240,000. Since the Peace Corps began in 1961, that’s the number of Volunteers who have created change in more than 140 countries. That’s also thousands of lives impacted, and not only those within host communities, but those of the Volunteers themselves, who are able to explore their passions and share their talents. In this way, Peace Corps service can be the first step toward a career or the continuation of a life’s work. Opportunities span six different specialties, including education, health, community economic development, environment, agriculture, and youth in development. Learn about current opportunities at https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/volunteer-openings/.
In the Peace Corps, we take a different approach to making a difference. Our Volunteers are inspired by impact that is hands-on, grassroots-driven, and lasting. From leading health campaigns to boosting local entrepreneurship to teaching digital literacy, the Peace Corps offers a range of opportunities for our Volunteers to take on new challenges. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level to create change that lasts long after their service. As a Volunteer, you can make an investment in our world—one handshake, one project, one friendship at a time—that leads to new possibilities in service and when you return home. Are you ready to work for the world? Connect with your local recruiter to learn more about service and the application at https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/.
- Any COE Major
- BS/BA
- MS/MENG
- PhD
- Postdoctoral Studies
- Alumni
Required Skills
Volunteers work within many different areas, even within the same sector. Qualifications vary by country and program. At minimum, all Peace Corps assignments require expressed interest in the project sector and one or more of the following criteria:
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Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
OR - 5 years' professional work experience in any field
Some assignments will require a degree due to local ministry requests. Some assignments have more specialized requirements. A degree or professional work experience related to the project sector may qualify you for additional assignments.
Desired Skills
In addition to the Required Skills listed above, many other skills can also help to qualify you for a Volunteer program:
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Professional work experience in a field related to the project sector
- Volunteer experience in a field related to the project sector
- For more information about the required and desired skills for a specific sector, please connect with a recruiter to learn more
Language Skills
If there is a language requirement in Spanish, French, or any Romance Language for the position that you are applying for, then candidates must meet one or more of the language requirements below in order to be considered for this position.
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Completed 4 years of high school Spanish/French/other Romance Language coursework within the past 8 years
- Completed minimum 2 semesters of Spanish/French/other Romance Language college‐level coursework within the past 6 years
- Native/fluent speaker of Spanish/French/other Romance Language
Candidates who do not meet the language proficiency levels above can take language placement exams to demonstrate their level of proficiency.
Peace Corps Volunteer Openings (2-year, generalist positions): https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/volunteer-openings/
- Connect with a Volunteer Recruiter for more information about our traditional, 2-year Volunteer positions: https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/
- Engineers are especially desired for Volunteer Openings in the areas of Math and Science Secondary Education, Community and Organizational Development, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), and various sustainability and conservation projects in our Agriculture and Environment sectors as well as many specialist positions in our Response program.
Peace Corps Response Openings (3-12 month, specialist positions): https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/peace-corps-response/openings/
- Connect with a Response Recruiter for more details about our short-term, specialist positions: https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/peace-corps-response/connect-us/