Peace Corps staff experience virtual engagement

A few Peace Corps staff members discuss how they’ve grown professionally from Peace Corps’ third way to serve. While two participated before landing their jobs at headquarters, one current employee engaged online before and after normal business hours.

Dr. Andre’ Boyer

Boyer served as a two-year Volunteer in China (2015-2017), then as a Response Volunteer in Georgia (2017-2018), and finally as a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) with Ukraine (2022-2023). For his virtual engagement, Boyer engaged with Mohyliv-Podliski Department of Secondary Education to co-develop, facilitate, and improve teachers’ English proficiency, increase their awareness of American culture and values, and share best practices for online teaching. He co-facilitated workshops for teachers of English as Foreign Language (EFL), building their capacity to use online teaching techniques.

In March of 2024, Boyer joined the Peace Corps as a recruiter. He shares his personal experiences serving communities abroad—both in person and online—to guide conversations with candidates.

“My Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) experience supports my discussions as a recruiter; I feel in a better position to speak about the third way to serve with [candidates] who may not be able or ready to live abroad. VSP allowed me to make new connections, establish friendships, build capacity, and share my new experiences with others," he says.

Kelsey McMahon

McMahon was working as a marketing writer when she got an email from the Peace Corps about virtual engagement. She didn’t hesitate to express interest in a short-term engagement with an NGO in her previous country of service, South Africa (2014-2016). Over the course of 6 months, McMahon and her counterpart collaborated online to streamline the organization’s website, making it easier for users to navigate and find an online course relevant to their professional goals.

“I wondered if any job would give me the same gratification that my previous Volunteer service did. My weekly meeting with my VSP counterpart quickly became the highlight of my week. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to use the professional skills I acquired after my two-year service to support a Peace Corps partner! Now, I have the privilege of applying my previous experience as a VSPP to support Post staff with their virtual engagements,” explained McMahon.

Vishakha Wavde

Wavde was confident she could participate in VSP despite her busy schedule. She quickly discovered that the same time management and multi-tasking skills she applies in her current role as Administrative Specialist for Peace Corps’ Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) supported her success as a VSPP.

For 27 weeks, Wavde supported the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica. Together, Wavde and the foundation’s staff created a communication plan and calendar for Lupus Awareness campaigns. Wavde’s part-time support also helped Peace Corps Jamaica expand their in-country impact since their in-person Volunteers do not support Health sector projects.

“As far as from my experience in VSP, I have a new understanding of the office work structure and how non-profit organizations work and function in Jamaica. VSP acquainted me with new people in Jamaica,” said Wavde.

You do not need to be a Peace Corps employee or returned Volunteer to participate in the Virtual Service Pilot. U.S. citizens at least 18 years old can express interest in any of the short-term virtual service opportunities available, which they meet the essential qualifications. Be sure to read our blog on how to submit a strong Expression of Interest to land your top choice!