The twenty- seven month commitment may be too far of a stretch for some, but the benefits that come from serving in the Peace Corps far outweigh any time burdens. From traveling overseas for free to future job security, volunteering for this apolitical federal agency is a win-win situation for those with a wanderlust fix and the desire to explore beyond their own cultural context.
Cultural Immersion
With the first three months spent living with a host family and the following two years set within an assigned community, a Peace Corps volunteer learns how to live within a different social setting first hand. The need to gain trust from the locals and carry out the project forces volunteers to adapt to native customs. Those serving not only finish with becoming bilingual, if not trilingual, but they emerge as a more culturally flexible individual, capable of going in and out of various societies with more ease than before.
Independence
Following through as a Peace Corps volunteer requires a high level of forbearance and determination, thus creating a more independent, self-reliant individual. Adapting to different living conditions and societal norms can be a challenging ordeal, and learning how to survive under such circumstances can be liberating as well as increase confidence in oneself. Once a volunteer overcomes the initial culture shock, becomes fluent in the local language and leads the completion of the project, the end result is a personal growth that is unmatched by most endeavors.
Career Development
Even outside of the term of service, the Peace Corps is out to help its volunteers transition back into their own culture and the professional world by offering career development assistance. Simply having Peace Corps service on ones resume is enough to make potential employers pause as it demonstrates a high level of integrity and strong problem-solving skills. This is taken a step further as federal employee recruiters set aside days for just returned volunteers before advertising opened positions to other candidates.
Graduate School Preparation
Having served for the Peace Corps under one’s belt is one of the most attractive attributes that a graduate applicant can have, especially if the individual’s research interest is carried over from projects done while serving. Returned volunteers have qualities that graduate programs look for in potential students such as endurance and experimental thinking, things more likely to push a student into completing a meaningful thesis. Financial aid also favors returned volunteers as institutions are more likely to fund those who have served and the Peace Corps also offers graduate school scholarships that can cover a large portion of associated costs.
Medical Benefits
Peace Corps volunteers have some of the best medical coverage around that is offered during service as well as after service for a very affordable monthly payment. While abroad, volunteers are given full medical and dental coverage, including many specific medical needs such as glasses or inhalers, depending on the severity (Certain medical conditions make one ineligible for service). Once an individual has completed his or her term, the medical coverage can be continued for up to 18 months, perfect for those entering graduate school upon returning.
Federal Job Security
Should a returned volunteer become a federal employee, he or she will enjoy the luxury of having the option to serve again and still be able to keep his or her job. Return volunteers are given the option to serve for briefer periods of time or in disaster relief responses, during which, their positions will be held. Some volunteers take great advantage of these opportunities and will volunteer abroad again every few years. It is an ideal balance of job security and adventure for which most people spend their lives striving.
Financial Benefits
Peace Corp volunteers are not left in their host country with zero financial support. Each volunteer is given a monthly living allowance that is at par with those in their community, meaning that if your neighbors live in huts, you as well will live in a hut. Also, choosing to serve for the Peace Corps can help those in financial debt due to school loans as the loans can be deferred or possibly cancelled. To top it off, volunteers are given a transitional stipend after completion of the 27 months so as to make the shift back to one’s home less burdensome.
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Elizabeth Pelz - This aspiring visual anthropologist utilizes her research, travel, cultural interests and love of writing to relay information to ...
