It takes 27 months of your life spent in a struggling country to make a decision about joining the Peace Corps.It's an experience that you will never forget, you'll make the world a better place, and it looks great on your resume.If you're patient, it can be the best decision you have ever made.
Step 1: You should go to college.
To have your application taken seriously and to make it easier to get admitted into the program, you should get a college degree.Most positions require it.If you have the necessary work experience, you can get an associate's degree.If you're interested in studying agriculture, forestry, or environment, you should do it.You can be an obvious candidate for the understaffed areas if you have a background in these areas.A minimum of 2.5 is required for all education positions.
Step 2: You can take Spanish or French classes.
If you have taken college level French or Spanish, your application will be very strong.A majority of countries require at least two years of high school or one year of college level French or Spanish.If you are posted in a country that requires Spanish or French, the Peace Corps will give you language training at the beginning of your assignment.It is included in the 27 month arrangement.
Step 3: There is a lot of volunteer experience.
The Peace Corps is looking for people who love helping other people.You're showing that you already know what's expected of you when you volunteer at a hospital, a soup kitchen, or tutoring kids.The Peace Corps has the right character for the job.It doesn't matter what it is.Getting involved in your community will help prepare you for the work you'll be doing with the Peace Corps because it shows your work ethic and character.It's the feeling of helping people that makes volunteering worthwhile.
Step 4: There are opportunities for leadership.
Often on your own, you'll be working with locals.Applying to the Peace Corps is much stronger if you have already had a leadership position.Whether it's leading a group of volunteers or leading your school band, include it on your application.It's good to do any work autonomously.The Peace Corps needs volunteers who can take care of themselves and show they're independent.
Step 5: The application can be found on the Peace Corps website.
The online application takes less than an hour to complete.You may want to take a look at the FAQ section, personal bios, and the program to get a feel for it.If you want to apply for something you're not interested in, take a little time at the start.You can call their toll-free hotline if you don't want to fill out the application online or have further questions.
Step 6: The medical history form needs to be completed.
After you press the "submit" button on your online application, you will be able to do this in 10 or 15 minutes.This form asks questions about your health history.Since it affects which forms are sent to you during your full medical review, it is important to fill this out to the best of your knowledge.
Step 7: There are openings on the website.
There are pages and pages of openings on the Peace Corps website.You can specify by job category as well.Education Youth in Development Health Community Economic Development Agriculture Environment are some of the departments the Peace Corps has.
Step 8: You can get an interview with a placement officer.
You will be contacted by your regional Peace Corps Office to confirm a date for your interview after you do your medical kit.This will give you an idea of which department you'd be good in and which countries would suit you the best.The officer suggests where you should put the paperwork for you.Don't stress about it.If you want to join the Peace Corps, you can have a one- to two-hour conversation with all of the recruiters who are former volunteers.
Step 9: You should receive and respond to the invitation.
You will be nominated for a program by your recruiters.You don't get to know what it is.The National Peace Corps Office in Washington, D.C. will take care of everything after this point.It will take a long time to hear anything.But it will come!Call your local office to accept your nomination once you get it.You can reapply for your assignment if you don't like it.You have to go through the process again and wait another 6 months.
Step 10: A medical clearance is required.
From the initial application to flying to your destination, this is the only part of the process you have to pay for.You will receive a comprehensive medical packet after you are nominated.If you can, make an appointment with your doctor multiple times.You will need to take a number of tests, including a physical exam, Pap test, and multiple blood tests.The packet needs to be filled out and signed.If something is missed, your medical officer will request any additional needed documents, which can prolong your application process and even push back your departure date.
Step 11: You need to figure out your motives.
It's a big decision to join the Peace Corps.A lot of people go for the wrong reasons and end up returning home.There are a few things to consider.Do not join the Peace Corps if you want to travel.You are here to work.Traveling is incredibly difficult in a location.Money for travel is not included in your living stipend.Don't join the Peace Corps if you want to change the world.You will not.You'll change the worlds of a few, but not the whole world.Do not join the Peace Corps if you don't know what you want to do.A specific type of person is required by the Peace Corps.If you don't know what you want to do, you're not ready to live in third-world conditions.
Step 12: Understand the basics.
The basics of a Peace Corps assignment apply to every program.Some things remain the same even though everyone's experience is different.Each assignment lasts 27 months.There are shorter ones that are part of the Peace Corps Response program, but they are usually reserved for seasoned professionals.After 27 months of adjustment, you will get money.If you travel after your assignment is over, this sounds like a lot.Student loans can be deferred if you are away.Up to 15% of federal Perkins loans can be forgiven.
Step 13: Talk to someone who has done it.
To wrap your head around what you are about to do is to talk to someone who has already done it.You can read bios on the internet, call up your sister's old babysitter, or contact volunteers through a website.Some people say it was the greatest thing they have ever done.They counted down the days until they could come home.The experience of a Peace Corp volunteer depends on the individual, so keep that in mind when you're talking with one.
Step 14: You won't change the world.
Peace Corps volunteers make their own differences on local levels.If you want to find the difference you make, you may have to really look.It will be in a child's English skills, or a small village.These things matter.Particularly to them.People tend to think that being in the Peace Corps isn't about anything other than changing the economic outlook of a country.It is smaller on the individual level.That's fine.You're doing all you can by just being a part of it.
Step 15: It can get lonely.
You won't know anyone at the beginning.When you hear English being spoken, your ears will perk up and you will run in that direction.You will not be able to hang out with friends, eat, and drink back home.Many people experience extreme homesickness in time.The Peace Corps is for people who can handle separation.You are going to make friends.You will make friends even though you don't have a lot of options.There will be other people working with you.You'll have time to spend with them.They are the best friends you can make.
Step 16: It can be very difficult to understand.
It is very likely that you will be stared at and even harassed while on assignment.You'll be alone and sometimes feel like you're in a zoo.It's hard to get used to, and some can't handle it.Strong individuals thrive in these conditions.You are perfect for the peace corps if you can do that.This is also true for women.It is possible that you will be in a country where gender equality is still evolving.From time to time, you may be the butt of jokes and harassment.This is common in some areas.There is often little you can do.
Step 17: Be prepared for a lot of free time.
When you're learning the language and getting situated, this is especially true.You can bring a hobby with you.You will have time to learn if you don't know how to knit or play guitar.This doesn't mean you'll get to travel, but it can.Traveling may mean staying in a dirt hut and getting there by a banana boat.
Step 18: Know that your life will be vastly different back home.
Not having running water or electricity is not something you will need to shop at a different grocery chain for.You won't have friends to hang out with on Friday night.Dirt can get into nooks and crevices of your body you didn't know existed, you may not be used to the weather, and you will feel like an outsider in your own world.This is a wonderful thing.Remembering that it's wonderful is the hard part.Volunteers have a different experience than volunteers of yore.About 1 in 4 volunteers don't have electricity or running water.The times are getting easier.