How to Join the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a volunteer program of the United States Government. It was organized after the World War II when several members of the Congress, led by President John F. Kennedy, tried to propose a bill in order to form an organization of volunteers who were to be assigned in developing countries all over the world and to impart modern education and technical advice for the improvement of their own nation or region. The idea of Peace Corps is similar to the religious missionaries who travel all over the world to spread the word of God. But in the Peace Corps, the aim is basically on the promotion of friendship and world peace.

Anybody who is interested in the areas of education, health, agriculture, environment, youth and community development and business, information and communication technology will eventually have a slot in the Peace Corps program as determined by the host country. In most cases, the positions require volunteers to have a Bachelor’s degree. There is no age restriction in volunteering. However, it will be an advantage if one has aptitude for learning different language. It is greatly important to have knowledge of other languages, especially the language of the host countries; so before one is deployed, it would be advantageous to have language classes. People who have leadership skills as well as the heart for community service are what spell success in the peace Corps. Added to that is professionalism in conducting oneself towards others.

What Does the Peace Corps Do?

The aim of the work of a Peace Corps volunteer is threefold. First, volunteers are to provide technical assistance to the people in the area where they are assigned. They are also tasked to let the people from other countries understand what the American culture is all about, while they themselves try to understand what the culture of other countries is all about and imparting them to the American people.

There are different types of volunteer jobs for the Peace Corps, yet they are mostly categorized in the following areas: education, agriculture, environment, health, business and information & communication technology, and youth and community development. There are also specific areas one can work on, such as HIV/AIDS, Earth Day And Food Security. In education, a Peace Corp volunteer teaches the students of other countries critical thinking skills and creative methodologies in teaching. Education is usually integrated to other areas, such as agriculture and environment;so it is with business.

Back to Top

How Much Do You Make In the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps volunteer receives a salary similar to those working in the federal government, and their benefits are comparable to those working in private establishments and businesses. Their salary is based on the following:

• Salary grade level of their position. The specific amount for each salary grade level is based on the schedule of salaries approved by the US Congress annually.
• Peace Corps volunteer also receives benefits, such as paid holidays, 13-26 days’ vacation leave, depending on the length of service to the program, and sick leave with remuneration.
• For health insurances, the federal government has several health insurance programs offered to its employees.
• A Peace Corps volunteer may choose which program to enroll without being subjected to any physical examination, and having the benefit of the government sharing the payment of dues.
• Life insurance is also available with the cost being shared in part by the federal government. Just like health insurances, life insurance does not need results of physical examination by an enrollee from the Peace Corps.
• Peace Corps offers retirement plans for its volunteers. The system of retirement plan has three levels: the basic pension plan, the Social Security and the thrift Savings Plan.
• Free travel allowance, which covers the travel expenses to and from the country where open is to serve.
• After the tour of duty is completed, which is at least within 27 months, the program will award the volunteer with transition funds amounting to $7,425.

Back to Top

Why Join the Peace Corps?

There are several reasons why one should consider joining the Peace Corps.

• If you are someone who loves extreme adventure, this volunteer organization will offer you adventure of a different kind experienced in a daily basis; from learning a language to trudging those murky river towards your destination to eating food you thought inedible.
• Because of the different types of adventure you will encounter, the confidence you have within yourself will strengthen.
• Peace Corps allows you to travel to places you once thought will never be possible.
• You also have the chance to go around the region and learn about the culture and the language of the people living there.
• You will earn friendships that are meaningful and valuable, not just of the people you will be offering your services, but also with your co-volunteers with whom you are sharing your hardships and adventures with.
• Peace Corps can help boost your resume. Several employers are more impressed with the quality and dependability of Peace Corps volunteers

Back to Top

Pros and Cons of Joining the Peace Corps

Pro’s

When you join the Peace Corps, you will be joining the most well-known volunteer program of all. What is advantageous about this program too is the fact that it is all-expense paid. Traveling towards your host country is paid by the government, your health benefits is also covered, your travel expenses back to the US is also paid and you are also provided with allowance so you can readjust back to your life in the US.

Con’s

These are also disadvantages:

• Many are assigned in areas with living conditions that are unpredictable, not only with regards to atmospheric climate, but also on the political climate of the country where you are assigned.
• In most cases, you will be stripped off your comfort-zone creature comforts.
• Sickness is not well-tolerated by the job. Even if you are sick, you still need to face the challenges laid on you.
• Some people cannot endure and feel they are pressured by the code of conduct of the Peace Corps; be sure you understand it fully before committing to an assignment.

Back to Top

Peace Corps Quotes

“Any idealist who tries to join the Peace Corps must realize he is not going to change the world overnight.” – Sargent Shriver, the man behind the creation of Peace Corps

“I am proud to represent these men and women who empower people in developing nations and promote the Peace Corps mission of peace and friendship. These volunteers are making major strides to improve the lives of people and communities around the world.” – Kenny Marchant, US Representative (R-TX)

“In the Peace Corps, the volunteer must be a fully developed, mature person. He must not join to run abroad or escape problems.” – Sargent Shriver, the man behind the creation of Peace Corps

“The Peace Corps program has reached this far because several young Americans motivated by moral virtue and compassion for assisting the poor, leave their studies or work and come to this country to live among poor Malawians.”– Bakili Muluzu, former President of Malawi