Peace Corps

Peace Corps service is a life-defining leadership experience.  Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared with the world America's most precious resource – its people. Volunteers serve in 77 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.  Peace Corps Volunteers live, learn, and work with a community overseas for 27 months, providing technical assistance in six program areas: education, youth and community development, health, business and information and communications technology, agriculture, and environment.

 

Peace Corps Education Volunteers have a unique opportunity to introduce innovative teaching methodologies, encourage critical thinking in the classroom, and integrate content such as health education and environmental awareness into English, math, science, special education, and other subjects.  Many also work in curriculum or materials development teacher training.

 

Volunteers are placed where their skills are needed most. They live in the community they serve, be it a small rural village or large urban city. Peace Corps Volunteers are the face of America in the communities in which they serve. When volunteers reflect the rich fabric of our multicultural society, they help host communities gain a better understanding of the US and the values of the American people.  Their work around the globe represents a legacy of service that has become a significant part of America’s history and positive image abroad. Their desire to make a difference has improved the lives of millions of people around the world and at home.

 

Benefits of Peace Corps Service

•        Language, cross-cultural, and technical training

•        Travel costs to and from the country of service covered

•        Stipend for overseas living and housing expenses

•        Medical and dental coverage

•        Student loan deferment and partial cancellation of some loans

•        Vacation time

•        Transition funds of $7,425 (before taxes) following 27 months of service

•        Career and transition assistance

•        No fee to participate

•        Many states waive student teaching requirements or provide preliminary teaching credentials for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who served in education

Graduate School Advantages

 

Volunteers can earn academic credit for their Peace Corps service and are eligible for scholarships, reduced tuition, internships, and stipends through participating schools.  The Peace Corps offers two unique programs through partnerships with over 130 colleges and universities across the United States.

 

Before and During Peace Corps Service: Master’s International allows Volunteers to incorporate Peace Corps service as credit in a master’s degree program in a variety of fields at more than 80 academic institutions nationwide.

 

Following Peace Corps Service: Fellows/USA offers returned Volunteers scholarships or reduced tuition, stipends, and internships at more than 50 participating campuses in a variety of subject areas, combining graduate study with substantive, degree-related internships that help meet the needs of underserved communities in the U.S.

 

Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old and in good health. Married couples welcome. No upper age limit.