Volunteer Benefits

The Peace Corps will reimburse applicants for necessary medical evaluation expenses incurred during the medical clearance process. To learn more, see “medical reimbursement” on our Medical Clearance page.

Peace Corps Volunteers receive a monthly allowance during service, free housing, paid vacation, paid flights to and from your country of service, and service awards* to prepare for life after service.

The specific amount of the living allowance varies by country, but it always covers the cost of a modest lifestyle.

*readjustment allowances

Volunteers are eligible for the U.S. Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Several federal programs and private loans may also qualify for further deferment or forgiveness. Learn more about how Peace Corps service can help.

The Peace Corps provides necessary and appropriate health care to Volunteers throughout service, even while you’re on vacation during service.

Peace Corps Volunteers serving for two years attend an intensive pre-service training that covers language, culture, safety, and technical preparation for your position.

Throughout overseas service, Volunteers participate in ongoing learning experiences to develop core and technical competencies required of successful service.

Peace Corps Response Volunteers are expected to have the skills needed to complete their assignments. They receive a short training at the start of service.

The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program offers financial support to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who want to pursue further education at over 120 schools across the country. You can qualify for reduced or even free tuition, assistantships, and stipends.

Eligible after 12 months of service within a 24-month period.

Volunteers gain professional skills in high demand by corporate, nonprofit, and government employers seeking candidates with the experience required in today’s global economy.

Returned Volunteers benefit from advantages in federal employment, including hiring benefits related to non-competitive eligibility (NCE).

Many RPCVs have gone on to successful careers in diverse fields, from international development to business to the arts. Learn how Peace Corps service has benefited RPCVs in their careers.

Eligible for NCE after 2 consecutive years of service.

Join a global community of hundreds of thousands of like-minded alumni who are passionate about serving others and helping to improve communities.

The National Peace Corps Association is a group that enables RPCVs to connect with each other, including via a directory of affiliated RPCV groups across the country.