How do i pursue a future in the Peace Corps? What career or major should i look into? What does a future look like after the Peace corps?
I love helping people and i would love to be stationed somewhere aiding those who truly need it. Ill be truly fulfilled if i could spend my entire life observing humans from distinct areas and giving back to those who need help or guidance. I'd love to know how i can do this successfully and what to prepare for. #human-resources #helping-others #humanities #social-sciences #social-change #peace-corps
3 answers
John’s Answer
A good start to achieving your admirable goal is to research the requirements and create a Resume that meets and/or exceeds these requirements. Some good information about requiremetns is found in the FAQ on the Peace Corp site.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/faqs/
Do I need a college degree?
Opportunities are available for individuals with a combination of relative job experience and education, though most opportunities require a four-year degree.
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
Language requirements vary by job opportunity, and any requirements will be listed in the job opening. Search the Volunteer Openings page for specific requirements.
There are also many other alternative service sites that may help you prepare for the extended service in the Peace corp.
Peace Corp Alternatives:
Service Year:
https://serviceyear.org/register-corps-member/?gclid=CLjX1o2AqdACFZGMaQodPUUATg
Cross Cultural Solutions
https://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/peace-corps-alternatives?siteID=Google_Grants_volunteer%20peace%20corps&
International Volunteer HQ
https://www.volunteerhq.org/peace-corps-alternatives?gclid=CP7A5MyAqdACFQuMaQodyNkLjg_bt=50830411185&_bk=volunteer%20peace%20corps&_bm=b&gclid=CLObyqH-qNACFQkJaQodQFEPgQ
World Teach
http://www.worldteach.org/why-worldteach/peace-corps-alt/?gclid=CMn9poCBqdACFYRKXgodZCUFbA
Tony’s Answer
Hi Tania, I served in the Peace Corps from 2009-2011 in Benin, West Africa as an environmental volunteer. I went right after graduating from college. Peace Corps has gotten a bit more competitive from when I served but they also now allow you to apply to specific programs in specific countries. When I applied, I just listed my preferences for world regions and sectors (teaching, business, environment etc) and then went through a couple interviews.
To make yourself more competitive, language is huge. I took three semesters of French on (top of some Spanish) to make myself more qualified for francophone African nations. Also, if your major(s) or minor(s) complement a Peace Corps sector that will help. For example, if you minor in environmental science, you will be more qualified to be an environmental volunteer. If you can't tailor a major/minor to a PC sector, then find a way to volunteer in it. Technical knowledge isn't as important as demonstrating your passion for the work.
Peace Corps has a motto that "it is the hardest job you'll ever love" and that couldn't be more true. It is not a decision to take lightly as you will be in a new country, experiencing a new culture, speaking a new language, and all without your normal support group of friends and family. It is hard and successful volunteers are supremely adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, and empathetic. Set yourself up with experiences that will challenge you, put you in uncomfortable (read: challenging) situations, and those where you have to come up with a solution where no obvious one exists.
Many Peace Corps volunteers become qualified for and passionate about working in international development, either for the government, a NGO, or for profit enterprise. If you do it and are successful, you will have a more diverse resume than most, especially in the business world. I credit my Peace Corps experience in teaching me all kinds of soft skills that I use daily and have greatly contributed to my success.
Tony recommends the following next steps: