Volunteering with the Peace Corps
Nomad Profile
Bono and I met in Essaouira, Morocco introduced by a mutual friend. We spent a lovely day exploring the medina and instantly connected over our twin loves of volunteering and travel.
9 Fun Facts
First name: Bono
Age Range: 50s
Nationality: United States
Nomadic Stance: Full-Time
Last Corporate Job: Program Manager @ National Institutes of Health
Current Job: Peace Corps Volunteer
Favorite Country: Cannot pick one
Next Stop: Philippines
What do you like best about the nomadic life? Intentionality
2 Questions
1) Your solo nomad journey is unique since you’re married with a family. How does that work? I’m from India and wanted my son to learn more about his cultural heritage. As a family, we decided that my husband would stay in the U.S., while I accompanied my 14-year-old son to India so he could attend boarding school.
After the first year, my son wanted to stay in India and I opted to be in-country with him. While he studied, I spent four years traveling throughout the country volunteering with rural communities.
2) How did that decision to stay in India shape your nomad life now? While volunteering in India, I discovered my calling for community-based work. Once my son had graduated, I wanted to continue volunteering but explore other countries.
While I had organized my own volunteer engagements in India, I wanted to focus on community work, rather than the logistics, so I searched for an organization to join. I found my answer in the Peace Corps.
My initial assignment was 2 years in Botswana, which I loved. I’ve been back in the U.S. about 8 months now and I recently decided on a second Peace Corps posting. I’m excited to head to the Philippines soon. 🦋
Would you consider a Peace Corps posting? Do you see 2 years in a developing country as a hardship or an opportunity?
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Christened “Wander Woman” by National Geographic, Erin Michelson is a professional speaker and author of the Nomad Life™ series of travel books and guides, including the #1-ranked “Explore the World with Nomads.”
What an amazing woman.