Peace Corps

							Peace Corps
The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged
students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in
developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world
peace and friendship.

Since that time, more than 190,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in
139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to                          MISSION
information technology and environmental preservation.                               1. Helping the people
                                                                                     of interested countries
VOLUNTEER                                                                            in meeting their need
                                                                                     for trained men and
The Peace Corps experience can enhance long-term career prospects
                                                                                     women.
whether you want to work for a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or a           2. Helping promote a
government agency. The Peace Corps can even open doors to graduate                   better understanding
school. From practical benefits such as student loan deferment, career               of Americans on the
benefits like fluency in a foreign language, and the intangible benefits that        part of the peoples
come with making a difference in people's lives, there are a variety of              served.
                                                                                     3. Helping promote a
rewards for the dedicated service of Volunteers. Rewards that last a lifetime.       better understanding
                                                                                     of other peoples on
WORK                                                                                 the part of Americans.
Peace Corps Volunteers are supported by a staff of professional employees
who work at the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., at our 11
regional recruiting offices, and at our overseas offices throughout the world.
Our employees enjoy challenging and interesting jobs. They provide program and medical support, recruit
new Peace Corps Volunteers, manage overseas offices, and provide important administrative services.
Peace Corps' employee benefits are the same as those at other federal government agencies and similar to
those in the private sector.

The Peace Corps is a great place to begin your federal government service, to expand your international
experience, or to culminate your career. It's a place where you can help make a difference in the lives of
people around the world.

The Peace Corps is an independent agency of the United States Government. Peace Corps jobs are a part
of the "excepted service," not the competitive civil service. If you are a member of the competitive service
in another federal agency and accept a position with the Peace Corps, you will retain all your benefits,
including annual and sick leave, retirement, health, and life insurance benefits. Your service computation
date will also remain unchanged. If you already have career status as a federal employee, you will retain
that status. For those who work in the private industry or academia, the Peace Corps offers the same
retirement, health and life insurance as other government employers.




Updated July 2008