Applying for Peace Corps

This video is courtesy of Peace Corps.
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The Peace Corps application process is lengthy. Plan ahead and submit your application between six months and a year before your availability date. These are the general steps in the application process:

1. Apply: Submit an application to the Denver Regional Office by mail or online.
2. Interview: A recruiter will interview you by phone or in person. Together you will explore issues such as adaptability, cultural awareness, motivation, and commitment. The recruiter will assess your skills and look for overseas programs that match. You will be nominated to a program if the recruiter determines that PC is right for you.
3. Legal Clearance: The Peace Corps requires a complete background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You may be cleared, deferred, or disqualified.
4. Medical/Dental Clearance: A medical officer will review your health status forms. and you will be required to submit to complete physical and dental exams. At this point you may be cleared, deferred, limited to certain regions, or disqualified.
5. Invitation to serve: Your Peace Corps placement officer in Washington, D.C., will make the final match between the country's request for volunteers and your personal skills and qualifications.
6. Preservice Training: If you accept the invitation, you will receive information about your host country and reporting instructions with the date and location of your predeparture orientation.

Qualifications

To serve as a Peace Corps volunteer, you must be an American citizen and at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit. Many assignments, but not all, require a bachelor's degree. Candidates must have demonstrated skills that are requested by host countries. Ask a Peace Corps representative well in advance about ways that you might enhance your qualifications.

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