Peace of mind: Benefits before and during service

While you’ll need to tie up loose ends in the States before you depart, you can leave the larger details—such as housing, airfare, and medical care—to us.

Before service

As part of the application process, you’ll need to complete medical evaluations. The Peace Corps will reimburse you for any related expenses during these evaluations—from co-pays and diagnostic tests to dental treatments and immunizations. Training on preventive strategies is provided during pre-service training to help you maintain your health and handle unexpected or urgent health needs. Your health and safety are important to us!

We’ll make sure your travel documents are in order and book your flight to the country of service. A small welcoming party will be waiting at the airport to take you and other Volunteers to pre-service training.

For Volunteers serving two years, a significant portion of the training will be dedicated to reaching the necessary proficiency in the local language—a desirable skillset that will further develop during your service and strengthen your resume.

Before you move to your new home, you’ll also get a crash course on best practices related to your primary project duties and strengthening capacity in others. Learn more about pre-service training in this blog post.

During service

After pre-service training, you’ll move to new accommodations without having to worry about handling any rental agreements. You’ll also receive a modest, monthly living allowance that covers the costs of groceries, cellphone data, local transportation, and minor discretionary spending.

You can be confident that you’ll feel support from the Peace Corps throughout your service. To start, an assigned staff member will regularly check in with you to see how you are adjusting and how your project is going. In-service trainings will build upon your experience and allow an exchange of ideas with your fellow Volunteers.

Your health and safety will remain a top priority. Not only will you receive any necessary and appropriate medical and dental care, but dedicated staff will be on hand to provide select health services. In the event that you require treatment not available in your country of service, the Peace Corps will cover the cost and logistics to send you to a nearby country or the U.S. to receive the care needed.

Volunteers will also accrue two vacation days each month in addition to the host country’s observed holidays. Time off during service gives many Volunteers the opportunity to explore the area they’re serving in and even other countries if they wish.

Peace Corps service is considered qualifying employment for the Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. We recommend visiting our student loan information page and calling your loan provider to discuss deferment, partial cancellation, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness. Regardless of the benefits your lender may provide, you have the ability to make monthly loan payments through early withdrawals from your service award (readjustment allowance) during service. For more information, see our Finance FAQs.

In addition to the many perks Volunteers receive—from medical care to financial support—most Volunteers feel that the biggest benefit of service is the relationships they make over the course of 27 months.

“The highlight of my service is all the wonderful people I have met. The Peace Corps Armenia staff, my fellow Volunteers, my host family, the youth I work with, and my local friends and colleagues have truly made my experience unlike anything I’ve done before. The opportunity to connect with so many people I would never have met had I not done the Peace Corps is one I will forever cherish.” Kaitlyn P., Peace Corps Volunteer, Armenia

Your service will continue to benefit you even after you complete service. For more information, discover additional benefits after Peace Corps service.