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Peace Corps Alternatives & Programs Like Americorps

Want to make an impact around the world without having to meet the strict criteria of the Peace Corps and Americorps? International Volunteer HQ is one of the most popular alternatives to Peace Corps, offering short-term volunteer programs in more than 40 countries . Unlike the Peace Corps, IVHQ enables you to choose your program duration with the option to volunteer from 1 week to 24 weeks without competitive requirements.

To qualify for a position with the Peace Corps, you typically need to have minimum education, work experience and language capabilities. With IVHQ, there is no limit to giving back - we have opportunities for volunteers of all ages and abilities, so whether you are a retiree , a teen , or anything in between, we have a unique program waiting for you. We offer a range of programs like the Peace Corps, including Teaching , Childcare , Healthcare , Community Development , Construction and Renovation , Turtle Conservation and Wildlife Conservation .

Peace Corps Alternatives

Looking for organizations like the Peace Corps? Many of us dream of giving back in a different culture, but aren’t able to step away from work and/or studies to meet the Peace Corps 2-year commitment. If you’re looking for alternative Peace Corps programs, volunteering with IVHQ is a great option.

Our programs are similar to the Peace Corps because you’ll be able to experience a new culture while playing a hands-on role in supporting grass-roots initiatives in more than 40 countries around the world. Durations range from 1 to 24 weeks, meaning you can opt for short-term volunteering or give back for a few months during your gap year .

Wondering where you can go? Here’s some of our most popular alternatives to the Peace Corps:

• Costa Rica - Sea Turtle Conservation , Healthcare + 12 more projects to choose from…
• Tanzania - Childcare , Construction & Renovation + 5 more projects to choose from…
• Peru - Community Support , Eco-Agriculture + 15 more projects to choose from…
• Portugal - Wolf Conservation , Homeless Support + 5 more projects to choose from…
• Ghana - Agriculture , Sports Teaching + 5 more projects to choose from…
• Guatemala - Medical , Special Needs Care + 9 more projects to choose from…

Programs Like Americorps

If you’re a US resident and you want to give back close to home, IVHQ offers volunteer programs like Americorps that don’t require international travel. US citizens can give back with IVHQ in popular cities across America, including San Diego , Chicago , Philadelphia and New Orleans . This is the perfect opportunity if you want to make a difference, contribute to local initiatives and explore new parts of the country.

Here are some examples of short-term volunteer programs and alternatives to Americorps in the USA:

• Youth Support in New Orleans
• Community Development in Chicago
• Environmental Sustainability in San Diego
• Construction and Renovation in New Orleans
• Environmental Sustainability in Philadelphia
• Community Development in San Diego

Why volunteer with IVHQ vs joining the Peace Corps or Americorps?

In contrast to the Americorps or Peace Corps, which is funded by the US government, IVHQ volunteers fund their own volunteer travel experiences - made possible through IVHQ’s affordable Program Fees . With volunteer program fees starting from $20 per day including accommodation, you will not find a more affordable and trustworthy Peace Corps alternative.

Keep reading to learn more about how IVHQ stacks up as an Americorps or Peace Corps alternative.

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Peace Corps vs IVHQ

What is the peace corps, what is ivhq, what are peace corps requirements, what are ivhq requirements, where can you volunteer with the peace corps, where can you volunteer with ivhq.

• What support services does the Peace Corps offer?
• What support services does IVHQ offer?

Recommended Peace Corps Alternatives

Peace corps alternatives for college students, peace corps alternatives for families, peace corps alternatives for adults.

• Peace Corps Alternatives for Seniors

The Peace Corps provides international service opportunities for U.S. citizens who wish to work within a community abroad. Established by John F. Kennedy in 1961, the mission of the Peace Corps is to provide skilled assistance to communities abroad, while helping the people served to understand American culture, and in turn, helping Americans to better understand the cultures of other countries.

IVHQ was founded by Dan Radcliffe in 2007 in response to his personal struggle to find affordable volunteer opportunities abroad that didn’t require a 2-year commitment. The mission of IVHQ is to change the face of volunteer travel through providing affordable volunteer abroad experiences that are responsible, safe and high quality. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported more than 136,000 people to volunteer abroad and has grown to become the world’s leading provider for volunteer abroad programs, which serve as popular Peace Corps alternatives.

Now that we understand what each organization has set out to achieve, let’s learn how you can join them…

To join the Peace Corps, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• You must be 18-years or older
• You must be able to commit to 2 years of service within the Peace Corps (although this is subject to change)
• 90% of Peace Corps positions require a Bachelor’s Degree
• Specialist skills, hobbies and volunteer experience are considered when selecting suitable candidates

IVHQ’s approach to volunteering abroad enables volunteers from different walks of life to be of service in a community abroad. The requirements to volunteer with IVHQ include:

• Fluency in English
• A clean criminal background
• Volunteers must be 18-years or older to participate on an IVHQ program
• If you are under 18 and volunteering as part of a group with adult minders, or with a parent/guardian or family member who is 18-years or over, you are eligible to participate

IVHQ makes volunteering abroad more accessible by opening our programs to everyone and offering an extensive range of project opportunities to suit a variety of skill sets. IVHQ was formed out of necessity for short-term Peace Corps Alternatives that enabled you, as an international volunteer, to take part in a program that works with your lifestyle.

While Peace Corps volunteers can apply to be placed in up to three different countries, it cannot be guaranteed that you will be selected for your top choice.

IVHQ allows you to choose your destination, duration and project of choice. IVHQ’s volunteer programs are established in partnership with local organizations in communities with clearly defined social and environmental needs, allowing volunteers to choose from a range of projects in genuine need of volunteer assistance. If you are seeking organizations like the Peace Corps that enable you to support meaningful volunteer work abroad, you can feel confident that IVHQ will be the best alternative.

What training does the Peace Corps provide?

The Peace Corps provides comprehensive pre-service training that takes 3 months to complete. Due to the longer time commitment of Peace Corps projects, the pre-service training has more vigorous elements to it.

What training does IVHQ provide?

Adjusting to life in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if English isn’t the local language (and if you’re traveling alone). IVHQ makes your international volunteering journey as stress-free as possible. You will be connected with a dedicated volunteer mentor at IVHQ who will support you every step of the way - from advising you on visas and vaccinations, to organizing everything from your airport pick-up, right down to your volunteer orientation, accommodation and meals. IVHQ also provides online pre-departure training to help prepare volunteers for their experience overseas, covering topics like health and safety, responsible travel and volunteering best practices. This is included in the price of your Program Fee.

Now you understand how the organizations compare, it’s time to discover which Peace Corps alternatives are best suited to you!

Peace Corps Alternatives for College Students Students often find it challenging to balance studies, social life, hobbies and service activities, and most are not able to dedicate 2 years of volunteering with the Peace Corps alongside the demands of college.

IVHQ’s flexible start dates and durations are perfect for college students’ busy schedules. Whether you want to take an alternative spring , summer , or winter break , or if you’re simply looking for a 1-week volunteer opportunity, IVHQ has built volunteer programs with you in mind! Plus, our programs start at just $20 per day including accommodation, so you can give back and see the world on a student budget.

Popular Peace Corps Alternatives for College Students:

• Turtle conservation or education-based volunteering in Costa Rica
• Childcare or Construction & Renovation volunteering in Peru (Lima or Cusco)
• Rainforest & Coastal Conservation or Turtle Conservation volunteering in Zanzibar
• Animal Care or Medical volunteering in Guatemala
• Environmental Scuba Diving or Homeless Support volunteering in Portugal

Packing up the family for 2 years of service work is an admirable mission, but most families simply don’t have the means to take a service trip beyond 1 or 2 weeks. However, thanks to the Peace Corps alternatives available with IVHQ, a humble family vacation can now take a different form.

Even if your family can only commit to a 1-week volunteer program, you can volunteer abroad with confidence - knowing your contribution will be sustained by future IVHQ volunteers. Your family can volunteer on projects that fit your collective skills and interests, and you’ll be accommodated together as a family with private rooms available for families in most destinations. During your weekends and in your free time, you’ll be able to explore everything your chosen destination has to offer.

Popular Peace Corps Alternatives for Families:

• Sports Education and Childcare volunteering in Kenya
• Community Development and working with children in Ecuador
• Teaching English and NGO Support in Nepal

If you want to take a career break or a sabbatical and give back to communities in need, IVHQ offers Peace Corps alternatives for adults from all walks of life. Whether you have a college degree or a range of unique life skills, we have short-term peace corps alternatives to meet all time commitments.

Popular Peace Corps Alternatives for Adults:

• Working with children and women’s empowerment volunteering in Kenya
• Marine conservation volunteering in Belize
• Work with children and elderly in Colombia

Peace Corps Alternatives For Seniors

Giving back later on in life is a popular option for many IVHQ volunteers as a Peace Corps Alternative for seniors. Whether you’ve recently retired, or are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity, a short-term volunteer trip with IVHQ provides you with the flexibility to choose where you want to go, and how you want to be of service to your host community.

Don’t just take our word for it, IVHQ has hosted thousands of senior volunteers and we’ve tailored the best short-term volunteer abroad programs for seniors who want to have an impact while traveling overseas.

Popular Peace Corps Alternatives for Seniors:

• Teaching English or working with children in Nepal
• Construction & Renovation volunteering in Zambia
• Wildlife conservation volunteering in Victoria Falls

If you’re interested in serving the Peace Corps later in life, IVHQ provides the perfect platform to prepare and inspire you for your future endeavors. In fact, a number of IVHQ volunteers have carried on from volunteering with IVHQ to join the Peace Corps in later years!

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• Oct 17, 2022

5 Peace Corps Alternatives to Volunteer Abroad

Updated: Jan 2

The Peace Corps is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about doing service work overseas. However there are other options out there. If you are looking for other opportunities like the Peace Corps here are 5 paid service year opportunities that may work better for you.

Please Note: These are not volunteerism opportunities. While you will have a chance to see another part of the world, meet new people, and learn to empathize with other cultures, you are there to serve first and foremost.

Feel free to listen instead, here .

1. Mercy Volunteer Corps

Mission & Goals: "In a spirit of mutuality, volunteers cultivate mercy and justice in the world by embracing compassionate service, social justice, spiritual growth, and a simple lifestyle in community."

Length & Location: 1 year placed in 1-2 of 4 locations in Guyana, South America. They also have options to serve in the USA.

Requirements to Participate : Those who are 21 years or older, are a high school graduate, have no dependents, and are currently residing in the USA.

What's Provided: A monthly living stipend, housing, health insurance, transportation to the country, and around the city.

What You Do: You will serve at 1 or 2, out of 4 different locations, in 1 of 4 different service sectors. If you serve at Mercy Wings Vocational Center you will work in the education sector as a teacher. You can also serve as a teacher, tutor, and/or lead extracurricular activities at St. John Bosco Boys’ Orphanage and Bosco Academy. If placed in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, you will serve in the health care sector as a nurse, social worker, and/or physical/occupational therapist. At Mercy Resident care you may be able to work as a nurse or activities coordinator for the elderly.

Notable Information: The program does accept people of all faiths but it is founded in Catholicism. You will need to be comfortable serving and living in a Catholic atmosphere. Depending on what is needed at the time, there may be some positions where you need specific qualifications to apply.

2. Sudan Volunteer Program (SVP)

Mission & Goals: "...to raise the standard of English amongst ordinary Sudanese, who increasingly need it to access jobs allowing a reasonable standard of living but lack opportunities to develop key skills such as speaking and listening."

Length & Location: 7 months to 1 year in 1 of 9 cities in the country of Sudan. Click here to view locations.

Requirements to Participate : You must be a native English speaker, or a non-native speaker with excellent English skills. You need to be a college graduate, or close to graduating.

What's Provided: Accommodation and a monthly living stipend.

What You Do: You will be an English teacher/assistant at public schools and higher education institutes in one of 9 cities; Khartoum, Omdurman, Wad Medani, Kassala, Port Sudan, El Obeid, Dongola, Atbara, or Merowe.

Notable Information: You do need to pay for your own flights, medical checks, and any background checks needed to apply for/be accepted into the program. You will also be placed with at least 1 other volunteer during your time in the program.

3. UN Volunteers

Mission & Goals: Their goal is to mobilize volunteers by "promoting peace, responding to disasters, empowering communities and helping to build sustainable livelihoods and lasting development."

Requirements to Participate : You do need some sort of degree or work experience in the field you are applying for. You need to speak English, Spanish, or French. Other requirements will vary depending on what program you apply for.

Notable Information: There are so many different opportunities with UN Volunteers that length, location, type of service work, and what is provided will vary. The website has hundreds of service opportunities posted, you will need to comb through these yourself to find what you are looking for.

4. VSO International (Volunteer Service Overseas)

Mission & Goals: Their visions is "a world without poverty." Their mission is "to bring people together to fight poverty through the lasting power of volunteering."

Length & Location: Up to 2 years in one of 23 different countries across Africa and Asia.

They have worked with over 90 countries in the past. Location will change depending on who is reaching out to them for assistance. They also have a short term program for people between the ages of 18-35 for 10-12 weeks.

Requirements to Participate : Ages 18-75 and have at least 3 years experience in your professional field or an equivalent degree or qualification. Other requirements will depend on the program you apply to.

What's Provided: Travel, vaccinations, accommodations, medical insurance, and living allowance.

What You Do: You will serve in one of 3 service sectors; education, healthcare, or livelihood. In the education sector you may be teaching or developing an education system that is accessible to everyone. With healthcare you will be expanding and improving heath care and health education. And with the livelihood sector, you will be working in agriculture, fair trade, farming, and/or supporting local businesses.

Notable Information: This website can be hard to navigate. I recommend checking out this article by Nick Callos, who breaks down and explains this program very well.

5. Concern America

Mission & Goals: Their mission is "to transform need into self-sufficiency." Their vision is "health care, clean water, education, and economic opportunity for every community worldwide."

Length & Location: 2 years in an isolated region, in either Guatemala, Mexico, or Columbia. In the past they have worked with 15 different countries.

Requirements to Participate : Must be at least 21yrs of age, have a degree in the field you are applying for, and be able to either speak Spanish fluently, or learn Spanish at your own expense.

What's Provided: A monthly living stipend, room and board, round trip transportation to the country you will be serving in, an annual trip home, and health insurance.

What You Do: You will teach and train local community members to be their own health care providers, water system builders, corporative business members, and teachers.

Notable Information: I personally believe this program is closest to the Peace Corps when you take it at face value. Many of their open positions tend to have some steep requirements to apply, and some type of previous experience is needed.

Hopefully this post was helpful in providing you with some paid international service opportunities overseas other than the Peace Corps. Of course, the Peace Corps is a wonderful opportunity that should not be overlooked, but some people are unable to meet the criteria needed to apply or can not dedicate 2 years to being abroad. No matter what organization you go with I hope your time abroad makes a positive and lasting impact.

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Alternatives to the Peace Corps

We explain the difference between volunteering overseas with Projects Abroad and the Peace Corps

Are you interested in Peace Corps volunteer opportunities, but not sure about a two-year commitment? Projects Abroad is an organization like the Peace Corps, but with short-term options and fewer requirements. 

Projects Abroad is an international volunteer organization that connects individuals with flexible programs around the world to support under served communities.

Here are the main differences between Projects Abroad and Peace Corps opportunities:   

• We offer long and short-term programs; you decide the amount of time you want to volunteer
• Our programs are extremely flexible; you choose when you want to travel and which country you want to go to
• We don’t require you to have a degree or qualification when you apply
• We don’t require previous experience for most of our programs, as we teach you everything you need to know when you start
• Our programs are open to all ages and skill levels. We also offer programs specifically designed for high school students ages 15-18
• We provide 24/7 support from our staff in every country we work, so you’ll always have help and guidance when you need it

Choose a Volunteer Program

1- 3 of 92 Projects

Giant Tortoise & Sea Lion Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

• Price: $3,000 USD for 1 week
• Extra Weeks: $500 USD
• Start Date: Anytime
• Minimum Duration: 1 week
• Ages: 16 or over

Take a Gap Semester Abroad in South America

• Price: $7,895 USD for 8 weeks
• Extra Weeks: $300 USD
• Start Date: Throughout the year
• Minimum Duration: 8 weeks
• Ages: 17-24

Rhino Conservation in Nepal

• Price: $3,140 USD for 2 weeks
• Extra Weeks: $470 USD
• Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Projects Abroad Can Help You Join the Peace Corps

If you want to volunteer with the Peace Corps, but cannot meet the requirements, Projects Abroad is the perfect alternative. 

We can help you get the experience you need to pursue a degree in your chosen field or further your career. We offer volunteer abroad programs , overseas internships and study abroad opportunities in:

• Medicine and Healthcare
• Wildlife and Marine Conservation
• Teaching and   Childcare
• Business  
• Microfinance
• Law and Human Rights
• International Development
• Social Work

Our programs will be a stepping stone you need to meet your goal of working with an organization like the Peace Corps in the future.

How old do you have to be to join the Peace Corps?

For Peace Corps programs, you need to be at least 18 years old. Projects Abroad accepts volunteers of all ages and skill levels.

We have programs designed specifically for you:

• Middle School Students
• High School Students
• College Students
• College Graduates

These programs focus on experiential education, and give people a safe and guided introduction to volunteering and traveling abroad. 

Like Projects Abroad, the Peace Corps has no upper age limit for seniors and retirees. However, if you need more flexibility in where and when you travel, Projects Abroad is the program for you. You choose what you want to do, where to go, and your travel dates. Our Project Experts can help you choose which project best matches your skills and experience.

Projects Abroad Offers You Flexibility and Choice

The Peace Corps is a great way to give back and gain experience abroad after you graduate. However, your service time will be just over two years, which not everyone is able to do. 

With flexible programs running year-round, Projects Abroad is the ideal short-term Peace Corps alternative. You’ll support communities in need and gain insights into global issues, all within a time period of your choosing.

Concerned about making a real difference with short-term volunteering? Read our popular blog about how we ensure that your work makes a tangible impact .  

Projects Abroad is Preparation for the Peace Corps

If you are interested in international volunteering, Projects Abroad is a great opportunity for you to see if the Peace Corps is a right fit for you.

Because of the flexibility in our programs, you'll have the chance in a safe and hassle-free environment to see if a long-term volunteer project is something you are interested in.

Through our programs you will also join an alumni network of like-minded activists. You'll meet people from around the world while you collaborate for a shared goal, and leave with greater professional opportunities. You may even have the opportunity to be a Projects Abroad Ambassador or a full-time employee!

Finally, you can feel confident that our programs will leave an impact . We partner with local NGOs and organizations to create long-term, sustainable solutions in the countries we work. Our management plan is built around the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to ensure your contributions make a difference. 

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We want to do a Peace Corps-like program — who’s got suggestions?

By: Vasenka – CC BY 2.0 My partner and I would like to spend some time working/volunteering abroad. I have a BA from a liberal arts college, and my partner will have a Master’s in Urban Planning. I’m particularly interested in public health, but we’re both pretty open-minded about the kind of work we could do. We have talked about joining the Peace Corps and have friends who have had great Peace Corps experiences. But we’re wondering about alternative programs (specifically, programs that are not government-affiliated). Most programs we’ve found cost a lot of money. Does anyone have experience with or know of Peace Corps-like organizations? -Lina

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Comments on We want to do a Peace Corps-like program — who’s got suggestions?

Check out the Catholic Volunteer Network. They are a consortium of all sorts of full-time volunteer programs across the world (and they’re not all Catholic and don’t all require religious practice).

Full-time volunteering can be a really powerful experience when you find the right fit. Good luck!

Some of these are AmeriCorps positions. Just something to be aware of if you’re trying to avoid government programs.

This may be an unpopular response… but really think about why you want to work abroad before you go. I’m a professional in the development community and posted in Southern Africa, so I constantly see floods of well-intentioned volunteers come through ready to change the world. Its a great experience for the volunteer, but tends to have negative implications for both local communities and for aid professionals who have to fix their mess. Development takes long-term commitment and local initiative – short term travelers who want to do good produce neither, and take away opportunities to employee others from the area (this goes double for any org that would ask you to pay to work for free). If you really just want to see new places and experience new cultures, just travel. If you’re interested in international development, I’d recommend the Peace Corp – they’ve gotten the roots in communities and government support (local and US) to have a positive impact on the ground.

Thank you for sharing this perspective. My son is thinking of a gap year and we were wondering how this affected the local communities.

I have a friend who worked in Africa for two years with VSO – perhaps give them a try. They often have long-standing links with communities, and long-term projects you can join. Here’s the “about” section of their UK site: http://www.vso.org.uk/about

With VSO, I believe you are paid a modest wage for the work you do (comparable to what locals might be earning – so enough to live on in the place you are working).

I think they are quite tough in their recruitment – they will certainly not let you go out anywhere with an idealised view of what it will be like, or what you can achieve. So be prepared that the selection procedure can be difficult, and may result in you changing your mind or reassessing your priorities.

Absolutely agree with A, above, that you can do much more good with a longer-term stay, or at least by working with an established project.

Also, a lot of larger charities are cutting down on numbers of Western volunteers, and prefer to recruit local workers instead. Keep this in mind if you are approaching any charities or organisations – often you might not be the sort of person they are looking for.

If you can’t get on at an international post, look into volunteering at one of the thousands of organizations in the US. There are plenty of nonprofits that aren’t government-affiliated. I’m currently living in Kansas City and I promise you won’t have a hard time finding a place in our public service community! http://www.npconnect.org is a local website that includes resources for connecting to other NP’s in the area. Their website has information about how to get involved within the KC area, and it might be of interest to you if you’re looking to go the local route. Another option is to go through your local college to see what opportunities they have for community service.

if you would consider staying in the States, look into the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. However, they have placements outside of the US (I’m not familiar with those, though.) year-long program involving communal living, simplistic & spiritual lifestyle and focused on serving those afflicted by poverty and/or social injustice. don’t let the spiritual lifestyle comment scare you; i was raised catholic, found peace in atheism prior to joining JVC yet really enjoyed the spirituality the JVC offered me.

I know someone who did JVC abroad several years ago (as well as some current/recent domestic JVCers) and they all had really positive experiences.

I completely agree with the remarks about the JVC. I went to a Jesuit University and never found the issues I have with most organized religions. I lived in intentional community during my time there with people across the board spiritually and it worked for us. Our “faith sharing” was usually a lot of meditation and self-reflection based on our volunteer experiences.

I ended up doing AmeriCorps, but some of my friends went into the JVC and loved it. Some of the kids I served with went into the Peace Corps and have had great experiences. The issues getting in weren’t as prevalent, and they had more choice over their placement than a lot of people but I think that was strictly because of their AmeriCorps experience.

Hi, Jen! I’d be really interested in hearing more about your experience if possible. The intentional living aspect of JVC is something I’m really interested in, but I’m not particularly spiritual. I’ve become more interested in learning about buddhism, meditation, etc. as of late, but I would still identify as atheist. Would it be possible to get in contact with you?

Architects without borders and engineers without borders both do great work, especially in south east Asia. Might be in line with your husband’s passions from his urban design background?

I second VSO. Some charities, like MSF, also take long-term volunteers with specific medical skills and experience, not necessarily nurses/doctors/midwives – check out their blogs http://blogs.msf.org/ But I’d think about what A said as well, and investigate any programme you find carefully for those pitfalls.

A woman who lived with my family for 15 years (starting when I was 4 months old — so she was almost like a 3rd parent to me) worked with Christian Peacemaker Teams. They don’t require that CPTers be Christians, although they do want you to be “committed to the nonviolent community of Christ or to another faith/spirituality, and seeking God’s will in their work, worship, and decision-making”. Check out cpt.org for more info.

Also, as far as I can tell, Mennonite Central Committee doesn’t put religious restrictions on who can serve with them — they have a long list of volunteer opportunities of varying varieties and lengths on their website, mcc.org .

MCC’s #1 requirement for service works:

1. Exhibit a commitment to personal Christian faith (policy #121)

All workers representing MCC must exhibit a commitment to personal Christian faith. For MCC this means believing in Jesus Christ as God’s Son, the revelation of God, and the Lord of all who respond to Jesus in faith.

http://serve.mcc.org/apply/requirements

I strongly advise being careful with CPT. If you a young woman, Person of Color, or Genderqueer proceed with caution. My wife spent three years in the occupied Palestinian territories, and my biggest issue with them was that they did very little in terms of training to deal with the emotional trauma you will be subjected to in certain areas.

A good friend of hers who she worked with said that the work was less of an issue for her as opposed to the internal politics. They did very little firearms training (as in what is shooting at me, and is it dangerous at this range).

As a final note, they sent her for language training in Syria, with no support network or plan other than a single contact, which really isn’t advisable, for any group.

I don’t mean to just go on the negatives, but I feel that my wife’s life was placed in significant danger at times due to the operations of this group.

All Hands is a disaster-response organization where your volunteering can be as long- or short-term as you like. They respond to disasters all over the world, including the USA, creatively filling in the gaps left by governments/big non-profits like Red Cross. For example, they often chose a small town that has no help vs the big cities that are getting lots of attention, or assess what services are lacking and design their response from there. They are an amazing, amazing organization that is great at utilizing traveling volunteers as well as partnering with the local communities. They also hire people with skills to be long-term management/marketing/etc. I volunteered for them for a month in Peru in 2007, and some of the people I volunteered with are still with them full-time. In our project, we had new volunteers arriving daily and others leaving daily, and yet we were able to be organized and putting everyone to work every day. They use a grassroots model that actually MAKES SENSE, pretty rare in non-profits in my opinion. A lot of it is manual labor, but I was supervising kids in the tent encampments in kind of a day-camp setting, so there are other things going on too. Traveling/temporary volunteers get room and board. Good luck! hands.org

I am just wondering why you’ve already ruled out the Peace Corps. Is it the time commitment that frightens you, the uncertainty of where you’d end up and what you’d be doing, or something else? My husband and I actually met in the Peace Corps serving as Teacher Collaboration and Community Outreach volunteers in Thailand and it was the absolute best thing we’ve ever done in our lives.

We both had looked into other similar programs besides choosing the Peace Corps but found the same sort of problem you’re experiencing- that all the volunteer programs end up costing YOU money. In the Peace Corps you are paid a monthly stipend to cover all your living and housing expenses and they also pay for you to have comprehensive medical care. In Thailand we always had access to state-of-the art international hospitals. Also, since you both already have masters degrees you should have the ability to be more picky about where you end up and what you’re doing then kids fresh out of college do.

The Peace Corps is a 27-month program in which you spend the first 3 months training for your placement. We spent most of the time learning the language and having cultural training but what you do in this training period greatly varies based on your placement. Mongolian volunteers learned how to build yurts and techniques to keep their fire burning through the night while volunteers in Africa learned everything from how to garden to keeping their own chickens.

If you’ve decided the Peace Corps really isn’t for you and you don’t want to pay to volunteer I think the next best thing for you to do is to get a paid position abroad like the JET program (teaching in Japan). There are many organizations that will set people up with jobs abroad, working out all the kinks with tourist visas and everything. Usually the schools or companies pay the fees to get employees so it often costs you little to nothing. Another option that might be interesting for you to consider is WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms). We have a friend who has traveled all over the world doing this an has absolutely LOVED it. Best of luck to you!

WWOOF is AMAZING! I’ve done three short stints in the US and had nothing but excellent experiences. I think it addresses some of those concerns about short-term volunteerism and cultural imperialism, as well, because it’s different from many kinds of service programs. Some farms provide stipends.

Just to clarify–we haven’t at all ruled out Peace Corps. We just wanted to also look into other organizations and were having a hard time finding things. But I really appreciate hearing about great Peace Corps experiences, too! Everyone’s ideas help us think about what we’d like to do.

This might not have anything to do with the original poster’s decision, but many people feel a bit uncomfortable about the peace corps because of one of two possible reasons: 1) the possibility that they have been used by the CIA in the past as a tool to get agents into countries with a cover story, 2) worry that the peace corps as a whole promotes globalization in a way that the potential volunteer may not be comfortable with, ie. promoting high yield agriculture, or capitalism.

I have not done serious research into this, , but the second of these two would give me serious pause if I were considering peace corps type programs.

For those might be concerns. But – and I’m an anti-capitalist person myself- i think those two issues are also concerns with any kind of huge NGO that would fund someone’s trip, its not like big development NGOs aren’t tied in with governments, the world bank, mining companies etc. So what I’m saying is that the Peace corps is only worse if you haven’t really taken a hard look at what other development NGOs are up to, and it could be better.

I’m a recent college grad with a degree in civil engineering. For as long as I can remember, I have had this pull on my heart to give myself up and serve, and it’s something I can’t ignore. My first thought was the Peace Corps. As a young white female, my biggest concern is the alarmingly high number of sexual assaults and the way the Peace Corps handles them. From the research I’ve done, it seems like the Peace Corps tries to cover them up and often blames the assaults on the women in order to protect the Peace Corps image. If the woman is out past 5 P.M. or has had one drink of alcohol, she is at fault for being raped. Of the 44,000 women who have volunteered in the past decade, 1,000 of them have reported being sexually assaulted. Who knows how many have gone unreported. I don’t like those odds. I had my heart set on the Peace Corps and I recently turned in my application, but the research I’ve been doing is starting to make me rethink my decision. Any advice or insight on this subject would be wonderful, because I feel like this issue is often swept under the rug.

One issue I’ve seen with people who are trying to join the Peace Core is that it seems to be very difficult to get into and have long wait times. I had a teacher in high school who waited years for a placement and ultimately gave up on waiting, despite having lots of experience (and probably a master’s degree). Some of my friends were considering it after college, and they were discouraged by being told they probably didn’t have enough volunteer experience to join without spending another year or two volunteering locally first. So for people who want to get out there soon, I’m not sure if the Peace Core would be the best fit. Perhaps the experiences I have seen are not representative, but it really seems that joining the Peace Corps is a long and difficult process.

Kahlanamnell, this is very true. The application process is quite lengthy. However, it’s considered to be par for the course as far as serving is concerned. I had to volunteer at various local organizations for 3+ years before I was accepted. They don’t simply want someone who has the skills and wants an easy vacation. Volunteer experience prior to applying (in Peace Corps’ eyes) shows dedication to helping others.

Many people get frustrated and drop out of the application process, but when you serve, the frustrations you face are so much greater. If waiting over a year to complete the process turns you away, then maybe it’s not a good match anyway. One of my friends had to apply three times before she was finally accepted. They initially told her to get more volunteer experience. Instead of being frustrated and looking elsewhere, she did what they said and she’s now serving in Southern Africa. If you want to do it and you’re dedicated to volunteering, you’ll stick with the process. Just remember to find other things to do while you’re waiting!

I’m pretty sure the teacher I was mentioning waited two years or so being told she was going to get a placement but not getting one. That seems like quite a long wait. I know it works out for some people and that is great, but I guess that the wait makes some people turn away from Peace Corps and look for other options.

I’m not looking to volunteer abroad myself, since I have pets that I couldn’t take with me and wouldn’t want to leave with someone else for an extended period of time.

I second this.

I applied to and was accepted into the Peace Corps pending my medical checks, and ended up turning it down before I was offered a placement (they said I would likely be sent to Bangladesh as I had experience in India, at the time Bangladesh needed teachers, and I had experience teaching).

In the process of getting all those medical checks – paid for by me with scant insurance, which I could barely afford – my dentist recommended I get all four wisdom teeth out before leaving as they weren’t out yet and “could” become impacted. Part of me sees the reason in this – it can be dangerous to do this in a developing country, but taking someone out to an international facility for wisdom tooth removal in the middle of their stint abroad would be wastefully expensive. The other part of me was annoyed, because the chances of this happening were remote, and the cost of wisdom tooth removal would fall on me.

My terrible insurance said that the procedure was “elective” as I didn’t technically need the teeth out right then, and that they would not pay. Having four teeth out at once, or even two at a time, generally means anesthesia and a hospital stay, so $$$$.

“Oh, it’s OK, you can wait to do that right up until before you go,” said my contact at the Peace Corps. Except that didn’t really help as the timeframe was going to be a few months, not a few years, and my insurance wasn’t going to be changing, nor did I have the money to pay out of pocket.

I finally gave up on Peace Corps and found a job on my own teaching English in China, where I stayed for a year and taught myself Chinese. It’s part of why I am now based in Taiwan.

In the ten years since, one wisdom tooth has needed removal and that was only about a year and a half ago. I realize they couldn’t have known that then, but the demand that I get the procedure and the expense of it ended up being entirely unnecessary.

I’m not soured on Peace Corps – I am happy it works out for other people. But for those who end up not doing it, I understand. Completely. They wanted me to spend (tens of?) thousands of dollars I did not have on a medical procedure I did not need.

Surprisingly, I did not face the other hurdles and wait times, although I didn’t have a lot of volunteer experience. I had some, and some paid experience teaching a literacy program in an inner city school. They were really eager to get my application through and get me out into the field.

I ended up going to Bangladesh on my own soon after, just to travel and see where I would have likely been placed. I had a lovely time – it was a friendly and welcoming country, and in many ways easier to deal with than India. I could have quite happily spent two years there.

Joining the Peace Corps is a 7-9 month process but that is usually from application to service. It DOES take a long time but it is not a lot of work the whole time, it is mostly just a lot of waiting. It takes a long time for your medical to clear and awhile to get a placement. They told me after my interview that I would get a placement as long as my medical cleared so while it was a long time waiting at least I knew the wait would pay off!

I think that how hard it is to get into really depends what your background is. I know they recruited really hard in the forestry and natural resources departments on my college campus, and less so in other areas.

I am a Canadian citizen who has lived in the US since 1960. I would love to join the Peace Corp but can not due to my citizenship. Do you have any suggestions as to what organization would be second best?? I really would like to volunteer somewhere outside of the US, length of time not an issue. Thanks.

I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a couple of different countries. I think it takes a big commitment to want to volunteer overseas, but it’s not without drawbacks. Many organizations don’t focus enough on sustainability to make long-lasting effects. For example, host organizations may not have enough money to pay someone to do a specific job, so they put in an application for a volunteer. Instead of building capacity, this situation can create even more dependency.

I would recommend looking into Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO), as another commenter mentioned. These volunteers typically make more than PCVs and they’re often more highly skilled as well. If you have substantial experience working in the public health sector, VSO might be a good fit. However, if you’re wanting more cross-cultural and language training, Peace Corps might be the way to go.

There are also many religious-based organizations that take volunteers. Catholic Volunteer Services is a big organization as well. Working in the health field (as I did) might be a bit of a challenge if you have strong opinions about birth control and family planning. I’m not sure about whether or not you would have any financial obligations with this option.

Like siren, my partner and I also met in the Peace Corps. While we definitely have very strong opinions regarding needed reform, it really was a great experience. Pitfalls that we faced were because of in-country staff and site development (lack of training, high turn-over rates, few available and willing host organizations in the country), but this was definitely different from the first country I served in. All Peace Corps programs are vastly different. I would encourage you to meet people who have served in different regions and get a feel for their experiences. I was also able to learn a lot by reading blogs and asking tons and tons of questions. http://peacecorpsjournals.com is a good place to start!

As for what Sarah said, while I understand that people may have this opinion about Peace Corps, I never felt either one of these things while I served. We were strictly told not to fraternize with US military personnel (and even some embassy officials). While there might be something to be said about promoting globalization, your experience is really what you make of it. If you state from the beginning in your community that your job is not to bring in money and you aim to only tackle projects that the community wants and needs, you are likely to be more comfortable with the work you are doing. Program Directors don’t typically twist your wrist to meet certain goals at your site. It’s much more hands off. You’d be lucky if your program director comes to your site twice during your tenure!

If you’re not interested in doing a program through a religious organization, even if they don’t stipulate what religion you should be (I would feel that way – I just don’t wish to support religious programs in any way, although I respect others’ rights to act through them), and don’t want to “pay to volunteer” (one of the least helpful and potentially actively harmful things you can do), and Peace Corps ends up not working out for you (see my story above – it ended up not working out for me)…

…I’d recommend seeing if you can find a paying job abroad, or a language study program. Teaching English is a popular choice but is not the only choice. Many countries and many programs will smooth out visa kinks for you, or for some countries it’s not too difficult to work it out yourself.

Then when you get there, find out about volunteer opportunities on the ground. There are usually a lot of them circulated in the expat community. Many are aimed at ‘trailing spouses’ (usually wives, which is an issue in that there aren’t more ‘trailing husbands’) but are open to everyone. There are usually things like fundraisers, community or co-op gardening, animal rescue and adoption, teaching English to those who can’t afford classes, tree planting and cleanup, secondhand sales, and opportunities to work in shelters or with at-risk people in countries where there aren’t enough local volunteers. Language barriers exist, but drop with time if you decide to stay.

Alternately, teaching English, depending on where you go and who you teach, can also be satisfying. Maybe not if you’re teaching kids not interested in learning dropped off by parents who pay tuition just to get the kids out of their hair (that happens too), but rewarding opportunities exist. Test prep for young students who want to study abroad and need to take English exams to do so, teaching more enthusiastic kids, teaching adults or young learners who want to use English in their careers (especially in societies with strong community ties where a few people doing better raises the overall prosperity of the community) or volunteering at a school that could otherwise not afford to employ an English teacher can all be really rewarding things to do on your own, and would not be that different from being sent to do them through Peace Corps.

If you do go this route, I would recommend *not* being one of the millions of underqualified and often ineffective English teachers who come in and work with no experience and often little to no training. I know that sounds bitter, but it does happen and it helps nobody (except maybe the traveler-cum-teacher). Invest in yourself and get a TEFL certificate first – I recommend the CELTA for a basic introduction to good teaching methods with a bit of practice thrown in.

Basically, if you are dead set on working abroad or volunteering abroad, you can make it happen. You don’t need a big organization to make it happen for you – just do it for yourself. The opportunities are there and a motivated, intelligent person can find them. If big organizations aren’t working in your favor, work in your own favor.

That’s the biggest thing I learned from Peace Corps not working out for me, and from going abroad on my own anyway. Sometimes you can make the big ships sail for you, but sometimes you can’t, and you have to build your own ship.

I haven’t seen this mentioned, but the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts has 4 lodges around the world where you can volunteer to help with some programs. https://www.wagggsworld.org/en/world/centres Obviously, most spots are for girls and women, and I don’t know how you and your partner define yourselves, but some spots are open to men (such as the Chalet).

I would definitely second looking at Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. As @stacy said, might be harder for a guy to find a placement, but if you’re interested in being involved with that organization, there are a lot of opportunities and you meet fantastic people. I was one of the Girl Guides who went to a world centre (Our Cabana in Mexico). We spent a day building a couple houses for local people who had insufficient shelter. The houses were quick to construct, finished within a day, and a major improvement for the families even if they were one-room shacks made with laminated cardboard with bottle caps under nails to help prevent leaks.

The world centres are culturally diverse and there are always some people staying there who are on something like a scholarship. You would probably have to demonstrate experience with the organization though so it could be a similar commitment in terms of pre-application volunteering.

I’ve worked with All Hands in New Orleans and Haiti, and I have a ton of friends who have worked with them as short term and long term volunteers. While they have a handful of stipended positions, mostly it’s volunteer. You get a free place to stay and free food, but you have to pay your own travel expenses.

This is not an organization but http://www.helpx.net is a website that brings together families that own farms or sustainable living houses and asks travelers if they want to stop by and work on their farm/housing/whatever in exchange for room and board. I did a homestay in Germany with the best family ever (seriously I would love to stay with them again!) and I know that they have tons of families across Europe and I believe in Africa too. Downside- yeah, you don’t know 100% if they’re awesome or not, but there are reviews on the site, and if you email me I can personally recommend the German family to you. You can email the family and talk to such with them, and it just doesn’t feel as sketchy as like Craigslist or whatever because the site does monitor things. As for official stuff, hmmm, Fulbright teaching scholarship? Not 100% sure really. I’ve heard good stories from Fulbright teaching but usually you have to be right out of college or something.

Please contact me with the german family information. Thanks, [email protected]

Some resources from the book Half the Sky (focused on women’s oppression worldwide): http://www.halftheskymovement.org/pages/volunteer

Thanks everyone for the thoughts! This has given us a great list of resources and things to think about as we decide what’s next for us. This community always has such great insight!

The Jubilee House Community ( http://www.jhc-cdca.org/ ) might be in line with what you´re looking for. They´re a small NGO in Managua, Nicaragua started by the family of a good friend of mine in 1994. The site is pretty basic, but it does a good job of giving you a sense of what they do and why. Their focus is supporting aid-independent sustainable development and providing healthcare. You do pay to work with them, in order to cover living expenses, but the cost drops significantly for long-term volunteers. I can vouch for the fact that they are pretty off-beat, as well!

I’ve always had a bit of a curiosity to do something along the lines of a Peace Corps type thing, but I have student loan bills that total about $800 each month, as well as a boyfriend who I’d like to be able to have travel with me. I’m guessing this is a long shot, but are there any organizations that would help me cover my loan bills and let me stay with a significant other?

You can teach English in South Korea. Academies love to hire couples. Korea pays well and so you’ll be able to pay your $800 student loan payments. If you were to teach English in Thailand you’d only make enough money to cover your cost of living in Thailand but not be able to send any money home. Some people go to Korea to pay off student loans, save $ for a house, dream BIG!

There are many different ways to volunteer but as an earlier comment brought up :

What are you seeking ?

I’ve traveled and volunteered through Volunteers for Peace. They have domestic/international, short/long term projects of all types : environmental, social, educational, etc.

There are also intentional communities that allow guests and volunteers to help them build, sustain, or learn from their communities. I’ve used the website http://www.ic.org to volunteer for a month taking care of baby howler monkeys in Costa Rica. I also located a commune of 100 people in Charlottesville, Virginia where I learned organic farming and tofu making.

In the end, my partner and I spent a year in South Korea teaching English to children as part of an after school program. Free round-trip airfare, free rent, health insurance, and a great launching pad to visit Asia, Australia and all around. You could also live in Bali/Thailand/Japan/China/you name it and teach English, but Korea pays the best.

Good luck and TRAVEL!

Was the teaching in South Korea part of a program or something? It sounds great, I am very interested in finding out more about it!

Well, it’s hard to give really helpful advice without knowing more information about what, exactly, your goal might be in joining an organization like this. What do you want to get out of it? Time spent abroad? Do specifically volunteer work with a specific population–if so, what kind of work and what kind of population? What do you hope to come back with after your time? Are you hoping to make a life change rather than a shorter term (even 2 years is shorter term) commitment?

Also, it helps to know some personal information about you–your age could be important depending on age requirement, significant health issues that might require even semi-regular Western medical care or medication, and, again, what your expectations are around your time away.

The poster who cautioned you to think long and hard about what your reasons and expectations are is wise. It’s not romantic or fun or personally fulfilling per se to think about what your expectations really are but it’s much better to think about these things while you’re sitting in your temperature-controlled home with all of your home amenities than when you’re in a faraway place dealing with basic sustenance and sanitation issues.

There is also a significant concern to bear in mind when considering organizations–what their plan is for you if things go to hell in a handbasket. This may never happen and you may never need to be pulled out of a location but things can change, and quickly. One of the advantages of working with the Peace Corps is its long history and experience dealing with rapidly changing situations and its connection to governmental resources to resolve issues of this kind for their volunteers. If/when you go, always, always, know what the plan is if you need to get out in a hurry.

I’ve lived all over doing various things with varying levels of support from a sponsoring organization. My Peace Corps application was in the Twin Towers in 2001 and by the time the organization recovered, I was doing something else but I will say that of all of the interviews and processes I’ve ever done, they were among the most organized and together. That definitely helped me feel comfortable with my decision to apply even if I didn’t end up actually taking a contract with them.

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Peace Corps Alternative

United Planet volunteer abroad Quests offer a perfect Peace Corps alternative  for volunteers seeking a shorter engagement or preview into what the Peace Corps is like before making the twenty-seven-month commitment. United Planet Quests are flexible, available year-round, from one week to twelve months.

United Planet shares the Peace Corps’ mission to create responsible global citizens and to foster cross-cultural understanding. Quests are comprehensive, letting volunteers immerse deeply engage with the culture. Volunteers learn, work, serve and collaborate in local communities resulting in improved cultural insights, cross-cultural communication, language abilities, and impact on a locally-driven community project.

Why volunteer abroad with United Planet?

United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

• We are a mission-focused, non-profit organization We are all about service, making a difference, building a global community.
• Our programs emphasize authenticity Get outside your bubble, jump into a real experience, become a global citizen.
• We provide everything you need to succeed Classes, in-country travel, home stays, meals, work –we are your cultural bridge.
• Your safety is our most important concern From one-on-one assistance before you travel to experienced staff in country, everything is done to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
• (your journey here) Your Quest is personalized to provide the opportunity for genuine, meaningful personal growth.
• What we do is meaningful Your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

Current Peace Corps Alternative Volunteer Opportunities

Children and Education Projects

Global Health Projects

Work and learn alongside community health professionals in general medicine, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, psychiatry, and other areas while gaining real insight into shared healthcare challenges around the globe.

Environmental Sustainability

Live and work in conservation areas, contribute to construction projects, care for wildlife, and collaborate with local professionals to provide environmental education to surrounding communities.

• Volunteer Abroad

RPCV Spills the Beans: Things to Know Before You Join the Peace Corps

Jennifer plans her adventures from her bungalow in Maryland where she lives with her sweet family...

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Learning what does the Peace Corps do + more hard hitting questions

Are you curious about what it’s like to immerse yourself in a different culture and live in a another country? Do you want to be of service to the global community, while sharpening your own technical expertise? Does the cost of living abroad make you say “I could never pick up and move somewhere on the other side of the world!”? If you said yes to any, or all, of those questions you might just be ready to do the unexpected and join the Peace Corps.

Before you sell your car, submit your resignation letter, or throw yourself a bon voyage party, there are a number of things to consider before joining the Peace Corps. From your Peace Corps application to pre-departure to what it’s like while you’re serving as a volunteer and what you can expect when you return home - the list is long! When you join the Peace Corps you’re not just signing up for the toughest job you’ll ever love - there’s a lot more involved! We’ve pulled together the things you need to know before joining the Peace Corps so you can make your most informed decision.

Undergo intense Peace Corps training on site—this training is in Cameroon. Photo credit: Amcaja

The hard facts before you join the Peace Corps

1. my top peace corps application tips.

The Peace Corps application process has changed dramatically in the past few years so be careful when you ask for advice on the process to consider the source - if they applied more than two years ago, their advice and perspective could already be outdated. Previously, you ranked your preference for region of the world, sector of work, and an approximate start date. Now, you can browse open positions in specific countries and specific sectors just like you would for a job application. Education? Agriculture? Community Economic Development? Health? Environment? Youth in Development? What’s your pleasure? Which sector will best leverage your skills and strengths? You can filter results by departure date (soonest or latest), sector, language requirement, and even marital status (if you’re applying as a couple). It’s never been easier to find, at least what you think is, your perfect placement!

As for additional tips for applying for a Peace Corps position—take your time. Be thorough and read the instructions so you don’t miss important steps of the process. 

[ Get matched with volunteer programs ]

2. understanding your peace corps salary.

Technically, the Peace Corps is a volunteer service, which would make you think you don’t get any money. Don’t let the word volunteer fool you! While you don’t earn a salary, you do receive a living stipend to pay for basics like food, some transportation, and other living expenses you may need. Depending on your placement, your stipend may mean that you barely have enough to get by, or that you can save enough for traveling, or for when you return home.

Whatever your stipend, wherever you are, it’s probably a whole lot more than what the people around you are earning so make sure to budget wisely and think about what are your needs and what are your ‘would be nice to haves’ before you go on your shopping sprees. 

3. The most popular places/countries to serve in the Peace Corps

If you’re wondering where the best Peace Corps countries to serve are, we can’t really help you. After all, like Danielle said in Ever After, “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens.” But some people do have favorite stars so we’ll give you our inside scoop.

First: do your research before you apply about what it’s like in the country where you would be serving. Do you turn the heat on in the summer because you abhor being cold? Better keep your eyes on openings in Senegal or Ecuador . Do you love making snow angels and dream about living in a cold, winter wonderland? Check out positions in Ukraine or Kyrgyz Republic .

The best places to serve in Peace Corps will vary from person to person and experience to experience. At the root of it all will be your attitude combined with the village or city where you are assigned to live and work. When you join the Peace Corps you need to keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your Peace Corps administration in your country of service to make sure everyone’s expectations are being met - or adjusted!

Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet signs a historic partnership to establish a Peace Corps program for the first time in Vietnam. Photo credit: U.S. Department of State

4. The Peace Corps requirements

Are you asking yourself “Is the Peace Corps right for me?” If so, you’re not alone—many have asked the same question before you. But if your question is more of an “Am I eligible to serve in the Peace Corps” then you need to be of age and a US citizen. If you’re wondering how old do you have to be to join the Peace Corps, the answer is adult—18+. If you’re an adult and a U.S. citizen, then the answer is yes then, at least on paper, you’re eligible. Of course, there are shades of gray—be sure to reach out to an advisor and see if you’re a possible candidate before you click away from the opportunity forever.

5. The Peace Corps benefits

Does the sound of total health care coverage bring stars to your eyes? When you’re a Peace Corps Volunteer, all of your health care expenses, including insurance coverage, medications, and care related to any injuries or diseases sustained while serving are covered by the Peace Corps. Take this information with a grain of salt - some people have easy-peasy experiences with the Peace Corps medical system wherein their needs are met and they don’t have any issues. Others have a different story.

For every positive experience, there’s probably at least one or two people out there with a horror story to scare you away. You will definitely need to be (or learn how to be) your own advocate (both before and after joining the Peace Corps) and do your research. Someone else isn’t going to do it for you (another lesson you’ll learn if you do decide to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Maybe you’re wondering what the other benefits are to joining the Peace Corps - there are many related to your career, graduate school, and beyond that can’t necessarily be quantified. Check out this comprehensive list that details just what the Peace Corps can do for you so you can spend more time thinking about what you’re going to do for others. 

6. The Peace Corps cost

Do you get paid in the Peace Corps? Yes—but not much. While you will receive a stipend once you join the Peace Corps, there are costs you will need to keep in mind before you leave. You will be responsible for covering any medical costs related to your medical clearance beforehand and you will also likely want to spend money purchasing appropriate gear or clothing for your day to day life or adventures you would like to experience while in your new home.

Budget and spend carefully; all of those extra costs can add up. Better yet, if your friends and family are eager to support you in your service, make an Amazon Wish List and share out the link - many will be happy to have a concrete way to support your service and adventure!

Your swearing in ceremony is an experience you’ll never forget! Photo credit: Amcaja

7. The Peace Corps age limit

Does the idea of joining the Peace Corps now seem far off and unattainable? You may say to yourself “I’m too young!”, or “I’m too old!”, let us tell you now — age is but a number and as long as you are over the age of 18, you can apply to join the Peace Corps. Because like the former Peace Corps motto says, the corner office can wait. Some corners of the world can’t. Take it from our experience - this will be an adventure you won’t regret. For better or for worse, joining the Peace Corps teaches you invaluable lessons about yourself and the world around you. It’s not for everyone, but the Peace Corps has lessons for all - at all ages. 

The human side of the Peace Corps—My story

I joined the Peace Corps when I was 22 and had been out of college for two months. Blogs, at the time, were just catching on in popularity so I only had a handful of conversations to lean on from people who had served long before me in different countries and regions of the world. So while their advice was interesting, I found once I arrived that it didn’t necessarily apply to my situation.

I look back now at my 22-year old self with a small sense of pride at my bold naiveté. I had never lived alone, never been to West Africa, and while I spoke French, Mali’s official language, I didn’t think I would be capable of learning a third language, which is what Peace Corps told me I’d need to do upon arrival. You learn a lot about yourself, and those around you, when you don’t have another choice.

I studied a Malian photographer, Malick Sidibé, for my senior art history thesis and was thrilled when Peace Corps told me that’s where I would be headed for 27 months. 27 months turned into 45 months as I extended for a third year in the capital and then completed a Peace Corps Response assignment in the same country. From working in the environment sector with a women’s shea butter cooperative to supporting a primary education project based in the capital, I adored my Peace Corps experience and how it has changed my life for the better. At the same time, I’m definitely a glass half-full kind of person and I saw a number of friends and fellow volunteers struggle, and sometimes leave, during my time in Mali. I’m aware of the complexities surrounding the experience and that it’s unique for everyone—that’s essential to keep at the forefront of your consciousness.

Become a part of your community - Peace Corps Malawi. Photo credit: Peace Corps

As far as advice for anyone considering joining the Peace Corps—you need to be humble. From integrating into another culture to navigating the illnesses you may encounter to sharing your experience with friends and family back home - your Peace Corps service can bring you to your knees. If you go into the experience thinking you have all the answers or you know your service will be one way or another - I can tell you right now, you’re wrong. Maintaining a sense of humility will keep you respectful and aware of what you’re doing and how it is perceived - from your colleagues to your new friends and family in your host country to your friends and family back home.

Are there Peace Corps alternatives?

Joining the Peace Corps is not for everyone. If you don’t think (or really don’t have!) two years to spare, here’s a list of 12 Peace Corps alternatives for you to peruse. You can opt to volunteer abroad for shorter term or teach abroad and get paid for it. The choice is yours! Here are a couple other excellent options to consider if Peace Corps isn’t your bag:

1. Kaya Responsible Travel

Kaya Responsible Travel runs dozens of programs in multiple countries around the world. They are a good option to consider as a Peace Corps alternative because you can combine both internships and volunteer placements to create a year of service that doubles as an investment in your skills set. 

If you have your sights set on Asia-Pacific, Latin America, or Africa, this Peace Corps alternative is right for you.

Related: Read reviews of Kaya Responsible Travel | Visit their site

2. GeoVisions

GeoVisions was founded in 2001 with the aim of helping individuals develop global skills to succeed in the 21st century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world - something the Peace Corps also seeks to achieve, which makes this a great alternative to the Peace Corps if you share those values. They are committed to treating every person on their programs with respect, and devoting their efforts to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Related: Read reviews of Geovision | Visit their site

GoEco has been encouraging ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development since its inception in 2005. They offer ecological and humanitarian programs initiated by their partner organizations around the world. They connect volunteers who are passionate about wildlife, conservation, and global communities with the most suitable programs through careful screening. 

They select the best programs around the world, update the availability and timing of projects, validate the quality and reputation of projects, and help volunteers prepare for the trip.

Related: Read reviews of GoEco | Visit their site

4. Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers pioneered short-term volunteer programs in 1984 to engage volunteers in meaningful community development projects around the world. Global Volunteers aims to promote peace and justice all over the globe. The nonprofit organization, in partnership with UNICEF, is led by experts and local leaders who develop and evaluate programs that help prepare short-term volunteers to maximize their contributions to long-term development projects in communities, especially in addressing the safety and development of children.

Related: Read reviews of Global Volunteers | Visit their site

5. Love Volunteers

Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are they cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, they are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. They don't have huge overheads—no company cars, no downtown office—they're just volunteers who knew they could do a better job. All of Love Volunteers partner organizations have been fully vetted to ensure that not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that they place their volunteers are safe and of a high quality. This kind of rigor when it comes to passion and safety is similar to that of the Peace Corps, which makes this organization a great alternative.

Related: Read reviews of Love Volunteers | Visit their site

6. Global Nomadic

Global Nomadic exists to help travellers, young professionals and career-changers find affordable and ethical projects in a wide variety of fields by matching you with reputable and worthwhile projects all over the world - a demographic often represented by people interested in joining the Peace Corps. 

Experience the world and give your career a real boost at the same time with their unique professional internships. Choose from amazing projects in many diverse fields such as wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, community development, education, human rights issues, medicine and journalism.

Related: Read reviews of Global Nomadic | Visit their site

[ Compare Peace Corps alternatives ]

Follow the signs (if you should become a Peace Corps volunteer). Photo credit: Katharinaiv

There you have it! Everything you need to know before joining the Peace Corps 

OK, maybe you don’t have everything you need to know before joining the Peace Corps after reading this article, but you certainly have a majority of the information (and inside scoop) of what you will need to get started. If you still have questions, check out this Peace Corps FAQ page or this Unofficial Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook to learn more. There’s even a podcast where you can hear the real Peace Corps Story - from volunteers who stayed the whole time, left early, got evacuated, or even got kicked out. Learn from their successes and mistakes!

Maybe after reading all this information you’re saying to yourself, no thanks, I don’t think the Peace Corps is for me - and that’s fine, too. There are lots of volunteer abroad options out there —use the GoAbroad tool to hone in on what you would like to do and where you would like to do it. From two week volunteer trips to those lasting up to 12 months , there is a volunteer program out there just waiting for you to apply. 

Find long-term volunteer programs now

The content of this article is GoAbroad’s and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.

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A Guide to Peace Corps Volunteer Opportunities

By Nick Callos

Updated for 2023-2024

Want to change the world? Serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could enable you to do just that!

Established in 1961, the Peace Corps assists with social and economic development overseas, as well as promotes mutual understanding, peace, and friendship between Americans and people around the world. By volunteering with the Peace Corps, you can immerse yourself in a community abroad and cooperate with local leaders to solve the most pressing challenges.

If you’re not familiar with the process to become a Peace Corps volunteer, it helps to take time to learn how it works and how you can get accepted for a position. If possible, you should talk with the Peace Corps and past Peace Corps volunteers (PCVs) to get a better idea of what the experience is like. Reading articles online, like this one, also helps!

In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about volunteering with the Peace Corps. We’ll go over where you could volunteer and the types of assignments you could take. Additionally, we’ll detail any skills, education, and experience you may need, as well as provide tips for the Peace Corps volunteer application process.

Furthermore, since the Peace Corps doesn’t suit everyone, and not all applicants get offered an assignment, we’ll provide some great alternatives, such as volunteering with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) , GoEco , and Maximo Nivel.

Let’s continue!

What is the Peace Corps?

The Peace Corps has a mission to promote world peace and friendship and assist with social and economic development. The agency does this through education , community, healthcare , agriculture, and environmental initiatives. Peace Corps volunteers work for the world and create bonds between Americans and the communities abroad that they serve.

While the volunteer abroad organizations you read about on Volunteer Forever are non-governmental organizations, charities, and nonprofits, the Peace Corps is a volunteer program overseen by the United States government. The Peace Corps began in 1961, when President John F. Kennedy issued a call to action to the country : Serve your nation and contribute to peace by working and living in the developing world.

President Kennedy first issued that call at the University of Michigan. Though the speech didn’t go long, the idea captivated the imagination of the country. And the Peace Corps received enthusiastic support from the beginning.

Since 1961, Peace Corps volunteers have displayed ingenuity, empathy, and grit as they’ve worked on solving the most critical issues. To date, more than 240,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served across 142 countries, from Ghana to Cambodia to Ecuador .

What countries does the Peace Corps serve?

You can serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in many countries around the world. Currently, more than 7,300 Peace Corps volunteers are serving across 61 countries. 45% of Peace Corps volunteers serve in countries in Africa . The next most common destinations are countries in Central and South America (19%), Eastern Europe and Central Asia (13%), and Asia (12%). You’ll also find Peace Corps roles in the Pacific in countries like Fiji and in North Africa and the Middle East in countries like Morocco.

In 2020 (pre-COVID as the Peace Corps has just resumed sending volunteers overseas), the countries with the most Peace Corps volunteers include:

• Dominican Republic

In each country, Peace Corps volunteers help society meet their need for trained women and men. They promote a better understanding of Americans among locals, as well as gain a better understanding of the local culture and people. This is why the Peace Corps is crucial to maintaining positive relations between America and countries around the globe.

Many top Peace Corps countries are ones on our list of the best places to volunteer abroad . These include amazing destinations like Costa Rica , Thailand , and South Africa . As you can see, when you volunteer with the Peace Corps, you can do good, learn about another culture, and have the time of your life!

Note: The countries that the Peace Corps serves change from time to time. When you apply to the Peace Corps, check the updated list of countries. Volunteer programs may stop in some countries each year and begin in others.

If you’d like to volunteer in a certain country and find that the Peace Corps doesn’t have openings there, check our guidebooks for other volunteer opportunities in that country. Whether you want to volunteer in Madagascar or volunteer in Argentina , we have programs to recommend for you!

Who can join the Peace Corps?

To join the Peace Corps, you must meet two mandatory requirements. You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years or older

For Peace Corps volunteer roles, you also must be able to commit to 27 months of service. Assignments first involve three months of training in-country. After training, you’re placed on a two-year assignment abroad.

If you can’t commit that much time, you could serve as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer . This is a specialized short-term role that requires more experience and skills than standard volunteer positions. Service time is 3-12 months.

Frequently asked questions people have about Peace Corps requirements include:

• Is the Peace Corps only for American citizens?
• How old do you have to be to join the Peace Corps?
• Do you need a college degree to join the Peace Corps?
• Do I need to speak a foreign language?
• Is there an age limit to joining the Peace Corps?

You don’t need a college degree, though having a degree will enable you to qualify for more Peace Corps positions (and therefore get you an assignment more quickly). Similarly, speaking a foreign language isn’t mandatory, but will open up more opportunities for you, as certain roles require the ability to speak Spanish, Arabic, French, or another language.

Moreover, the Peace Corps aims to have a volunteer force that reflects the diversity of the United States. Men and women from a variety of races, ethnic groups, religions, and sexual orientations serve in the Peace Corps. Minorities make up 34% of the volunteer force. This enables the agency to bring diverse perspectives and solutions to issues developing countries face.

Additionally, while many think of Peace Corps volunteering as being geared towards the youth, understand opportunities for all age groups exist. There is no upper age limit. In fact, around 5% of Peace Corps volunteers are over the age of 50.

By the way, if you’re 50 or older, know an abundance of volunteer abroad opportunities are available to you. Read our guide on volunteer abroad opportunities for seniors and retirees .

Since the Peace Corps has two mandatory requirements (you must be 18 and a U.S. citizen), as well as requires a long-term commitment, many folks simply can’t join. Don’t get dismayed about that. You have alternatives to the Peace Corps .

For instance, you could volunteer with the United Nations if you’re a citizen of another country. You could also volunteer with non-governmental volunteer abroad organizations. Organizations such as  International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) and Maximo Nivel have both short- and long-term volunteer opportunities that are similar to Peace Corps assignments.

Or, if you’re still in high school, you could volunteer with an organization that has programs for teens. Projects Abroad , an organization that’s sent more than 125,000 volunteers overseas, has many high school volunteer programs abroad , from childcare volunteering in Nepal to public health internships in Mexico .

What do Peace Corps volunteers do?

Peace Corps volunteers address the most critical problems communities face. For their assignments, Peace Corps volunteers join one of six project sectors:

• Healthcare : Get people the medical services they need
• Education: Teach lessons that will benefit students for a lifetime
• Agriculture : Lead grassroots farming projects and end hunger!
• Community Development: Build strong, sustainable communities
• Environment : Protect the planet and build a greener future
• Youth Development: Empower the next generation.

What you do specifically depends on the needs of the host country and your skills and experience. If you have a background in healthcare, you could fight to end HIV/AIDS . If you graduated with a degree in education, you could teach digital literacy to local youth. Or if you’ve worked in a science-related field, you may take an assignment to manage natural resources.

Going through the list of current openings is a good way to understand what Peace Corps volunteers do. Here are a few examples of the types of jobs Peace Corps volunteers do:

• Main tasks: Raise awareness for preventing malaria, educate community members on neonatal and children’s health, and teach youth health and life skills
• Main tasks: Support local English teachers, lead activities that promote English language education (like English clubs), and run lessons that encourage using English (such as speech competitions)
• Main tasks: Promote more efficient farming production techniques, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, improve the allocation of resources to rural farmers, and enhance the delivery of produce to communities

Whether you’re a recent graduate or mid-career professional, the Peace Corps has volunteer positions to suit you. The Peace Corps can be your bridge towards a career in a certain industry, or a continuation of your life’s work. Sharpen your skills in your field, or take on a new challenge and build your skillset.

Before you apply for a position with the Peace Corps, make sure you meet the requirements, especially the education, language, and experience requirements. You should also make sure the assignment suits you. The Peace Corps is a long-term commitment, and you don’t want to agree to a role that doesn’t suit you. After all, you want to get the most out of the experience.

A good way to see what you’ll enjoy is to volunteer on a short-term project before joining the Peace Corps. For example, through Love Volunteers , an organization known for affordable and impactful service initiatives, you can volunteer for one to two weeks on projects similar to what you’ll find with the Peace Corps. From education support in India to women’s empowerment in Colombia , Love Volunteers offers you many different ways to do good.

Why join the Peace Corps?

Because you can change the world! Peace Corps volunteers enact positive change by promoting peace and friendship. The work of Peace Corps volunteers moves societies towards a brighter future. PCVs help expand access to education and healthcare, develop the next generation of leaders, improve food production, and boost environmental conservation,

If you have a passion for serving others and uplifting those who need it most, volunteering with the Peace Corps will bring you great personal satisfaction. You not only get to help people, but you also get to learn about other peoples and cultures. This will enable you to develop as a person in amazing ways.

Dr. Russell E. Morgan Jr., a former PCV, sums up his experience well:

“My experience as a Peace Corps volunteer was the most important transformational moment in my life, particularly because it provided me with a foundation for my career. Peace Corps service transforms both the volunteer and the community members they serve.”

As Dr. Morgan Jr. notes, volunteering with the Peace Corps benefits both you and the community you serve. The experience also has its professional benefits .

Since you’ll most likely serve in a field related to your education and expertise, your Peace Corps assignment gives you a wonderful opportunity to hone your skills, increase your knowledge, and gain experience working in a cross-cultural setting. You also can improve those important soft skills, such as communication, listening, and empathy. The experience may even help you figure out what you want to do for your next step in life.

Simply put, volunteering with the Peace Corps will make you a much more attractive candidate in your field. That experience gives you two things to put on your resume that employers value: international experience and volunteerism.

As the Association for Talent Development attests, employers like volunteer experience because skills-based volunteering builds leadership capabilities and shows passion and commitment to a cause. And as an article by Global Vision International (GVI) notes, 60% of companies value international experience as it demonstrates an ability to work across cultures, learn and adapt, and solve problems in different ways.

How does the Peace Corps application process work?

Before you begin the Peace Corps application process, make sure you meet the minimum requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.

Now, let’s go over the Peace Corps application process.

1. Select Your Application Route

When you apply to the Peace Corps, you can take one of two routes:

A. Apply directly to a current opening

Search the list of current openings. Apply to the one that best suits your interests, skills, and/or location preferences.

Why should you choose this option:

• You want to volunteer in a specific country, such as Mongolia .
• You have a specific skill-set that’s a great fit for a PCV role (i.e. you have a Master’s degree in Agriculture, so you apply for a volunteer position in agriculture).
• You want to gain more experience in a certain sector, such as education or environmental science.

B. Apply to go anywhere

This puts you into consideration for many Peace Corps positions around the globe. With this route, you can indicate preferences for the project sector and location. This increases the likelihood you’ll get assigned a role that aligns with your interests and goals.

If you choose this route, the Peace Corps provides you a timeframe for deployment. It’s usually within a range of nine months, with the earliest departure date a little more than three months from when you apply.

• You want to get an assignment more quickly. With the first option, you can only apply to one assignment at a time. If you don’t get accepted to the first one or two, you may find the process taking months before even getting selected for an interview. It could take a year or more to even get an invitation.
• You’re flexible and just want to join the Peace Corps.
• You’re willing to volunteer anywhere you’re needed.

Note: Once you choose your route, apply. You’ll have to provide medical information, including immunizations, history, current conditions, and ongoing treatment. This is necessary because you must obtain medical clearance to deploy to the host country.

2. Fill out the Application

The Peace Corps application takes around one to two hours. The Peace Corps application will ask about:

• Your personal and contact information (this even includes financials like student loan obligations)
• Your education, work experience, volunteer history, and relevant activities and qualifications

Required documents include:

• Your resume (1-3 pages)
• A short essay detailing your motivation for serving and reasons for applying
• Three references, such as work manager, college professor, or volunteer supervisor
• Proof of foreign language skills, such as proficiency exam results or an official transcript of college coursework

3. Wait for the Interview

If you qualify for a position, the Peace Corps will contact you to set up an interview via videoconference. Wear professional business casual attire

The Peace Corps gives you the interview questions in advance, so prepare well! Do a mock interview with a friend or colleague to sharpen your interview skills and make you more confident.

In general, expect questions about your motivations for serving and reasons why you chose a specific sector or location. You can also expect questions about international experiences, cross-cultural work and study experiences, times you’ve faced challenges (and how you dealt with it), and how you would adapt to certain situations, like living without electricity or inability to access one’s own religious services.

4. Wait for the Invitation

If you do well in the interview, you’ll get a formal invitation with your departure date. When you accept that invitation, you’ll begin the pre-departure process.

5. Get Medical and Legal Clearance

You must get a medical review so the Peace Corps can determine if they can take care of your needs while you’re abroad. You may have to schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider, so allow time for that.

You also need legal clearance. Immediately complete the fingerprint cards you received in the mail after accepting your invitation. The background check can take weeks to several months, so don’t delay.

Additionally, you have to apply for a Peace Corps passport. You possibly need to obtain a visa for your host country, so do that right away.

6. Complete the Onboarding Process

You’ll have to complete online forms two months before departure. The Peace Corps needs things like banking and emergency contact information. If you have student loans, the Peace Corps will also give you a letter to give your lender, certifying your upcoming volunteer assignment.

One month before you go, you’ll watch training videos. This will set expectations and prepare you mentally for your time abroad.

You’ll meet up with fellow Peace Corps volunteers before you hop on the plane. Bon voyage!

Tips for Getting Accepting to the Peace Corps

Before applying, Peace Corps recommends talking with a recruiter so you can understand the application process and volunteer experience better. Applicants that connect with a recruiter have a 55% better chance on average to become a Peace Corps volunteer.

The application is obviously vital to getting an interview. Take it seriously.

If you’re applying to a specific role, emphasize your sector-specific experience. For instance, if you apply to an English teaching position, highlighting that part-time ESL tutor job you held during college will look good on your resume.

You should also emphasize skills that the Peace Corps values, such as:

• Proficiency in a foreign language: Know French , Chinese , Spanish , or another language? Show it off on your resume. Don’t know another language? Then take a language course and enhance your CV.
• Cross-cultural awareness: Have you studied abroad or worked in a multicultural environment? Make sure that’s on your resume.
• Skills in a project sector: Any education or work experience in teaching, agriculture, community development, or science helps.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills: Your resume should detail your ability to adapt to tough situations and solve problems.
• A passion for volunteerism: Past volunteer experience helps a lot. If you don’t have it, go do something in your hometown or register for a volunteer abroad trip. See our list of affordable volunteer projects here .

In the essay, discuss your cross-cultural experience, commitment to certain causes, and how you would overcome obstacles while serving. Volunteering with the Peace Corps is challenging and doesn’t suit everyone. Prove that you have what it takes to succeed.

You should also research your country of consideration before interviewing. You want to demonstrate you’re serious about working with that community. Your knowledge of the country and local culture will show that.

Finally, apply early and be flexible. The more time you give yourself, the better chance you have to get a suitable Peace Corps position. And if you’re willing to serve anywhere, you open yourself to consideration for more positions. That increases your odds of acceptance greatly!

EXTRA! More Advice!

The process of applying and getting accepted to the Peace Corps takes months or even longer. So, if you have a specific window of time for volunteering abroad, the Peace Corps may not be your best option at the moment.

But don’t worry—you have alternatives. Volunteer organizations such as Projects Abroad can place you on similar assignments in less than a month.

Furthermore, though there are only two mandatory requirements, the Peace Corps is highly competitive. There are simply way more applicants than open positions. According to Peace Corps application data, the agency only offers around 23% of applicants a volunteer position.

Yes, it’s that competitive.

The fact is many roles do require a good deal of education, work experience, and qualifications, such as the ability to speak a foreign language or expertise in a project sector. So, if you don’t get accepted the first time around, don’t let yourself get too upset. Again, you have other options.

For example, you could volunteer with Maximo Nivel , a leading volunteer program provider in Latin America. They have many projects like the Peace Corps’. Interested in farming? Join their eco-agriculture project in Costa Rica. Believe in the power of education? Teach English to children in Peru or Guatemala.

Don’t give up if you don’t get accepted the first time around. Take time to bolster your resume. For instance, being able to add volunteer abroad experience will make your application stand out. Consider doing a short-term volunteer abroad trip and then applying again. Read our guide on short-term volunteer programs here !

Do Peace Corps volunteers get paid?

Peace Corps volunteers do get compensation and benefits. There technically isn’t a Peace Corps salary. Volunteers receive a housing and living stipend that allows them to enjoy a modest standard of living in the host country. Upon completion of their assignment, the Peace Corps gives each volunteer $10,000 for the transition to life back home. This resettlement allowance is relatively substantial and helps volunteers out greatly.

In addition to the housing and living allowance, Peace Corps volunteers enjoy other benefits, such as:

• Potential student loan deferment or forgiveness: Some public student loans are eligible for deferment. Some loans, such as Perkins Loans, may qualify for full or partial Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Ask your lender in advance.
• Travel benefits: All your transportation costs to and from the host country are covered.
• Paid vacation days: You get two paid vacation days per month of service. Use that time to travel, relax, learn the local language, and more!
• Medical and dental insurance: The Peace Corps covers all healthcare-related expenses, including preventative care. If you get injured during your service, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation upon return.
• Career benefits: From TEFL training and certification to resume services to language lessons, you have ample opportunity for learning and development.

The Peace Corps asks a lot of you. In return, they ensure your needs are taken care of while abroad. This way, you can work on what matters: Serving the local community!

How long are Peace Corps volunteer assignments?

Peace Corps assignments last 27 months. It is a long-term commitment, consisting of three months of in-country training and two years on assignment. For many applicants, that length of time isn’t an issue. They view the Peace Corps as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But for others, that may be too long of a commitment.

The Peace Corps offers another option: the Peace Corps Response. Roles within this team last three to 12 months. However, these are highly specialized roles that require a great deal of professional experience and technical expertise.

So, if you’re looking for a short-term volunteer abroad opportunity, consider alternatives, such as service projects with Plan My Gap Year . Through PMGY, you can volunteer for as little as a few weeks to as long as a year. You’ll find roles similar to Peace Corps assignments as well.

What are the best Peace Corps alternatives?

Read our full guide on Peace Corps alternatives here .

There are many reasons to consider Peace Corps alternatives. It could be that:

• You don’t meet the requirements (you’re under 18 or not a U.S. citizen)
• You don’t get selected for a position (more than 75% don’t)
• You’re still waiting for the Peace Corps to contact you
• You don’t have 27 months to commit
• You want to volunteer for a non-governmental organization (Peace Corps is a federal government agency)
• You want to volunteer in a field that’s not one of Peace Corps’ project sectors, such as journalism
• You want to volunteer in a country the Peace Corps doesn’t serve (note: the Peace Corps only works in countries that request volunteers)
• You want to boost your resume before applying to the Peace Corps

So, if you can’t join the Peace Corps, take a look at similar volunteer experiences. You could:

• International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is super affordable and available in over 50 different destinations , including in Bali , South Africa , Costa Rica , Peru , Fiji , Nepal , and Spain . They are the only certified B Corporation volunteer organization, which recognizes them upholding sustainability, inclusivity, and quality for their social and environmental programs.They have supported over 130,000 travelers to volunteer abroad safely since 2007 and have an experienced team of volunteer travel experts who will ensure you are well prepared for your trip. In addition, some of their projects allow college volunteers to gain college credits for their volunteer work! Starting from $20USD a day, volunteers have among 330 plus projects to choose from with volunteer opportunities in Healthcare , Childcare , Teaching , Conservation , Construction , Wildlife and Animal Care , and more.
• GoEco , an organization with a focus on sustainability, has more than 150 affordable programs across 40+ countries. Choose among projects in wildlife conservation , community aid and development , healthcare , and more.
• UN volunteer jobs are open to all nationalities and last six to twelve months. Read our United Nations volunteer guide !
• You can join either a religious or non-religious mission trip. Read our guide on the best mission trips guide .
• You can choose among lots of great non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Agape Volunteers , a UK-registered charity with education, medicine, and conservation programs throughout Africa. Read more about NGO volunteer opportunities here !
• Read our guide on Teaching English overseas .

If you’d like to volunteer abroad sooner rather than later, apply with a volunteer or intern abroad organization. Within weeks, you could be embarking on your service adventure. Below, we’ve highlighted four organizations worth your consideration.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

Founded in 2007 by Dan Radcliffe, International Volunteer HQ offers over 330 affordable volunteer trips to over 50 destinations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. IVHQ has placed more than 130,000 volunteers around the world on projects ranging from teaching and healthcare, to wildlife conservation and construction, and more. Programs last one week to 24 weeks and start at $20USD a day.

Since 2006, GoEco has offered affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships in over 40 countries throughout Africa , Asia , Australasia , Central America , Europe , the Middle East , and South America . With more than 150 different programs, GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful trips to choose from, from wildlife conservation to teaching English . GoEco was recently recognized as the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization from GoAbroad, Top Eco-Enthusiast by Greenmatch, and has been recommended by Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and more. As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish. Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here !

Maximo Nivel

If you want to do good in Latin American, then put Maximo Nivel at the top of your list. Through Maximo Nivel, you can get your TEFL certification and teach English in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. Or, you could gain practical experience as you make a difference with an internship in a field like human rights .

Projects Abroad

Established in 1992, Projects Abroad has sent more than 125,000 volunteers and interns abroad. In 2020, Volunteer Forever recognized Projects Abroad as the Best Volunteer Abroad Program. Through Projects Abroad, you can gain experience in fields that the Peace Corps doesn’t offer. For instance, you could do an engineering internship in Sri Lanka or a micro-finance internship in Senegal .

Are you ready to serve in the Peace Corps?

You now understand the Peace Corps volunteer program and how to apply and increase your odds of being accepted. You’re ready to start the process!

If you go with an open mind, a willingness to adapt, and a commitment to your role and the local community, you’ll do tremendous good and have a transformative experience. And when you return home, you’ll be excited about what the future holds.

Remember: It’s hard to get accepted by the Peace Corps. And if you get accepted, you’re expected to commit to a 27-month assignment. Therefore, the Peace Corps isn’t for everyone.

So, if you don’t think the Peace Corps is for you at the moment, think about a short-term volunteer trip instead. You can explore other countries, learn new skills, make friends from around the world, and most importantly, contribute to positive change in disadvantaged communities. Like volunteering with the Peace Corps, a short-term volunteer abroad trip can be a transformative experience.

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Nick Callos · Writer

With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.

Related guidebooks

A Guide to United Nations Volunteer Jobs

Peace Corps Alternatives: Volunteer, Intern, and Teach Abroad Programs

A Guide to Workaway for Travelers

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15 men brought to military enlistment office after mass brawl in Moscow Oblast

Local security forces brought 15 men to a military enlistment office after a mass brawl at a warehouse of the Russian Wildberries company in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast on Feb. 8, Russian Telegram channel Shot reported .

29 people were also taken to police stations. Among the arrested were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

Read also: Moscow recruits ‘construction brigades’ from Russian students, Ukraine says

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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Home & House Stagers in Elektrostal'

Location (1).

• Use My Current Location

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• Elektrostal', Moscow Oblast, Russia

Professional Category (1)

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Featured Reviews for Home & House Stagers in Elektrostal'

• Reach out to the pro(s) you want, then share your vision to get the ball rolling.
• Request and compare quotes, then hire the Home Stager that perfectly fits your project and budget limits.

A home stager is a professional who prepares a house for sale, aiming to attract more buyers and potentially secure a higher selling price. They achieve this through the following techniques:

• Rearranging furniture to optimize space and functionality.
• Decluttering to create a clean and spacious look.
• Making repairs to address visible issues.
• Enhancing aesthetics with artwork, accessories, and lighting.
• Introducing new furnishings to update the style.

Their goal is to present the house in the best light. Home stagers in Elektrostal' help buyers envision themselves living there, increasing the chances of a successful sale.

• Decluttering
• Furniture Selection
• Space Planning
• Art Selection
• Accessory Selection

Benefits of the home staging in Elektrostal':

• Attractive and inviting: Staging creates a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.
• Faster sale: Homes sell more quickly, reducing time on the market.
• Higher sale price: Staging can lead to higher offers and appeal to a wider range of buyers.
• Showcasing best features: Strategic arrangement highlights positives and minimizes flaws.
• Stand out online: Staged homes capture attention in online listings.
• Emotional connection: Staging creates a positive impression that resonates with buyers.
• Easy visualization: Buyers can easily picture themselves living in a staged home.
• Competitive advantage: Staging sets your home apart from others on the market.
• Affordable investment: Cost-effective way to maximize selling potential and ROI.
• Professional expertise: Experienced stagers ensure optimal presentation for attracting buyers.

What does an Elektrostal' home stager do?

What should i consider before hiring an interior staging company, questions to ask potential real estate staging companies in elektrostal', moscow oblast, russia:, business services, connect with us.