Good Luck with your decision. I think you will do great in the peace corp. HUGS :-)

Well, out of those, i would go with #4. It has the meditative, anti-materialism, extreme rural nature that you're looking for. It is also an educational assignment, which is right up your ally. And, it would mean learning a completely new language.

i don't know if this counts... but i vote for #4!!! :D

Actually, I just spoke with a returned volunteer from Vanuwatu and he says its lovely there..rura,l isolated but lovely. There is no dairy available to speak of.. but I could figure out something for food. He says they are highly religious tolerant because they have had every missonary on earth on their islands and a plus if I was ut on Fiji...its mostly hindu with temples to boot. Though I'm still debating Morocco... yes there is the Islam thing but the chance to work with artists might be good for me. Africa is pretty much out, really. And Asia.. I cannot pick what country and I have issues with being in Afganistan and China... both of which are available. I'm going to do some research on Morocoo and its religious views and artistic communities.

I'm torn between #1 & #4. Both are rural which seems to be what you are leaning towards with lightening your material possessions. I like the business aspect of #1 and the educational aspect of #4. For me, I am interested in different types of religions and I think it might be interesting to learn more about being Muslim from somewhere other than our media, but that's just me :) Good luck with your decision!

Though trying to get real work done as a single young female Hindu in a Muslim environment intimidates me somewhat.

I can understand that! Although there are lots of successful Muslim women out there, at least I think so ;) Although just about about any 3rd world area is going to have some type restriction based on religion. Women are discriminated against all over the world.

This is true. It is mosly the Hindu part that will ruffle feathers.

From my understand of Islam, Muslims are more tolerant. Muhammad was happy to live in peace with "the ppl of the book" which is both Jews and Christians. As long as you don't tell them not to worship Muhammad they typically leave you alone. It's the extremists that are the problem but they are the problem in any religion and I believe in the minority.

Yes and no. Its not a matter of just existing in tolerance, I also must be able to instruct in a classroom and work within a community in a very integral way. Islam is a culture in addition to being a faith. My inability to accept basic structures of daily practice would hurt my ability to work with rural peoples. For example, it is prayer time in the workplace/classroom I am instructing in and everyone genuflects... I might pray in my own fashion but I am still outside the norm. This would distance me from the population and give me a poor reputation in the community.

Africa or Pacific. Go somewhere no one else will go. 2 years - omg - thats a long time. I definately will come vist you aleast once where ever you are. Please post more on thoughts about this journey. I am very worried about this whole thing.

Don't be worried...