Where do Peace Corps Volunteers serve?
Since the Peace Corps was founded in 1961, Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 135 countries across the world. How many countries can you name? Today, Volunteers are at work in 71 countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and in the Pacific.
Peace Corps Volunteers only serve in countries that meet a few requirements:
1) First, a country must invite the Peace Corps to come. Generally this means that the leader of a country that would like to have Peace Corps Volunteers sends a letter of invitation and understanding to the President of the United States requesting that Peace Corps Volunteers come.
2) Second, because it does not have an unlimited budget, the Peace Corps must decide in which countries it can be active. The Peace Corps prioritizes countries that have a great need for skilled Volunteers.
3) Third, and perhaps most important, the Peace Corps must make sure that all Volunteers that go to a country are safe. Even though Peace Corps Volunteers are known for their good relations with co-workers and neighbors, sometimes factors beyond anyone's control could make things unsafe. The Peace Corps will never send Volunteers to an area it believes is dangerous.
Some recent countries that the Peace Corps has started programs in include South Africa, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Jordan. Can you think of reasons why the Peace Corps is just now entering these countries?
Other Frequently Asked Questions About the Peace Corps
