Prepare an answer when people ask, "How was the Peace Corps?" This doesn't mean you have to repeat the same answer to everyone, but it is a question you will hear frequently. Keep it short. If someone wants to know more about your time there, he will ask.
Avoid beginning all your stories with, "When I was in (insert country)..." Your natural reaction will be to compare everything in America to how it was when you were in the Peace Corps. Be selective and choose appropriate times to share your anecdotes.
Write down what you are experiencing once you arrive at home and what you have learned from your journey. Journaling or blogging provides an outlet for all the feelings and emotions that others may not understand.
Avoid preconceived notions. Treat your return experience like a new adventure and understand that not everything will be how it was when you left.
Reach out to your social network. Reconnect with friends and family to rebuild a support network. You have likely changed while volunteering in the Peace Corps -- and your friends may have, too. Seek out acquaintances that you feel will understand your situation or have gone through a similar experience. Connect with the network of returned Peace Corps volunteers through online forums or meet-ups in your area.
Be honest about your experience. Remember the difficult times and try not to over-romanticize your journey. This helps keep things in perspective when you are having a hard time readjusting to life at home.
Stay involved with the Peace Corps. The organization provides opportunities for mentoring, recruiting and sharing your experience with other potential volunteers. While it is common to feel disengaged and lost upon returning home, remaining active with the Peace Corps keeps you connected to others with similar goals and experiences.
