What’s the review, selection, and onboarding process for Virtual Service?

Participation in the Virtual Service Pilot (VSP) is distinct from Peace Corps Volunteer service and Peace Corps Response service. Virtual Service Pilot Participants (VSPPs) engage virtually with partner organizations, exchanging professional skills and creative ideas to support the partner’s short-term project.

Since virtual engagement does not require a passport or medical clearance like in-person Volunteer service, you can expect an accelerated review and selection process. In fact, the timeline from your initial submission of an expression of interest to when you are notified about selection could be as little as 2 weeks.

We’ve outlined the VSP review and selection process, so you know what to expect.

Express interest

Eligible U.S. citizens can express interest in 1 to 3 engagements each trimester. Once you find a virtual opportunity that aligns with your passions or interests, review the essential qualifications listed on the specific engagement to ensure your skills and experience meet the partner’s request. Be sure to highlight that experience in your resume.

You’ll be asked to answer three short writing prompts with detailed examples of how your professional experience will support the engagement. To get a sneak peek at the questions you’ll be asked, read our blog on how to express a strong expression of interest.

Attend a confirmation of interest session

If you are under consideration for a virtual engagement, you’ll be invited to a 30-minute virtual meeting in which you will confirm your interest in participating. The brief virtual call serves as an opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions related to virtual engagement before verbally confirming your continued interest in the virtual service opportunity.

Pass the vetting and reference check

Our team completes a background check for virtual service. As part of that vetting process, we will reach out to 1-2 professional references via email. We recommend selecting individuals who are quick to respond to email. It’s best to let them know you’ve expressed interest in virtual service early in the process.

Sign a Donation of Agreement

If you are selected for an engagement, you will receive an email containing a link to your Donation of Agreement form. This document outlines the expectations for Peace Corps VSP Participants as well as the terms and conditions for virtual engagement.

By digitally signing the agreement, you confirm that you understand and agree to abide by the expectations for VSPPs and conditions for virtual engagement.

Please note the digital form expires in 5 days, so we recommend saving a copy for your reference once you sign.

Complete orientation

Before meeting partners and beginning the engagement, new VSPPs are expected to complete a 7-unit online orientation course that covers the Peace Corps' approach to development, intercultural communication, technology, and effective virtual collaboration. Throughout the course, you’ll hear from previous VSPPs, receive tips for a successful engagement, and complete knowledge checks.

You may complete the course independently based on your own schedule, but it’s important to complete prior to attending the second part of orientation, which is facilitated by in-country Peace Corps staff who will explain more about the partner’s project objectives. This session will allow you to begin planning your collaboration with your partner.

The in-country Peace Corps staff will provide a spreadsheet for you to log your weekly activities and donated hours—think of it as a diary of sorts. By diligently tracking the time you spend on your engagement, you will provide valuable insight that can be used to develop similar engagements in the future. It will also allow the Peace Corps to formally recognize the total number of hours you donated and tasks you accomplished.