Can you join the peace corps right out of highschool?

Question

i'm guessing that you can't but is there anything else similar to it, that can occupy about a year?

Answer 1

You should check the website but my understanding is that no, you need to have a degree in order to go.

If you take a break after high school and before college, it's called a "gap year." This is really common in the UK and Australia and is becoming more common in N.America. I think it's a great idea! My brother spent a year working in England, and my cousin volunteered in S.E. Asia and then Africa for about 9 months.

There are lots of programs out there. Talk to your school counsellor because he will be able to recommend quite a bit to you. That's how my brother and cousin found out about these programs they went on.

Answer 2

Peace Corps is more for experienced people with work/life skills. Teachers, farmers, etc., with college degrees or at least proof of adult stability.

AmeriCorps puts recent college graduates to work in our own country.

High school graduates might look at Habitat for Humanity or another volunteer service organization - the only groups that will spend the money to send a high school graduate overseas are religious missionaries.

Answer 3

Some communities have what is called a conservation corps which is made up of young people who do work in the community for a wage.  After they finish their term with the corps they are given a cash bonus and they are assisted in their next step in their careers with either educational or job placement assistance.  The peace corps is looking for college graduates who are capable of doing things like building, teaching, solving problems in communities designated in the third world.