Basically the Peace Corps wants to know if you have the motivation and the character to complete two years of service in what can be a very stressful and difficult environment. They are going to be looking for uncertainty in your commitment, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of self-awareness about your own motivations, strengths and weaknesses. Keep in mind that the application process is based on the premise that Peace Corps has three applicants for every slot overseas so they can be a little choosy. Peace Corps would much rather eliminate a dubious candidate during the Application Process than expend all the time and effort to send someone overseas who isn't going for the right reasons and is likely to "early terminate."
Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Do you have any tips concerning the interview during the Application Process
I am so happy that you are applying to join the Peace Corps.
Basically the Peace Corps wants to know if you have the motivation and the character to complete two years of service in what can be a very stressful and difficult environment. They are going to be looking for uncertainty in your commitment, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of self-awareness about your own motivations, strengths and weaknesses.
Keep in mind that the application process is based on the premise that Peace Corps has three applicants for every slot overseas so they can be a little choosy. Peace Corps would much rather eliminate a dubious candidate during the Application Process than expend all the time and effort to send someone overseas who isn't going for the right reasons and is likely to "early terminate."
Here are some typical questions that they may ask you. You may want to think about how you would answer these questions if you were asked them. There is not really a right or wrong answer to any of them. They are trying to ascertain your motivation for joining and decide if you are likely to complete your service.
What is your motivation to volunteer?
With so many other volunteering programs, why are you specifically interested in the Peace Corps?
What do you think will be the hardest part about being a volunteer?
What type of experiences have you had that you feel prepare you for volunteer service?
Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a wide variety of people by accepting/understanding their perspective.
Tell me about a time that you successfully adapted to a culturally different environment.
Describe a time when you were working on a project and it didn't go as you had planned it too.
What obstacles, if any, might prevent you from accepting a Peace Corps invitation if offered one? What other career options are you considering?
On what criteria do you base your geographic or job preferences? Are there any changes?
What are some of the reactions of your family, friends, or boyfriend/girlfriend to your interest in Peace Corps?
I think it would be a plus to tell them that you have a family member who has served as a volunteer and completed his service and that you have talked to him about what it is like to serve and what to expect as a volunteer.
Hope all goes well.
