All Peace Corps Volunteers commit to 27 months of training and service overseas. During this time, you will earn vacation time. The Peace Corps does not offer short-term assignments.

No. Knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement for Peace Corps service, as the Peace Corps provides language training. However, knowledge of French or Spanish will help qualify you for programs in certain regions.

Opportunities are available for those with a combination of job experience and education, though some opportunities require a four-year degree. Opportunities for community college students are also available. Click here for more info.

While we take your geographical preferences under consideration, we cannot guarantee placement in your country or region of choice. Our primary goal is to place Volunteers where their skills and experience are most needed.

The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with a living allowance that enables them to live in a manner similar to the local people in their community. The Peace Corps also provides complete medical and dental care and covers the cost of transportation to and from your country of service. When you return from your 27 months of service, you will receive just over $6,000 toward your transition to life back home. The money is yours to use as you wish: for travel, a vacation, making a move, or securing housing.

No. While the minimum age for Peace Corps service is 18, there is no upper age limit. Volunteers range in age from college students to retirees and come from all walks of life.

Volunteers may defer repayment on student loans under several federal programs, i.e., Stafford (formerly known as guaranteed student loans), Perkins, direct, and consolidation loans. Volunteers with Perkins loans are eligible for a 15 percent cancellation of their outstanding balance for each year of Peace Corps service. Because the rules that authorize deferment are complicated and subject to change, it is best to talk to your lender directly about how this benefit applies to your situation.

We accept invitations on a rolling basis; there is no application deadline. The entire application process-from completion of your application to departure for service-takes an average of nine months. We encourage you to apply 9-12 months before you will be ready to begin your service.

After you have submitted your completed application, you can expect to hear from a Peace Corps recruiter within two to three weeks.

Because different Peace Corps assignments have different requirements, and because each applicant is considered on an individual basis, the best way to find out if you may qualify is to speak with a Peace Corps recruiter and then complete an application. Take the "Am I Qualified?" quiz to get a general idea of whether you might qualify to be a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Legally married couples may serve together in the Peace Corps. Both people must qualify, and there must be a matching job for each person in the same location. Couples must be legally married as defined by federal law and have been married for at least 12 months before their scheduled departure date.

While arrangements vary by geographical location, Volunteers should expect to live on their own and work independently. Typically, there are many opportunities to see other nearby Volunteers during weekends, holidays, and for training sessions and collaborative projects.

Please see the Medical Information for Applicants guide (PDF) for a list of conditions that Peace Corps cannot typically accommodate, may prolong your medical review, and/or may add to the cost of your medical review.