How to be a more competitive applicant

How hard is it to get in? is one of the most common questions Peace Corps recruiters hear. The Peace Corps application process is very competitive, just like it would be for any employer. Each year, between 12,000 and 15,000 applications are received for approximately 4,000 Volunteer positions. Minimum requirements for non-specialist programs: The information below is intended to give you an idea of the minimum requirements that you need in order to qualify for consideration. Remember, applicants with more skills, education and experience have a greater chance of receiving an invitation IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN: English Teaching YOU WILL NEED: 3-6 months of English or foreign language tutoring in a structured program that provides training. Your student(s) must be at least 12 years old, and you must complete at least 10 hours of tutoring each month. 3-6 months volunteer or work experience in health care, such as EMT, CPR, or First Aid certification; hospital or clinic work; HIV/AIDS or family planning education or counseling; or lab tech experience. At least three months (i.e. one summer) of experience in hands-on skilled work, such as mechanical repair, construction, carpentry, or set design. At least 3-6 months of experience in large scale or family run business in vegetable gardening, farming, nursery work, tree planting, tree care, urban forestry, or fisheries work Six months of full-time work experience with at risk youth aged 10-25 in a youth-oriented organization.

Health Extension

Hygiene Education/ Sanitation Agriculture & Forestry Extension

Youth Development

SOME THINGS TO BECOME EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE: Professional Skills and Experience The more skills and experience you can gain before you depart in the above areas, the more competitive you will be. You may consider the Masters International program which combines graduate school with Peace Corps service. Ask your recruiter for some ideas on how to be more competitive. Flexibility The more flexible you are in terms of geographic location and your desired departure date the greater your chance of being nominated and possibly invited to serve as a volunteer. Your flexibility allows Peace Corps staff to find the most appropriate matches for your skills and education. Language Take at least a year of French or Spanish at the university level. The ability to learn a new language is an important ingredient in a successful Peace Corps experience. Currently, there is a much greater need for French speakers than for Spanish speakers. If you have learned a language informally, Peace Corps may consider the CLEP and ACTFL exams to consider you for placement. Leadership and Community Service Get involved! Peace Corps service requires commitment and the ability to work well with people. Demonstrated leadership skills are essential qualifying factors in your Peace Corps application, especially for the programs listed here. Taking a leadership role in your community, school, church, or service organization particularly in planning activities, organizing and motivating groups of people, and project supervision will strengthen your application. Need a place to get started? Check out www.serve.gov for short and long-term volunteer opportunities.

Language Competency Guidelines

The ability to learn a new language is an important ingredient for a successful Peace Corps experience. There is a great need for French and Spanish speakers, and Peace Corps has specific requirements to ensure your language background is sufficient for specific service opportunities. In order to qualify for a Spanish or French speaking country, you will need to complete one of the following criteria.

Spanish

French

Other Language Skills

Completion of 4 years of high school Spanish coursework within the past 8 years as self-reported in application Completion of College-level Elementary II Spanish semester (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years per transcripts A score of 50 or higher on the Spanish College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the past 6 years A score of Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) within the past 6 years Native/fluent speaker of Spanish Completed 4 years of high school French within the past 8 years Completed 2 semesters of college level French coursework within the past 6 years (requires a minimum of grade C) Completed 3 years of high school French AND 1) a minimum of 5 on high school International Baccalaureate Assessment or 2) a 4 on the Advance Placement exam Scored 50 on the College Level Exam Program test Scored novice-high on ACTFL OPI within the last 6 years Native/fluent speaker of French High school romance language experience within the past 8 years and willingness to study French and take a placement exam (per guidelines listed above) Completed 4 semesters/6 quarters of college level coursework in a romance language within the past 6 years and willingness to study French and take a placement exam Native/fluent Romance language speaker All previous language skills demonstrate applicants abilities to learn foreign languages.

Please note that although any language competency (Spanish, Russian, Arabic, etc.) could make you more competitive for certain programs, proficiency in a language does not guarantee that you will be placed at a site where that language is used.

No Bachelors Degree?
Not all Peace Corps assignments require a Bachelors degree. With an Associates Degree and/or 5-10 years of full time work experience in the relevant area, you may also qualify for one of the following assignments: Forestry Applied Agricultural Science Animal Husbandry Agriculture and Forestry Extension Business Internet and Communications Technology General Construction Water and Sanitation Extension Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Youth Development Health Extension NGO Development

(800) 424-8580 option 1 for Chicago Regional Office

www.peacecorps.gov