How to Join the Peace Corps

Posted on April 12th, 2009 by Marck

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Peace, freedom, and democracy are just three of the many values held dear by the United States of America. Many Americans aim to spread these values to the rest of the world, and promote a better understanding between their people and other nations in the world. Whether it’s teaching children or helping clean environments and protect wildlife, Peace Corps volunteers do their share to help make the world a better place.

What is the Peace Corps?

In 1961, former US President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10924, which officially created the Peace Corps. The idea for the Peace Corps was announced by Kennedy during the 1960 Presidential campaign at the University of Michigan. For almost half a century, the US Peace Corps has sent thousands of volunteers all over the world to spread the message of peace and friendship.

Mission of the Peace Corps

The US Peace Corps has three simple mission goals:

To help people from interested countries meet their needs and requirements for men and women trained and qualified for a particular task.
To promote a better understanding of Americans to people they help or serve.
To promote a better understanding to other people about Americans.

Qualifications

Peace Corps volunteers should satisfy the following minimum qualifications:

Age. A Peace Corps volunteer should be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper limit for age for entry into the Peace Corps.
Citizenship. All members of the US Peace Corps should be American citizens.
Education and special skills. The Peace Corps relies on volunteers with special skills and knowledge on tasks that are helpful to the people they serve. If you have a college degree or advanced education in a particular course, you can increase your chances of getting accepted for tenure at the Peace Corps.

Application forms for the Peace Corps are available from Peace Corps offices, or may be downloaded from the US Peace Corps website. Once you send your completed application, the Peace Corps will then contact you for an interview and go over your application.

Interviews and Examinations

Interviews and examinations are needed for the Peace Corps to determine what position or assignment you are best qualified for. The Peace Corps also require medical and legal clearances, or other examinations needed for you to secure a placement in the Peace Corps (like practical exams or aptitude tests). If there’s an open slot and the Peace Corps officers determine that you’re best suited for the job, they’ll contact you and inform you of the available position, should you wish to accept it.

The simple and eloquent words that inspired the creation of the US Peace Corps were delivered during JFK’s inauguration: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” With these tips to help you apply for and join the US Peace Corps, you can help spread the message of American goodwill and peace to people all over the world.