Joining the Peace Corps is a unique opportunity to travel the world while making a difference. It’s a program where volunteers use their skills to help communities in need, tackling challenges like education, health, and the environment. If you’re looking to make a difference, learn new things, and create lasting change, the Peace Corps might be the perfect fit for you.
Chasing My Dream
In 2020, after my divorce, I reached a crossroads. I was taking a step back from my career, my daughters started college, and I searched for a new direction. My real desire was to travel and make a meaningful contribution to society, which is why I decided to join the Peace Corps. I was excited about the opportunity to experience new cultures, learn from others, and help communities in need.
However, the pandemic hit just as I began the application process, and the Peace Corps paused all assignments. After a few years of going back to work, I decided it was time to pursue my dream again. In 2023, I re-applied to the Peace Corps, eager to embrace the adventure and make a lasting impact on the world.
What is the Peace Corps?
The U.S. government created the Peace Corps in 1961 to promote peace and friendship around the world. It sends volunteers to countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and other places to help with important community needs. Volunteers work on projects that improve education, health care, farming, and economic development.
The goal is to create lasting positive change by supporting local communities and finding solutions that can continue even after the volunteers leave. Volunteers live in the communities they serve, which helps them understand local cultures and build stronger international connections.
By dedicating their time and efforts, Peace Corps volunteers help make the world a better place. They also gain valuable experiences and learn from the people they meet.
Why People Join the Peace Corps
Many people decide to join the Peace Corps because they want to make a real difference in the world. They feel passionate about helping communities in need, whether it’s through education, health care, or environmental work.
For some, joining the Peace Corps offers a chance to experience new cultures, travel the world, and grow personally. Others are driven by a desire to give back, learn new skills, and contribute to creating a better global community.
The process of joining the Peace Corps can be exciting and challenging. First, you submit an application, including your resume and a personal statement explaining why you want to serve. Then, you go through an interview, and if selected, you begin the training process.
This training prepares you for living and working in a new country. The Peace Corps matches you with a project based on your skills and interests. Once assigned, you start your adventure and make a positive impact.
What to Expect During the Service
When you join the Peace Corps, you commit to serving for a significant amount of time—usually about two years. You will live and work in a community that may be very different from what you’re used to.
Your goal is to help create lasting, positive change by working on projects that support education, health, agriculture, and other vital areas in the community. During these two years, you will immerse yourself in the local culture, language, and lifestyle.
While the experience is incredibly rewarding, there are also challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for many volunteers is adjusting to a new culture and living without many of the comforts of home.
You may experience language barriers, homesickness, and the difficulty of working with limited resources. Volunteering in remote or underserved areas can also mean dealing with a lack of basic infrastructure, like reliable electricity or internet access.
The work itself can be tough, too. It might take time to see the impact of your efforts, and there may be days when you feel frustrated or discouraged. However, many volunteers find that these challenges help them grow personally and professionally. They learn how to be adaptable, patient, and resourceful while making meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
Challenges and Rewards of Serving in the Peace Corps
Despite the difficulties, the Peace Corps offers incredible experiences that can shape your life. Volunteers often make lifelong friends, gain valuable skills, and experience the satisfaction of making a real difference in the world.
If you’re thinking about joining, you need to prepare for both the challenges and rewards that you will experience while serving in the Peace Corps. Ultimately, the journey is about personal growth, global impact, and creating lasting change.
Getting into the Peace Corps isn’t easy, and I’ve faced my fair share of rejections. If you’re curious about how I handled it, check out my post where I share my experience.
