Family and Friends
When prospective Volunteers share their plans to apply to the Peace Corps, their family and friends often react with enthusiasm, support—even admiration. Parents, siblings, and friends are thrilled to see their loved ones follow their dreams. Sometimes, however, people who want to serve in the Peace Corps encounter concern and questions from others.
The Peace Corps is a challenging opportunity that offers Americans of every background enormous rewards. Should someone you know want to become a Peace Corps Volunteer, rest assured that his or her life will be immeasurably enriched—and so will yours.
The following information addresses the common questions and interests shared by many family members and friends of prospective or current Peace Corps Volunteers.
- Benefits
- Language skills, educational, career benefits, and more rewards that will last a lifetime for your Volunteer
- Health
- Information about health risks overseas and access to quality medical care
- Safety and Security in Depth for Family and Friends
- Personal safety and crime prevention during service and ways Peace Corps helps protect Volunteers
- Staying in Touch
- Communicating with your Volunteer and visiting him or her overseas
- After Peace Corps
- Peace Corps resources for returned Volunteers
- Resources
- Resources for family and friends
Last updated Jul 17 2012
Emergency 24-hour
telephone number
855.855.1961, ext. 1470
or 202.692.1470
This line is staffed by the Peace Corps Counseling and Outreach Unit (COU) and they can:
- notify a Volunteer of an emergency (e.g. critical illness or death of a family member)
- respond to family questions about a Volunteer's status
- supply an update about civil unrest or a natural disaster in the host country
Volunteer Safety
Learn more about the
Peace Corps' commitment to
safety and security:
Safety and Security: Highlights to Help You Prepare for Peace Corps Service 2011 (PDF)
Volunteer Safety Report (PDF).
Archive Safety Reports
Peace Corps' Commitment to Sexual Assault Victims (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions on Safety and Volunteer Support (PDF)