Why You Should (And Why You Shouldn’t) Join the Peace Corps

Every year, thousands of individuals apply to the Peace Corps, seeking to immerse themselves in new cultures and positively impact lives worldwide. However, committing to the Peace Corps is significant, so it’s crucial to understand the benefits and challenges before applying.

In this article, we present ten compelling reasons to join the Peace Corps, alongside ten considerations that might make you think twice. This balanced perspective will help you make an informed decision about your potential journey.

Key Takeaways

• Joining the Peace Corps offers numerous rewards, including student loan forgiveness and opportunities for advanced education.

• Peace Corps volunteers must be prepared for challenges like isolation, culture shock, and limited financial compensation.

• Volunteers can work in diverse sectors, including government, education, agriculture, and more.

10 Reasons to Join the Peace Corps

1. Student loan forgiveness. Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, volunteers can qualify for federal student loan forgiveness after completing 120 payments. The Peace Corps allows participants eligible for income-driven repayment plans to defer payments during their two years of service due to their low income. Volunteers not qualifying for such plans may still defer payments under financial hardship provisions until the service concludes.

2. Further education opportunities. Volunteers have the chance to pursue advanced degrees during their service at over 90 universities, including Arizona State University, Boston University, and Duke University. Additionally, the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program offers benefits like reduced tuition and housing assistance. The initial training period also includes education in the local language and culture, enhancing your skill set and resume.

3. More career opportunities. The unique skills developed through Peace Corps service can set volunteers apart in the job market, showcasing their ability to navigate challenges effectively. Alumni have gone on to achieve significant roles, including CEOs and founders, demonstrating the value of this experience.

4. Living expenses. Peace Corps volunteers receive stipends for housing and living expenses, reflecting the local lifestyle. While conditions may differ from those in the U.S., this experience provides a deep understanding of the local culture.

5. Benefits. Volunteers enjoy comprehensive medical coverage, including hospitalization and prescriptions, alongside a dedicated medical officer for each post. Additionally, they receive time off, typically two vacation days per month, which many use to explore their host countries.

6. Reallocation and Resignation Adjustment Funds. Upon returning to the U.S., volunteers receive a cash payment of $8,000 to assist with the transition back to civilian life. While volunteers can resign at any point, doing so may affect their eligibility for this adjustment allowance.

7. Making a difference. Volunteers engage with communities through three main goals: promoting cultural exchange and contributing to local development. This work can lead to meaningful impacts, from improving agricultural methods to supporting educational initiatives.

8. Personal growth. Serving in the Peace Corps is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Navigating a foreign culture and language fosters significant personal development and broadens your worldview.

9. Safety nets. The Peace Corps provides extensive support, including medical staff and safety officers, ensuring volunteers have assistance when needed.

10. Building friendships. The two-year service, along with three months of training, fosters strong bonds among volunteers, often resulting in lifelong friendships.

10 Reasons Why You May Not Want to Join the Peace Corps

1. Isolation. Volunteers often serve alone in remote locations, where digital communication may be limited, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

2. Culture shock. Adapting to vastly different living conditions can be challenging. Basic necessities such as hygiene and food safety may differ significantly from U.S. standards.

3. Minimal supervision. Volunteers are expected to work independently after initial training, which can be daunting without direct oversight.

4. Harassment. Depending on the country of service, gender-related challenges may arise, and volunteers, especially women, could face safety risks.

5. Lengthy approval period. The application process for the Peace Corps is thorough and can take several months, requiring detailed medical history and interviews.

6. Reality bites. While many enter the program with lofty goals, the realities of service may lead to unmet expectations regarding impact.

7. Success looks different. Achievements may take longer than anticipated, requiring volunteers to adjust their definitions of success.

8. It won’t give you purpose. Joining the Peace Corps should not be an escape from personal uncertainties. It’s a significant commitment that requires careful consideration.

9. Separation anxiety. The psychological impact of isolation and cultural adaptation can lead to significant mental health challenges.

10. Minimal pay. Financial compensation is usually modest, enough only to cover basic living expenses, so saving money during this period is unlikely.

What Is the Peace Corps?

The Peace Corps is an independent agency established on March 1, 1961, designed to provide international social and economic development assistance. Founded by John F. Kennedy and authorized by Congress, the organization has seen over 235,000 American volunteers serve in 141 countries.

Typically, volunteers are U.S. citizens with a college degree, committing to two years of service after three months of training. Volunteers collaborate with foreign governments, schools, nonprofits, and NGOs in areas like education, youth development, community health, and agriculture.

Peace Corps FAQ

1. Do I need a college degree to join the Peace Corps?

   No, a college degree is not a requirement to join the Peace Corps. The only prerequisites are U.S. citizenship and being over the age of 18. However, having a degree significantly increases the number of volunteer positions available.

2. Do I need to speak a foreign language to join the Peace Corps?

   No, prior language skills are not necessary, as many positions provide language training. However, knowing a foreign language can enhance opportunities and help ease cultural transitions.

3. How long are Peace Corps assignments?

   Assignments typically last two years and three months, including three months of training. The Peace Corps also offers specialized short-term assignments through Response Volunteers, lasting between 3 to 12 months.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.