Get all the Peace Corps information you need—without talking to anyone

Sean and his counterpart Fanina support digital literacy in Namibia. — "It always feels good to know that I am contributing to making a positive impact in the everyday life of my community and that the community trusts me to assist them with what they seek to achieve." -Sean F., Peace Corps Volunteer, Namibia

Thinking about applying to the Peace Corps? If you need more information but aren’t quite ready to talk with a recruiter, the Peace Corps website is chock full of answers to most of your burning questions.

Start with the website

What do Peace Corps Volunteers even do? Where do Volunteers serve? If you’re looking for the basics, head to the homepage of the Peace Corps website. This page will show you three menus next to the Peace Corps logo—What We Do, Ways to Serve, and How to Apply.

What we do

In the What We Do section you’ll see a menu with further options— Our Mission, Where We Serve, Life in the Peace Corps, and After Service.

Our Mission offers the key principles and values of the Peace Corps—it outlines our mission, the intercultural approach we take in getting Volunteers ready for service—as well the facts and figures of Peace Corps’ history and Volunteer numbers.

Where We Serve takes you to a list of countries where Volunteers serve and shows the number of current service opportunities in each country. This is a place you should stop and explore. What countries pique your interest? Click on a specific country to read up on the kinds of projects each country offers, and the types of tasks and activities Volunteers carry out in a particular sector, whether it’s Education, Health or another program. Which programs match your skills and experience?

Jim performs on the baritone ukelele alongside Armenian students. — “Peace Corps has taught me so much, both personally and professionally. And it has exposed me to parts of the world I never would have known,” -Jim D., Education Volunteer, Armenia.

Ways to serve

Now, click the Ways to Serve heading. You’ll see a menu with the three ways to serve that include two in-person options as well as virtual service. Don’t miss the 10-minute Find the right fit quiz that can help you understand which way to serve suits your skills, interests, and experience level.

Other options to explore on this menu include Our Work Sectors, where you can learn more about the six sectors you can support; Service Assignments, where you can check out dozens of opportunities that you can apply for now; and Benefits and Training, for information on the benefits of Peace Corps service. Depending on which way to serve you select, you can receive up to 3 months of training prior to service, free housing and a living allowance, necessary medical and dental care, and a service award (readjustment allowance) after completion of service.

For more information about opportunities that may be right for you, check out Serve Where You're Needed Most.

Scarlett engages Paraguayan youth outside the classroom in activities such as yoga. — “When I first began teaching, I felt overwhelmed and unsure, but through trial and error, I've developed a deep respect for educators and discovered a genuine passion for working with youth eager to learn beyond the classroom.” -Scarlett R., Peace Corps Volunteer, Paraguay

Explore stories and profiles of people who are serving

At this point, you’ll have a pretty good understanding of where Peace Corps Volunteers serve, the ways applicants can choose to serve, and the benefits of Peace Corps service. Maybe you even have some ideas about the kinds of positions and countries you’d be interested in.

Teresa was dressed in a traditional pollera for her birthday. — “I have made unforgettable connections and most importantly I have seen changes and growth in myself...” -Teresa C., Peace Corps Volunteer, Panama

With all this information in mind, there are a few more ways to dig into the Peace Corps experience, two of which deserve special mention.

Navigating to our blog will lead you to the motherlode of Volunteer experiences, where you can sort by country of service, sector, and the three ways to serve, and read about people serving in the country and/or sector that you’re interested in.

Click on our Volunteer Profiles section to find another trove of information—access 150+ profiles of Volunteers, also sortable by the six sectors, three ways to serve, and host countries from Albania to Zambia. Happy reading!

Are you ready for it?

By now, you’ve gotten excited about the Peace Corps, and perhaps have decided to apply—or you’ve whetted your appetite for service and want to drill down on the details.

If you want to apply—having identified countries or sectors you’re interested in, and the way you’d like to serve—click on the red Apply button at the top of any page. This will present a screen where you can click on one of three ways to serve to access all current opportunities you can apply for. If a specific job sparks your interest, click on it to find out details about key projects and activities as well as required skills, including languages needed, if any. If you’ve found the one that’s right for you—hurray!—look for the purple Apply for this position box at the bottom of the page, and you can start the process.

If you have more questions about the job or have further questions about your eligibility or what sector or service model is right for you, click the Connect button at the top of any page. This will allow you to sign up for emails, attend an event, or get in touch with a recruiter.

Finally, a great resource for many common questions about applying, what it’s like to serve, financial information, and more is our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Congratulations! You’re on the way to Peace Corps service.

Learn more about opportunities to serve. Take our 10-minute quiz for recommended opportunities based on your interests and skills.