Country Welcome for Malawi

Dear Trainees and Volunteers,

You are about to embark on an adventure that will challenge you, change you, and fill your life with moments you’ll carry forever. Whether you were drawn to Malawi in search of purpose, service, or just an inexplicable gut feeling, you belong here.

Malawi is called the "Warm Heart of Africa" for a reason, and you’re about to feel that warmth in every possible way. The people? Unbelievably welcoming. The sun? Equally committed to making sure you feel its presence. From the moment you step off the plane, you’ll be met with warmth of this beautiful country.

At the request of the Government of Malawi, Peace Corps has had the privilege of working here since 1963, partnering with communities in Education, Environment, and Health. We also have the Peace Corps Response program. Everyone’s service is their own and we are so honored to have so many choosing to serve where and how they can.

Time moves differently here—sometimes faster, sometimes slower, sometimes in circles—but somehow, everything always works out. Most Volunteers serve in rural villages: no Uber Eats and no free Wi-Fi. Your alarm clock will be a rooster with strong opinions about when the day should start. Your bucket bath will be cold, but you’ll soon swear it’s refreshing. You’ll try to carry something on your head and fail spectacularly. You’ll become a local celebrity at the market, a self-appointed health educator, and a part of the heartbeat of a community.

You will have wins—like negotiating a fair price for tomatoes without getting the mzungu special, successfully making nsima (sort of), and finally understanding a joke in Chichewa before everyone else starts laughing. You will also have moments—like staring at your bucket of water and wondering if showering is actually necessary that day.

But more than anything, you will build relationships that will change you. You will share meals, stories, and laughter. You will be humbled by the generosity of your community, and in return, you will give them something just as valuable—your presence, your partnership, and your heart. And you will have relationships that will stick with you long after you leave.

You are now part of something bigger than yourself. You are part of Peace Corps Malawi, a family of Volunteers, staff and community members who have been walking this road for decades. We will support you, celebrate you, and remind you why you came on the days you need it most.

So take a deep breath, let go of your expectations, and get ready for the wild, beautiful, unpredictable journey ahead. It’s going to be messy. It’s going to be challenging. And it’s going to be one of the best things you’ve ever done.

Yours in service,

Country Director Jean Margaritis

Returned Volunteer Lesotho (2004-06)