Pictured Above: Despite COVID-19, the Peace Corps is still accepting applications for volunteers.
Courtesy of Peace Corps
By Annalise Anderson
Students who seek more than a whimsical vacation and an opportunity to leave their mark on the world may be interested in signing up for the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is a government-funded nonprofit volunteer program that places American participants in economically developing countries to help promote world peace and cultural understanding.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Peace Corps was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. More than 225,000 Americans have volunteered with the program since its founding. There are currently 55 participating partner countries from regions around the globe.
Since 2018, USF has earned consistent national recognition for its student participation in the program. In 2020, the Peace Corps ranked USF as second highest in its total graduate degree volunteers and 25th for undergraduate degree volunteers.
Now, more than 545 USF alumni have volunteered in the Peace Corps.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old. According to federal statistics, most volunteers range in age from 20 to 86, and 95 percent have at least an undergraduate degree.
Volunteers agree to serve in their host countries for two years, in addition to three months of training abroad before beginning their service. Before the pandemic, participants could request a country they wished to serve, however, their preference was not always guaranteed. Now, applicants can only request preferred global regions, not specific countries.
The program offers six volunteer sectors: agriculture, environment, health, education, community economic development and youth in development.
Kristen Vogel, USF’s Peace Corps recruiter, was an education volunteer in Ghana from 2014 to 2016.
Courtesy of Kristen Vogel
As a returned volunteer, Vogel can speak to the formative experience of being in the program.
“I think it is a great thing for so many U.S. citizens, not even just young people, to do because it gives us that view into a totally different world within our world,” Vogel said. “It’s not the same as going as a tourist or necessarily a student… It’s really just a great way to broaden our world views and have a better picture of the world we live in and how we’re all connected.”
Aside from the financial benefits of volunteering, like student loan forgiveness and a $10,000 stipend after serving, the Peace Corps often leaves a profound impact on one’s personal and career growth.
“It sets in stone a heart for service after your return,” Vogel said. “I think most volunteers who return want to serve in some capacity and want to be better public servants and better community members.
“For your career, (serving) could be really helpful, especially if you want to go into federal work after the Peace Corps… If you have a passion for those things and you want to get involved in that kind of work, it’s a great way to lead you into that.”
Although Vogel acknowledges that serving in the Peace Corps comes with unique challenges, she contends that “it’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.”
Vogel said that her time in the program “totally changed” her life. Since her return, she began studying anthropology and hopes to return to Ghana to conduct research and to visit her host family.
Undergraduate students who are interested in joining the Peace Corps after graduation are encouraged to complete USF’s Peace Corps Prep certificate program. The course prepares students for international development field work and potential Peace Corps service.
The Peace Corps is accepting applications, however some opportunities in certain countries are unavailable due to COVID-19. Applicants must consult with a program recruiter before beginning the application process.
