitter at @JuliaSchulkers*
Light Enough to Travel 
Hello. Your blog is very interesting. I stumbled upon it while doing research on the Peace Corp in Thailand. I am applying to be in the Peace Corp in April and want to go to Thailand. I was hoping you could answer a question for me. Where in Thailand do PCVs live? I would like to live in Bangkok. Do many live in the city or are most in rural areas? Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Hello, Andrew. Thanks for reading my blog. I encourage you to continue researching Peace Corps. There are a couple things that stand out to me in your question. As a volunteer applicant you can choose a preferred country but I would say 9 times out of 10 you are NOT placed in that location. PC really encourages you to be willing to serve anywhere in the world.
As far as Bangkok, the answer is definitely no. Bangkok is an incredibly developed city, one of the largest in the world. Peace Corps serves in very poor underdeveloped countries and locations in rural and remote areas. Often times we lack electricity, hot water and many of the amenities you find in everyday life. The conditions are much more sparse in countries less developed than Thailand. Most, if not all the PCVs live in rural areas sometimes 12-14 hours away from Bangkok and it can be difficult to even find transportation to leave your village.
If you would like to live in Thailand or Bangkok, I would recommend you get your TEFL or CELTA certificate and apply to a paying English teaching job. I’ve met many travelers along the way who easily do this here. Peace Corps benefits are personal and I think many volunteers would agree that this is the hardest job you’ll ever do. Good luck, Andrew, in whatever path you choose.