Hi Kayla,

I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with all of peace corps worldwide programs – specific projects and countries and see if any of them really resonate with you. I know that lots of recruiters will look for college graduates with some foreign language experience. I had a hard time getting what I wanted-a water resources related project in a Spanish speaking country straight out of college, despite having Spanish and water resources degrees (was going to be recruited to instead go to Central Asia to teach English), but 4 years later with lots of volunteer and work experience in social services in the us and Mexico, I could pretty much have my pick of any region or project in the world (I went to Bolivia as environmental education volunteer). The problem was that straight out of college, despite my perfect degrees, I had an awful resume-no internships, volunteer experience, etc.

I have friends who went into projects like basic sanitation with only a couple semesters of language. I have other friends who went to africAn countries that didn’t have a language requirement and taught English. If you study something like environmental studies, nutrition, health related fields, I think it’s easier to get recruited for related projects because most have some related experience from their studies. Social work background would be great for a lot of projects.

I think the following will help you with your application:

-if you want to be a volunteer in a specific field, find volunteer opportunities within that field while in school.
-volunteer/extra-curricular activities-community/social/civic-minded
-language experience
-attend local peace corps recruitment events
-something showing that you’re familiar with foreign cultures
-experience working as a team (projects usually require you to work one on one with a foreign counterpart and often involve working with local municipalities)

I know they look for applicants who have shown fortitude and perseverance in getting through tough times and who are committed.

I think it’s fantastic that you’re planning ahead! I have no doubt that you’ll end up where you want to in the peace corps when the time comes! Best of luck to you! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.