Peace Corps
The Power of Human Connection
The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation. It was established in March 1961 by an executive order (10924) of President John F. Kennedy and authorized by Congress the following September by the Peace Corps Act.
The Peace Corps’s mission is to assist developing countries by providing skilled workers in fields such as education, health, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and community development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens or on a pathway to citizenship and at least 18 years of age. Volunteers typically have a college degree (making this a perfect gap year opportunity) and are assigned to specific projects in certain countries based on their qualifications and experience. Following three months of technical training, Peace Corps members are expected to serve at least two years in their host country, after which they may request an extension of service if desired. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to respect local customs, learn the prevailing language, and live in comparable conditions.
Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information about how you can launch an international career with the Peace Corps.
Think you might be interested in making a positive change with the Peace Corps?
Reach out to the University of Montana Peace Corps contact, Abby Nelson at peacecorps@mso.umt.edu today, to learn more and get started! *Fun Fact, Abby served in the Education Sector as an English Teacher in North Macedonia from 2014 to 2016.
Key Steps to Start
- Is Peace Corps right for me?
Discover your options and learn more about who volunteers. - Where do Volunteers go?
Peace Corps has Volunteers in more than 60 countries. - What do Volunteers do?
Read more about the projects and issues Volunteers work on.
- View Volunteer openings
Search Volunteer openings by work area and country. - Talk to a recruiter
It’s their job to have the answers. Ask them anything! - Attend an event
Peace Corps hosts many online and in-person events. See our home page for upcoming in-person events at UM!
- Application FAQs
Make your application more competitive. Get the FAQs! - Application process
Find out what happens after you submit your application. - Apply now
Get started! It only takes an hour to apply.
Peace Corps Prep Program
The University of Montana, in partnership with the United States Peace Corps, has developed the Peace Corps Prep Program to give students an advantage in the competitive application process for Peace Corps service as well as with other international organizations. Students attending the University of Montana can earn a Peace Corps Prep certificate in the following special assignment areas: Environment, Health, Youth in Development, Community Development, Agriculture, and Education. Preparatory coursework aids in increasing volunteer effectiveness and better equips students for international service.
Want to learn more about Peace Corps Prep?
Or visit our International Development Studies Page.
Find online and in-person events where you can learn more about the Peace Corps and start your service journey.