Applying to the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is always on the look-out for serious volunteers. There are several things that could easily deter someone from applying. The application is one of those things. It is a long process that would be almost impossible to complete in one sitting. It takes patience and perseverance to make it through the application itself and then the process afterward takes even more patience.

The easiest way to begin an application is to go to the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov. The application requires quite a bit of information, so make sure you have your papers in order. There are two parts to the application, the Volunteer Information section and the Health section. You will need to know your social security number, have your financial obligation information (loans), your employment history, any post-secondary transcripts, volunteer information, etc. Before you begin the application, you have to register on the website and will receive a PIN which will allow you to access your account should you not be able to finish your application at one time. It is important to note that you will need three letters of recommendation along with your application. If possible, you should have an employer's reference, a volunteer supervisor's reference, and a personal reference. These, in and of themselves, may take some time to procure. Keep this in mind while you are working on your application. Your references can fill out the online forms (which, instead of having a place to upload documents, there is more of a questionairre), or they can download forms and mail them in to the appropriate office.

There is a section of the application that asks your geographic preference. There is even a space for countries that you would prefer not to go to. So if you are concerned about where you may end up, the Peace Corps takes your preferences into account.

There are numerous places where you are able to upload documents if you have extra information, but any post-secondary transcripts have to be mailed or faxed to the closest recruiting office. An unofficial transcript is acceptable. They also have a place to upload your resume. Make sure your resume is up to date before you upload it.

On top of all of this information, you will have to write two essays. One of them will discuss your cross-cultural experiences and the other is about your motivation for applying. It is important to be clear and concise because you have a fairly small word limit.

When you have all of your references in and have completed the rest of the application, the Volunteer Information section will be complete. You can't access the Health section until you have completed and submitted the Volunteer information section. The Health section is very straightforward. It asks questions about your current health and your health history. You don't need a doctor's note or anything quite yet, so go through and answer the questions to the best of your abilities. You can submit your entire application when you finish answering the health questions.

Important Tip: include all information that could show your previous experience. If you want to go into Education, list all tutoring or extra-curriculars. If you want to go into agriculture, list the summer you had your own garden. If it is in any way related to what you would like to do in the Peace Corps, list it!

Good luck!

Before you know it, your application is complete, but that is only the beginning. After your application has been received and reviewed, you will be contacted for an interview. If you don't hear from the Peace Corps in a month, it is important that you remain persistent. You need to prove that you are an eager and willing applicant.