Country Welcome for El Salvador

On behalf of Peace Corps El Salvador’s staff and Volunteers: Welcome or ¡Bienvenidos!

Since the Peace Corps’ initial entry into El Salvador in 1962, more than 2,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have served successfully in towns and communities throughout this welcoming country. This is truly an exciting time to be living and working in El Pulgarcito de America (or the "Tom Thumb of the Americas"). By choosing to serve in Peace Corps El Salvador, you will participate alongside Salvadorans in the transformation of this tiny nation. After experiencing civil war and gang violence, this peaceful country is now filled with hope and economic development opportunities and challenges.

During Peace Corps' long history here, Volunteers have worked in all 14 administrative regions of the country in the areas of Agriculture, Health, Community Economic Development, and Youth in Development. Peace Corps temporarily suspended operations in El Salvador on two separate occasions: first, from 1979-1993 due to a civil war, and then again from 2016 to 2023 due to escalating gang violence. Once known as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, the country has recently experienced a period of stability. El Salvador is now considered one of the safest countries in all of Latin America.

Peace Corps' work is focused on Salvadoran communities and Volunteers collaborating on locally defined priorities and, together, achieving measurable impact. This includes strengthening the capacity of local people and supporting their vision for their community’s future.

You will be assigned to one of two projects and will live and work productively in a local community. Although you will receive extensive training and collaborate with a vetted work partner, your success will depend on your own efforts, professionalism, and commitment to service. Our dedicated and talented staff is here to coach, encourage, and support you. Peace Corps service can be a transformative, life-changing experience for you as a Volunteer and a truly memorable and rich learning experience for your host community.

The Community Economic Development program (CED) aims to empower rural Salvadoran households and communities to achieve sustainable economic growth through the creation and strengthening of economic opportunities. ​

The Youth in Development (YD) program advances national and local youth priorities through strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Education, local municipalities and other key civil society stakeholders. The goal of the YD program is to contribute to youth transitioning into confident leaders and valued partners who are actively engaged in their own development and the development of their communities.

You will find nearly limitless opportunities to work collaboratively with your community, both as a community development worker and as an engaged member of your community. We ask you to approach this work with curiosity, a willingness to learn from others’ life experiences, and cultural humility. You will be challenged to integrate into a culture that is quite different than your own. It will require you to be open, leave assumptions behind, and allow yourself to adapt and be changed by this new cultural experience. My experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer many years ago transformed my life and changed the course of my career.

We look forward to welcoming you to Peace Corps El Salvador.

Country Director Jaime Kuklinski