Set a New Goal: To Join the Peace Corps
Set a New Goal: To Join the Peace Corps
This "To Join the Peace Corps" Goalplan is one of our pre-made Goalplans, pre-loaded with common obstacles, tasks, and due dates. "Notes" contain helpful tips, instructions, and links to resources that can help you accomplish your goal to join the Peace Corps.
Browse our directory to adopt as many pre-made Goalplans as you'd like. Or use our wizard to create your own Goalplan from scratch.
"To Join the Peace Corps" Goalplan Description:
The Peace Corps was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to foster healthy relations between the U.S. and other nations. In the wake of September 11th, President George W. Bush has requested that Congress expand the Peace Corps, with the same aim of promoting world peace and positive attitudes toward the U.S.
The Peace Corps operates by training American volunteers and sending them overseas, where they help developing nations to become economically self-sufficient. Volunteers live in the host country for two years, working in any number of ways, such as teaching children to read, teaching farmers about modern agricultural techniques, developing small business cooperatives, or building water treatment facilities. The work is often physically and mentally demanding, and living conditions can be extremely primitive. The Peace Corps is not right for everyone and applicants are screened vigorously. Over 10,000 applications are received annually. The selection process is highly competitive and only about 3,500-5,000 applicants are admitted and sent overseas. Through other non-profit organizations, there are, however, enough other programs similar to the Peace that almost anybody with sufficient time and commitment can find a place to apply his or her efforts overseas.
This Goalplan should take between 6 months and 2 years to complete.
(You'll be able to modify it.)
Obstacle:
I don't know much about the Peace Corps
Task: Learn about the Peace Corps
Notes
Task: Study the Peace Corps application process
Notes
Read a book about the Peace Corps
Notes
Read "At home in the World: The Peace Corps Story"
Notes
Task: Call your local Peace Corps Recruiter
Notes
Task: Join a mailing list or online discussion group
Notes
Task: Visit sites that offer a critical perspective of the Peace Corps
Notes
Obstacle:
I'm not sure if I can handle the 2-year commitment
Task: Create a list of life goals
Notes
Task: Consider alternatives to Peace Corps volunteer service
Notes
Obstacle:
Volunteering might hurt my finances or career
Task: Study the costs/benefits of volunteering
Notes
Task: Look into graduate degrees for Peace Corps Volunteers
Notes
Task: Talk to RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers)
Notes
Obstacle:
Volunteering might hurt my personal relationships
Task: Consider joining the Peace Corps as a couple
Notes
Task: Create a plan for keeping in contact with friends and family during your Peace Corps assignment
Notes
Task: Encourage friends and family to visit you during your service in your host country
Notes
Task: Talk to family and friends about why you're interested in joining the Peace Corps
Notes
Obstacle:
I have concerns about living in a developing country
Task: Travel to a developing country
Notes
Task: Learn more about active Peace Corps host countries
Notes
Task: Read RPCV journals/stories online
Notes
Task: Talk to RPCVs about living in a developing country
Notes
Obstacle:
I'm concerned about my health/safety
Task: Learn more about PCMO and medical services provided by the Peace Corps
Notes
Task: Learn more about health/safety guidelines for the region you're interested in serving
Notes
Task: Learn more about the Peace Corps' emergency/evacuation plan
Notes
Obstacle:
I don't know if I'm qualified to be a Peace Corps Volunteer
Task: Talk to a Peace Corps Recruiter
Notes
Obstacle:
I'm a vegetarian
Task: Learn more about adapting locally available food to your eating philosophy
Notes
Task: Request placement in a region where you're confident that you can find nutritional vegetarian meals
Notes
Task: Consider adapting your eating philosophy to meet the cultural requirements of the country you're serving in
Notes
Obstacle:
I wear braces on my teeth
Task: Wait to join the Peace Corps until after your braces have been removed.
Notes
Obstacle: I don't have a Bachelor's Degree
Task: Talk to a Peace Corps recruiter about alternative requirements
Notes
Obstacle:
I don't know a second language
Task: Take French and/or Spanish classes
Notes
Obstacle:
I need to get accepted into the Peace Corps
Submit your Peace Corps volunteer application
Notes
Task: Create a backup plan
Notes
