In 1966, the Peace Corps peaked at 15,000 volunteers, serving in 52 countries. Today, that number is about half, with about 7000 volunteers serving in 60 countries, according to The History Channel. Robert Goetschkes was one of those dedicated Peace Corps volunteers who served for 2.5 years after graduating from college. His Peace Corps travels took him to India, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. Afterwards, he settled in New York, got married, and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, then began his successful career as a teacher for 25 years.

Today, young people leaving college wonder if the Peace Corps is still a good option today! Robert Goetschkes believes emphatically in the benefits of college graduates exploring the world, serving needy populations, and promoting peace around the world. Here are some tangible benefits and opportunities for those considering the Peace Corps.

Robert Goetschkes on Peace Corps Benefits

Obtain field experience matched with your education

As a Peace Corp volunteer, you serve for about 2 years after training in the states. And yes, they do go to lengths matching your education and skills with appropriate field assignments. After that, it’s up to you which geographic region and dates you desire to work. You can leave the Peace Corps with valuable, hands-on experience that is unmatched by corporate employers in the US.

Student loan benefit options

Many college graduates join the Peace Corps to take advantage of student loan benefits, which include:

• student loan deferment
• partial cancellation
• income-driven repayment
• student loan forgiveness

It all depends on how you paid for college, what Federal or private educational grants you received, and sometimes what type of degree you have received. For more information, Robert Goetschkes suggests you do a little research on the Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Travel the world and never worry about living expenses

And this is the other popular reason why you should consider the Peace Corps. Where else can you travel the world, free of charge, get paid, and not have to worry about living expenses? The modest stipend would not support living expenses in the US, or in most large foreign cities. But, this can also be a benefit. You learn how to budget and how to spend money wisely. These are skills that many young people entering the workforce have not developed – and often they regret the effects of consumerism on their credit rating.

Robert Goetschkes recommends you at least look into the Peace Corps. You don’t need to know a second language, but after many months or years in a country, you will certainly pick up on the local dialect. Also, you don’t have to worry about medical or dental costs because the Peace Corps adds these benefits for those who volunteer.

As we get older or face health issues, simple things like getting around can become more difficult. That’s where mobility aids come in! 

By offering a variety of products and services, companies that specialize in this area provide valuable support to folks who need it most. Whether you’re looking for lightweight walking aids or powerful wheelchairs, they have options to help people achieve greater independence. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the specific ways these businesses can make a huge difference. They range from helping customers choose the right equipment to providing ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting when needed!

Assessments and Consultations

When it comes to mobility aids, the best companies out there are all about helping their customers in a really personalized way. One of the ways they do this is by offering consultations with specially trained professionals who can get a sense of what each individual needs. These experts are pros at assessing factors like physical abilities and any unique challenges you might be dealing with. 

With all of this info in hand, they’ll make informed recommendations for equipment that will meet your specific requirements – no cookie-cutter solutions here! They might recommend anything from basic walking aids (like a cane) or crutches right up to fully custom-made wheelchairs designed just for you!

Equipment Provision and Customization

Regarding mobility equipment, the best companies know that one size definitely doesn’t fit all! That’s why they offer a whole range of devices and aids – like canes, walkers, wheelchairs (both manual and electric), and more. And let’s not forget about the customization options! 

These companies are experts at making sure each piece of equipment is tailored to its user. They adjust seat height or handlebar grips, incorporate special features for unique needs, or anything else. It’s all about creating an individualized experience that promotes comfort and functionality. So, people can keep doing what they love with ease.

Repair, Maintenance, and Support

When you invest in mobility aids, you want them to keep working great for as long as possible – and that’s where the best companies really shine! They don’t just sell equipment and call it a day. They offer ongoing repair, maintenance, and support services too. 

If something goes wrong with your device or there are any issues at all that need attention, these companies have technicians who can diagnose and fix problems quickly. Even if things seem to be going well, routine maintenance is always important to ensure maximum performance from your mobility aid.

All of this extra care means users aren’t left stranded when their gear starts acting up! Instead, they can count on uninterrupted mobility, which makes a huge difference. Plus, many of these companies work closely with healthcare providers or other senior living communities. So, people have access to holistic support throughout every stage of their journey towards greater independence.

Conclusion

When all’s said and done, mobility aid companies are the kind of businesses that can make a real difference in people’s lives. For those who need a helping hand when it comes to getting around, these companies provide personalized assistance.

By putting each individual first – taking into account their specific needs and wants – they’re giving people back something priceless: independence.

When you think of the dangers of snakebites abroad, destinations like Australia usually come to mind. But, as Daniel Gallagher experienced, there are also some surprising snake-related dangers among the beautiful islands of Japan. Gallagher had a surprise encounter with a pit viper in his Japan travels, which resulted in a trip to the emergency room and a valuable lesson – Japan’s wildlife can be more dangerous than it first appears. Here’s what avid hikers and travelers should know when they head there on vacation.

How Dangerous Are Snakes in Japan?

As is common worldwide, only a fraction of the snakes in Japan are venomous. Still, some of them can pack a dangerous bite – and like many other island nations, Japan’s snakes can have particularly toxic venom, even for humans.

In 2008, research showed there had been over 1,600 hospitalizations in Japan because of snake bites, with more recent reports showing higher numbers. And like Gallagher, quite a few cases ended up in the emergency room or required surgery. The good news is that deaths are relatively rare – in the study, only three snakebite victims died, all elderly. However, other cases resulted in severe problems like acute kidney injuries.

What Snakes Should I Watch For?

Japan has around 47 different snake species, but as Gallagher experienced, some are far more infamous for venomous encounters than others. Top contenders include:

• The Mamushi: The Mamushi is the most dangerous snake in the Japanese islands, responsible for most hospitalized snake bite victims. They combine several hazardous features, including grayish/brown camouflage that allows them to hide invisibly in leaf piles or grass, and various habitats, including meadows, woodlands, hillsides, and other areas where people like to hike.
• The Habu: The Habu is a pit viper found only in the Ryukyu islands. They are substantial for venomous snakes and can reach up to five feet long, with a light olive/brown coloring. While easier to avoid than the Mamushi, the Habu has a particularly dangerous venom that requires emergency attention like the kind Daniel Gallagher received.
• Tsushima Island Pit Viper: This viper is found only in the forested Tsushima Island. A slim, leaf-patterned snake, this viper is usually content to hide amidst falling leaves and hunt small prey like frogs, but it may attack the odd human who steps on one by accident.

What Should I Do If a Snake Bites Me in Japan?

Sit down, and take several minutes to stay calm and focused. Consider planning your way back or into the cell service range if hiking. Your goal is to contact emergency services as quickly as possible. Japan has ample snakebite experience and keeps antivenoms on hand to handle emergencies. If possible, note the time you were bitten – some recommend marking the bite on your body with a marker if possible. When hiking in Japan, always watch for signs warning that venomous snakes may be nearby.