Can Peace Corps Volunteers travel during service?

Unsurprisingly, these elements of Peace Corps service generally appeal to people who are also interested in travel. So, what are the parameters for travel as a Peace Corps Volunteer?

Vacation days are a benefit of Volunteer service

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I travel or join the Peace Corps?” a key thing to keep in mind is that Peace Corps service is a job, not a vacation. Like most jobs, your Peace Corps assignment comes with benefits, including paid leave. Volunteers accrue vacation days throughout service, receiving up to 48 total days for a two-year assignment.

Many Volunteers use those travel days to see more of their countries of service. (Pro tip: stay with other Volunteers at their sites to make in-country travel cheaper and more fun!) Other Volunteers save their vacation days to take trips to other countries. Keep in mind that—as in any job—you’ll have to get your travel dates approved with work counterparts and Peace Corps staff.

Something that is different when you travel as a Volunteer is that you also must get your travel locations approved in advance of trips. That’s because Volunteer safety and security is the Peace Corps’ top priority, and staff need to know where to find you in case of emergency. Some countries or areas within countries are also off-limits to Peace Corps Volunteers for safety and security reasons. Additionally, if you’re travelling to another country with a Peace Corps program, staff will alert the other country’s Peace Corps staff that you’ll be around in case you need their support or they need to share country-specific safety and security guidelines about the places you intend to visit.

You’ll also travel for work

Travel is not only for leisure; Volunteers travel within their country of service for work too. Whether for training, conferences, workshops, or projects with other Volunteers, Volunteers are often required to travel from their sites to other locations within their country of service. For instance, the Peace Corps’ two-year service model, Peace Corps Volunteer, often includes in-service training for Volunteers and counterparts and a completion of service conference. Because these are work trips, you don’t have to use your vacation days.

It’s important to remember that the majority of your work will happen at your site. And, for training and community integration purposes, Volunteers are not permitted to take annual leave during pre-service training or in the first or last three months at their permanent sites.

Longer trips are possible

If you extend your service or transfer to a new country for a third year of service, you’re granted a 30-day special leave to take a limited break and travel. Whether or not you extend, though, all Volunteers earn a Volunteer service award*, which is money that is accrued during service and intended to help you resettle back in the U.S. once your service ends. This money is yours to use as you wish, and many Volunteers pool this service award with the money they’re given for a return plane ticket home and use it for long, international, post-service travel commonly referred to as completion of service (COS) trips.

*readjustment allowance

Service is a job, not a vacation

Peace Corps service is a job ripe with opportunities to learn and engage and get out of your comfort zone. It’s a job that requires serious commitment and a lot of heart, but one with a lot of perks too, and travel is absolutely one of the many benefits.