The MSU Peace Corps office is open:

Summer hours :(May 1st - May 31th)

The office is closed June 1st to August 25th. During this time the recruiter is available by email.

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Applying for the Peace Corps

When Should I Apply?

The answer: ASAP!

The process for applying to the Peace Corps can take as long as 6 to 9 months. Assignments work on a quarter system with a majority of the positions starting between May and September. This means that if you are graduating in May, you should start your application in September.

Applications can be processed more rapidly, but this only occurs when the applicant works diligently to process their paperwork and possesses a background in areas that the Peace Corps deems a scarce skill most (examples):

The Application Process

The following steps will guide you through the application process. Select one to get details, or scroll down to view each step of the application process. When you're done, you can apply online.

Your Application

You've come this far. Are you willing to take the first step toward becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer? Through this Web site, you can apply online or request a paper application be mailed to you. An application can also be obtained by visiting our office here at MSU!

Please fill out your application thoroughly. Submit the application, the Health Status Review form, a copy of your educational transcripts, and a copy of your resume to your local Peace Corps recruiting office. If you are in the MSU area return your application to the MSU Peace Corps Office located in Room 4 of the International Center. If completing the application online see the instructions provided online.

Your Peace Corps recruiter will be looking for detailed information about your work experience, your education, your volunteer experience, your life skills, and your hobbies.

You will be assessed medically and dentally by the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C., prior to your service. This is done to ensure that you can serve safely and effectively, and that the Peace Corps' overseas medical staff can handle your medical needs.

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Your Interview

The interview with your recruiter (here at MSU) usually takes place within a month of receipt of your application. Most applicants are interviewed in person. If you live a long distance from the nearest recruiter, it may be necessary to conduct a phone interview. During the interview, your recruiter will explore issues of your flexibility, adaptability, social sensitivity, cultural awareness, motivation, and commitment to Peace Corps service.

You and your recruiter, working as a team, will determine if the Peace Corps is right for you at this time, and where your skills can be best used. At this point, you may be required to get additional volunteer experience in order to qualify for certain programs. You and your recruiter will determine the best program for you.

Your file is then sent to the Chicago Regional Office where Peace Corps will try to find a match that has included all the above criteria. When this occurs you will be "nominated" for a Peace Corps assignment, pending medical and legal clearances. At this point you will know generally where (i.e. Africa) and generally what (i.e. English Education) you will be doing.

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Medical and Dental Clearances

The Chicago office will then forward your sealed Health Status Review to the Peace Corps Medical Office as soon as your application arrives. After you are nominated, a member of the Peace Corps' medical screening team will review your completed medical history form. In some instances, an applicant may be disqualified, deferred, or limited to placement in certain countries. Most applicants will be mailed a medical examination packet. To receive clearance, you must obtain the indicated physical and dental exams and have the forms in the packet completed.

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Legal Clearance

The Peace Corps has established legal standards of eligibility for all applicants. Please note that the following circumstances may affect your eligibility and will require clarification and documentation before you can be cleared for Peace Corps service:

Finally, the Peace Corps requires information from you that will be submitted to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation for a background check, along with an impression of your fingerprints.

*Note that most student loans are deferred. Peace Corps will work with you to notify these creditors about your service.

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References

The Peace Corps asks that you provide three references. These should be from:

THIS IS WHERE MUCH DELAY CAN BE SAVED! Many applicants spend a great deal of time waiting for references to be turned back in. Remember when you choose your references to pick people who you know will follow through quickly.

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Your Assignment

Your Peace Corps placement officer in Washington, D.C., (not your recruiter) will make the final match between the country's request for Volunteers and your skills and personal qualifications. This match is designed to ensure a successful fit for both you and the specific assignment in the country.

Once you are invited to join the Peace Corps, an invitation packet will be mailed to you that includes a Volunteer Assignment Description, passport and visa applications, a pre-training questionnaire, and an invitation booklet to guide you in preparing for departure.

After you have accepted an invitation to serve as a Volunteer, the Peace Corps will send you a packet of information about your host country and a description of your pre-service training. The packet will include a recommended clothing packing list and a country-specific bibliography.

Finally, you will receive reporting instructions with the date and location of your pre-departure orientation. The Peace Corps travel office will send you airline tickets, and soon you will be on your way to your country of service.

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Some Suggestions to Help Speed Your Application Through the Peace Corps