Peace Corps Response
Short-term. High-impact. Experience required.
See stories from VolunteersNot only have I been able to put my knowledge and creativity to good use, but true to the Peace Corps experience, I have also been challenged to take on an entirely new skill-set.
Julia Gibson, Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Georgia
Consider which Peace Corps program is right for you. Each program has different time commitments, requirements, and benefits, but all offer the opportunity to serve abroad.
| Peace Corps Response | Peace Corps Volunteer | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of service | 3-12 months | 27 months |
| Application timeline | Rolling: Applicants will be notified at least three months prior to departure. | Quarterly deadlines: Apply 6-12 months before projected departure. |
| Orientation/training | 1-2 weeks to introduce Volunteers to country of service and provide information on health, safety, culture, and partner organization | Pre-service training (three months), in-service training, mid-service training, and close-of-service conference |
Agriculture
Volunteers assist in shaping policy on a regional or national level and partner directly with community members to encourage adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, increase food security, and improve livelihoods. They introduce new or improved production technologies to sustain soil and water conservation and management and to increase crop productivity. They transfer business management, marketing, and monitoring and evaluation skills to farmers and organizational leaders.
Community Economic Development
Volunteers perform a diverse range of functions in fields such as business development, microfinance, information technology, organizational development, and entrepreneurship. Volunteers work directly with community groups and national organizations in focused assignments to provide skills training, strengthen internal operations, and expand community outreach.
Education
Peace Corps Response education assignments broadly encompass critical need areas such as English as a foreign language, literacy, math, science, special education, Deaf education, and vocational education. Volunteers frequently design curricula, coach and train teachers, and demonstrate modern and innovative teaching techniques at all levels of instruction, from rural primary schools to urban research centers.
Environment
From urban centers to rural forests, environment PCRVs contribute their expertise in resource management, environmental conservation, and community programs. Volunteers work with their counterparts to perform land assessments, recommend policies, and design and facilitate training. Response Volunteers also collaborate with host country partners to plan and coordinate disaster risk reduction and management programs.
Health
Peace Corps Response Volunteers pilot new and innovative interventions in the areas of malaria prevention, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, nursing education, occupational therapy, health-care administration, and more. Volunteers strengthen monitoring and evaluation practices, facilitate health promotion efforts for non-governmental organizations, and assist with the creation and implementation of community health worker programs.
Youth in Development
Response Volunteers partner with local institutions to develop curriculum and services supporting holistic youth development. Volunteers share their experience in social work, child development, and program management with community leaders, parents, and educators. Volunteers deliver workshops and develop programs to build life skills for youth in need.
Peace Corps Response Volunteers receive many of the same benefits as Peace Corps Volunteers, including:
- Transportation to and from their country of service
- Settling-in and living allowance
- Two vacation days per month of service
- Medical care
- For those who complete their service, option to receive a travel stipend in lieu of a return plane ticket
In addition, Peace Corps Response Volunteers receive a readjustment allowance of $500 for each month of service.
Peace Corps Response Volunteers who complete 12 or more months of service within a 24-month period are eligible for the Coverdell Fellows program and earn noncompetitive eligibility for jobs with the Peace Corps domestically.
- I don't see any Peace Corps Response openings that match my skills. What should I do?
- What kind of training will I receive as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer?
- Can Peace Corps Response Volunteers extend their assignment?
- I am a currently serving Peace Corps Volunteer interested in transitioning to a Peace Corps Response assignment after I complete my current service. What should I consider?
- Can couples serve as Peace Corps Response Volunteers?
Connect With Us
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Learn about the application process to serve as a Response Volunteer. -
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See upcoming webinars and information sessions on Peace Corps Response.