When a Peace Corps Volunteer arrives in their host community, they’re paired with a counterpart.

Upon swearing in as a Peace Corps Volunteer, you are not only embarking on an incredible life-changing adventure, but are also becoming a lifetime member of the broader tight-knit Peace Corps community! As PCV Brian knows from experience, the Peace Corps network can be a great resource for Volunteers to help find creative ways to support their communities during their service. Read on to find out how PCV Brian partnered with RPCV Nancy, co-founder of non-profit Bricks to Bread! 

Limón is the most culturally diverse of Costa Rica's provinces marked by an Afro-Caribbean heritage that has made a significant impact on local culture, influencing dress, music, food, and languages spoken throughout the region.  PCV Jose recounts his experience celebrating the region's Afro-Caribbean roots with fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and staff members during festivities for Dia del Negro y Afrodescendientes!

As PCV Crystal closes her four years of service with Peace Corps Costa Rica, she takes a moment to reflect on her unique experiences living and working in an indigenous community and lessons she hopes to bring home with her as she heads back stateside. 

Navigating through humble start-up beginnings on an indigenous reserve in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, a group of Youth Scouts turned entrepreneurs finds the sacred indigenous cacao fruit lends itself as a sweet treat and a source of essential life lessons in business management, teamwork, and perseverance!

Local community counterparts play an integral role in supporting Peace Corps Volunteers at site. 

People join the Peace Corps hoping to make an impact on the communities they serve, however, Volunteers are often surprised to find that the impact their communities have had on them has been the greatest contributor to making this the "toughest job you'll ever love."

Summer vacation means three months when many Peace Corps Volunteers are out of the classroom and responsible for finding their own projects within their communities. It can be daunting, but PCVs find ways to make a difference and build connections. Youth Development Volunteer Kerri organized and personalized a JumpStart Camp for her community in northern Costa Rica this year.