Becoming A Full-time Peace Core Overseas Volunteer

Posted by www.meaningfultravel.org in on 07 8th, 2011

Traveling the world and helping communities grow and better themselves sounds like a great opportunity. Many passionate and goal-oriented people desire to give back and do more for the world. The Peace Corps is an American volunteer program that provides assistance to people and communities outside of the United States. Volunteers can be of any age over 18. It is no doubt a rewarding program, but it also offers a challenge to those who want more out of their life than just receiving a paycheck. Want more? Click here.

The Peace Corps encourages those wanting to apply to take time in thinking about their decision to volunteer. Seek out others who have been in the Peace Corp and talk with them about their experience as a volunteer. They require a 27-month commitment from your time in training and being overseas.

When you have made your decision to become a volunteer with the Peace Corps it is recommended you apply 9-12 months prior to when you would want to begin your assignment. You are generally contacted 2-3 weeks by a recruiter, after sending in your application. Although you cannot be guaranteed your specified assignment location, they may take it into consideration, but tend to match volunteers based on their skills and needs of communities. After your assignment is up you can commit to another assignment and also would qualify for the Peace Core Response program, which connects needed volunteers with short term assignments in high need areas.

The benefits received by Peace Corps volunteers include, free travel expenses, student loan deferment or cancellation, living allowance, medical and dental including health insurance up to 18 months after your service and transition funds after your service. The true benefit most volunteers will state are the experiences they were given that improved their personal growth and career goals.