Thinking About Joining the Peace Corps

En español

• Learn more about the Peace Corps, a federal agency, at peacecorps.gov.
  
  
• Talk to returned volunteers. The National Peace Corps Association
  can help you make the connection.
  
  
• Consider whether you can spend 27 months away from home. Some posts include housing similar to most American homes. In others, you may be in a potentially challenging environment.
  
  
• Calculate whether you can afford the experience.Volunteers receive a modest monthly living allowance that covers basic necessities in the country where you live. You receive $7,425 to help you adjust upon your return.
  
  
• Determine what specialized skills you have that may be valuable. Only one in three applicants are selected for Peace Corps service. About 90 percent of volunteers have at least an undergraduate degree. Experience in agriculture, teaching English, health education and community development can help.
  
  
• Evaluate age-related issues. Peace Corps recruiters can help applicants 50 and older get answers to questions about medical care, insurance, Social Security and maintaining a home and finances while overseas. Visit peacecorps.gov/50plus for more information.