The Peace Corps is an independent agency of the United States government that sends American volunteers to serve in communities across roughly 60 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Volunteers work alongside local partners on projects in education, health, the environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development.
A full commitment runs about 27 months: three months of in-country training followed by two years of service living and working within a host community. It is one of the most recognized long-term, fully-supported international volunteer programs in the world.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly living allowance sized to the local cost of living, covering food, household supplies, communication, clothing, local transport, and incidentals.
- Housing provided for the duration of service.
- Free, comprehensive medical and dental care during service.
- Readjustment allowance of about USD 10,000 (pre-tax) paid at the end of the standard 27-month term to support the transition home.
- Two vacation days accrued each month, plus host-country holidays.
- Federal student-loan benefits: deferment, income-driven repayment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and up to 15–70% Perkins loan cancellation.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen (applicants completing naturalization may apply but cannot be invited until citizenship is granted).
- Minimum age 18; there is no upper age limit.
- Many positions accept post-high-school work experience or an associate’s degree with relevant experience; some roles require a four-year degree.
- Must pass medical and legal clearance after a conditional invitation.
- Dependents may not accompany volunteers.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs
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Application process
- 1Search open positions and apply to a specific role, or apply to serve where you are needed most and be matched.
- 2Complete the online application (about one hour) and a health-history form.
- 3If selected, complete a video interview.
- 4Provide medical and legal information for clearance and a background check.
- 5Complete onboarding tasks, online training, and a U.S.-based staging event before departure.
Program timeline
Rolling
positions are posted year-round with their own “apply by” dates.
Apply-by dates fall on the 15th of a month, about 6.5 months before that role’s departure month.
A decision typically follows no later than 1.5 months after the apply-by date.
Training
three months in-country on arrival.
Service
two years following training (about 27 months total).