What benefits does the Peace Corps offer?

The Peace Corps offers a number of benefits to its volunteers. The Peace Corps service asks a lot of you, so they aim to give benefits that last your service and beyond.

Here are some of the benefits volunteers at the Peace Corps receive:

Financial

The Peace Corps provides each Volunteer with housing and a living stipend that enables them to live in a manner similar to people in their community of service.

Unlike other international volunteer programs, there is no charge to participate in the Peace Corps.

Upon completion of two years of service, the Peace Corps provides each Volunteer with more than $10,000 (pre-tax) to help with the transition to life back home. This money is yours to use as you wish.

Student Loans

Certain public student loans may be eligible for deferment or for Public Service Loan Forgiveness by your lender.

Perkins loans may be eligible for partial cancellation by your lender.

Travel

The Peace Corps covers the cost of transportation to and from the country of service. Each Volunteer receives two paid vacation days per month of service. Paid leave is available in the event of family emergencies.

Medical and Dental

The Peace Corps provides medical and dental care that covers all related expenses during service, including preventative care, and issues incurred during your training period, service, or on vacation.

In the case of a health problem that cannot be treated in your host country, you will be sent to a nearby country or the U.S at no cost to you.

Returned Volunteers may be eligible for workers' compensation for injuries incurred during their service, although this program is managed by the Department of Labor and not by the Peace Corps.

The Peace Corps provides rigorous technical training at the start of service, which includes in-depth intercultural and language instruction, usually from a native speaker.

Throughout service, Volunteers have regular opportunities to gain new skills related to work, language, culture, and safety.

This training makes returned the Peace Corps Volunteers highly in demand by corporate, nonprofit, and government employers seeking candidates with the skills required in today's global economy.