Can anyone give me some information about the Peace Corps?

Question

I've heard that they would pay for my college.

And that I would travel if I joined.

But other than that I don't know anything.

Free college sounds good, and so does traveling, and I'm guessing that the whole point is to go around and help people, so that sounds nice.

But thats all I know about it.

Answer 1

The official web site is graphics-heavy and slow, if you are on dial-up:

http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Basically you apply in your senior year. They accept one applicant out of four. Your chances are better of you've worked for 2 - 3 years after you graduate from college.

If they accept you, you spend three months training. Some people drop out then; anywhere from 10% to 50%. Then you work for two years. You'll earn less and work harder than you will for the rest of your life, usually, and it will be worth it.

You can get some percentage, not all, of some college loans forgiven if you are a Peace Corps Volunteer. They don't pay for your college. The official web site will tell you about that.

You definitely travel. It is as far from those "Six countries in seven days" tours as you can get. You won't stay in the Hilton, either.

It is something to look into, dream about and hope for.

http://www.tedpack.org/pchead

is an unofficial web site. I was a PCV many years ago. My daughter is one now.