Application Process
Applying to the Peace Corps is a process involving several steps, with details and paperwork at each point along the way. In a nutshell:
- You submit the application. Applying online is the fastest and most efficient means of applying.
- The recruiter contacts you for an interview.
- You get medical and legal clearance.
- You qualify based on skills and suitability.
- The Placement Office sends an invitation to a specific country, with a specific program, leaving on a specific date
Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? While it's not quite that easy, it doesn't have to be difficult. For a more detailed overview of the process of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer, visit the national Peace Corps website.
Online Application
What's in the application? Well, there are the usual questions about your education, your work and volunteer experience, your interests and hobbies, and so on. There are also a few essay questions to give you a chance to explain why you want to join the Peace Corps and what you're expecting to get out of the experience.
The second part of the application, the Health Status Review, is designed to help in the understanding of your medical situation to determine what countries and regions will allow you the best access to the health care you need.
You can access a Volunteer application from the national Peace Corps website in one of three ways:
- If you select "Online Application," you can complete the application over the Internet.
- If you select "Download Application," you can download your materials in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
- If you select "Paper Application," an application will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
Whichever method you decide on, when you're ready to apply and need specific guidance about completing the application, visit the Apply Now section of the national Peace Corps website.
References
Please read these carefully before submitting reference contacts. Peace Corps has specific guidelines for references and is looking at all aspects of an applicant’s suitability. The following are the ideal reference contacts:
- Personal Reference: someone who has known you for at least 2 years who is not a family member
- Work Supervisor: someone who can speak to the quality of your work in a paid situation.
- Volunteer Supervisor: someone who can speak to the quality of your service work in an unpaid situation
Please read the application instructions and alternatives carefully. If you still are unsure about your reference choices, contact your recruiter.
Tips for working with References
- ASK your references BEFORE inserting their information into the application.
- Choose wisely. You want references that will speak about your work ethic and ability to adapt in an honest and positive light.
- Ask if they would like to have a list of your accomplishments within working with them (ex. # of promotions, specific projects you worked on, etc) as well as outside of the means in which they know you.
- Please inform them of a deadline in which to submit their reference. Give them PLENTY of time. You cannot be considered for a nomination until ALL your references are submitted.
- Once you have submitted their contact information, an email with the reference attached will be sent to them. Help yourself by sending a polite email to your references stating that they should be receiving the reference form soon and of the deadline in which you need to have them submit it. Sometimes, the email may go to their Junk Folder so you want to make sure that your busy references are on the lookout for it.
- It is a professional courtesy to give your references a thank-you letter after they have submitted their reference.
Volunteering
Volunteer experience is an important component of your application when applying to Peace Corps. You are encouraged to continue to volunteer throughout the application process as you will be asked for an updated resume prior to be considered for an invitation.
Any type of volunteer service is considered by Peace Corps. However, should you be interested in a particular work sector (ex. health, environment), you should look for volunteer opportunities within these sectors. This is how you gain experience in these potential assignment areas. Further, it demonstrates to Peace Corps your interest and skill sets within these areas.
Don’t have experience? Or are you just looking for more? Start by contacting the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) and the Center for Student Activities and Involvement. CLS has resources and connections to service-oriented activities around the university as well as within the greater Gainesville area. The Center for Student Activities and Involvement can provide you with student organizations, sororities and fraternities, and campus programs throughout the campus. Most student organizations welcome any and everyone regardless of your major. It is recommended that you search both of these sites and explore the different opportunities on campus and in Gainesville to achieve competitive skill sets and leadership experience.
Resume
Your resume for Peace Corps should be treated the same as any professional job resume. Peace Corps is a volunteer organization but at the end of the day, it is a 24-7 job. Your resume should be carefully thought out by you and should reflect your experiences and skill sets. Resumes should also be limited to 1 page, particularly for any undergraduate.
It is recommended that you utilize the Career Resource Center, located at the Reitz Union, for any resume assistance. The website has a link to a resume builder to assist you in creating a great resume. Further, they have people who can read your resume and give you tips on how to make it competitive. They can also give you tips on style and how to project yourself.
Essays
Your two essays for Peace Corps are your personal statements to share your motivations for wanting to join and you ability to adapt cross-culturally. When you reach the essay section of the application, please read the instructions carefully—your statement needs to reflect the desired statement being asked as well as fall within the word limit given. This is your chance to put into words what the rest of the application cannot express!
As with any essay you write, please proofread and have others proofread after you. A poorly written essay may project some negative assumptions. It is important to have a coherent essay and please, make sure you spell Peace Corps correctly!
If writing isn’t one of your better skills, a trip to the Reading and Writing Center, located in the Teaching Center Mezzanine in SW Broward Hall, is highly recommended. Tutors here are able to assist you in brainstorming and generating drafts, organizing and focusing your ideas, as well as revising and editing. There is also the Online Writing Lab that can assist you in critiquing your essays.
Please utilize these important resources in order to make your application as competitive as possible.
Language Requirements
A demonstrated ability to learn a language is an important factor in being selected as a Peace Corps Volunteer. About half of Peace Corps programs require either 2 years of college Spanish or 1 year of college French. Other languages that applicants are encouraged to study are Arabic, Russian, and romance languages.
Some regions Peace Corps serves have specific language requirements which are subject to change at any time. It is at the country’s request that a language may be required... Read More
Liberal Arts Majors
The best way for liberal arts majors to qualify for the Peace Corps is by gaining 30 hours or 3 months of tutoring or volunteer experience. Volunteers with degrees in humanities and social sciences are likely to be placed into English teaching, health education, community development, and agriculture programs. The more experience you have in these fields, the more competitive your application will be.
Tips to Help You Along
Leadership and Community Service
Peace Corps seeks applicants with leadership skills and community service. If you do not have prior volunteer work, we encourage you to submit your application and complete volunteer work during the application process. Your recruiter can advise you on the best type of volunteer work to complete according to your skills... Read More