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About the Peace Corps
What is Peace Corps?

What Do Volunteers Do?

Where Do Volunteers Go?

What's It Like to Volunteer?

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

Who Volunteers?
College Students
People of Color
Older Applicants
Rewards
Serving Abroad
Medical and Health Insurance
Finance
Federal Government Employees
50+ Volunteers
Married Couples
Midcareer

What are the Benefits?

What About Safety?

Meet a Recruiter
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Resources for
Current Applications
Family and Friends
Former Volunteers
Teachers and Students
Grad School
Teens
Media
Donors
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Life is calling. How far will you go?

About the Peace Corps

Who Volunteers?
Older Applicants / Rewards
I have picked up some new skills. I had been in banking for 32 years before Peace Corps. As a young man, I thought teaching would be the most difficult job on the face of the Earth. Thanks to Peace Corps, I feel comfortable and confident that I can walk into any classroom and control the class, deliver a lesson, and stand on my own two feet. Mervyn Alphonso, Community Education, Volunteer in Guyana, 2001–2003

The pay is small, but the rewards are immeasurable.

As an older Volunteer, you know you'll bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your Peace Corps service. What will you get in return? First and foremost, there's the satisfaction of being able to make a difference in the lives of others who need your help.

You will be in an environment in which life is measured by your achievements, not your earning power. You will find that you and your work are appreciated, which renews vigor and vitality. You will have the adventure of creating a new life for yourself.

While you're in the Peace Corps, we take care of all your basic needs. Benefits all Volunteers receive include full medical and dental care, a monthly living allowance, and an accrued re-adjustment allowance that is payable when your service is complete. Normally, your living allowance will not interfere with any Social Security benefits you may be receiving. Volunteer housing is modest but comfortable.

Volunteers also gain invaluable pre-service training. Supportive and individualized Peace Corps language instruction provides each Volunteer with a good start towards language proficiency. Technical and cross-cultural training prepare you for your new assignment and give you an in-depth orientation to the culture and traditions of the people with whom you will live and work.

During your time as a Volunteer, a team of dedicated Peace Corps staff are in your country of service to help you. This includes a director who oversees the country's program, an associate director who is responsible for Volunteer training, an administrator to take care of all your paperwork, and a medical officer to address your health concerns.

By joining the Peace Corps, you will have a chance to live, work, and travel in a developing country. You may also visit neighboring countries. Vacation is accrued at the rate of two days per month and can be taken as an individual's work situation allows. Also, your family may visit you during your stay overseas.

The benefits of serving as a Volunteer continue upon your return home. You will find yourself in the position to provide first-hand experience to help other Americans understand the nation where you have served. Returned Volunteers are frequently asked to speak at conferences, community group meetings, and other forums about their experiences overseas.

 

Get to know our Volunteers. Catch up with retiree Susan Miller-Coulter's blog posts and search for stories from other older Americans.

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If you think you're ready to join, click here to apply now.

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