Sage-Tips

How difficult is it to get into Peace Corps?

Last year, the Peace Corps received more than 17,000 applications for fewer than 4,000 positions. Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer is a professional opportunity with lifelong benefits, so it is extremely competitive. If you think you have what it takes to compete, apply here.

What does it take to join the Peace Corps?

To be eligible for Peace Corps service, you must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. 3-6 months of full-time experience with a large-scale commercial or family-run business involving vegetable gardening, farming, nursery work, tree planting and care, urban forestry, or fisheries work.

Is the Peace Corp like the military?

Since it’s founding in 1961, the U.S. Peace Corps has operated without any ties to the military or intelligence agencies, like the CIA. They can apply to serve the non-active duty part of their military obligation in the Peace Corps, if they get accepted.

What percentage of Peace Corps applicants are accepted?

The Peace Corps claims that about 1 in 3 applicants eventually becomes a volunteer, implying that the agency is about as selective as many elite schools in the United States. Not long ago, the figure commonly cited was 1 in 7.

What is it like working for the Peace Corps?

Peace Corps is definitely a really tough experience, but it’s ultimately what you make it out to be. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is serious about learning about different cultures, passionate about service work, or interested in international development.

Is joining the Peace Corps worth it?

Yes, the Peace Corps is a good choice when you’re finishing school and have nothing but time and freedom, but you shouldn’t go just because you’re afraid of having nothing else lined up. In case I haven’t convinced you already, being a Peace Corps volunteer isn’t an easy job.

Can a non American join the Peace Corps?

Only U.S. citizens may be hired for Peace Corps jobs in the United States and for the following overseas staff jobs: country director, director of management and operations, director of programming and training, and associate Peace Corps director.

How long is Peace Corps training?

10 to 12 weeks
Generally, training lasts 10 to 12 weeks and Trainees stay with host families during that time. PST includes sessions on technical, linguistic, cross-cultural, health, safety and security and community assessments through Participatory Analysis for Community Action (PACA).

Will Peace Corps pay for college?

Unfortunately, the Peace Corps doesn’t directly pay its volunteers’ undergraduate costs (beyond the $10,000, pretax award upon the end of your Peace Corps term). With that said, joining the Peace Corps could lead to financial assistance for graduate school via the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program.

What Peace Corps do?

The Peace Corps Mission To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Does Peace Corps look good on a resume?

Include your Peace Corps experience under “Professional Experience.” Some people have a separate section on their résumé dedicated to volunteer experience. If your volunteer experience outside of Peace Corps is relevant to the position to which you are applying, it should be listed as professional experience.

Is the Peace Corps Voluntourism?

According to Webster, Voluntourism is a form of tourism in which travelers participate in voluntary work, typically for a charity.