Peace Corps Volunteer

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.

Learn more about eligibility requirements

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.

Learn more about benefits

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.

Learn more about compensation

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.

Learn more about training

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.

Learn more about the application process

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.

Find out more

Get in touch with our team.

Email us at [email protected] or call us on 202.692.1040.