About Peace Corps

The Peace Corps was established in 1961 to promote world peace and friendship through the service of American Volunteers abroad. In adapting to changing needs around the world, the Peace Corps remains guided by three goals from the Peace Corps Act:

1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.

2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.

3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.

Over the past 50 years, more than 200,000 Americans have furthered these goals through Peace Corps service in 139 countries around the world. (Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook)

The Peace Corps is an independent agency within the executive branch of the United States government. The President of the U.S. appoints the Peace Corps director and deputy director, and appointments must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. (peacecorps.gov/about/leadership/usgov)

Peace Corps service is 27 months; 3 months of training and 2 years at one’s permanent site/village of service.

For more information about the Peace Corps, check out http://www.peacecorps.gov/