Peace Corps

To serve as a Peace Corps volunteer, you must be an American citizen and at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit. Many assignments, but not all, require a bachelor's degree. Candidates must have demonstrated skills that are requested by host countries. Ask a Peace Corps representative well in advance about ways that you might enhance your qualifications.

So you want to be a Peace Corps Volunteer?

1. Apply: Submit an application to the Dallas Regional Office (preferably online at www.peacecorps.gov)
2. Interview: A recruiter will interview you by phone or in person. Together you will explore issues such as adaptability, cultural awareness, motivation, and commitment. The recruiter will assess your skills and look for overseas programs that match. You will be nominated to a specific program in a general region of the world with a tentative departure date if the recruiter determines that you are qualified and that Peace Corps is right for you.
3. Legal Clearance: The Peace Corps requires a complete background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You may be cleared, deferred, or disqualified.
4. Medical/Dental Clearance: A medical officer will review your health status forms and you will be required to submit to complete physical and dental exams. At this point you may be cleared, deferred, limited to certain regions, or disqualified.
5. Invitation to Serve: Your Peace Corps placement officer in Washington, D.C., will make the final match between the a specific country's request for volunteers and your personal skills and qualifications.
6. Pre-service Training: If you accept the invitation, you will receive information about your host country and reporting instructions with the date and location of your pre-departure orientation.