Any Veteran considering serving their country again as a Peace Corps volunteer should know they will be well prepared for the challenges of service abroad. This is what I learned as an Army Veteran who served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Timor-Leste, a country in Southeast Asia.
Like many Veterans, I joined the Army at 19, eager for independence and adulthood. From 2007 to 2013, I was stationed in Alaska and Hawaii, working as a food service specialist and administrative assistant. When my second tour ended, I used the educational benefits earned through military service to study international business and management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. That’s where I first heard of the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is a government agency that was established in 1961 by then-President John F. Kennedy. In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are putting their purpose, passion and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities, collaborating on locally prioritized projects ranging from education to business development.
Another way to serve boldly
The immersive Peace Corps Volunteer program offers U.S. citizens 18 and older the chance to fully integrate into a host country community for two years, plus three months of training. The Peace Corps provides each volunteer with housing, a living stipend and a monthly readjustment allowance.
Opportunities are available for individuals with a combination of job experience and education, though some positions require a four-year degree. Veterans often bring valuable skills, such as problem-solving and intercultural competence to Peace Corps service.
Finding the right fit
The Volunteer application is straightforward and it only takes about an hour to complete. There are a diverse selection of job openings tailored to match individual skills and preferences, enabling Veterans to leverage their leadership experience and military training.
In 2017, I applied for a Community Economic Development role in Timor-Leste and embarked on a unique form of national service. My work involved collaborating with entrepreneurs and small businesses, including coconut oil producers.
Over the following two years, I dedicated my time to backing projects that aimed to enhance economic opportunities for women and young girls. I collaborated with an international health non-governmental organization (NGO) to promote community education on reproductive health. Additionally, I founded an after-school English club for children in the local area.
Witnessing the personal development of my students was the most rewarding aspect of my volunteer work. The flexibility and resilience I gained in the military guided me during my time in Timor-Leste.
Being part of something bigger
Before applying, potential volunteers should prepare to connect with a Peace Corps recruiter for insights into the process. Just like in the military, legal and medical clearances are vital in the selection process.
Military values can serve as a solid foundation for Veterans in facing both the challenges and rewards of Peace Corps service. The love and authentic relationships I shared with people in my community became my North Star of service. The Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity and personal courage I carried with me as a volunteer.