Tips for Peace Corps Application From Dogeli Rojas ’15

Following up Dogeli’s first post – here are 9 tips about about applying for Peace Corps volunteer opportunities.  Many of these tips can be applied to any job search!

Peace Corps Application Process peacecorps.gov

• Apply at least 9-12 months before your desired departure date
  • Consider giving yourself at least a month or two after graduation to get everything together
• When deciding where you would like to serve, look up the Welcome Book for that country. You can find most of them on Google by typing “(Country Name) Peace Corps Welcome Book” in the search box
• If you’re doing a webcam interview, dress as if it were a face-to-face interview
• In preparation for your interview, review the 10 Core Expectations and incorporate them into your answers
• Remember to send a thank you note to whoever interviews you. The small detail leaves a lasting impression!
• Be as honest as possible in your Health History Form as this will determine what countries you are eligible to serve in based on any health or dietary restrictions
• You may be able to obtain necessary records from the health center on campus so check with them before you make any appointments
• You may need multiple immunizations therefore begin your medical forms as early as possible so that you could space them out
  • Peace Corps will reimburse you either partially or in full for medical payments this includes dental and eye care
• Make sure that you take care of any loans you will be leaving behind
  • Perkins Loans offers to cancel a certain percentage off your loan for every year you serve and other loans may be eligible for deferment until the end of your service. Inquire about them all!
  • Lastly, do not be discouraged if it takes months before you hear or receive anything from them – they take their time because they are thorough.

It took me 4 months to get an interview and 6 months for an invitation. Remember that.

Good Luck!

Great insight Dogeli! Good luck in Zambi!

-AA