What exactly is expected of me as a Peace Corps trainee or Volunteer?
If you are reading this blog you are probably thinking about applying to the Peace Corps or have already started the application process. Before continuing this process, it is important to do some self-reflecting and ask yourself is Peace Corps right for me?
Whether becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer has been your lifelong dream or this is your first time researching the organization, there is one key question that you should ask yourself before you submit an application, which is: what exactly is expected of me as a Peace Corps trainee or Volunteer?
Peace Corps has 10 Core Expectations for trainees and Volunteers. These expectations range from preparing your professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term of 27 months to recognizing that your success and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community and culture.
When applying to the Peace Corps, you will need to write a statement outlining your motivation for joining the Peace Corps. In addition, you will have to go through an interview process with a Placement Officer. This Placement Officer will determine if you have the skills desired by your country of service and evaluate your willingness and ability to follow the 10 Core Expectations. Therefore, it is critical to be able to articulate your ability to adhere to these expectations in your motivational statement as well as during your interview.
It is important to keep in mind the overarching commitment and goal of being a Peace Corps Volunteer. As a Volunteer you will have the privilege of entering into communities around the world, and sometimes even someone’s home..
Being mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared for service is expected of all applicants. Beyond that, it is important to think about how exactly you will adjust and adapt to the challenges of service. Reading and understanding the 10 Core Expectations will help you do so. Indeed, these expectations have helped set Peace Corps apart from other service organizations since its founding. Placement Officers must have confidence that an applicant will work towards fulfilling the Peace Corps mission of promoting world peace and friendship before extending an invitation to serve.
Ready to start your Peace Corps journey? Connect with a recruiter today.