Im 24 and no degree, just some college and Army (SATCOM). Is there anything like Peace Corps for me?

Question

I am really wanting to go to a small town or village and help poeple but also live among them as one of them. Id stay permanently. I am tired of how everything revolves around money here in US. I understand its a harder life but I rather farm and educate youth and provide whatever services I can to a town who appreciates and really needs it rather than fatten state budgets and live as just a peon here in our society.

Answer 1

It is possible that the Peace Corps may need your skills, so it wouldn't hurt for you to apply and speak with one of their recruiters. Peace Corps opportunities are very competitive, so don't be discouraged if you don't get an assignment on your first try. Do you speak any languages in addition to English? That would help. Do you have educational benefits through the GI Bill? You could find out what types of degrees are needed by the Peace Corps and then complete the degree, that would increase your chances of getting an assignment.

Peace Corps

http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Even though you want to work and live outside of the US, I encourage you to consider working here in the States. Take a look at the Americorps opportunities. This might help you pay for completing a degree plus it would give you experience doing the type of work needed by the Peace Corps....you'd build your resume' .... :)

Americorps

http://www.americorps.org/for_individual...

My oldest daughter completed her enlistment in the Air Force, she now works for the American Red Cross and loves it. You might look at working for the Red Cross, or even a group like Habitat for Humanity.

I wish you luck in finding work you will love!

Answer 2

Organizations that don't charge fees for placing volunteers in the developing world, such as VSO Canada, UN Volunteers and the PeaceCorps, are looking for people who can work (read, write and speak) in a language other than English, who have skills and experience that can lead to local people generating income, better feeding their families, improving children's health, etc., or that can lead to the transformation of key institutions, such as government, universities/schools or NGOs. They are looking for people who can commit to a two-year assignment, who have experience working with under-served communities, or who have a lot of experience in very diverse or religiously-conservative communities. Most volunteers have degrees.

What is your area of expertise that would be of value in the developing world, that would be something that they don't already have among their own populations? What languages can you work in other than English?

If you aren't willing to pay one of the volunteer sending agencies that charge to place unskilled volunteers, your other option is to do some traveling and find a country that you like and want to build your life in. Lonely Planet publishes a range of books not only on specific countries or regions, but on how to do trips "on a shoe string". Maybe an option for you is to go on such a trip FIRST and see how you like living "rough" and what other cultures speak to your heart.

Answer 3

Americorps NCCC. From what you described about yourself you could even be a Team Leader. I did NCCC as a Corps Member and a Team Leader. It is a lot like the peace corps but it is domestic. During the year you will travel around the country working on various projects. here are a few of the projects I worked on in my time.

After school program/class room assistant in the Bronx, NY

Enviromental work removing envasive species in Montauk, NY

Habitat for Humanity - Albany, NY, Bridgeport, CT and New Orleans.

Tarping roofs in Fl after Hurricane Dennis.

Red Cross first responders for Hurricanes Katrina & Rita.

Gutting housing in New Orleans.

the list goes on and on. It is a great way to see the country and meet great people.