What to do if you're scared before leaving for the Peace Corps

And then those last-minute jitters hit you. The mix of excitement, fear, anticipation, and doubt that tends to show up right before one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Nearly every Peace Corps Volunteer experiences some version of pre-departure nerves. Here’s how to manage those emotions so you can step into service with confidence and clarity.

1. Acknowledge the nerves (they’re normal!)

Feeling nervous doesn’t mean you’re unprepared—it means you care. Big transitions bring big emotions. Let yourself sit with the jitters instead of fighting them.

"It’s normal to be nervous, but pushing through that fear can lead to opportunities and experiences that you never imagined. My service has been incredible. It’s helped me grow as a person, opened new doors, and led to friendships I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life," said Lauren P., a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Ecuador.

2. Reconnect with your “why”

Think back to what motivated you to apply in the first place. Were you curious what another culture and way of life would be like? Did you yearn for the ultimate personal growth opportunity?

Write your reasons down somewhere you can revisit them often. They’ll anchor you before you depart, during your first few months in country, and on your most challenging days.

3. Break the unknowns into smaller, manageable pieces

Most of the pre-departure anxiety comes from the uncertainty tied to not knowing where exactly you’ll live, how quickly you’ll learn the new language, or even who you’ll meet along the way.

Instead of spiraling into “what ifs,” focus on what you can control today: organizing your documents, reading welcome materials, practicing basic language phrases, or touching base with current Volunteers. Volunteer profiles are also a great resource for getting a handle on what life is like in various countries. Every small effort will help shrink the unknown.

4. Talk to someone who’s been there

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers love to share advice—take advantage of that community. One way to connect with Returned Volunteers is through a National Peace Corps Association affiliate group. Hearing real experiences (the highlights, the funny missteps, and the pivotal moments) can make service feel more tangible and less mysterious. They’ll remind you that everyone arrives unsure and grows into the role.

5. Shift your focus from perfection to openness

You don’t have to show up in country as a polished expert—no one expects that. The most important qualities at the start of service are curiosity, humility, and patience. Remind yourself that learning, not perfection, is the goal. You’ll find that this attitude will serve you well throughout service as you adjust to a new culture and norms.

6. Embrace the excitement hiding under the nerves

Jitters often mask excitement. You’re about to embark on an incredibly meaningful, life-changing experience. Allow yourself to feel the anticipation—the sense of possibility, new connections, and unexpected joys ahead.

7. Take care of your mind and body

In the final days before departure, simple selfcare can make a big difference. Get active or go outside, eat nourishing meals, unplug from social media, and rest. A calmer body supports a calmer mind.

8. Remember, you were invited for a reason

The Peace Corps selected you because they saw your strengths, resilience, and potential. Trust that. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. You’ll grow, adapt, and thrive one step at a time.

Last-minute jitters aren’t a sign to stop—they’re a sign that you’re on the edge of something extraordinary. Take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and know that hundreds of thousands of Volunteers before you felt the same flutter in their stomach and they went on to have experiences that shaped their lives forever. You’ve got this!