What exactly is the purpose of the PeaceCorps, what do people who join the peace corps usually do?

Question

Is it easy to join and does it assist in paying for higher education? How long do people usually spend in the peace corps?

Answer 1

It's a major commitment. there is an in-depth intro form to fill out and you need three references (generally a friend, a volunteer coordinator, and boss/work). you will also write a personal essay. then you will have an interview with a pc recruiter. from there, they will determine if you are a good fit. if you are nominated, you will need medical and dental clearance before you can go overseas. once you have clearance and a departure date, you can begin getting things together. there is an orientation in the states, and then your group goes to the particular country where you have a 3 month intensive training session in the local culture, etc. then you have another 24 months...  27 months is the minimum.

the pc requires that most volunteers (95%ish) must have a higher education degree, they will NOT pay for college. there are some dual masters/peace corps plans for specific educational interests (you still have to pay your school, the pc is part of the degree), and some student loans (government) can be reduced by serving in the pc. but there is no educational reimbursement.

it isn't "for liberals" it is for people who, among other things, want to give back to the world and show people in the communities that Americans are compassionate and hardworking.

Answer 2

Peace Corps is a US governmental organization originally built on the mentality to "go and do good things". There are three main goals for a PCVolunteer (PCV), and I quote:

  "1.  Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.

   2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.

   3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. "

Currently, PCVs serve in 74 countries in a wide range of positions including AIDS awareness and prevention, environmental protection, English language education, and youth and small business development. It is advised that you have a 4- year degree or equivalent life/work experience. If you wish to pursue a masters or doctorate after your service, there is a possibility to apply for a fellowship. There are also a few colleges that will count your PC service to your post-grad degree.

Service is usually 27 months with 2-3 months of intensive, in-country training (cultural, language, technical) and the following 24 months somewhere within the country. While you do not HAVE to speak a foreign language going in, it is helpful if you some experience. The language courses at the beginning are very intense and the full, cultural immersion will help you gain further insight.

The PC website has a LOT of very pertinent information... I would suggest you check that out for the down & dirty. Good luck!

Answer 3

It's purpose is to help the third world and to show them, first hand, that not all Americans are invaders, exploiters or rich, insensitive tourists.

Many PCVs teach. They are secondary school teachers, health education workers, farm advisors. They help develop eco-tourism. That is a small sample. There are lots of things they do.

It is not easy to join. 92% of all PCVs have at least a bachelor's degree and the other 8% have 10 - 50 years of experience. They take one applicant in 4.

The standard tour is 3 months of training and 24 months of service.

Read about my experience, if you like:

http://www.tedpack.org/pchead.html

Answer 4

It is a re-education camp to teach people how to become good, left wing, liberals.

Answer 5

It is hard to join. You have to have an AA and speak a foreign language. They do manual labor and just are generally helpful in 3rd world countries. They have tours just like the military.

Most of the people I know were in for 2 years.