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Presented By: Nellie Bhattarai, RPCV Nepal, 2002-2004 The Toughest Job Youll Ever Love: The Peace Corps Experience Slide 2 United States Peace Corps: A U.S. Government Agency, independent of the State Department that sends American citizens overseas to work as volunteers in international development assignments FOR 27 MONTHS Slide 3 Mission and Goals To promote world peace and friendship by: helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Slide 4 What, where and who are Volunteers? Slide 5 Volunteer Programs Statistics based on data as of FY2004 Education 34% Health and HIV/AIDS 20% Business Development 16% Environment 14% Other 7% Agriculture 6% Youth 3% Slide 6 Volunteer Locations Statistics based on requests for Volunteers as of 10/01/02 Latin America The Caribbean Asia Africa Pacific Islands North Africa and the Middle East Eastern Europe/ Central Asia Slide 7 Volunteer Diversity Active Volunteers and trainees: 7,810 Gender: 58% women, 42% men Marital status: 91% single, 9% married Minorities: 16% of Volunteers Average Age: 28 Volunteers over 50: 6% (oldest volunteer 79) Statistics based on data as of 09/30/2004 Slide 8 What will Peace Corps do for me? Slide 9 Why should I join the Peace Corps? To develop professionally and gain experience To grow and develop personally To learn a new language and culture To serve our country To make a difference and to help others To have an adventure and to travel To contribute to world peace through friendship Slide 10 What are the benefits during service? Student loan deferment and/or partial cancellation Travel to and from your country of service Full medical and dental care Living allowance Language, cross-cultural, and technical training 48 paid vacation days Home leave for family emergencies Slide 11 What are the benefits after service? $6,075 readjustment allowance upon completion of service One year of non-competitive eligibility status for federal jobs Graduate school opportunities Returned Volunteer network Reasonably priced health insurance for 18 months following service Professional benefits, including language fluency, international experience, and cross-cultural understanding Slide 12 Training Slide 13 What should I expect? Slide 14 Slide 15 Slide 16 Application process Step One: Application Step Two: Interview Step Three: Nomination Step Four: Medical and Legal Review Step Five: Invitation Step Six: Preparation for Departure R Recruiting Office Placement Office Slide 17 Eligibility At least 18 years of age U.S. citizenship Desire to help other people help themselves A sense of adventure Some combination of education, skills, and life experience Volunteer experience and language skills are a plus Slide 18 Next Steps Learn more about the Peace Corps Visit www.peacecorps.gov Review the catalogue and other materials Talk to former Peace Corps Volunteers Complete your application Online By mail Slide 19