
Peace Corps Volunteer
Immersive and collaborative service abroad
This is the life-changing Volunteer experience you’ve heard about.
As a Volunteer, you will live and work side-by-side with community members on locally prioritized projects, receiving a living allowance and other support as you immerse yourself in a new experience.
If you’re ready to go the distance to make a difference, we have a place where you belong.
- Service assignments last for 2 years plus 3 months of training
- Choose from opportunities in six sectors and more than 60 countries
- Build relationships
- Exchange cultures and knowledge
- Be humble, flexible, and ready to work
- Help transform lives for generations
Who can serve in the Peace Corps?
Recent college graduates, working professionals, and retirees are all welcome to apply to the Peace Corps —you just need to be a U.S. citizen who is least 18 years old.
Do I need a college degree to serve?
Some Peace Corps Volunteer opportunities are open to people with a combination of job experience and education, while most opportunities require a four-year degree.
Are there benefits for Peace Corps Volunteers?
Absolutely! As a Volunteer, housing costs are covered, and you receive a monthly living allowance. In addition, your medical and dental care is covered, you earn vacation time, and you have access to student loan benefits. Training in many areas is provided prior to and during service. After your service is complete, you will receive $10,000+ as a readjustment allowance as well as enjoy graduate school benefits and federal hiring advantages.
How much do Peace Corps Volunteers get paid?
As a Volunteer, housing costs are covered and you’ll receive a monthly living allowance that covers food, household supplies, communication costs, clothing, local transportation, and incidental expenses. The amount will vary based on your location—it will be enough for you to live a modest yet comfortable lifestyle within your new community.
What kind of training do Volunteers get?
Volunteers undergo three months of pre-service training across a range of relevant areas: technical skills, language training, health and wellness, safety and security, intercultural competency, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. There are additional trainings required during service, giving Volunteers the opportunity to further increase their knowledge.
How do I join the Peace Corps?
You can browse Volunteer Openings and apply directly to a position that interests you, or you can apply to serve where you’re needed most. Either way, it’s a good idea to connect with a Peace Corps recruiter early to find the best fit for your skills and interests.
How long does the application process take?
The online application takes about an hour to fill out. Being thorough and detailed when you complete your application helps us review it as quickly as possible.
What is housing like?
After pre-service training, you’ll be assigned to a site in your host country, and we’ll find you a place to live. Depending on the location of service, you may live with a host family or alone, in a city apartment, a house, or even in a yurt! We carefully vet the location to make sure it meets standards for safety and provides for your basic needs.
Learn more about day-to-day life
What are the food options?
Food options vary drastically depending on the country of service. Some communities may have a meat-heavy diet, while others may rely more on fruits and vegetables. You may have to modify your diet to what is available or be flexible to respect cultural norms. If you have religious or other dietary needs, connect with a Peace Corps recruiter to discuss strategies for adapting to potential dietary challenges.
Learn more about each country’s food and diet
Can couples serve together?
At the Peace Corps, we welcome couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities. You do not need to be married to serve together! However, each person must apply for a separate position and be assessed individually and as part of the couple. Compared to individual applicants, couples’ placement options and application timing may vary.

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What's your passion?
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Agriculture
Strengthen food securityWork with farmers to support programs in food security and resilient and sustainable livelihoods.
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Community Economic Development
Promote local economic opportunitiesStrengthen household economic security and community-led development efforts.
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Education
Educate, grow, and learn togetherSupport student learning in English, literacy, math, and science by working with schools, communities, and parents.
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Environment
Create a more sustainable worldStrengthen efforts to protect natural resources, promote understanding of environmental adaptation and resilience, and more.
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Health
Build a healthier worldWork with community partners to promote healthy behaviors, maternal and child health, and HIV education/prevention.
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Youth in Development
Empower the next generationIncrease youth community engagement and strengthen leadership, life, and employability skills.
Browse opportunities
View all opportunities-
Food Security Volunteer
NepalProjected departure: January 15, 2026
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Junior High School Math/Science Teacher
GhanaProjected departure: January 11, 2026
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Deaf Education Teacher
GhanaProjected departure: January 11, 2026
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Food Security Extension Facilitator
GuatemalaProjected departure: March 8, 2026
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English Language Teacher
Dominican RepublicProjected departure: March 2, 2026
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Community Economic Development Facilitator
Dominican RepublicProjected departure: March 2, 2026
FAQs
View all FAQs-
Are Peace Corps Volunteers paid?
Peace Corps Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance. The specific amount will vary by country, … Read more -
Do I need a college degree?
Opportunities are available for individuals with a combination of job experience and education, though some … Read more -
What is housing like?
The Peace Corps requires you to live in approved housing that meets our safety criteria. … Read more
Upcoming events
View all events-
Application Workshop: Broward County
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaJune 12, 2025
10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Eastern) -
Application Workshop: Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia | OnlineJune 12, 2025
4:30-5:30 p.m. (Eastern) -
Coffee Chat: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties
San Luis Obispo, California | OnlineJune 12, 2025
4-5 p.m. (Pacific) -
Application Workshop: Peace Corps Response
OnlineJune 12, 2025
4-5 p.m. (Central)