Irltroduction

Congratulations on your decision to become a Peace Corps Volunteer~

You arc joining an extraordinary group oJ Americans who, like
,YourseH, have sought the challenges that are unique to Peace Corps
service: the opportunity to live in a different culture, to learn a new
language, and to forge lasting relationships with the people of your
host country and your fellow Volunteers. At the same Lime, you will
share your skills, patience, and idealism with people in communities
who want to build a better future. Your work will be demanding, but
the time and energy you give to the people of your host community
will leave an impression on them for years to come. Moreover, the
personal rewards of Peace Corps service will enrich yOUl' life long
aner your overseas service is completed.
This handbook is an introduction to the Peace Corps, It provides
information on a wide variety of topics, serves as a reference guide
for questions that arise as you make your final preparations to be­
come a Volunteel', and will be a helpful resource to you during your
service overseas.
When you accept your invitation to become a Volunteer, you are
agreeing Lo abide by the policies and the regulations governing Peace
Corps service. Many of those policies and regulations are discussed
generally in this handbook; they are set forth in more detail in the
authoritative Peace Corps Manual and in policy handbooks distrib­
ULt:'d by individual country programs.
On pages iv and v of this book you will find a pre-departure checklist.
This checklist descrihes the steps you must take over t.hp n~xt. few
weeks to accept. yOUl' invitatirJn, obtain and/f)!" submit. appl'opriatp
documents aud in[r}['watirJll, and <Jrrange for travel f)VerS8as. Please
complete this checklist; it will help keep you on schedule and ensure
that you have taken care of all the necessary preparations.

We wish you the best of luck as yOll hegin I,he uniquely rewarding
experience of being a Pe;lr.e Corps Vf)lunt.eer.
The Peace Corps Mission

TtlP Ppa~p Corps was established in 1961 to promote world

peace and fl'ienrjship thrnugh the service of American Volun­
teers abroad. In arjavting to changing needs around the world,
the Pe3rp Corps remains guided by three goals from the Peace
Corps Ad:

• to help t.he penple of interested countries in meeting their

needs for trainr:rj men and women;
• to help pl'Ornote a better understanding of Americans on the
part of the peoples served; and
• to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on
Lhe part of all Americans,

More than 178,000 Amcl'k;lns have furthered these goals through

service in the Peace Corps f(lr morc than four decades and in
138 countries.
As a Volunteer, you are Lhe foundat.iclJ1 pI the Peace C(lrps' efforts.
Coming from every background and traveling lo t.he far reaches
of the globe 1.0 share skills .'tnn promote mutual understand­
ing, Volunteers earn thp .'tdmil'abon and respect of peuple ....·hl)
onen have never met a pcrSfJn from the U.S. From leaching to
facilitating HIV/AIDS enuc:atiGJ\ programs tp assisting farmers
"vith agricultural techniqllPs, VolUilteers make a lasting rjiffer­
enee in peoples' livb.ln the face of many personal and physie::J1
challenges, Peace Corps Volunteers offer their ingenuity and an
approach to pmb]pms that is both conscientious anrj pragmatic.
Despite advances in tPchnology thelt m:lke it easier to communi­
cate across borders and acl'OSS the ",,·orld, the persunal relation­
ships that Peace Corps Volunteel's forge with their co-workers
ann friends continue to be fundamental to interll3tional peace
anrj understanning.
A Volunteer's contributirJl1 is not made only overseas. During
aud after their servir:f', PI::<lce Corps Volunteers share th'cir un­
derstanding of the cultur'('s, languages, and traditions of rAher
cOlJntTie.~ with countless family members, frieuds, co-w{)rker~,

and community groups in the United States. Voluntecrs also

make Q diff~n:nce at home by continuing community service and
hy applying the skills they learned as Volunteers to a variety of
pro['c%ional disciplines.
The Peace Corps is more than the snm of the Volunteers' activi­
Lies. It represents something special. Ie is a nni'lue government
agency that best rd~t'l"t,s thr; enduring values and ideals of the
American people: genernsity, civic pride, a strong w(}rk ethic, and
a commitment to service. By demonsLrating and sharing these
qualiLie~ during their scrvice every day, Volunteers help create

a het.t.er understanding of Americans around the world.

The Peace Corps Act is the source of the three goals

that define the Peace Corps Mission:

To help the people of interested countries in meeting

their needs for trained men and women;

To help promote a better understanding of Americans

on the part of the peoples selVed;

To help promote a better understanding of other

peoples on the part of all Americans.

:i
F're-departure Cli 8Ckiist
You will receive three mailings from the Peace Corps:

D an invitation kit (which includes this handbook and

country-specific information),

m reporting instructions to your staging event, and

11 tickets to your staging event.
It is essential that you complete each step that follows each mailing,
as failure to complete a step (or failure to complete it on time) can delay
or cancel your departure for staging and overseas training.

Timing Mailings / Steps to Complete

Now 0 Receive invitation kit
0 Read the Volunteer Handbook
and your Welcome Book ...seep. 1

Wilhin 10 days 0 Call the placement officer to

accept or decline your invitation ...see p. 1

Within two weeks 0 Complete no-fee passport

application whether or not
you currently hold a valid
U.S. passport ...seep.5
0 Complete visa application.
if required ...see p. 6,
andyour
Volunteer
assignment
description
0 Complete medical and
dental forms ...seep.7
0 Send your aspiration
statement and resume ...see instructions
in the invitation kit
Timing Mailings / Steps to Complete
6-8 weeks 0 Consider personal property
prior to insurance ...seep.23
departure

3-5 weeks 0 Receive reporting instructions ...see p. 31

prior to
departure 0 Complete registration forms for
staging event ...seep.31

0 Call sato Travel to make travel

arrangements ...see p. 31

0 Give On the Homefront to

your family ...seep.47

0 If applicable, check with ...seep.21

student loan lenders on
deferment eligibility, complete
lenders' forms end bring forms
with you to the staging event
for certification

2 weeks 0 Receive tickets for staging ...seep.32

prior to
departure

Diller Steps to Consider:

o Arrange for an absentee ballot ...seep.29

o Finalize personal financial ...see p. 20

matters(e.g., arrange for
someone to have power of
ettomey)

20
Introduction

The Peace Corps Mission ii

Predeparture Checklist iv

Contents vii

The First Steps 1

The Invitalirjn 1

Volunteer Assignment Description 2

Welcome Book 2

Keeping in Touch 3

Background Investigation 3

No-fee Passport 5

Visas 6

Volunteer Health 7

Preparing for a Heallhy and Timely Departure 7

Health Items You Will Need for Departure or Overseas Use g

Your Health-Care Services 9

Post-Service Health Benefits 11

Federal Employees' Compensalion Act (FECA) 11

CorpsCare® Health Insurance 12

Health Insurance Portability 13

Volunteers Enrolled in Medicare 13

Medical Confidentiality 13

Release of Medical Information 10 Families 14

Family Emergencies and Emergency Leave 14

Volunteer Safety and Security 17

Personal Safety 17

Emergency Action Plans 19

Personal and Financial Matters 20

Records and Personal Papers 21

Student Loans 21

Deferments During Service 21

Post-Sarvice Deferments and Forgiveness 22

Personal Property Insurance 23

Lire Insurance 24

Persomll Funds 24

AI'fQwanr::":!s QiJring Training and Service 24

Wal~.-Around Allowance 25

Settling-In Allowance 25

Living Allowance 25

 Leave Allowance 25

Post"Service Readjustment Allowance 26

Wilhdrawals and Allotments 26

Bonds 27

Income Taxes 28

Unemployment Compensation 29

Voting 29

Pre~Departure Information 31

The Staging Evenl 31

Reporting Instructions 31

Travel Information 33

Travel on a U.S. Airline Carrier 33

Bags and Baggage 34

Customs Regulations 34

Pre~Service Training and Volunteer Selection 35

Pre-S'3rvice Training 36

Sel'3ction Criteria 38

Successful Completion of Pre-Service Training 39

Peace Corps Overseas Staff 40

Coontry Director 40

Associate Peace Corps Director 41

Peace Corps Medical Officer 41

Host Counlry Support Staff 42

Volunteer Assignments Overseas 43

Peace Corps Programs 43

Project Design 44

Volunteer Activities 45

Making the Adjustment 46

Setling Realistic Expectations 47

Relationships with Co-Workers 48

Collaborating with Other OrganiLations 49

Technical Resources and Supplementary Programs 50

The Role of Outside Resources 50

Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools Program 52

Women in Development/Gender and Developmenl 53

Small PrQj€ct Assistance Program 54

Information Collection an~l Exchange 54

OfficE' of Private S8ctor Initiatives 55

Partnership Funding 56

Accessing Resources at Your Peace Corps Post 56

 OPSI Resources 57

In-Kind Donations 57

Volunteer Life and Conduct 59

Personal Appearance 60

Marriage 60

Pregnancy 61

Paternity 61

Adoplion 62

Living Standards 62

Leave 63

Mail 64

Computer Use Guidelines 64

I~otificalion 65

Disclaimer 65

Use of the Peace Corps Logo 65

Cultural Sensitivity 65

Website Safety and Securily

Publicalion Policies ""66

Volunleer Contributions to the

Peace Corps' Official Website 66

Guidelines for Use of Peace Corps Computers 66

Use of Non-Peace Corps-Owned Equipment 67

Appropriate Use of IT Systems and Services 67

American Diversity Program Office 67

Non-Discrimination in Ihe Peace Corps 68

Sexual Harassment 6"

Fraternization 70

Compliance with Host Country Laws 70

Inappropriate and Criminal Sexual Behavior 70

Financial Gain 71

The Office of the Inspector General:

Mainlaining the Peace Corps' Integrity 71

Political Exrression 72

Religion 73

Contact with Media Rerresentalives 73

Prohibition of Intelligence Activities 74

Drugs and Alcohol 75

Automobiles 76

MotorCycles 76

Bicycles 77

Firearms and Radio Transmitters 77

Transfers and Extensions of Service 79

Transfers 73
Extensions of Service 79
Early Terminations B'
Resignation 81
Medical Separation 81
Interrupted Service 82
Administrative Separation 83
Trainees 83
Volunteers 83
Noncompetitive Eligibility for Early Terminees 84

Completion of Service B6
Close-of-Service Conference 86
Readjustment Allowance 65
Post-Service Insurance Coverage 87
Health Insurance 87
Life Insurance 87
Personal Property Insurance 87
Outstanding Debt and Borrowed Materials 87
Volunteer Description of Service Statement 66
Customs 66

Future Peace Corps Service B9

Reapplying for Peace Corps Service 89
Cri'3is Corps 90
Life After the Peace Corps 93
Career Planning and Re-Entry 93
Peace Corps Week 94
Noncompetitive EligitJility and Future F8d<nal Service 96
Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program 96
Academic Credil for Peace Corps Experience 97
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Groups 98

Glossary 99

Telephone Numbers 105

 Volunteer Assignment Description
Your Volunteer Assignment Description, or VAD, indicates the
country and project to which the Peace Corps has assigned you
and provides a general description (,f yom assignment, induding
the training you willl'cceive prifJl' to your service. Please note the
first page fJf the VAD, which cites the host countly, assignment
name, assignment number, and the tentative date oIthe staging
event (YfJur pre-dcpartme fJrientation).
\\'hile the VAD prrwirjes a g<2neral idea of what you may expect
in your assignment, individual site placements can vary greatly.
It is important [.L) be flexible about your assignment location,
wl)rking conditions, and colleagues. VADs are usually written
sevpral ml)nths befl)re invitati,ms are t'xtended; host country
policies, counterpart organizations, and even the objectives of
the assignmE'nt can change between the time the VAD is written
and thE' t.ime you complete training.
Occasionally an assignment must. be postponed or even canceled
aIter an imitation is issued, for reasons generally beyond the
control of t.he Peace Corps, such as det.erioration in security
conditions in the host country or a major change in host country
policies tha,t aHects the Peace Corps program. The Peace Corps
realizes how disruptive these changes are, and decisions to
postpone or cancel a project are made only for the most serious
fJf reasons. When project changes or cancellations do occm, the
Pt'act' Corps will find appropriate new assignments for displaced
applicants as soon as possible.

Welcome Book
V,!hile this handbook gives you general information and poli­
cit's that apply to all Peace Corps trainees and Volunteers, the
Welcome Book contains specific information about the country
where you will be serving. A special URL address for your Wel­
come Book is included in your invitation kit. The book provides
informat.km about your host country and local living conditions,
practical advice on what to pack for yOUI' long stay abroad, let­
ters f!'Om current Vdlunteers, points of contact at Peace Corps
headquarters, and ,)tht'r valuable information.

'2
Keeping in Touch
We ask that you confirm the addresses and phone numbers where
you can be reached prior to your departure overseas. When you
call, we will ask you the following questions:

I What will be your address one month prior to departure?

This is the address to whieh the Peace Corps will send yOW" Call lhe Office
reporting instructions for the staging event. of Placement
no less lhan
I What will be your address two weeks prior to departure? one month prior
to staging if
This is the address to which the Peace Corps will send your your address
plane ticket for the staging event. changes.

If your plans change and you must change your address, please
notify the Office of Placement no less than one month prior to your
staging event. The travel agency begins to make preparations for
your plane ticket one month in advance and cannot make airport
or address changes after that time.

Background Investigation
Once you have been sent an invitation to serve, the Peace Corps
initiates an investigation of your background, as required by law
for all Volunteers and staff. The Peace Corps contacts the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and other relevant agencies that might
have records pertaining to you.
Background investigations are one of several sources of infonna­
tion used by the Peace Corps to determine suitability for overseas
service. Applicants who have provided the Peace Corps with
information that is false, intentionally misleading, or purposely
incomplete may have their invitation rescinded, or later may be
separated from service.
Before accepting this invitation, please review the following ques­
tions. If your answer is "yes" to any of these questions, please
advise the Offtce of Placement staff member when you call in to
respond to the invitation. Failure to advise r.he Office of Place­
ment truthfully and completely to the best of your knowledge at
this time may preclude you from service.
Since you originally filed your applicat,ion for Peace Corps ser­
vice:
 Has your marital status changed?
Has your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or other
legal process?
Have you been arrested for, charged or cited with, or convict­
ed of any offense by a civilian or military court or tribunal?
Report misdemeanors, felonies, "driving while intoxicated"
(DWI) or "driving under the influence" (DUO charges or
citations, as well as speeding and other traffic violations.
Are you now facing charges for any offense (inrlllding traffic
oJfenses), or are allY civil suits or judgnwnt.s now pending
against you'?
Do you have any financial obligations lincluding student
If your answers loans that have not teen reportf:d) th3t I',mnot or "'ill not
to any of these
he satisfied prior Lo your arrival at the st.aging ('vent"?
questions have
changed to Do you anticipate being called to testify in any legal pro­
"yes," you must ceeding during your period of service?
advise the Office
of Placement's Have any persons become partially or totally dependent
legal eligibility upon you for their support (whether or not they are ]i\ing
specialist at
with you)? (Include any individuals for whose SUrJpolt you
800.424.8580,
ext. 1845. are legally responsible, r~gardless of whHher you actually
provide suppmt.)
Has the status of your U.S. citizenship changed?
Have you been discharged from any branch of the U.S. armed
forces on other than an honorable basis?
Have you been employed by or sought employment with any
agency or organization, civilian or military, or by a division
of such an agency, whose exclusive or principal function is
to perform intelligence activities?
Have you or a member of your family been engaged in, or
had any connection With, the collection, dissemination, or
analysis of intelligence information?

If you or your family have been employed by, 01' otherwise associ­
ated wilh, arl intelligence agency or activity since you submitted
your application and you have doubts about whether you can dis­
rlose t,hlO mnnection, please consult with that agency, preferably
it.s Office ()f General Counsel, before responding.
Ifat anytime after you have acce~)teJ the invitation ,lnd ::Ire w::Iit­
ing to depart. a situation arises thal would cause your answers t~l
any pf t,hE' preceding questions to change from "no" to "yes," you
must advise tho Office of Placement's legal eligibility specialist
,'II R00.4:34 8,580, ext. 1845.

The soonfOr you arjvise the Offlce of Placement of the situation,

the soonr:r wr: may be able to resolve any problems that would
delay or interfere with your departure, At your staging event,
you will be required to sign a certification that your answers to
thr;se questirJlls have not changed since you last reported them
to the Peace Corps. Failure to advise the Offlce of Placement
of any change, at the soonest possible date, may preclude you
from sfOl'vier;,

No-fee Passport
No-I(~e fjassports are to be used by Peace Corps trainees and
Volunteers for all [,ravel during Peace Corps service. If you ac­
cept this invitation, you must apply for a no-fee passport, even
if you already have a personal passport.

It can take up to six \>,'eeks for the US, Department of State to

issue a passf-iort.. so it is essential thaL you immediately complete
the no-fee passport application induded with the invitation.
Please not,e that ttw no-fep. passport will not be mailed to you
after you apply; thc Peace CPl'ps' t.ravel office will hold your no­
fee f-iassport, any necessary visas. and the ml,ernatipnal portion
of your airline t.idet. until your stagmg E'vent (\vhen t.hey will bE'
given to you). Thf; documents ypu submitted to apply for your
no-fee f-iassporl (f-iersrJJl<ll passport or birt.h eert.iflC'alei \ViH be It can take up to
returned to you at. your staging E'\'enl six weeks for the
Department or
The no-fee pa~~f-iorl is issu~d tfJ enable Peace Corps trainees and State to issue a
Volunteers to fulfill their overseas responsibilities; but it does not. passport, so it
confer trainees and VfJlunteers with diplomatic st.atus. Volullt~~rs is essential that
you immediately
who completf: tWfJ years fJf service may use t.he no-fee passfjort
complete the
Jor not mor~ t.han 90 days of personal trav~l after Pe<lee Corps no-fee passport
service. Fr,l' P()st-sel'vice travel exceeding;:lO days, Volunte~rs who application
do not already haw a personal passport must obtain one from an included with
the invitation.
American emhassy or consulate.
Volunteers whose service is terminated be(()I'C the enrj of t.hfOir 27­
month tour are required to return their n~l-Iee passport to Pr~ace
Corps headquarters within 14 days of their return to the United
States. A Volunteer who elects to remain in his/her country of
service following early termination or who docs not retmn to
the United States directly must retmIl the no-fee passport to the
country director (CD) prior to his/her termination date.
H for any reason you do not go overseas to become a Peace Corps
Volunteer and would like the documents you submitted to obtain
your no-fec passport returned to you, send your request, and the
address to which you want the documents sent, to:
Peace Corps Travel Office (Sato Travel)
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20526
202.833.2498 or 800.424.8580, ext. 1170
These documents will be returned only upon request. Ifnot re­
turned, they will be kept on file for two years and then destroyed.
If you have further questions, call the 8ato Travel Office.

Visas
Like other international travelers, Peace Corps trainees and
Volunteers may be required to have a visa. If your host country
requires a visa, the application(s) and a return envelope are
included in the invitation kit. Visa applications can take up to
six weeks (and sometimes longer) to process. If one is enclosed,
please return the visa application and required photos immedi­
ately to avoid delaying yonI' overseas departure.
Visa application forms vary, but you will need to complete all
personal information such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
Any request for passpmt information refers t.o t.he no-fee Peace
Corps passport and not your personal passport. If you arc unsure
of a response, leave it blank. Peace Corps staff will complete your
visa application as details about your assignment are finalized.
Any qucstions about your visa application should be directed to
Sato Travel.
If you decide not to enter an ovcrseas traiuing class and want
your visa application and photographs ret,urned, request them
in writing from Sato Travel. Unless you request these personal
documents, they will be held on file for three months in the travel
office and then destroyed.
Review these
D If there has been any change in your health-physical, mental,
dental, or if you have been prescribed new medications, or
items. a change in medication dosage-since the time you submit­
ted your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must
immediately notify OMS.

D Failure to disclose changes, including new illnesses, injuries,

allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may be
cause for disqualification from Peace Corps service. EvelY
year, the Peace Corps administratively separates several
Peace Corps trainees and Volunteers who have intentionally
failed to disclose pertinent information about their health.
Please don't be one of them!

D Volunteers in certain overseas locations will not have imme­

diate access to dental care. If your dentist or Peace Corps
dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental
treatment or repair, you must complete that work and make
sure yom dent.ist sends the requested confirmation reports
or X-rays to OMS, The dental clearance is reqnired before
you are issued an airline ticket to staging.

D The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary

for your overseas assignment, either at your staging event or
shortly after you arrive in-country. To avoid taking duplicate
vaccinations, contact your physician's o1T1ce, obtain a copy of
your immunization record, and hand cany it to your staging
event. If you know yon are sensitive to vaccines or if you have
religious reservations concerning the nse of immunizations
or medication, you should contact OMS before your staging
event.
If you know
you are sensitive
D If your dental exam was done more than a year ago or if your
physical exam is more than two years old, contact OMS to
10 vaccines or
find out whether you need to update your records and, if so,
if you have
religious exactly what .you will need to do, You may contact the OMS
reservations by mail, phone, or fax. Hequested reports may be faxed or
concerning mailed to:
the use of
immunizations Peace Corps/Oflice of Medical Services
or medication, Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
you should 1111 20th Street NW
conlaclOMS
\Vashingr,on, D.C. 20526
before your
staging event.
800.424.8580, ext. 1500
Fax: 202.692.1561
Health Items You Will Need
for Departure or Overseas Use
In preparatil1n for your departure, please obl~in and pack the
following items'

o A physician's copy of your immunization record, it possible.

Hand-carry this to your host countr}' Jnd keep it >Vith your
passport.

o A three·month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter

medication you use on a regular basis. Your Peace Corps
health unit 'Will mder a supply of the prescripLion and nrJ!l­
'j,g
prescription m~,dication~ .YOli require whcu you arrive [WCI'­
~ea~. In SOlOe cases, the Peace Corps may order a generic Note:
The Peace
dnlg t.o fill Lhe prescription. Be aware [hat, it can take an
Corps does
extremely long time for shipmenLs to l"e{lch S(Jme countries. not pay for
For . . .our O\'\'T\ eomIOlt and well-being, bring a three-month non·FDA­
supply at' these items. You arc advised to pewk a pOltion of approlied
yOUI' three-month supply in your caIT)'-on luggage and the medications,
homeopathic
balance in your accomp;mying baggage.
remedies, or
o It you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, bring two pairs
herbal prep­
arations.
01 eyeglasses with you to your staging event. DUf~ to a "'-ide
variance in W.1ter quality and other environmental CfJncermi
that could promoLe eye infections "!'vith contact lens use, t.he
Pear,: Corps strongly discourages the use of conLact lenscs
overseas and "Will not replace lenses or supp],y lens solution or
rdatpd equipment. If a pair (Atht> glassps you bring >Vit.h you
breaks, the Peace Corps \vi]] replace it \\it.h another pair.

Your Health-Care Services

As a trainee alld V(\luntecl', most of your medical needs and ex­
penses are (;(J\'erel! by the Peace Corps from the time yOlJ leave
horne to trawl direcUy Lo .your staging event until Lh", end of your
service, reg,mi!ess of wheLher you are in your assiglled .;ountry,
the United States, or another country.
Overseas, a Peace Corps medical officer (PCi\1(l) will provide
prilllary medical care through your post's health unit. The PCMQ
<J Iso <J dministers a comprehensive healf,h-care program to protecl
and maintain your healLh.
To a greaL exLent, the effectiveness of the health-care program
depends on your personal commitment to taking precautions
 against risky behaviors, illness, or injury. Indeed, maintaining
your health is one of your principal responsibilities as a trainee
and Volunteer. The Peace Corps will vaccinate you against many
illJert.inus diseases, but immunizations rannot. protect you from
some of thlC' most common health problems Volunteers experi­
ence.
KNOW BEFORE
Maintaining your well-bpjng means practicing the disease- and
YOU GO,
risk-prevention strategies your PCMO describes during training
HIV/AIOS and following the guidelines in the health handbook you will
AIDS (Acquired receive overseas, St,ralegj(~s illclude complying with malaria
Immune Defici­ prophylaxis as necessary and avoiding behaviors that can pUI~
ency Syndrome)
results from
you at risk for HIV and (Aher sexually transmitted diseases. You
i~ction with the v.ill he asked to take necessary precautions with regard to wa­
human immuno­ ter treatment, ~a[litation, nutrition, and personal safely, (Jnd to
deficiency virus see your PCM() for treatment when necessary. ThE' PCMO is the
(HIY). It is a sig­
only (lne in-c()untry who can authorize any medical and dental
nificant public
health threat prnccdures performed in-country.
worldwide. The
Staying attuned to your emotional health is important as well.
Peace Corps pro­
vides Volunteers You may l'(~ael ill unusual ways to your overseas environment.
with complete Wlwn this happens, you should feel free to seE'k out your PCMOfor
information on counsel; a PCMO cau be an important source of support in mak­
the modes of ing a successful adjustment to a new way of Jiving and working.
tr,msmission,
the risks of
You will fmd more information about I~t'oss-cultural adaptation
eltposure 10 HI\(, and what to expect in terms pf feelings and frustrations in the
and Volunle..rs' Peace Corps booklet A Few ANnoY Adju.~tments.
l'esponlOibililie6
for prevenlion. The range of health services available at your post's health un it. is
Your PCMO or the limited. When necessary, the PCMO may refer you to in-cpuntry
Office of Medical physicians and local health-care facilities. If your medical pn'b­
Services can give
you more detailed
lems are beyond the level of care available locally, you will be
information upon medically evacuated (medevaeed) to alocation where appropriate
request. evaluation and treatment are available.
The decision io rnedevac a Volunteer to the U.S. or to another
country is made by the PCMO in collaboration with OMS staff.
If a medical evacuation is necessary, Peace Corps staff will co­
ordinate Logistics, such as travel andlll'usillg, and manage yoUI'
medical evaluation and lreatment. Volunteers may be placed on
"rnedevac status" for no more than 45 da~'s ,lIld generally have a
resolution sooner than that,

10
During s~rvice, you may also require health care while visiting
the United States. If yOll need healt.h care at this time, your
PCMO will give you an <luthorization form and your health benefit
identific<llion C<I rd to be presE'nt,ed to your provider of choice, As
a participant in a provider network, you are not responsible for
any charge associated with authorized care. As an alternat.ive, If evalu:ttion
and tre:ttment
you may also pay for the service and reque~t kimbursement as
of a medical or
outlined on the authorization form. dent:tl problem
cannot be
You are expected to schedule and complete treatment within
completed by
the time allotted for horne leave, emergency leave, or vacation. If the end of your
eV<lluation and treat.ment of a medical or dental problem cannot home leave
be completed by the cnd of your home leave or if other problems or if other
problems arise,
arise, you must contact OMS immf'.diately at 800,424.8580 exten­
you should
sion 1'000. You must also contact OMS if a new he<llth problem contact OMS
develops or a previous h~alth problem becomes unstable while immediately at
you are in tJle United States. Evahmtion and t.reatment of illnE'sses 800.424.6580
or injuries that develop while you are in the U.S. are authqrized ext. 1500.
and managed by OMS.

Post-Service Health Benefits

After service, the Pe<lce Corps authorizes payment. for medical
and dental eV<lluations oJ ronditions that have arisen in connec­
tion wiLh your overseas servk8. Should you require treat.ment.for
a service-related health condit.ion, OMS' post-service health unit
wlll assist you in making a claim for benefits under the Federal
Employees' Compeusation Act. Additional information on t.his
important benefit appears in this section.
To cover medical expl::nses for conditions that are not. service­
related, you are eligible to purchase an affordable, privat.e health
insurance plan called CorpsCare® A description of this t.enefit.
and information about health insurance portability is provided
iu the lilliowing sectious.

Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA)

After service, P8ace Corps trainees and Volunteers are eligible to
file a claim for post-service health care and compensation benefits
und8r FECA. FECA is administered by the Office of Workers'
Compensation Programs (OWCP) within the U.S. Department
of Labor, which is soLely responsible fqr determining whether <I
claim is areepted.
 If a claim is accepted, ['ECA cuvers posl,-service medic;)] ex­
penses for service-l'claLed injurif's n[' illnesses. FECA may also
uJver medical ,,·xpenses for a pre-existing condition if owcr
dcterrninps that the condition waf:.: 8Jgravated, <iccderated, or
precipitaLrd ;lS a result of Peace Corps servicc", Three cases are
specifically excluded fmm FECA coveragc:
• Cr!nclitions caused by v.illful misl:onduct;
• Cunditions caused by the Vol\mV;l?r's irtlention to bring aboul
lhp. mjury or death ofhim/herself or another; and
Peace Corps will
• Conditions proximately caused by inloxication.
issue a certificate
of health plan Illness or injlJl'Y is generally CQnsidered La be servlc,:,-related
coverage, which
when ii, occurs during your Peace Corps service anywhere OUI,­
may allow you
to participate side qf the Unlled States. Illll':'SS or injury that. develops in the
in post-service, United Stales is not consich'red La be servkl?-relaled unless t.he
long-term group trainee or Voluntecr is engaged in a Peace Corps activiLy when
health insurance
ic occurs.
withDut exclu­
sions for pre­ f<,,·gardless of wht'ther an illness or injury occurs in thl? United
existillg medical
SLales or overseas, the Peace Cnrf-ls will providc for yuur medi­
cOllditions_
cdl needs ",.-hile ,YOU are in servire. [n addition, the Pp.ace Corp~
will provide you "'iLh lhe information yrjU need I.e) fHc for benefits
under FECA, or direct you to CorpsCare'"' insuranc,:, to meet your
post-service benefits llc·cdii.

CorpsCare® Health Insurance

Aller u"erseas service, you are eligible to purchase a post-sp.rvice

health insurance plan called CorpsCare\ a privale bealth insur­
ance plan that provides coverage for "ome heaH.h conditions that
are not covered by FECA because they:
• exist.pd bdore your Peacl' C;'xps service;
• developed while you were- on r,el'sonal bu.~iness
in tlie United States dming service; or
• originated aner yrHl left overseas service.
The Peace Corps aUlomaUcally cnrolls trainees and Volunteers in
the plan as tbey leave overseas service and pays the first month
of insurallce pl"':'nliums on their lwhall". You may purchase up to
18 additional months of coverage. You aTe strongly encouraged to
purchase health insurance when you complete your Peace Corps
service to meet health-e<lre needs not covered by FECA during
your post-service readjustlllent period. If you do not sign up ['J)'
additional CorpsCare'" inSllrance before the end of Lhe first. month's
coverage period, you lurfdt j"rJur right to subscribe to it.

Health Insurance Portability

The Pe~1Le (,orps and CorpsCare~willlssue certificates of health
pian coverage. (See Certifieatp of Group Health Plan Coveragp
1Il the "Completion of Service" section) These eertific<lles may
allmv you to participate In health insurance programs without
exclusions for pre-existing medical condition.~.
The certiJlc,'1[.es do lKlt., however, guarant,pp that you will he able
LrJ r)btain affordable health insurance cuvcwge. If you have spp­
ciol health-care concerns, <lrE' man: than 50 ye8!'S old, or have a
chroniC health condition, ple:;.'>e consult an insurancE' specialist
about your insurance needs. YOll may wish to consider keeping
an existing lwalth plan in elIec:t during your service.

Volunteers Enrolled in Medicare

Volunteers ages 65 and older may cancel Medicare Part. B (supple­
mental insurance) while in the I'eace Corps 'rvithout incurring
a pr,nalt.y t.o re-enroll For Medicare purposes, Volunteers are
considered to be employees of the Peace Corps undpr a group
health plan. This means that, under the Centers f<Jr Medicare
& M(,dicaid Services regulations, Volunteers ages 5G and older
who ~le(:t to cancel their Pan 13 insurance Hlay rc-enroll with­
out penalt...· <:It any time during their Volunt.eer service, or in the
eight-month period that begins 'Nith t.he first full month after
their service ends Failure tu enroll during this speciCiI emoll­
ment period willl'esult in delayed eligibility Jar re-cnrollm':'llt
and a 10 perc en! pr,:,mium penalty Jor each vear the Voluntet.'r
was C'ligihle but did not enrolL You shuuld contact your Social
Set:unty office for details on canceling and reinstating Medicare
Pa rt B c1werage.

Medical Confidentiality
You should nOl hesitate to discuss medical concerns openly and
frankly with your PCMO. Your healt.h records aDd medical infor­
mation shared with your PCMO and other health providers arc
protected by the federal Privacy Act and the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountahilty Act (l-IIPAA). Persons who assist.
you, haIldle your health records, and consult with yon on medkal
matters must hold medical information in strict confidence and
may divulge that information to others only in accordance with
the Privacy Act, HIPAA, and Peace Corps' policy. ror example,
crJnntrydirectors (CDs) are responsible for overall program man­
agement and for ensnnng a safe environment for Volunteers, so
t hey need to know medically confidential information if it affects
Volunteer safety, securiey, or programs. The CD needs to know
certain information abont incidents involving medical evacua­
tions, assault.s, snbstarrce abuse, life-threatening crJmmunicable
diseases, if a Volunteer requires a l'easonable accommodation
because of a disability, and other sitnations. PE'rsons to whom
confidr~ntial medical information IS provided must protect that
information in the same way as medical staff.

Release of Medical Information to Families

The Peace Corps is generally prohibited by federal privacy laws
from automatically notifying yrJur family if yon become ill or are
injured during your service.
Medical information maybe released to family members or other
designated persons onlY when a Volunteer:
• has provided documented authorization t.o do so; or
• is incapable of providing anthorization and is considered
to have a serious or life-threatening condition,
Notification will be made only to those individuals whom you
designate in writing as emergency contacts.

Family Emergencies and Emergency Leave

The Peace Corps Office of Special Services (OSS) provides assis­
tance in handling emergencies aIfecting trainees and Voluntl:'ers
or their families. Before leaving tht~ U.S., you should instruct
your family t.o notify OSS immediat.ely if an emergency arises,
such as a serious illness or the death of an immediate family
member. During normal business hours, the mUl\her fol' OSS
is: 800.424.'3580, ext. 1470. After normal business hours and on
weekends and holidays, the OSS duty officer may be reached at,
202.638.2574.
If you are notified privately vi" correspondence, phone calls. Before leaVing
etc., qf a family emergency while oven:eas, you should contact the U.S" you
should instruct
the CD immediarely The CD will immediateLy inform OSSof the
your family
emergency, requesting that your family be contacted fur verifica­ to notify the
tion and addilionalinformati<Jn on the situation. When necessary OHk:e of Special
and possible, the CD m-".v -,,!sq arrange for telephone calls to or Services
immediately if
[mID the United Stales.
an emergency
In the event of a death or serious illness of a parent (including arises, such
as a serious
an indivklual who has performed the parenting funrtioIl for a
illness or death
substanti.'J.l period), spouse, sibling, or child, emeI'gen~~y Ie-"ve will of a member of
be authorized. Transportation home, along with an allowance, the immediate
will be paid by the Peace Corps. This leave is for a period of two family. The
phone number
weeks, excluding travel timE'.
is: 800.424.8580,
Only (J!le emergency leave can be granted to -"ttend the same ext. 1470
f-"mil.v medical emergency during a Volunteer's period of service.
In the case of married Vqlunteers, the CD may determine 'm an
individual basis whether the spouse should accompany the af­
fected Volu nteer to the United States,
 Volunteer Safety
alid Security

Personal Safety
Volunteers servE' worldwide, sometimes in VC'l':,' remote areas.
Subsequenlly, healt.h and safety risks an~ an inherent part of
Volunteer service. Living and traveling ill an unfamiliar environ­
ment (oftentimes alan,,), having a limited understanding of local
language and culture, ami being perceived as wealthy arE' some
of the f"letol's that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers
experiellce varying degrees of unwanted aLLention and harass­
ment. PeLty thefts and bnrglaries are not nnconllnon, and inci­
dents of physicd I and sexual assaults do occur. Volunteer deaths
in sen'ice, including homicides, ;H'f' rare but have occurred over
Ute four-decade-pins history of the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps has established procedure'S rrnd pulicles to
help Volunteers reduce t.heir risks and enhallr~e their safety and
securit,y. At I,he same time, the Voluntr~er's own couduct is the
single most important factor ill cnsuring his or her own safety and
well-being. Staying safe and secure during Peace Cmps service
requires Volunteers to take persoll:}l responsibilily Jor f,lllowing As a Volunteer,
the guidance pTll\'ided during training on observing locally ap­ it is essenLial
to be aware of
propriate behi:tviQl', exercising sOUTId judgment, and <Jhidiug by
your surroundings,
Peace Corps' policics and procedures, underetand how
your conduct and
Perwnal safety is enhanced bymatur€' bell3vior and the eXE'n:ise
actions may be
of sot1wl judgment. As a Volunteer, it is essential to be awarc of perceived, and
.your surroundings, understand how your conduct. i:tnd actions be sensitive
may be perceived, and bc sc"nsitive lo the effect YOllr behavior to the effect
your behavior
has on your pCl'srmal safely. Often Volunleers must change a
ha&on your
range ofbelwvim's they have grown accustomed to iu the United personal safety,
States-including dress, living arrangements, exercisE'. con­ The challenge
sumption of alcohol, socializing v,'ith members of the oPP'lsite is to find the
sex, goiug out alone ~l night, etc,-to minimize risks to their right balance.

safety and security, The challenge is to find the right babnce

17
 and comport yourself in a manner that enables yOll t.o have a safe,
productive experience, Thl? Peace Corps staff an:: committed to
hplping Volunteers meeL this challenge.
During pre-service training, the Peace Corps provides training
and resources to help each Volunteer develop language profi­
ciency, cross-cultural understanding, and personal safety skills.
Volunteer .-;ites are chosen according to specitic safety criteria
that consider hOllsing, transportation, communication, access to
services, and proximity to fellow Volunteers. You will be expected
to strictly abide by country policies regarding travel notification
and 18flve authorization.
For the Peace Corps to better understand the realities Volunteers
face, and to implement appropriate meaSUf8S to enhance their
safety, Volunteers must report any crimes or security incidents
they experience to t.he Peace Corps office in the host country.
In the event a Volunteer is the victim of a crimp, such as rap8 or
attempted rape, the Peace Corps is authorized to retain a local
attorney to counsel and assist the P0st, The responsibility (If
prosecution, however, rests with the host country government,
not. the Volunteer or the Peace Corps.
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of violent crimes. The
Peace Corps will give you information and training in how to
be safe. But, just, as in the U.S., crime happens, and Volunteers
can become victims_ When this happens, the investigative team
Df the Office of lnspecto)' General (DIG) is charged with help­
ing pursue prosecution of those who perpetrate a violent crime
against a V0lunteer. If you become a victim of a violent crime,
the decision to prosecute or not t.o prosecute is entirely yours,
and one of the tasks of the DIG is to make sure that Y0U are fully
informed of your options and help you through t.he process and
procedures involved in going fdrward with prosecution should
Y0U wish to do so.
If you do become a victim of a violent crime, first make sure you
are in a safe place and with people you trust, and second, contact
the country director or the Peace Corps medical officer. Immedi­
ate reporting is important to the preservation of evidence and
the chances of apprehending the suspecL Country direct0rs and
medical officers are required to report. all violent crimes to the

l~
Inspector General (l nd the regional securit,v officer (RSO). This In an emergency,
inJprmation is protected from unauthorized further disclosure use the Inspector
Generat's 24·hour
hy Lhe Privacy Act.
hotline
In conjunction with the RSO, the OIG docs a preliminary inves­ Phone
tigation of all violent Cl'ltllCS against Volunteers regardl8ss of 202.692.2911
whether the crime has been reported to local authoriti8S or of
the decisipn ypu may ultimately make to prosecute. OlO staff is E-mail
available arlJund the clock and may be (;l,ntacted via telephone violentcrimeholl,;ne@
peacecorps,90v
hotlim" at 202.tl92.2911, or bye-mail at virJIentcrimehotlinel'!'
peacecorps.gov.

Emergency Action Plans

The Peace Corps addrE'S;;CS larger security uJncel'ns through
country-specific emergency action plans (EAPs). Thr:se plans,
developed t,o address natural dis as LeI's, politica i unrest, serious
accidents, <J nd the like, set forth thE' strategies developed by each
country t.o prepare for, respond tCl, and rel?over from such crises.
You willl'eceive an EAP orientaticlrl during pre-service training
and subsequent in-service trainings. You will also receive a copy
of the EAP and he expect,ed to familiarize yourself with the plan
and your roles and responsibilities during limes pf crisis.
The Peace Corps v>mh v8ry closely with the U.S. ambassador and
the embassy's regional security officer on matters of Volunteer
safety and crisis management. Copies of the EAP arlO submitted Under SClme
to the U.S. enlbassy and Pcace Corps fteadquarters.lfasituation circumstances,
Volunteers may
arises in-country that poses a pot.ential threat to VoIuntpers, the
be removed
Peace Corps will respond immediately to assess the nat.ure of from their sites
the threat and respond in a manner that maximizes Vo]unte/Ors' (temporarily or
safety and well-lwing. Under some circumstances, Volunteers pennanently) or
may be removed from their sites (temporarily or permanently) removed from
the country
or removed from th/O country altogether. If the decision is made altogether.
to evacuate a country, the Peace Corps will CfJmmit every re­
source at hand to safeguard thewelJ-being of each Volunteer and
staff member. Although the Peac8 Corps does not automatically
contact family membcrs in all crisis situations, the Peace Corps
will, in the eveut of an evacuatirJIl, initiate calls to the emergency
contact. persons each Volunteer has identified (In the LrClinee
registration form.

19
As you put your affairs in ()rd~r, relll':'mb8f that the Peace COfPS is
still processing your medical and ,1t.her background information.
Y<1lJ should not make final changes irl8mployrnent, education, 01'
housir16 arrangements until you have accepted an invitation to
a splO'ciJk prfJgram and received medical and dental clearance
for service overseas.

Records and Personal Papers

The application and related documents yrJU furnish t.o the Peace
Corps, and the n~('ords generated as a resulL ,,[ y'1l1f training and
Volunteer servicf', are the property of the federal gov8rnment.
Do not submit the origiml or only available copy of a personal
record. A copy of your Volnntect' Description of Service (DOS)
statcment \villlw kepI ror 60 years. Medical records are rdaincd
for 25 years, and most other Peace Corps records arekepL for Jh'e
years after completion of sel'vice 01' termination date. Records re­
lating 1.0 a Volunteer's service Of mcdical history will be released
only with the written eonsenl of the Volunteer, or as onlt:'rv.·ise
auLhrJl"ized under the Privacy Act of 1974.

Student Loans

Deferments During Service

Peace CrJ1".ps Volunl,eel's are responsiblt:' for ensuring thaL their
studenL loan obligat.ions will be met during their Peace Corps ser­
vice. Generally, Volunt,:,ers may obtain a deferm~nt of payments
on the principal rJf any federally guarantced stud~nl loan for the
length of their Peace Corps service, For certain federal looms,
in~erest defermenLs and/or subsidies may also 1..>1:: available.

The terms and conditions of available deferments differ with ttl':'

type of loan, the date the loan was disbursed or consolidated,
and the policies ofihe individual lellder, Some older federal loan
For more infor­
programs grant Peace Corps VoJuni,eers a categorical deferment, mation about
which IllusL be renewed annually. Specifically, direct/Stafford federally guar­
loans issued before 1093 require that you apply for a "public ser­ anteed student
vice" deferment. Direct/Stafford 10alls issued after 1993 require loans, call the
Federal Student
Lhat you apply frJl' an "economic hardship" defcrmeut. The U.S. Aid Information
Se(:relary of Education has determined LhaL Peace Corps Vohlll­ Center at
leers meet the requiremenLs for an economic hardship deferrn('nt. a00-4-FED-AID.

/1
In either case, you will need a certification of Peace Corps service
from the Peace Corps. Gcncrall~', economic hardship deferments
for federal loans arc granted for a maximum of three years. If
you have been granted an eC0nomic hardship deferment prior
to Pf')acf') Corps service, check with your lender to determine the
available deferment length to which you are entitled.
The Peace Corps does not grant loan deferments-lenders do.
H is yoUI' n'sponsibility lo oolain appropriate deferment forms
from your lender, 0btain the necessary certifications, complete
and submit the :lPP1'0priatc f0fms, keep copies of the paperwork
and apply 1'\11' a rem~\... al uJ Lhe deferment, if necessary. Procedures
vary among lenders. Some may not grant a deferment until the
end of a grace period following graduation. ('thers rr:quire an­
nual renewals of the certification and deferment" For this reason.
the Pe<l~,e Corps strongly recommends that yOIl givE' P(IWE'I" of
attm'nC'y to a relative or friend to handle yoUI' loan dE'Jcl'ments
during your service. Bring a copy of yOUI' power llf at,t,l)J"]ley wiLh
you to your staging event.
Although the Peace Corps does not grant loan defermenLs, it will
provide y011 with certification of your status as a Volunteer at the
staging r;VE'ut. The Peace Corps cannot certify your status prior
to nlro staging event. Do not mail deferment forms to Peace Corps
headquarters. Bring them withyr)u to stagillg, where Peace Corps
staH will provide thE' (,(,l"tificatir)[l sr) that you can mail the forms
before you go overseas. RE'npwal cert.iDcations for deferments are
available in-country from the ('lluntl"Y dirc~,tor. Alternatively,
your power of attorney may send renewal certification reqnests
on your behalf to:
Peace Corps/Certifying Officer
Volunteer Financial Operati0ns
Panl D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20526

Post-Service Deferments and Forgiveness

You sh(lulrJ ask your lender abont a grace period for payment
of sturJE'nt. loans after service. Most returned Volunteers must.
bE'gin making payments in the month following the completion
of their service. If you have a Perkins loan, you will be eligible
for a six-llLonth post-servicl:' grace period. Additionally, Perkins
loans allow for a portion ot the total loan obllgation plus ac­
crucd interest to be canceled for Peace COI'[lS Volunteers. For
each or the firsl and second complet,p years of your Peace Corps
service, 15 percent of your loan obligation (subject ~~o st~1tutory
maxllllUms) can be canceled. r\lr pad\ of the [,hird and fonrth
complete years of servIce. up t,o 20 percent of youI' ~oul obliga­
twn can be canceled.
The partial c;:Jll,:dlation provision applies only to Perkins locms
made to uJw'r the cost of instnwtion for periods of enrollment
beginning un or after July 1, 1987, to "new bonowprs," A new
borrower is an individual who, 01\ July 1, 1987, had no outstand­
ing balance ofprinClpaJ or interest ow",d on any loan made under
[he Perkins or Natiollal Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program.
The provision does not grandfather past and/or current Volun­
teers with outstanding NDSLs, andiL docs not allow cancelbtlDn
benefits for Perkins loans or NDSLs taken anpr Peace Corps
VoLunteer service.

Personal Property Insurance

The Ppace Corps docs not insure Volunteers' personal property
or c[lsh and, except in limited circumstances, will m,t replace
or rt:imburse personal propr:rty or cash that is lost, damaged, , I /
or stolen. Do not bring expellsive personal items overseas. It is
difficult to safegu":Jrd property at many Veolunteer sites, and the
:~:
/ I ,
possession (Jfvaluable iLems may innease YOUl'risk of theft. Pos­
00 not bring
spssion of valuable items is als(J inconsistent with liVing within expensive
thc mwlest means expected of Voluntecrs. personal items
overseas.
The Peace Corps eneourages you to purchase personal property
insurance to cover t.Ite belongings you do bring overseas. Informa­
tion about companies that provide personal properLy insurance
at reasOllable rates for Peace C(lrps Volunteers and applications
for obtaining this insurance will be sent to you along with your
country informati(ln packet six to eight weeks prirj[" to your
dt:parture. You may arrange for premiums to be deducted from
your readjustment allowance.
 Life Insurance
New traineps will have the opportunity to purchase 0r dcclinl?
group term life insurance at the staging event. At staging, you will
submit the insurance form tlJ Peace Corps st.aff The low monthly
premium for this insurance is deducted from yom l'eadjustlIlPllt
alluwanrE' unless you till rJut a waiver at the staging event. Weigh
this dpcision carefully Should you waive or cancel this insurance,
it cannot be reinstated during your service. The policY remains
in furce for 60 days ~lfter service t.cnnillat~on overseas, and for
10 days if scnlce term\.nati0n r)ccurs in the l)nit,Qd States. The
policy can[llJl be converted tlJ any other form uJ insurance and
cannol, ue continued pasl thp 0(1- or 15-day limit. Shc1uld the
need arise during service, you may revise your designat.lOn of
one or more beneftciariQs or change your beneficiary at any timlO'
hy filling out the pnljJer form and sending it to:
Peace CorpslVolunteer Finandal Operations
Paul D. Coverdell Peacf' Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, D.C, 20526

Personal Funds
Volunteers are responsible for safekeepmg their personal funds.
To mirrimize thr; risk of theft, do not bring significant arnOU1\ts of
money overSQ{lS :UlJ use traveler's chlO'cks to the extent possible.

Allowances During Training and service

The {l\\o"v~Hlces provided LO tr::linees and Volunteers are calcu­
lated Lo permit them to live at the modest standards oft.he people
they serve, while n'JL compromising Of endangering h<:'alth or
For more infor­ safety. As a Volunleer, you are expected tulive within the allow­
mation on this
ances provided to YOll. The Peace Corps does not allow trainees
policy, see the
or Volunteers to receive payment for any work done while in the
section entitled
Financiaf Gain Peace Corps, invest money within the host country, or engage
in the chapter in any other activity for personal financial gain while serving.
"Volunteer Life Receiving money from home or using YCl'Jl" own personal funds
and Conduct."
to supplement Pe{lL:p Corps allowances is discouraged,
Walk-Around Allowance

Once yOIl bt'~in pre-service training, you will be given a modest

amount of pocket moncy, usually called the walk-around aIJow­
<Jnce, in addii,ion t,o room and bo;ud. In the event that F)(Jm and
board are not pwvidcd rjirectly, the Peace Corps will provide you
\vith adequate funds [(Jr this purpose

Settling-In Allowance

After vt'ing sworn in as a Voluntr'er, you will receive aseltlLng-in

allowance in ll'cal curren~;y ro cover initial in-coulltry housekeep­
ing needs, Sllch as furniture and supplies. Purchases should be
consistent with the modest living st.andards encuuraged by the
Peace Corps. While items purchased with the settling-in allow­
ance become your personal pruperly, it is generalLv expeded
lhal Volunteers will leave such items in-country when they leave
service. The Peacc Corps will not pay to ship these items home
or reimburse you if they are lost during shipment home.

Living Allowance
You will receivp a living allow;lnr:e during your service over­
seas, generally on <1 monthly basis It will be sufficient to cover
sUbsistence needs: aciequate food, clothing, lluusing. utilities,
transportation, and incidentals such as jqcal entertainment,
laundry, alld postage. Allowances are v:lswl on local living costs
and differ from country to country and even within a counLry.
They are subject to change depending on changes jn host country
living costs.

Leave AllOwance
Volunteers work seven days a wtek, and they accrue two days
of annual leave allow,lIlce for every month of Volunleer service.
Each overseas post determines whether it will pay this allowance
monthly with your H\'ing allowance, quarterly, qr in a lump snm
prior to your scheduled vacation.
Post-Service Readjustment Allowance

Volunt.eers are given a readjustmeIlt allowance at close of service

(COS) to f"cililate their transition from Peace C"rps service to
the next step in their rarep,I'S and lives. The allowance accrues
at a rate of £225 for each rnonth of service and is hcld withont
inkrest in your readjustmcIlt allowance accouut. Accrual 01 the
readjustment allowance starts on the day of rt:'gistratjon lor train­
ing and continues through the end of service. The total amotmL
accrued at the end of service will vary depending on the Hctual
time served anri any allotments or withdrawals that .v~,u may
request' duri ng your servin:,.
Social Secllfity taxes are allt"matkally deductert from the re­
adjust.lllcnt allowance, even if you are retired and receive Social
Security checks. Federal income taxes arc not withheld unless
r..quested. You may request federal income lHX withholding by
submitting a W-4 form aLanytime during your service. The Peace
Corps does not wiLhhold st.ate taxes.
One-Lhird "f the net amount 01 your Volunteer readjustmcnt
allowance is available to you in-couutry at COS lor use en route
home. The remainder of the readjustment allqwanr;e will be sent
to the st3tesidE' addre',ls you -"pecify at COS approximately three
tn four weeks after Volunteer F'inancial Operatiqns receives ter­
minatkm documents lrom y<)Uf country of service. Only under
. . . ery limited circumstances may the final pa.vment of the readjust­
ment all"wance be received outside th", United States,

Withdrawals and Allotments

Although the rcadjustInent. allr)wancc is reser.. . erl primarily for
the transirion to life after the Peace Corps, in certain (~ircum­
staner:s a part of the accrucd monthly readjustment allowance
may be ll"erl to meet financial obligations incurred prior to Peace
Corps service, 01", ill an emergency, for obligations incurred dur­
ing service.
A trainee or Volunteer may request single-payment withdrmvals
from the readjustment allowance <:J<::count for payment. of certain
non-routine expenses. These would inr:lude payment. 01 health,
personal property, or life insurance premiums; repayment of
interest. un crJucational or other loans; family support. payments;
co~t. of dental wurk in prepar.'llion for f-'eClce Corps servi~e;
payment oJ income tax; and other personal, f.'lmily, or medi~'al
emcrgencies. Withdrawals \villnot be authorized trJ supplement
YlXl may requesl
lh'ing or leave allowances, or for more than 75 percent of the net an allOlment
accrued readjustment allowance. while you
are" trainee,
An allotrnellt, or series oJ monthly payments, may be l'eql18sted but allolment
under many of the same cj[(:ulllstances as <J withdrawal, except payments will
tlwt allotments m<Jy only be paid to a third p<J ny, not to thc Vol­ not begin until
you are sworn in
unteer or thc Volunteer's stateside bank account.. An allotment
as a Volunleer.
mayhe requested while you are a trainee, but allotment pa.yments
will not t,egin until you are s\vorn in as a Volunteer.

Bonds
The only permissiblf~ Woy to earn interest on your readjustment
allowance is through an allotment fot' the purchase of U.s. savings
bonds. YOll may request an allotment for savings honds at any
t.ime during scrvice exceIJt during the last six months. A bond
allotment requestcd during trDining will nut begin until after you
are sworn-in as:1 Volunteer. The combined tot,al of savings bonds
and (lily other allotment.s nunnally cml[]ot pXt:88d 75 percent of
the :£225 monthly readjustment allowDncf a,'Cl"ual.

Savings bonds purchased by t.his rroccss are held in escrow

at headqu<Jrt8rs during your service. Thcy will be sent to thc
statesidc address you srJecil"y at COS approximately Juur to six
weeks after VolUnlpPI' Financial Operations receives terminDtion
documentatioll [rom your country' I)f service. Series E8 hands
earn market-hased intcrest, thus thc time nece,"'sary Jar the
bond to l"8ach face v(l]ue qries. The interest [atf; is adjusterj
every six months. Spries I bonds earn int.crest based on a fixed
ratc of ret.urn plus a variable scmiannu,tl inflation r(lte (which
is adjusted every six months and is hased on ch<Jnges in the
Consulll8r Price Index). Beth Series EE and J bonds mature
in ao years. Actual rMes oJ interest can be oht<Jincd fmm any
U.S.-based bank or from the Bureau of Public Deht's \vebsitp <Jt
wv.;w.savingshonds.gov.
 Income Taxes
Thp l"eadjustment allowancp, trainee walk-around allowancf', a
portion of the monthly living allowance, ami all leave allowances
are subject to fedl"ral income taxation Because of thf' level of
Peace Corps allow;mccs, it is dOllhtful that you will be rcquired to
pay mUCh, if any, income tax, unless yvu have adriitional outsidp
income. If yOIl arc requiIHi to pay taxes, you may use up to 75
percent of yrJ1H readjustment, allowance t,o clo so.

Peace Corps
At the end of cach lax year, your country director will provide
Volunteer service :,-ou with a W-2 form rdl",cting thl" readjustment allowance ac­
does not exempt crued during that tax year and informatiun conccrnillg thl" tax­
you from filing able portion of other allowances r",celved, Your W-'2 form will be
a stale income
maill"d to you in yOll!' country of sf'rvice and not t,o y(JUl' home of
tax relurn if state
law requires you rpcord, CAner COS. the W-2 form will. be mailed to the addrpss
to do so. You given for rl"ceipt vI' yom [mal readjustmf'nt check.) During s(:r­
should obtain all vice, forms necessary t,p complete your rullO'H;l tax return will
neceSS<lry tax
also be available to you in-C(Juntry. If you plan to have someone
informalion trom
your st<lle lax else file JrJr you, you must grant that person power of attorney.
office prior to V(llunteer Financial Operations wj]] only release your W-2 form
departure. t,p you or to your powpr of attorney. If you do Ilot submit a copy
oJ yr'lll' power of attorney aL yOllr staging even\., a copy of the
pmver oJ attorney agreempnt. and request for \\'-2 shc'uld be sent
hy Novembf'l' (Jf your first year of service to:
Peacl" Corps
Volunteer Financial Operations
Paul D. Covel'dcll Peace Corps Headqual't,ers
1111 20th ."O'eet NW
Washington, D.C. 20526

D,:,pending on your stat", (If residence, you may also have tv pay
state or lucal taxes, The Peace Corps rtoes not ~upply state tax
Jorms. withhold state taxes, or mai ntain informatic\Jl on state tax
requirement.s. Peace Corps VolunteE'rs 3re consideJ'lO'dresidents <)f
their home-of-l'C'cord state for tIlIO' purpr,se <)r fi ling state incprne
taxes. Serving as a Volunt",er does not eWlllpt .YOU fmm fiilng a
state income tax retmn jf st3le law requirlO's yuu to do so. You
should obtain all necessary tax Information from your state tax
office prior to departure.
Unemployment Compensation
The solicitor (If the U,S. Department of Labor has ruled that Vol­
llnt.pprs are not eligible for unemployment compensation.

Voting
The Peace Corps eneoU!',,~cs all trainees and Volunteers to vote
in U.S. national, state, and loud elections. Ho\\ever, yon may
encounter special problems in exen:ising ynlir right to vote ;vhile
you are overseas. Plan ahead by taking the following steps beJilH'
yon depart for Peace Corps service:

• maimain a permanenL residence address for voting pur­

Absentee
poses; voting is a
privilege
• register to vote before !c'aving home or, if th is is impossible, granted and
ascertain whether absentee registrotion is permitted in your regulated by
stale, and ifso, how to register from overseas; individual
states, and
• find out ho;v to vote by ':lbsentee ballot in your state and filing an
when you should apply for an absent.ee ballot; and FPCAdoes
not guarantee
voting in
• note the address qf your local election board where YOll
absentia.
should direct correspondence, indudillg your absentee
hallot.

In must sta,tes, yon may use the federal post card appliration
IPPCA) to apply for absentee h311ots. This form, along wit.h full
instructions, will be pmvided by in-country staff in 'ldvance of
naLional elections. Ahsentee voting is a privilege granted and
regulated by individual states, and filing an FPCA does not
guarantep voting in absentia.
 Pre-Departure
Information
The Staging Event
The last stop before your d,:,parture OVel"S':'CJS is the pre-departurE'
orientation, commonly called the St3gltlg event. TIle s(.aging
event we!r:nmes and orients traill,:,es to the Peace Corps and to
the genr:ral demands of being an eHective and s:lfe Volunteer. At
sVlging, you will meE'tyour fellow trainees and hegin to idenliJy
personal and cullural adjustments that yOIl can make to promote
your successful service.
A.ll trainees participate ill thr; st,aging event, which 0c~'urs in the
U.S., llsually in a city close to the point of departure for the f1ighl,
uHTscas, At SL8giHg, you ,,,ill submit your registration forms t.o
formally enter dULy as a Peace Corps trainee, attend 12 hours of
orienLi:lt.juD and training, H'ceive nec,::,ssary immUnizations, and
prep:tre for departure to your country of service. Staging is <J
precursor to the 8-12 wt'E,ks of pre-scl'vice Lraining (PST) that
occurs in the I~ountry or geo,graphic regIOn of assignmem
The dMe of your staging event is on the from of your Volunteer
Assignmenl Deseripti0n. Staging dates are SUbject to change
Crom country desk unit will call you if the date is moved mrJre
than four (\1' five days). The exact date will be sent to you in your
reporting instructions.

Reporting Instructions
ApproximaLely threE' to fiye weeks bef0)'e staging, you will J'f'reive
a staging kit I:hal mcludes reporting instructions. These repon­ When you receive
ing instructions will Sj)f('i[y the eX3d time, daLe, alld location your reporting
of the staging event, if'Istructions, call
or e-mail Sato
The Peace Corps will cover the cost of travel from yom home of Travel to make
record to thl:' staging 10caLiOll, up to an authorized limit Once reservation9
for Iravel to the
you hav(~ receiveJ the reporting lIlstructioIlS, call 8alo Travel
9taging event.
(800.424.8580, ext. ] 170) t,o make your reservaLiOllS for travel t(\
.~
the staging event, or Setlrl an e-mail topfacceOrps@s<ltotravel.com " '@til
Tbe e-mall should include your full name, mailing address, phone

,11
 number, departur~ city, and any special accommodations you
reqllire. You do not need La make rcservi:llions for ()Verseas tnvel;
y"ll will be given your overse[ls ticket and passport al the staging
evem.
About two weeks before the st,aging dat~, Sato will send yWI a
paper ticket 01' arrange f,)1' an electronic ticket receipt from your
horne 0f record to the staging location. You may alter your ticket
(at your o;vn expense) to 'lC'commodate indirect. personal travel;
"you have not
received your
lwwever, federal law stipulates that the nse of a foreign carrier
staging kit may disallow all or part of your travel cost,s.
two weeks
before your
Notify Sato fit Jpast two weeks bcfore the ;;taging event if you
staging, call the wish to makp your own travel arrangements. H)'ou choose to do
Staging Office this, yOll mllst travel at your own expcnse and claim l'dmburse­
immediately ment at the staging event. You will need ali receipts to claim
al600.424.8580,
reimhursement. Reimbursement is ]jmiLed to the actual cost 0f
ed.1B65.
yow' travel and it cannot excced the cost of an auLhorized air
t.ieket at the govemITIf'nt rate from your home of record to the
slflging location. Travel ill a privatc vehicle will be l'eimbur;;ed
on the basis of mileage from the poinl of origin directly t.o the
staging site.
You must stay at the hotel or training faciJity where the staging
has been scheduled. The Peace Corps will cover the cost oIyour
food and lodging at the hotel or training facility designated in
thf' staging sch~dllJc.
rfyou have not rf'ceived your staging kit two weeks before your
staging, call the Peac\: Corps Staging Office immediately at
800.424.8[,80, ext. 186[,.
 Bags and Baggage
Most. airline3 hav~' limits for baggage size and weighL and may as­
sess chargc:> for baggage that exceeds this allowance. The Peace
Corps has its own size and weight limitations, and will not pay
the co~t of transport for baggage that exceeds its llmitations. For
trav!'l to Hl<Jst countries, the Peace Corps' authorized baggage
<lllr,wancc is tv.,) checked pieces of luggage with combined dimpn­
sicms of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width +
heighL) and a carry-on hag ,vith dimensions of no more than 45
inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 prJunds tuLal with
<l maximum weight allmvance of 50 pouw"js for a ny om' b;lg. (For
certain cold-weather countries that l'pquire heavier clothing, the
KNOW BEFORE
YOU GO: TRAVEL
Peace Corps <lllthorizes 100 pounds.) Do not brtng more than you
SECURITY C<ln carry; you are responsible Jor lhe handling of your items en
route and overseas. IJ yOll h<lve quesripns regarding the baggage
Visit www.tsa.gov
to check current
allowance for your country of assignment, cuntact your country
airline security desk unit (through the 800 number). Important: Du nut ~nck any
measures. You sharp objects, sucb as scissors, pocket, kllives, or JIletal nall fileS in
should also check any carry-on baggage. Objects thal, look SUSplC:iOllS will he taken
the regulations of away by airport seeurilyand not retlll"nf:d to you, Anyarticle oftbis
any cOl.lntries you
nature should be packed into yuur checked baggage. Visit www.
will be lravelling
through. lsa.gov for current regulatirms, and check the regulations of any
countries you will be travelling through.

Customs Regulations
Fkfol'e packing for overseas, [earn abolll, host country customs and
import re~ulHlions that rna,) prohibit the entry of certain items.
Be aware that Your airline carrier also nuy be able to provide this information.
if you use Genera]]y, personal bC'lDllgings that are hand-carried (as opposed
your frequent­
to checked) are not subjcCE to import duty, In some countries, after
flyer points or
other special your initial entry, yOll will he suh.lecl to the host country's import
discount duly restnctions on any goods you bring into the country UprJll
coupons for re-entry. Other count,ries allow you to hand carry fir check guods
travel, your duty-free when re-entering the counLry for a speCified periwt flf
reimbursement
tune after your initial entry.
may be denied
or limited to Before leaving the United States, you should register any valuahle
the actual possessions (such as cameras or computers) wirh the US. Customs
cost of travel.
Service to avoid having them subject. t.o duty upon YOlll' return,
Trainees and VolunLeers have no special customs privileges UJ,r,n
their return to the United States; they are subJect to Lhe same
rules as other returning American citizens Prior to u)mpleliun
of service, yOIl will be given specific informat.ion un CUStuHlS and
~lgricultllral restrictions.
individuals commit themselves to serve the ]Je,jple of the host
cuuntry Jor a specifIed period, usually two years, and to wrJrk trJ
the best of their ability within the framewrJrk est3hlished by the
Peace Corps. The Peace Corps, for its ]Jart, commits to select
individuals \'" it,h the C'ilpacity and motivaLion to serve effectively,
to train them ~\wperh', to place t.hem where their abilities and
skills can be used, dmllo sup]Jort them during their service.

Pre-Service Training
Pre- service i,raining is the first phase of an integrated training
pwgram that continues thrrJughout your Volunteer service. Pre­
service training ensures that Volunteers are equipped to perform
their jobs as effectively as IJossible. Most pre-service training is
conducted in the host country, although some specialized tech­
nical training may be conducted in the United States or in third
countries when necessary. Training is directed by the Peace
Corps with participation from rl::present.at.ives of host. COllntTy
organizations, former Voluuteers, training contract,ors, "wi other
resource people. The length of y)re-service training varies, usu­
ally ranging from 8-12 weeks, dey)cnding on the skills required
for the assignment,
Pre-service training affords thl:: opportunity frJI' trainees to de­
velop and test their own rcsources. As 3 tr3inee, yrJU will play an
active role in self-education. yOU ..... iii be asked to decide how best
t.o set and meet objectives and to fmd alternative solutions. You
will be asked to prepare for an experience in which you will often
h,we to take the initiative and accept responsibility for decisions.
The SWf;e;;;; of yrJur training will be enhanced by your own effort
to le3m Clnd t,) share your experience with other trainees.
f'or 1he most part, Peace Corps training is experientiaL Group
discussions, role playing, and field-based exercises are llsl::d
wheneVer Dossible, rather than straight classroom instruct.ion.
Training rna,Y include practice teaching, participatirJn in com­
munity programs, or "home stays" in which trainees live ..... ittL a
host family and attend training sessions during the day.
Regardless of the jiJrmat" the Peace Corps emphasizes integra­
tion of technical, crrJss-cllltural, language, personal health, and
safety training comp@r~nts. Each compDnent is relevant to the
other components and, taken together, provide a comprehensive
approach to preparing Volunteers for their assignments.
Successful training and competence in various technical skills As with technical
competence and
are obvious prerequisites to being an effective Volunteer. Work
cross-cultural
in yrJUr host country, however, will require technical skills awareness, the
somewhat diffr:I'cnt from those required for a similar job in the ability to
l1nitwl States. Sensitivity tlJ cult.1lI'<l1 differences will be critical to communicate
ypur abilily t.n apply ymJ r tech nir;a Iskills. For r:xample, a health in the host
country
Volunteer may hav,:, practicr:d his or her profession in th':' U.S. language is
fpl' ye<Jn; without ever h<lving encountcred the diseases, cultura I absolutely
practices ;md beliefs, fJr'l'r:mr:di,:,;; r;r)[ltrrlOn to th':' IfJr;al clinir; in critical to being
the ho:o:t cplmtTY whr:l'r: thr: Volunt,:,,:,r is working. Vulunt,:,,:,rs must an effective
Peace Corps
seek t,p nndersl,<Jlld and adjust t,f) IfJcal cnnditions and practices
Volunteer.
in carrying oUll,heir technical job assignment.s.
As wit h technical compet.ence a nr] cr()ss-cu Itur-a IaW.1reness, t.he
abi]ity to communic:Jtc in the hfJ;;t coulltry language is absolutely
crit.ical t.o being an effective Peace Corps Volunteer. So basic is
t.his prerepll,hat it is spelled out in the Peace (\)l'PS Act:
No person shall be assigned to dUty as a Volunteer under this Act in
any foreign country or area unless at the time of sUch assignment
he (or she) possesses such reasonable proficiency as his (or her)
assignment requires in speaking the language of the country or
area to which he (or she) is assigned.

Just as effectivr:nr:ss on the job udls for morro than acquiring

technical skills, I:omrrnmicarjon is alsrJ more than mastery of
a ];lllguage. EffP.r:tive UJmmunication includr:s knowing h~lW to
JllnctirJn in a nr:w cultural envirrJnrnellt as w",ll as knowing what
to say and how to say iL It is essp.nti.1l that your r:onnrmnication
uJnveys appreciation and respect for thr: traditions and values
of those with whom you work.
Another important component of pre-service training is s.1fety
training. Learning the language and the customs of the h0st
country is the foundation Jor a productive and safe Volunteer
experience. Integration into the community not only facilitates
good working relationships, but it fosters acceptance and t.rust,
which help ensure your saIety and security, In addition to teach­
ing you the language and culture of your country of service, pre­
service training will raise your s.1Iety and security awareness

37
 ;lnd tea~:h yWI t(l mi n i In izf' exposure to particular safety risks in
y'OUf conntry of service. Thr; ai m is to help you het:ter understand
clnd Identify haz<J rdons sllwJlions so you will be better prepared
to protect yoursplf If a ~it.LUtion arises. In addition, you will be

,
introduced to your coulltry-sp.:cific Peace Corps emergency ac­

(ID
>

'" •.. - -..•.

tion plan, which you will be expected to understand and 1,0 follow
, ,> I in the event of an emergency.

EClch Volunteer
You are expected to improve your techniCaL language, cross­
must seek to cultmal, and safety training skills Lhroughont yom service as a
underslClnd cmd Volunteer, The manncr in which you do this may be as formal as
C1djust 10 locClI workshops organized by the host governmen~~nr in-Tountry slaJJ,
conditions C1nd
or as relaxed as informal conversations alld reading. Your t.rain­
practices in
carrying out his ing will continue after you become a Volllntper with in-service
or her technical Lraining programs, sper;ialized language 0J' tcchrdcal \wJrkshops,
job assignment, and a close-of-service workshop to help you evalnate your y:)'vil'E'
and prepare Ior your return to the United States.

Selection Criteria
To qnalify for overseas service and be swnm-in as a VolunLeer,
you must TIleet all of Lhe Peace Corps' selection standards, used
both in the application process and as parL of the evaluation dur­
ing pre-service training.
• Motivation. This is a sincere desire to carry out th"" goals of
Peace Corps service and a commitment to serve:1 fuU term as
a Vohmteer.
• ProductIve competence. This means you havC' th"" ~:ompetence
and educational hackgrOlmd to meN the needs of)·our assign­
ment.
• Emotional maturity and adaptability. You must have the ma­
tnrity, flexibility, and selt'-sulTIciency to adapt successfully to
life in anot.her ClIltlne and to successfully interact with other
people regardless q[ cultural, social, and economic differ­
ences.
• Skills. By the ("nr! of training, in addition La the attributes
l11entirJn(~d abr)Vr:, a trainee must demonstrate competence
in thr: languagc qf the country of service, proficiency in the
techrrical skills needed to carry out the assignment, and ad­
cquatc knqw ledge of the culture and history of the country oJ
assignmr~nt.
Successful Completion of
Pre-Service Training
Evaluation of yOUI' performance during training is a continual
process, characterized by a dialogue between you and the train­
ing stafl'. All of the tl'ajning staff-including the training director,
and the language, technical, and cross-cultural t.rainers-will
work with you toward the highest possible achievement. of train­
ing goals by providing you with feedback throughout training.
After reviewing and observing your performance, the country
direct.or is responsible for making the final deelsion on whether
:.-'ou have qualified to serve as a Volunt.eer in the host conntry.
Upon successful completion 01' training, t.rainees "iho qualify for
Peace Corps service are required by law to swear or affirm an
oath of loyalty to the United States; it cannot be waived under any
circumstances. The text of the oath is proVided below. If you have
any questiollS about the wording or meaning of the oath, consult
a staff member during training.
I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affinn) that I will support
and defend the Constitution of the United States of America
against all enemies, domestic or foreign, that I take this obliga­
tion freely, and without any mental reservation or purpose of
evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge my duties
in Ihe Peace Corps (so help me God).

39
personnel in the host country. The CD sets policies, ::tdrninlsters
and establishes projects, maintains contact with host country
offidals, manages the in-country safety and security program,
and remains in touch with Volunteers in the field. Additionally'.
the CD is responsible for the progl"3.m'::: budget and the supervi­
sion of aJ] Pp3ce Corps personnel in-country. With help from
other members of t.he country staH, the CD ensures satisfactory
Volunteer pt'rformance and program supcn'ision.

Associate Peace Corps Director

There are two general types of associ3.te Pe::tct' Corps directors
(APCDs). Program Arcos IIHI)' be specialists in one or more
sectors of developmront, such as small-enterprise develppment,
health, education, agricultul'C, fisheries, energy, water sanitation,
forestry, or environment. APCDs are responsible for program­
millg, training, and providing Volunteers with the necessary
support for their projects. This includes ensuring that Volunteers
hnve suir.able job::: and adequate living C1rrangements. APCDs
eollabowte with other agencies and individual::: involved in Vol­
unteers' job assignments and projeL!s.
Eachpost isstaIkd with an APCD for administration, also called
an administrative oJfJeel' (AO), who manages the post's budget
and administ,rativp functions. AOs are responsible for paying
Volunteer living allowances and reimbursements. The;.,' manage
administrCltive and general services staH and aff' re:::ponsible
flor PeaCI;: Corps propercy management, human rlC'SOHrCes, and
contr;J.cts, In some cases, a program and training oflkcl' (PTO)
works with the CD and APCDs to coordinate Volunteers' activi­
ties with training events.

Peace Corps Medical Officer

The Peace COfP~ medical officer (PCMO) is a physician, nurse
practitioner, nurSI;:, 01' physician's assistant who is res~lonsible
for managing a ('(Jmprchensive health program [PI' Volunteers.
The health program includes immunizations, c1Jntinuing health
education, prevent.ion of endemic disease, emotional support,
periodic physical exams, screening for early deteClion of disease,
and treatment of illnroSs and injury.
When necessar.y, the PCMO may refer Volunteers to in-country
physicians and local health-carl' facilitie;;. VolunLt'ers with medi­
cal problems beyond the scope OJlOCD] care art' sent to locations
where apprllpl'iate evaluation and treatment :He available.
Thf:' PCMO m3intains thc Volunteer's medical confidentiality in
accordance with Peace Corps' policies, the Privacy Act, and the
HE'aInI lnsurance Portability and Accountabilty Act.

Host Country Support Staff

[n most countries sen'ed by the Peace Corps, host and third­
country national employees comprise a large part of the Peace
Corps staff. These individuals serve in many capacities, including
as APeDs, cashiers, drivcrs, trainers, mechDJlics, guards, admin­
istrDtlve assistants, and many other key positions. They are key
to the proper fLlTlctwning of a Peace Corps post, and they work
closely with VollJnteers throughout their training and service.
 c~
Peace C0lP9 ,~,,},
_'ii'
:'i*;
Volunteers and ~lfi1 Project Design
resources ( . ".': i Volunteers are the foundation of the Peace
~)I Corps. Within a country program, Volunteers
are assiRned to serve in spedfir- projects, in
;!oCaj community
the scdors of health and HIV/AIDS, endronment,
/ neeasana
/ resources education, business development, agriculture, and
youth. Additionally, work in information technology
This is where is integrated into most program areai'. Projects are de­
Volunteers lind
SlrateQie5 and signed by Peace Co,ps field ~taffwith extensive input from
priorilies for host countryofflcial.s, mmmilnily f,artners, and Volunteers. This
dC"oloping
sustainable cooperation ensures (,hat Peace Corps' projects reflect real needs
local capaCity.
and bIOader de',relopment priorities, and that projecr, efforts will
be sustainerl after Vn[untef?rs leave.
Each project has a set of goals and objectives, whic~~ serve as a
guide for the Volunteers' ,iaily activities. V(Jlunteers contribute to
these goals and object.ives through their community ;nteraetions
and teehnical assignmpnts, and they als(J help evaluate ami plan
future project activities, In some cases, a project may cali fo,' a
gronp (,I Volunteer t.eachers with s~milar skills and bac:kgwunds.
In other instances, the project will require a mix of skills. For
example, i:l project to improve acce';s to water and sanitation may
include separate assignments for Volunteer health educators as
well as water and sanitat~on Volunteers. While health edueatcrs
are teaching conrnnnity members the importance of dean water
and sanitation, wate]' and sanitation Volunteers are training those
same people to build and maintain water systems and latrines.
AltJ',ough the Volunteers ~'ring different skills. each assignment
complements the other and allows Volunteers to combine efforts
t(, accomplish tr~e J:,roject's purpose.

Some Voluntccrs will be a.~signed to existing projec[s and C0:'l.­

tinue the work (oJ previous Volunteers; others may be assigned
to a new project. Regardless ofwht'ther il is new or e~tablishej,
earoh project is designed tv:
• incr(~a.se local capacity to use available skills and resources:
• address the expressed needs of those who t!.we limited access
to r~sources and opport.unities;
• seek sustainable results that complement other d<?velopment
efforts;
• engage local partieipant.s as partners in developing, implement.­
ing, and assessL.'l.g the project;
• consider gender relationships and promotf' women's participa­
tion to increase their status and opportunities;
• pllce Volunteers at the lor:allevel where needs occur;
• avoid displacing qualifi.E'd ,Uld available local workers;
• use the types and numbers of Volunteers that are consistent
with available applicants;
• utilize local Peace Corps staff and resourr;es to train and sup­
Pl)lt Volunteers to complete their assignments successfully;
and
• eng3ge host agencies and cortununities as partners that can
support the project and the Volunteers.

Volunteer Activities
Volunteer assignments support th(: go<:t!s a nd objectives of specific
projects and are intended to engage Volunt.eers in building loca l
capacity with a focus on developing people. not things. They
empower people to r:reate new opportunities and to take charge
of their own futures. Volunt.eers may use a range of activities,
from helping children acquire basic education to enhancing
farmers' skills in new agricultural techniques. They work with
individuals and international organizations to prevent the spread
of diseases, offer business advice to emerging entrepreneurs, and
support communities ill addressing environmental degr3dation.
Increasingly, Volunteers are training students t,o use comput­
ers and helping communities establish resource centers with
Internet aceess.
At the same time, a project's goals and objectives are not writ­
ten in stone. They change over time as needs evolve, as goals
are accomplished, or as evaluations reveal that the original plan
needs modification. Though Peace Corps staff and host country
l'epresentativ"",s develop assignments prior to t.he arrival orVolun­
teers, a new Volu nt.f'er may find that any assignment is subject to
changes and unpredictable new circum.':t3 nces. In some cases, an
assignment may not work Ollt exar;tly as planned or may develop
in way:; n0t originally induded in the project plan. Consider the
following scenarios.
 • A VolunteE'1" ilrJ'lves at Lhe clinic wherE' he (Jr she has been as­
signed and discovers that, essential supplies are not available
because there is not enc\~h mone,V to purchase them.
• M<Jteriuls to support a constpJction project are late in JJTiv­
ing because of transportation pnJblems. This delays w0rk for
weeks or months.
• The sr.h(Jol director is away (for an unspecifted period of time).
In the meantime, Wl one can approve plans 10 test the envi­
The Peace
Corps deslgn9 ronmental education cllrrlculum a VoluntPPJ' has developed.
its programs • A host country n;:ttioll::ll counterpalt finds a job opportunity in
to promote another tow-n and cannot continue to work with the partner
sustainable
development
Volunteer. The sponsoring minist.ry sa.vs it does not have tJw
in re9j)onse to funds to replace the counterpart..
the expressed
Situations such as these can he challenging, yet they d0 oecur
needs of host
countries. and may reflect cultmal differences, personal conflicts, or the
necds that prompted the rer-luest for Peace Corps' assistance,
While you have the support of Peace Corps staff in resol,'ing
difficulties with your as~ignment, yOUl' success will depend, in
luge part, on patience, a senst of perspective, resourcefulness,
£Iexihility, and creativity.

Making the Adjustment

Life as a Peace C(Jl'PS Volunteer will challenge you with a series of
adjustments, including moving from pre-service training to your
assigned site, adjusting tl' new w<lys of 'rvorking and SClcializing,
learn ing a new language, and eating unfamiliar food. While thest
may be a part. of the excitement and adventure that interest,ed
you in the Peace Corps in the first place, the adjustment.s will
require your effort, energy, and accomml'dalion.
Your attitude t,l''rvard life as a Peace Corps Volunteer is bound to
evolve as the initial novelty of living and w(Jl'king abroad wean;
off. It may be difficult at times to maintain your enthusiasm
and energy, especially after sust.aining setbacks or encount.er­
ing misunderstandings and lingering difficulties. Even when
you ale not being obstacles and frustrations, the challenge of
functil1l\ing effectivcl:y in a foreign culturt cannot be dismissed
light.ly-just wflen you think .You've mastered it, something will
happen to remind vou that in some important rE'spects you have
not completely integrat.ed inro your communit.v.
As the guest of another country, you will be expected to honor
iUi laws and customs. Volunteers and trainees do not have dip­
lomatic immunity Your behavirJr should project respect for the
Amr~rican culture you represent and for the host country culture
in which you live. This respect is den10nstrated by how you fo­
cus on the Peace Corps' mission, integrat.e in your cOll1munity,
demonstratt~ hE'a/thy lifest.,;,le choices, increase your language
competencE', and utilize appropriate listening and observation
skJlls. Togethcr, t.hese,.,.ill
help ensure your safely, security, and
success as a Volunt.eer.
Look to Peace Corps staff for counsel and understanding, and
remember I,hat other Volunteers aHd your host country friends
and colleagur~s are a ready support network to help you through
the inevitable low periods. While it takes time t.o develop genu­ Often, the
ine, trusting friendships at your site, the 'hands with neighbors, efforts ot
Voluntee~
families, and ot,her host country individuals will prove to be an
build upon
invaluable support system for advice, guidance, and l'odal activi­ those or
ties throughout your servicE' Volunteers who
have served
The Peace Corps provides a variety of reSl)Ul'CCS for you to learn previously,
more about. the proecss of cross-cultural adjustment and your lending
own personal adjustment. Theseinclude the Pe<lce Corps'public8.­ continuity to
Peace Corps'
tions Culturd Afarrqrs, A Few MinOT Adjustmqnls, and On the
aS9istence
Home Front. On the Home Front is a handborJk for the families to the host
of Volunteers that discusses cross-cultural adjustlnent and oUers country,
practical advice for concerns that may arise during your SE'rvice
overseas. It will be sent to yon in your rcporting instructions three
to four weeks prior to your departure overseas.

Setting Realistic Expectations

A chief source of frustration for you may be the sense that your
eHorts seem to yield few tangible accomplishments. After weeks,
sometimes months of ''''urk, you may feel as if you are no further
alClng than yOll were whcn you first arrived at your site.
\Vhile you are expected to put your best eHorts into your w~lrk,
unrealistically high expectations of what you want tCl accomplish
may collide with actual conditions in your host country. It is not
unusual to experiencf' frustration and ccmfusion when familiar
ways of communicating bil to yield expected results. You rna.)'
learn that Yuur students attend school in addit.ion to worki1l2 long
 hours to support their families. Y011 may find that the minister of
agriculture is struggling with an insufficient budget to pay his or
her staff, let alone support additional T!l'oJjects. Or, as a foreigner
and a newcomer, you may be pprceived by some as an intruder
and your efforts viewed as a threat to be ignored or blocked.
On the fJther hand, you may see real achievements during YfJur
Lack of
Volunteer service. Such is the case of a VfJlunteer who could count
tangible lives saved when villagers learned to apply oral re-hydration
outcomes therapy to sick infants. Recognize, howevr~r, that the fuIl impact
should not of your efforts may n(Jt be felt for several years. An example
discourage
wuuld be the teacher whose students found opportunities and
you from
fulfilling your success years later because of the Volunteer's instructiun. Main­
assignment. tain a sense of perspective when setting your goals, evaluat.ing
your accumplishment.s, and building your relationships. Lack
of tangible outcomes should not discollJ"agt you from fulfilling
your assignment.

Relationships with Co-Workers

Your most immediate day-to-day responsibilities will be to tlw
host count.ry organization or community in which you are placed
and to yOUI' supervisors and colleagues or C(Jrnmunity leaders.
\Vhile it is not realistic trJ expect you'll get along perfectly with
all of your co-workers, your work relationships will impact your
effectiveness. Much of what you accomplish will depend on your
ability and willingness to work with yOUI' colleagues as equal
partners. Mo)"euver, supporting and building the capacity of
your host country partners is the only way to achieve lasting,
sustainable results.
The way yum co-workE'fs approach t.hdr tasks may not be what
you had expected. They may even pwve exasperating. Examine
your own cultural attitudes and try trJ understaud those of yom
colleagues. Remember they are working for their living and will
remain in the host country u_,erhaps doing the s"me work) long
after you have left. Demonstrated competence and cross-cultural
understaJlding will usually win a co-\".,orker's respect.
Proposing change t,(1 established ways of doing things cannot
be effective if it is presented inappropriately. YOll may appear
arrogant when, as a stranger and newcomer, you claim to bring

i8
"improvement." Assuming that the Am~rican way is always best
nullifies the spirit of wrJrking as equals with your co-workers.
Remember that you will learn as much as you teach-and prob­
ably more.
White it will
Collaborating with Other Organizations certainly take
time to develop
As a Volunteer, you will probably become familial' with the work
genuine, trusting
of other international organizations in your host country. These friendships at
organizations have often been of great help to Peac~ Corps your site, the
Volunteers, and many Volunt.eers have wurked in development bonds with
projects with private volunt,ary. international, bilateral, and other neighbors,
families and other
development. and drJnor organizations. If you wish to undertake
host country
such cooperation rJrl your own initiative in-country, discuss it. with individuals
your APCD or CD to ensur~ that the terms are consist.ent. with can provide
your assignment and the overall Peace Corps program. an invaluable
support system
You also may find yourself living and working with volunteers fClr advice,
from any number of American or other national voluntary orga­ guidance, and
social activities.
nizat.ions, including the United Nations. Some countries in which
the Peace Corps serves have drJmest.ic volunt.eer programs of
their own. The t.erms and conditirJns oJ service will vary from
organization to organization, but thes~ volunt.eers generally
have motivations and aims similar to those of the Peace Corps.
Contact. with volunteers oJ other organizations can enrich your
Peace Corps service t.hrough sharing experiences or exchanging
viewpoints on needs, philosophies, and methods of service.
While sustainable development efforts depend first and foremost on
local uJlnmitment, resources, and skills, outside resources may hlOlp
expand a community's own asset base and strengthen an activit.y's
positive impact. However, the following questions s]wuJd be consid··
ered before exploring external resources for a community project.

Ii Does the community want the outside assistance? Talk to differ­

entgroups within your corrununil·Y (men, women, yout.h, corrunu­
nity leaders, minority grouPS) about the project idea and collect
any background information you can. Learn what has b""""n tried
in the past, even if these approaches have Ill,t entirely met the
corrununity's stated desire or need. Perhaps insufficient fundi.ng
was art bsue, or the corrmlUnity may noL have possessed all the
necessary skills to caITy (Jut the project. You may also find that
the project just is not a pl'iolit.y for the communit.y.
I Have all local resources been tapped? Perhaps, \\'ith your assis­
tance, the corrununity could identify loral funding sources, secure
tedmical ad\ice locally, or obtain d(Jnated materials in-country.
Mayhe a corrununity-sponsored fundl'aising activity could provide
the needed money. Have all options for alternative or less-costly
materials been investi,gated? If a COITUI1UIUly Cffil learn hov,· to
identify alternatives 01' f<lise funds itself, not only is the local
economy supported, but self-reli<lnce is strengthened,
I Will an outside grant promote dependency? Does the community
have a history or using outside assistance? If you can he II' your
COITUl1UIUty build on its OW'll strengths and assets as it gaIns the
necessalY skills to establish its own ties with technical ,lr fund­
ing organizations, ,vou will help that umUl1unity become more
self-reliant,. Reducing a community's dependence on external
fW1WJi& is key to the long-tenn sllstainability of your development
efforts.
I Will your effectiveness as a Volunteer be compromised if you are
identified with outside material and financial resources? You will
help reduce dependency and build greater local capacity in your
cOllummity if you keep your role as facilitator in perspecti\'e. As a
V(Jlllnteer, carefully weigh the value of any grant or gift you help
obtain against the expectations you may engender within the
COITUl1Unity. Consider the impact your involvement in identifying
and securing funds for your corrununity may have on the role of
future Volunt,eers and development workers in your area.

51
 After consIdering thlC'se questions, you may still identify an
opportunity t.,) enhalwe local capacities with outsidE' suppfJrL
If so, the fonowing are teehnicalr('sources and supplE'mental'y
programs available from the Peace Cdrps. For more information
about these programs, cousult your CD or APCD.

Paul D. Coverdell World Wise SChools Program

The Paul D. Covel'dell World Wise Schools (CWWS) program
is geared toward accomplishing the Peace CorYJs' third goal of
promoting among Americans a better understanding of other
peoples. The nf>cd to relate information about other countrips
IIlay have evr:n greater significancr: today than it did when t.he
Peace Cf)I'PS was first created. As a rlOsult of technology and
changes to the global economy, the world is growing smaller, and
the neE'd for international understanding and eulturill tolerance
is greater than eYer beff)l'e.
CWWS link~ school classes and student groups
(Boy/Girl SUJuts, language clubs, etc.) in the United
Statcs wilh current, Voluntcers to correspond.
Through the exchange of lettds, photographs.
artwork, and other educCltion"ll materials, U.S.
students learn about olher countries and cultures.
Tearhcrs who participate in thc program report
that their students improve their geographic, inter­
national, ane! CIYJSS- cultural awareness and acquire
an appreciation forvoluntecrism. An enrollment form trJ partici­
Through CWWS,
pate in the CWWS correspondence match program is included in
the relationship
between you and
your reporting instructions to your staging event.
your stUdents
Volunteers are matched with elementary, juniDr high, and/or
can grow in ways
limited only by
high school cJas~es. If you want to correspond with a particular
the creillivity and teacher or school, contact the teacher before going overseas.
energy you invest Include informatirJn about the leacher or school on the l.e<lcher
in the program.
section of the enrollmenl form pm l'e~:ejvc. Although the Paul
D. Covel'dell World Wise Schools exchange is initially one 1)[ let­
ters, the rdationship between yrJu and your students can grow
in ways limited only by the creativity and energy you invest in
the program_
E'or more information ahout the program, write, (::111, or visit the
website:
 Peace Corps
Paul D. Coverdell World \Vise Schools
Paul D. Coverdell Peae" Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington. D.C. 20526
800.424,8580, ext. 1450
wW1v.peacecorps.gov/wws

Women in Development!
Gender and Development
Projects are more effective and sustainilble when Volunteers
use a gender perspective to inform their work. The Peace Corps
formally adrJpted wpmenin development (WID) in 1974 when the
Peace CorpsAcL was amended [section 2502(d)]. The amendment
directed the Peace Corps to be attentive to TJrograms, projects,
and activit-it's that improved women's status and assisted the
lotal development effort. Additionally, in the 19905, Peace Corps
embraced gender and deve]ppmcnt (GAD), which is more assets­
ba;;ed than WID, and considprs soejp-cultural factors that affect
women's and men's livcs.
The Peace Corps does not have sland-alone WID or GAD proj­
ects. Rather, the design, implementation, and evaluation of all
projects incorpprate gender roles and the needs of girls, boys,
warnell, and men. Volunteers in every sectpr work wilh com­
munity members Lo promotc girls' and women's part.icipation in
decision-making processes that affect tJwir lives and increase
their opportunities,
Volunteers eugage in a v8.riety of secondary activities that pro­
mote the advancement of wpmen and girls. Most Ppace Corps
countries, for example, have Vollinteer WID or GAD uJmmittees
that are involved, thrrJugh local sponsoring organizations, in ac­
tivities such as girls' schab rship programs, mentoring activities,
girls' sports, life-skills trainillg, and leadership camps.
For more information on WID and GAD contact the WID/GAD
point person in your country, or write to:
Peace CorpsI\VID/GAD Coordinator
Center for Field Asslstance and Applied Hescarch
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20526
 Small Project Assistance Program
In some countries, small project assistanciO' (SPA) is an inter­
agency agreement between t h(~ Peace Corps and the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The agreement
sllpDorts training and c<lpacity-building for host cl'unt.ry and
community partners hy Dwviding grants Jor small-scale devel­
opment project.s initi<lted by eommunity groups. A commnnity
organizatil,n, wCirking collaboratively with its Volunteer, can
request fnnding by submitting a proposal to the Peace Corps
office in-conntl'Y. Approval is contingent upon successful review
of the request by the post SPA committee, comDosed of Peace
Corps staff and Volunteers. For more int0rmation about the SPA
program, contact your APCD or cl,untry diriO'dor.

Information Collection and Exchange

lnform<ltkm Collection and Exchange (lCE) is a unit ofthe Pea(~8
Corps' Center for Field Assistance and Applied Research. ICE
is a resource for "how-to" manualS, training guides, curricula,
lesson plans, and case studies published by the Peace Corps and
other sources. The digital ICE Catalog, accessible through the
Iutranet, contains more t.han 8-50 titles and ordering instructions.
When appropriate, book titles and tiO'chnicaI articles relevant to
Peace Corps programs are sent to all in-country resource center
(lHC) managers. New Peace Corps-producerj training manuals
and idea books are also sent to IRes and distribut8d 81ectroni­
cally via the Intranet and the online library pl,rtion of the agency
websit.e (www.Deacecorps.gov/library/index.dm).
ICE staff respond to inquiries Jor technical information by con­
sulting onlilw d<ltabases, library literature, and a network oJ
speciahsts from y,.ithin and outside the Peace Corps as needed.
However, before requesting technical information from ICE,
Volunteers should utilize 10cal information resources, which
ICE is a resource may include Peace Corps staff, post IRes, local libraries and
for "how-to" universities, the U.S. State Depart.ment or USAID mission, host
manuals, training
goverrunent ministries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),
guides, cUlTicula,
lesson plans, and and country offices of internatil,nal development or donor orga­
case stUdies. nizations. Searching Jor locally produced resources can increase
a Volunteer's chances of finding culturally appropriate and coun­
tly-sDecific data that are technically relevaut to a cl,nUl1Unity's
ncerjs. If purchased, this also supports local industry and builds
its capacity to provide more information and services.
Volnnleefs a.re enconraged to send materials developed in the
field to leE. Some material may be reprinLed "as is"; other mate­
rial may contribntc importanL field-based information La manuals
or research in particular pl'Ogram arr~fjS. Materials submitt'~d
to ICE become [Jart of the Peace Corps' larger contribution to
developnlClIt.
ReqnesLs for materials and information can be sent to:
Peace CorpslInformation Collection and Exchange
Cente!" for Field Assistance and Applied Research
Paul D Coverdell Peal:e Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20526

Office of Private Sector Initiatives

The Offlce of Private Sector Initiatives (OPSI) links private sector
funds to Pea(~e Corps activities wh:ile resp",cting and protecting
lhe integrity of the agency.
Though agency regulations anthoriz;e only the director, associate
director fo!' management, OPSl, and country direet.ors to accept
gifts (a gratuitous transfer of property, money, or voluntary
services) rjirectly, the Peace Corps drJcs ha.ve mechanisms for
Volnnteers and the communities they work with to access private
sector funds. The Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP),
administered b.y OPSI, is designed to assist Volunt.eers in obtain­
ing financial support for approved community-based projects.
Partnership projects usually have budgets under $5,000 and
range from constrncting resource cent.ers to enhancing small­
husiness development programs.

Partnership Funding
The U.S, private sector community wants to support the work
that Peace Corps Volunteers do arrJund the world. Since a Peace
Corps Vnlunteer lives and works with the benefiting community,
project SI:.onsors are assured that donations go directly to ac­
complishing t.he projett's goals.
OPSI links private sector contributions to sustainable, well-devel­
oped, community-initiated partnership projects that have been
approved by the country director. No rl1mated funds are ever ap­
plied to administrative costs; 100 percent is directed to projects.
Since its inception in 1964, PCPP has helped thousands of Peace
COI'PS Volunteers, in every Peace Corps couutry, contribute to
the health and well-being of their host communities.
Foundations, corporations, crJmmunity groups, individuals,
faith-based groups, and schovls may make a tax-deductible con­
tribution tv the Peacc Corps through OPSI directed to either a
specific project or a spedal fund. When available, monies from
these funds help complete project funding, ensuring that projects
arE' initiated as quickly as possible. Potential donors may view a
list of the special funds or projects currently in need of funding
on the Peace CrJrps website at: www.peaceuJrps.gov/contrib­
ute/index.cfnl.
Volunteers also playa signiJicant role in funding a project.. The
PCPP prrJposal cover sheet, available at post and outlined on the
Peace Corps Intranet site, is essential to the funding process.
Here, Volunteers can list specific names and contact iuformation
offamilymembers, friends, and associates who may be interested
in supporting the project they are coordinating. Fm more infor­
mation on how you can solicit sllpport for a project, refer to the
Volunteer solicitation guidelines available at post.
By contributing to the project you coordinate, friends and family
c.:an connect with yom Peace Corps experience. However, once
a project has received all necessary fuuding (as outlined in the
budget), additional donations will be directed to the Peace Corps'
global fund.

Accessing Resources at Your Peace Corps Post

To access PCPP, you and your community collaborate to detail
how the project meets program criteria, as outlined on the pro­
posal cover sheet. While there is no set format, a well-writteu
proposal that solidifies project plans, goals, objectives, indicators
of success, timeJines, and budgets typically attracts the most
drJnor support.
After completing the proposal and cover sheet, you will submit
these docllments to your country director for review. Ifapproved,
the proposal is forwarded to OPSI. OPSI then enters the project,
into the Peace Corps system, posts the project on the Peace Corp.';
welJsite, sends information on how to donate to the people you
listed on the cover sheet, and allocates donations t.o t,he project
as they arrive.
We strongly suggest that you do not submit a proposal within the
last. six munths of your service.
The average time to secure full funding after a proposal has tJeen
posted on the Peace Corps website is 35 days; the average time
to request and receive payment at post is four to six weeks.
To learn more auout the step-uy-step partnership process, con­
tact your in-country partnership coordinator. This coordinator
will gnide you through the process and provide you with the
resources listed bf~low. You may also contact the program at
headquarters by calling 800,424.8580 ext. 2170; or bye-mailing
pcpp@peacecorps.gov.

OPSI Resources

Peace Corps Manual Section 720 Provides detailed informalion about fhe
Peace Corps Par1nerShi~ Pmgram

Peace Corps Manua( Section 721 Provides authority, poliCY, and procedural
guidarlce on donation to and acceptance
ot gifts to the Peace Corps

OPSllnfernet Site The site where DPSI posts \"our partner­

ship projectsothal individuals may donate
online

OPSllntranel Site The site includes:

;lrc,,~s;l:Jleonly '<"Ii:11 lilt' • Policies and Guidance
".s~I~'all[;e of a Peace Cor~IS • Forms and Documenls
~t'1rf I1lcmi"Jer • Tips tor Post

In-Kind Donations
Volunteers may solicit needed in-kind donations fortheir projects.
Though OPSI is authorized to accept in-kind donations, it will
not ship individnal in-kind donations overseas. If a U.S. donor
is willing to cover all costs associated with ship Ding a donation
(i.e., shipping, Cli:it.oms clearance, storage and delivery) to a
 particular location where a Peace C0rps V<J[unteer serves, thcy
should contact OPSr. They will ensure t.hat proper procedures
arc followf'd, clearances obtained, and }Japerwork completed.
The PeacE' Corps encourages communities to submit a partner­
ship proposal to buy items in-countrY, thus stimulating the local
economy and eliminating the exortJitant costs of shipIJing.

:;8
 This chapt,er addresses various aspects of Volunteer life aud
discusses, in general terms, Peace Corps' rules and policies Vo1­
unleers should follow during training and service. This chapter
As a Volunteer, is not exhaustive; it does not contain every rnle and policy ap­
you have the plicable to Peace Corps VoInnt{'ers. Applicable rules and policies
status 01 an are contained in the aut.horitat.ive Peace Corps Manual and in
invited guest,
the country-specific guidelines developed thereunder and dis­
and thus you
should be
tributed in your country of assignment.
sensitive to the
habits, tallies, Personal Appearance
and taboos 01
your hosts. Volunteers should dress appropriately both on and off the job and
respect host country and community attitudes toward personal
Be Bware
lhat certain
appearance. In some countries, long hair, beards, ,)r shorts may
behavior may be considered inappropriate [(A male Volunteers. Likewise, short
Jeopardize lhe skirts, shorts, slacks, and sleeveless or hackless dresseS may be
PeBce Corps considered inappropriate for female VrJlunteers. CDs have both
mission and
may lead to
the authority and the responsibility to establish specifie guide­
administrative lines regarding the personal appearance of Volunteers. Review
separation. the dress-code sedion in your Volunteer Assignment Description
(VAD) and the "Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior" secti(JT'. in
your Welcome Book for further details about the guidelines in
your country of assignment, Additional~y, you can discuss with
Peace C;rJrps staff members what is and is not appropriate dress
in light of host country attitudes and expectations.

Marriage
Ordinarily, prospective Peace Corps Volunteers who are married
must apply and qualify for assignment with their spfJUse and
serve together at the same site. A manied Volunteer may not be
accompanied in-country by a non-Volunteer spouse and the Peace
Corps cannot provide support t.o a non-Volunteer spouse.
Maniage during service-either between Peace Corps Volunteers
or between a V(Jlunteer and a non-Volunteer-may affect t..tle \/01­
unteer's ability to serve effectively. Thus, a trainee or Volunteer
who wishes to marry and continue in the Peace Corps must notify
his or her CD in advance ofthe marriage. The CD will consider
whether the maHiage would diminish the Volunteer's or trainee's
ability to serve effectively; require a change in sit.es or housing;
or create financial burdens on the couple or the post. When ap­

GC

plicable, the prospective spouse must go through a security and

background iuvestigatiou. A Voluntepr who fails to comply with
this policy may be subject to administrative separation.
Marriage to a non-U.S. citizen may affect a Volunteer's status in­
country under local law. Volunteers planning to marry anon-U.S.
citizen should contact the U.S. embassy to discuss how t.he mar­
riage may affect their status, as well as to determine the United
States' entry requirements for a nou-U.S. citizen spouse.
A decision to divorce or separate may also impact a Volunreer's
service, CDs are authorized to consider a request from either
slA1use, or from both, to terminate service early or to continue
or extend Peace Corps service. The CD's decision will consirjer
the best interests of the Peace Corps pl'Ogram in that country as
well as the needs and wishes of the couple,

Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a health cOndition that is treated in the same man­
ner as ot.her Volunteer health conditions reqUiring medical atten­
tion, but may also have programmatic ramificatillns. The Peaee
Corps medical officer, in consultation with the Office of Medical
SerVices, is rE'sponsible for determining the medical risk and the
availability of appropriate medical care if the VohmteE'r remains
in-country. The CD is responsible for making a programmat.icand
administrative det.ermination whether the pregnant Volunteer
can continue to serve effectively. Given the circumstances under
which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is
rare that the Peace Corps medical and programmatic standards
10r continued service can be met, and the majority of Volunteers
who become pregnant are medically separated from service.

Paternity
A Volunteer who fathers a child by a woman to whom he is not
married may be administratively sE'parated from the Peace
Corps if, at the discretion of the CD, the Volunteer's action has
jeopardized his effectivenef;S in performing hif; assignment, im­
paired the credibility of the Peace Corps program, or offended
host country laws or customs. Regardless of whether disciplin­
ary action is taken, the Volunteer will be strongly encouraged
t.o fulfill his responsibilities for prO\'iding support to t.he mother

61
 awl child. The l-'t"ace Corps will provide medical carc for a child
who resides with a Volunteer parent" but cannot providp support
for the mm-Voluntepf mother.

Adoption
Adoption by it Volunt.p.cr during service is discouraged due to
the burden it 1J1aces on the Volunteer and, consequently, on the
Volunteer's project. AVolunteer who wishes to adopt a child must
ohtain ttt" CD's clpprovalto continue Peace Corps service ~1fter
the c1doption. That approval is contingent ('n d det.ermination by
Ow CD that the adoption will Ilota ffect the Volunteer's ability to
serve sa Lisfactorily. A Volunteer who proceeds ~vith an adoption
after the CD has deterrniner! that thp <ldoption wvuld prevent
satisfactory performance by the Volunteer may be administra­
tivt"ly separated.

Living Standards
Peace Corps Volunteers are expected to live modpsUy and at
the samt living standards as the peopk they serve. The Peace
CrJl"ps' philosophy is gronnded in thp belicJlhat development and
lllllLuallearning are achieved m,jst effectively when people live
and work t~)gether. Rdianre on material goods and CfJlwenienres
not generally ava ilable in t he host community ca n creatp social
barriers that preclude a Vuluntef'r from becoming a part oJ the
host community. Volunteers are th('refore p-flcouraged to pack
lightly, choose functiunal but, modest itpms, and leave anything

. "'.:':
'.
they are not prepart:'cl to lose at home.
',;. ,
Peace Corps Volunteers rr~ceive a living 3llowance hvm thO:' Peace
Cl)rps in an a.rnount thar IJtrmits them to live a nd serve effectively
The Peace Corps'
,md safeLy in t,heir country oJ ;>ssignment. The living allowance
philosophy is
grounded in a is usua lly distributed on a munthl.y or Quarterly basis, and is
belief that devel­ intendpd to cover housing, utilities, household supplies, doth­
opmenl and ing, food, recre{ltion and E'nldtainm<:nt, transportation, re~ding
mutual learning
mater ial, and incidenta1expenses. This allowance is tied to local
are achieved most
effectively when
costs and circumstancd; consequently, th,,· amount varies from
people live and one country to another. In s(,me countries the host govelTlmenL
work together. provides housing, and thus, the living allowance does not include
housing costs. The living allowance is periodically adjusted when
jllstified b,v surveys oflocal price changes.
Leave
VoluntC'ers accrne two calendar days of annual leave and leave 1'11­
[oVv'ance [or eCich mClnth a/Volunteer service (excluding training).
Voluntf'ers are enc0uragro to use annuall~ave to t~avel within
their host c(luntry or to n::arby plaees to b,xmHc more t'C1mlliar
with these areas. Leave mas' not be taken riuring training, the
first three nldnths of servi~e, or the last Lhr,~·p months of service,
except in conjunction with an aut,horir;ed emergency leave. Vol­
unteers musl obtain the written (;onsellt of both Lhe jost ~ountry
f,upervisor and the r;n OJ' Apr,n befoI'P taking leave. Volunteers
musL co:npl::i with Peace Corps' policies in-country,

All post~ require trawoling Volunteers t.o leave an i:inenuy and

contacL numberswiLh the Peace Corps staff so that the Vo!unteE:r
can be umUlcted QUickly in casP;::1" a hmil; or other omergency.
Posts also require that a Volunteer notify :;he Peace Corps staff
immedbtelj' if his or her return is delayed. Failure to return
as scheduled from annual leave could resull in auministrative Volunteers
sppaTaLoIl. are encouraged
to use annual
The Pe2te Corps also recommcIll13 that Volunt,ecrs t.ravelingoul,­ leave to lravel
side the host country inform Lhe Peace Corps CD in the country within their host
country or to
of t.ravel (if there is llIle) and the Amencan t>mba':hY or Jleare~l
nearby places
American consdate of thE:ir whereabouts. to become more
1amiliarWith
Hu~t ce,ulltrr holid<l.Y~ Iray be taken ,-IS 110lida,Vs I,y Vnhlllteers
these areas.
without charge to annllal1cave as long as the Volnrteer remains
at his or her site and the holiday periqd dnes not exceed une
week, Dnring host counLry yw:aliun periods 101l~eJ' thall Olle
week, Vqluntcers al"(; eX)0eted to) take arnuallea'le 01" llse this
time to attend Peal;e Corps in-~ervice training Ot' to wQIk on
special Peace Corps actl'/it,ies, flhny P(J~ts lequire VulUllLeel"s L(J
be involved in self-initiated or designat,ed projects during long
vacation penuds (such::os summ~r for teachers).
In som~'countries, the annnal1e<ive allo',l.~dncp is includeri in the
living allowance; in otheTs, it is disbursed when Volunteers hegin
their Je;ive, If a Vulullteer's .'i81Vice is t~rrnin<1tcd td')I'e tlw end
of the scheduled Lerm, any unearned leave payments arc charged
t(l the reBdjustlllent aUm':al\C:e.
 Mail
Per.'ional letters and packages between Volunteers and t.heir
family and friends must tJe sent via regular international mail,
which will probably take longer than U.S. domestic mail. Incom­
mg packages may be subjected to in-country customs regulations
Personal
letters and and import duties may be assessed. Shipments to VolunteNs
packages via diplorOGlic ponch, the US. State Depart:nent" or militill:"
between postal serv;ce (APO) are permissible only for items that. the
Voluntee~
Peace Corps determines are essential to a Volunteer's health or
and their
family and job performance, or whpn it is necessary to transmit extremely
friends must important financial or legal documents. Prior approval of the CD
be sent via or the PCMO must be obtained before Peace Corps headquarters
~u1ar inter­
wit receive or forw:ud any such materials fnJltl fall lily, friends, or
national maY,
which will
third parties. Without such approval, packages and let~ers sent
probably talle in care of Peace Corps headquarters or the U.S. Department of
long.rthan State will bo; retlllJled to lhe sender, The diplomatic pouch and
U.S. domestic APO may not be used to ship project-related or personal materi­
mall,
als back to the United States.

Computer Use Guidelines

The availability ofter.hT10)Ogy worldwide has created n need for
informat.ion lechnology (IT) guidance for Peace Corps Volunteers
and trainees. As the Peace Corps expands the role of Volunteers

in promoting IT as a development tool, Volunteer~ ueed to be

informed about their responsibilit.ies in using this technology.
Volunteers and their families should not assume that VolunteP.rR
will ha.ve access to computers, e-mail, or the Internet while over­
seas. Access and costs vary considerably among count.ries a.nd
even a.mon~ assi~nments within thp ~[\mE' country.
Volunteel1l and Volunteers who create their own websites, or post information
their families to websites that have been created and maintained by others,
should not
should remember that any information posted on the Internet.
assume that
Volunteel1l will can probably be accessed by the general pubEr (unless pass­
have access word-proterted). Search engines regularly index most sites
10 computers, on the Interr:et, so users cou~d locate a Volunteer website by
e-mail, or the
searching for information about thE' Peace Corps or a certain
I"temet while
oyel1leas,
count.ry. This is possible even ~f the VoluntE'p.r rlOE'8 not, actively
proIT.ote his/her website. GivE'n these realities, Volunteers ,lre
responsible for ensuring that their IT use is consistent with the
following guid€linf's.
Notification
Volunteers who create their own web~:ates or post material Lo
websit.es created by othel's are TE'sponsibie for discussing the
content with the country director in advarLce. This ensures that
the material is suital,le and complies wit.h this general guidance,
any country-specific guidance, and any sa:'ety and security con­
sidE' rations.

Disclaimer
Any website maintained by a Volunteer during his or her Peacc
Corps service must reflect that it is neither an official publication
of the Peare Corps nor of the U.S. govE'rnment. 'The site must
prominently dhplay an appropriate disclaimer such as: ·'The
cont.en:s of this website aTE' mine personally and dQ not reflect
any position of the U.S. government 01' the Peace Corps."

Use of the Peace Corps Logo

The Peace CUrf-lS logo b res<':rved to dC3ignatc authorized pro­
grams under the Peace Corps Ad, so the logo shall not be used
on Voluuteer websites. U,se of the logo
is reserved
10r programs
Cultural Sensitivity authorized
under the
The thought.fll, and acruratE' insiRhts t.hat Volunteers convey
Peece Corps
to others can contribute SUbstantially to bringing a beUer un­ Act. Volunteers
derstanding of other cr,nntries to people in t,he United St.ates. may not use
However, given the broad access to Volllntf'f'r-posted material it on their
on the Weh-b::,tll in-couutry imd elsewllere-Volunteersmust personal
websites.
remain CUlturally sensitive with the material they post online.
People in llU~t couIltri~s and file Am('l'ican public may make
infere:lces about the Peace Corps or the Volunteer's country of
sen..i ce based on the material a Volunteer posts to a website.
Subsequently, Voluuteer-posted material shuukl not embarrass
or reflect poorlY on the Peaee Corps or on the ccunt.ries where
Volunteers serve.

Website Safety and Security

As a safety prec:aution, Volunteers shall not post information
aboul their or olher Volunteers' precise whereabouts or about
events that will be attended by a large number of Volunteers. Vol­
unte€l'S who live in remote areas should use cn re before posting
 the names of their towns or viliages. The saIne precaution ar;plies
to !Jostin.L; ;:JhOLrJgl'aphs tIl a Voluntr::-er websitt::'. Volunteo?rs srouill
consider the risk of identily f;aud and other security concerns
connected with the posting of any personal information about
t:-temselves, family members, ;omd others on websites.

Publication Policies

Consistent with the ?eace Corps' policyrf'garrling publir;ations,

Volunteers may not accept payment for anything they write or
p:-toLogral-Jh that appears on tre Weh. Any "writings," including
a,tirJcs, manuals, teach iIl,li mc.terials; p:lOtographs Of Vil!P(' im­
The Peace Corps ages; or ot.her work-related products prepared or taken as part of
welcomes e~says. Peace Corp service :TI<:Jy not bf: published or copyrighted at any
stories, and time. Such work-rela:ed prodwts are part nfthe public dnmain.
photogr.lphs from
H:J\w~ver, y,urnals or other ·writings. as ",.-ell as photographs or
Volunteers that will
highlight Peace vid<?o images that, relate to, rescribe, or depict a Volunteer's
Corps activities Pe,iCe Gens experience may '::J(; puhlished after service uds.
to povspeclille Volunteers may receive compensation for these works at that tOle.
applicants and to
Posting materials to the Web that Volunteers have not authored
the general public.
or created may violate U.S., host country, or other applicable
copyright laws.

Volunteer Contributions to the

Peace Corps' Official Website

The Offl('C'- I)f Ce,mrHur,kCltions overse€-5 the PeaC'-t; Corps' onidal

external website (www.peacecorps.goV! As such, it wpkompf:
essays, slories. and photographs [rl)m Volunteers that will
highlight, Peace Corps acl,iviti,~s to prospective applicants and
to the genr::-f3l public. All submissions should be rr~dewed by t.hp
cO·jntry dirEctor and forwarded to the Office of CommunicaU,)IlS
for consideration. Volunt,eers can also locate resources and share
inJorrnation with other Volunteers via a speeiCll section on the
C1gency's password-protr::-cted internal website. Adrjitional guid­
ance is provided in-coUIltry aboLt how Volunteers may contrib:.Ite
malerial to t,his site.

Guidelines for Use of Peace Corps Computers

At various points durin,lZ Peace Corps service, Voll1nt.ppr,~ and
trainees may need to lIf:e Pe"ce Corps [~omputers. There are
mandatory gUirielines to such usage, which are set in Interim
Polley Statement (IPS) Nu. ·3-02. The mandatory guidelines for
such usage are available at pust and on the Peace Corps Intranet..
These rules will also be covered in deLiiil during pre-service
training. Th,:, guidelines are in iiddition [u the Peace Corps' IT
security policips and procedures established in the Peace Corps
Manual, Section 542.

Use of Non-Peace Corps-Owned Equipment

The extent to which Volunteers hay,:, access to computer equip­

ment owned by other entit.ies (such as a spoIlS0ring agency or
localnongovernrnental org3nization) vary from post t.o post. The
Peace Corps is not rfc'sponsible for the ffi3intenance and replace­
ment of this equipment and Volunteers who use this equipment
should follDwthe other entity's applirablc computer-us!:' ~'0Iicies.
Volunteers are encouraged to purchase personal pr1lperty insur­
;mee to cover the maintenance and replacement of computeI'
equipment that they bring overseas or jJllrchase in-country.

Appropriate Use of IT Systems and Services

The potent.ial exists for viohtion of US. privacy, host country, or

Social Security
other applicable 13ws if Volunteers include pcrsonal information numbers or
abont others in any electronic communication (e-mail 01' Web other personBI
page) witbollt the permission of those indiViduals. Vulunteers infonnalion
should be aware of potentia I violation of laws regarding defama­ Should never
be posted on
tion and privacy when personal information about individmls is
a website or
transmitted or unauthorized transmission or p0Sting 0f a person's transmitled
photograph or likeness occurs. Social Security numbers or other via e-mail,
personal information shrJUld never be posted on a w""bsite or
transmitted via c-mail.

American Diversity Program Office

The Peace Corps Act mandates that the Peace Corps "promote
a better undpl'standing of Americans on the p3rt of the pe1lples
served" Dy sharing the di\'ersity of American society with people
of our host conntries, the Peace Corps achieves this goal. The
Pr~ace Corps Volunteers of the 21st century are more diverse th3n
at any other time in Pe3ce Corps' history.
Non-Discrimination in the Peace Corps
The Peace Corps does not discriminate in the selection or assign­
ment otVolunteers on the basis of race, national origin, religion,
age, sex, disability, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. The
Peace Corps is committed to representing the full spectrum of
American diversity and cultural richness to the people of our
host nations.
In representing this broad spect.rum of AmerLcans overseas, Vol­
nnteers may encounter preconceived notions of what it is to be
an American. Some host country nationals may be unaccustomed
to, Ol unaware of, the radal and other differences in AmerLca's
culture and society. Volunteers who do not match host country
assumptions about Peace Corps Volunteers may experience a
range of reactions from their co-workers and community, rang­
ing from disappointment to LncreduIit.y, confusion to curiosity or
rejection. Likewise, Volunteers may be mistaken for citizens of the
host country or other nations, or they may encounter instances
of subtle or even blatant discrimination.
While the Peace Corps can set and enforce goals and rules for its
own organization, it cannot control every aspect of host country
national treatment of Volunteers. If an incident of discrimina­
tion by host conntry individuals or institut.ions occurs, discuss
it promptly with a Peace Corps staff person. Volunteers should
be supportive of one another. As with any difficulty Volunteers
encounter, other Volunteers-as well as Peace Corps staff
members-can be a significant sonrce of support and under­
standing.
It is critical that Volnnteers and staff understand and accept
diversity within the Peace Corps community as welL Peace
Corps CDs are charged with working toward harmony within
the diverse body of Peace Corps Volunteers and st<lff. Training
mat8!'ials help foster a snpportive atmosphere within the Peace
Corps Cl1mmunity. Uyou experience discrimination from a Peace
Corps staff member or Volunteer, bring the mat.ter officially to
the attention of the Peace Corps within 30 days of the alleged
discriminatorY act by rontacting an equal opportunity employ­
ment (EEO) counselor or writing:
 Peace Corps/American Diversity Program Office
Office of Equal Employment Opportunity
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 2(1526

Sexual Harassment
The Peace Corps is commit.ted to maintaining high standards of
conduct [n the workplace. This indudes providing all employees
and Volunteers with a work environment that is free fromsexual
harassment by ot.her American or host country national Peace
Corps ~mployees, contractors, Volunteers, or trainees. Sexual
harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests
for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature when:
• submission to such conduct is made either exphcitly or im­
phdtly a term or condition of Peace Corps employment or
service;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is Each Volunteer,
used as the basis for employment or service decisions (promo­ trainee,
tions, st.atus, work assigmnents, etc.); or employee, and
contractor is
• the conduct unreasonably interferes w:ith an individual's work
legally and
performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive ethically obliged
work environment. to refrain
trom sexual
Each Peace Corps Volunteer, trainee, employee, and contractor is harassment in
legally and ethically obliged to refrain from sexual harassment in the Workplace.
the workplace. Managers are resp<Jllsible for enforcing this policy.
This includes ensuring that all Volunteers, trainees, employees,
and contractors know what constitutes unacceptable conduct
and taking immediate action to correct behavior 01' displays that.
may constHute sexual harassment.
Trainees and Volunteers who experience (lr observe possible
sexual harassment should immediately notify Ih8 CD, their su­
pervisor, a higher management. authority, t.he American Diversity
Program Office, or an EEO counselor. Ifimmediate action is not
taken to stop the harassment actiVity, or there are additional
questions about sexual harassffi8nt, t.he matter should be brought
to the attention of the American Diversity Program Manager or
your CD. For more information write or call:
 Peace Corps/American Diversity Progrilm Manager
Pilul D. Coverdel1 Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Sr,reet NW
\Vashington, DC. 20526
202_69~.2113

Fraternization
Dating and intimate physical or sexual relations Letween Peace
C'Jrps staff and Volunteers are prohibited.

Compliance with Host Country Laws

Trainees and Trainees and Volunteers are subject to host country laws while
Volunteers do
overseas. Theydo not have diplomatic immunity. Local laws, and
not have
diplomatic
the procedures used to enforl"e them, may differ subst<lntially
immunity from American laws ilnd legal procedures. This con have serhms
ramiflcations for Volunteers overseas who are arrested for pos­
s'~ssion of drugs or uLher unlawful behaviors, or who are alleged
to have violated civillcgal requirements (e.g., an automobile
accident or a palernity suit).

Inappropriate and Criminal Sexual Behavior

Volunteers Inappropriate sexual behavior by Volunteers and traine<?s is
and trainees
addressed in the Pmce Corps MamJ..al section on Volunteer
are strictly
prohibited
ce'nduct, MS 204. Volunteers and trainees should also be aware
from having that the I'rosecutorial Hemedies and Other Tools th End the
sexual contact Exploitation of Children Today Act (PROTECT Acl) authorizes
with any per· prosecution of Americans who sexually abuse minors abroad. A
son less than
min01' ~s defined as a person under the age of 18. Even jf the age
16 years old.
(If consent in the h0st country is lower than 18, it is the legal ilge

of consent set out in the PROTECT Act tha.r controls. Volunteers

Dating or and trainees are strictly prohibited from having sexual contact
having contact with aIlY person less than 1.'1 years old. Sexual contact is no\".
of a sexual limited to intercourse.
nature with
anyone under Violation 0f ~he PROTECT Act is a felony punishable by up to
the age of 30 years in prison. In addition, it is the Peace Corps' policy that
18 will be
dating or having contact of [l sex\lal nature with anyonr~ under
cause for
administrative the age of 18 will be cause for administrative separation. Anyone
separation. in t'ne Peace Corps, regardless of nationality, should imnv'ldiately
report to the Office of Inspector General if they have reason to
belie'le an American in the Peace Corps has had sext.:.al cantac e,
with anyone under the age of 18­

Financial Gain
As a Volunt.eer Y(Al are responsible for reprp~f'nt.ing the beo;t that
the Peace Corps and tLe UniV:d States helve to Mfer. Certain
ethlcal standaJ'ds must guide Y0uractivities in your host country.
Pe,-\ce C~)J'ps Volunteers may not, Lakf' advant.a;;(e of a ~ituatlOn i:l
the host country or use their Peace Corps s:tatus for their own
hnancial gain. This ITwans ntat Volunteers ,hall nc,t.:
• invest money in rca: c~,t,at0, bonds, shares, or sto"ks of com­
mel'chd concerns h~adquart€l'ed in th~ country of assigII­
ment or that conduct a substantial portion of their bw,iness
in that coulltryj
• engage in any business activity for profit or per."Onal finan­
dal gain or unrjErtake an,V gainful emj:J)')yment: or
• sell or displ)se of personal property at prices pruducillg
profits

Violation of these rules is grounds for administrative separation.

The Office of the Inspector General:

Maintaining the Peace Corps' Integrity
Congress established L'Ie Office of Inspector General (OlG) for
the Peace Corps in 1888, OlG':;; ani,horit.y derives from tht:" tG Act,
and it is £Ill independent office within the agfonry, TLo: Durpose is to
improve the Feare CUrr)s' economy, effectiveness, and efficiency
and to prevent and detect fraUd, waste, abuse, and mismanage­
ment,. Th,; lmp€ d .or General fIG) i<; appr,inted by and reports
dil"fCtly to the Peace Corps director. Like all IGs, the Peace Corps
IG reports to Congress on the LlIG's work every six months.
OIG reviews and analyzes financial, rnanagemellL, and program
operations to E'nsnre accountabijjty, identify best practices, Wid
promote Voh.:nteer safety and security. The office recommends
ways to z;omply l\'jth p')licje~ amI tu impmve f,erfonn::ll1cc. In
addition to wditors and program evaluat.ors, the IG employs
criminal investigators who respowj to allegations of criminal
or administmLlve wl"(lngdoing ~nd prOVides assistance when
serious crimes are committed against Volunteers.

71
 The integrity of the Peace Corps depends on the behavior of each
individual associated with the agency, The IG asks that Volunteers
help maintain this integrity. Volunteers should prompt.ly report
to the JG any knowll or suspected criminal or otler misconduct,
fraud, waste, abuse, or rnismanagemem involving a Peace Corps
emplllyee, Volunteer, contractor, or consultant. In addition, Volun­
teers and staff should cooperate fully with the OIG in the course
of any investigation, audit, inspection, or evaluation.
The IG will hold in confidence the identity of persons report.iog
matters to the OIG, unless the person authorizes disclosure or it
becomes unavoidahle rlnring the course of an investigation.

You may contact the OIG by mail, phone or e-mClil:

Peace Corps
OffIce of Inspe{;[.or General
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
P.O. Box 57129

Wasbngton, nc. 20036-9998

2U2.e92.2915 Of 800.2335874
OIG@peacecorps.gov

• In order to
maintain an
apolitical
poslure so
Political Expression
The Peace Cwps' credibility-and hence its ability L(1 per;orm
its mission-is contingent on Volunteers not becOlCIing identified
with the political affairs and Lsslles in the host cou:,try. Any pub­
lic statement or actipn that potentially may involve a Volunteer
that it can with pt,liticClI or other controversial issues in t.he host country
achleYe its
should first be discussed wHh the country direct(1r, A Volunteer's
mission, the
Peace Corp!!
statements or actions concerning such issues that may, in the
prohlbns opinion of the coulllry din'etor, impair the effect.iveness of the
Volunteers Peace Corps or the individual Volunteer may be grounds for ad­
fnlm becoming miuistrative separation or other disciplinary action. Of course,
Involved in the
trainees and Volunteers are free tu petitiou the U.S. governmeut
political affairs
01 the host and its officials in the same manner as they w(1u}d if they were
country. in the United States. Should you have any questions regarding
thi~ policy, contact:
Peace Corps/OIfice of General Counsel
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Stree, NW
Washington D.G. 20526
202.692.2150

72
Religion
'lo[nnteers are free nnder the First Amend:nent of the Constitu­
tion to f'xercise their personal religions bf'liefs. However, they
may not. engage in religions proselytizing tn the host country. If
you are not clear as to what constitutes religious proselytizing,
consult with your CD or the Office of General Counsel. Engaging
in rdigk'us proselytizing that may, in the opinion of the country
director, impair the effectiveness of the Volunteer or the Peace
Corps program may be gwunds for administrative separation or
uther disciplinary act.ion.

Contact with Media Representatives

The Peace Corps' Office of Press Relations in Washngton, D.C.,
is responsible for officially infllnning the publk about Peace
Corps' ur:t.ivities. You are free to discuss your role in the Peace
Corps with the press, but Voluni,eers must notify the country
director. There are responsibilities that attend that freedom.
As a Volunteer,
An ill considered statement conlrl he llSf'O to embarrass you, t.he
rC'U are free to
Peace Corps, the United3tates, or the host country in which you discuss your
serve. On the other hand, your thoughtful and accurate views role in the
ami imights can contribute substantially to bringing to r.hp Peace Corps
with the press,

-
United States a better understanding of another country. While
but there are
you may write about your Volunteer experiences fer publication,
you should first discuss the piece with theCD to review what you
have written and discuss any potential problems. Publicat.ion of
mat.erial tn-country, contrary to the advice of the country direc­
"'..
responsibilities

that freedom.
An iII-consld.
ered statement
tor, that results in adverse consequences for the V8lunteer or the could be used to
program tn the host (OWttry, may be grounds for administrative ambalTaS9
separation, Care should be t.aken in private communication as you, the
well. Letters to friends and family may be passed to the press Peace COrp3,
the United
and become a public issue in-country.
States, or the
Volunt.eers may not accept payment for anything they have host country In
which you seorve.
written or photographed, Articles, manuals, teaching materials,
and other work-related products developed during Peace Corps
service are considered part of the public domain alllinlaY not be
copyrighted OJ used for personal gain.

73
 Prohibition of Intelligence Activities
Tt L~ crucial to the ~'eace Corps mis~ion that there be a total
separation between :,h8 Peace Corps and any intelligence activi­
tip.s of the U.S. govrrnnlf'nt rH' ;my other gov",rnment in fact
and appearance. For this reason, the Peace Corps has adopted
policies excluding f'~'r50ns from Volunteer slcfvice aIld Peace
(;r,rps PrIlployrnent who have engaged in intelligence ac.:livIty or
rel;;.tcrj work or who have been employed by or connected wilh
an intelligence agency.
"Intelligence activity" inclules aIlY activities or specialized
training involving or relateci to the ~laIldestine collection of
inJe'rmation, toT [,he analysis or dissf'minatiOJl of such informa
tion, intended for use by I,he U.S. gov<:'rnment in formul<;lting or

•
implementing political or military policy toward other countries.
Thp tf'rrn als,) indudes any involv'_'mcnt in covert actions d",:;igll':,d
to influence events in forejgn countries.
Volunteers, "Rl::'lat,cd work" ffif:'"ilIlS any erq:,!oymeJlt by,
(ll" other COJlilecticlll
IraiIlel:l'li, and with, an intdligence agency or with an intelligence activity, if
stafF cannot
sllch connecion efluld be the hasis f(ll' an inference tIw· tbe in­
be involved in
intelligence dividual involved was en,gaged in an intelligpfl(:f' arl,ivity. Even
acti'~ities. a r<lmily rel<ltionstlip to an employer of an intellig,,=,nct' agency
may be a disqualifying connection.
Vulwlleers, trainees, and staff cannot t)e involved iII intelligence
activities, including overseas inteJJigence <:Jctivities in connec­
tion with law enforcement. This policy has been confirmed by
successive Secretaries of State and in agreem€nb wib inteJ­
ligerce agencies. The Central Intelligence Agency has adopted
expb:it poJic:es precluding empJoymert of former Pf):1C(' Corps
Vo!u:l.tcers, staff, and individual contractors for specific periods
{)f time. 1'h('.5e rest-rict.ions w~re established at the request of

the Peace Corps. If yon aTP compmplating employment by, or [w­

soc.iation wiU., an intelligence agency upon completion (If PeClce
Corps service, you should consult with that. agency regarding
sppcinr r",strictions before accepting an in~·itaii<.:<l\ h' ~l:rve in
the Peace Corps.
lfyOl; aTe approached, or suspect-you ttave been apIJroached, for
an intelligence-related purpose, you should contact your c,)untl'y
directt1r or other appropriate ITanagerttent official.
Drugs and Alcohol
A tra.inee or Volunteer founi to he involved with drug,; in a.
manner nc\~, authorized for mcdic<Jl purposes, in any v,',W in any
cmntry, will he admill.istraLvely separatr:d ilcmediately. This
includes drugs that are illegal either in ~be United States or in Lite
country of 5efviu:. The Peace Corps (~nforces this strict policy not.
only because the- cultivation, manufac~ure, trafflc in, nnu use of
dmgs, incLlding marijuana, is illegal in nlr)st countrie",; bue also
because dl'1lg involvement by Volunteers iII any country could
seriouslyj<?0panlizethe image ofthe cntif(: Peace Gorps prograln.
Individuals administratively separated under tJ:js policy will noL
be ~YJ!1siJct'ed for a tra nsfer (0 another program regardless of the
qmdity of their service
A trainee or
Although:o Vohmtccr Itlay no'~ bc formally charged with violating
Volunteer
drn,1j laws, some !lest countries' attitudes toward drugs aI'/? so found to be
negat,ive that mere rumors of f;uch invo_vement, thrmgh U1lproven, involved wilh
mny affect, the credibility of the indiv iCll<:l1 Volunt.eer 0)' tre Pp;lce drugs, including
Corps program. In cases of an unsubstant·iateel allegation thai, <:l marijuana, in
a manner not
Voluntec::r ie' invl1lved with drugs whill" sf'rving ill the ]lC\.;;t coun­
aurhorlzed
try anel the Coulltry direcLol' deLennines that :-::nowledgc of the lor medical
alkgatioll is wjr.ksprend enough Lo ,ie:Jpal'dize the cre-dibiJity of purposes, in
the Volunteer or the pru[lra m, Ih0 (:(Illntry director may dis~'on­ anY way, in any
tinup the ~ervicl" of the Volunteer, The VoluntpE'r may rd,urI! to countt)', will be
r.e<:ldqllarters fLit consult,ation with a rec~Jmnl':lldation from the admini'Strativelr
separated
cOllntry director that he or shp. bE' considcre'l for an 'mmcdi­
immediately.
<:ite reassignment tJ another progrA.m if the Volunteer's service
otherwise merits.
Through ~any ,years of expL'riellcL', the agency also r~cognizcs
Uwt the excessive nse "f alcohol call seriously undenniJle Volun­
teer and trainee s<Jfcty and security. Dur <jata d81110nstrale that
Volunteer and trainee: llli~ust' of akoboi is suhst,<intbliy associ­
ated with being victimized by crime, inclnding violem crirnes
such as assault <lHC: raf't'. The Peace Corps is committed to vmrk­
~ng with V01UIlLeUj wtd train<::€s to reduce their vulnt'l'abiLity to
such incidents. The USE' 01' a:cl.hol als:J affpcts Volunteers' ahility
to PCl'fOrJtl their jet <lnd ho'l>' they are perceiv2d in c~JUIltry, irn­
;mcl.,jng theil' dft'ctiven€s,~, cl'edihilir,y, and S3Jf'ty.

Examples ofunpl'Ofessional behavior include but arc not limited

tC.l: puhlic intoxic<Jtiol'l, drinking while at the work sil", failure
to appear for work or training due to intoxication or hangover,
and verhlll or pl1ysical aggressiveness while under the in.fluence
of akohGl. Such inappropriate or unsafe behavior or inability to
perform adequately in the assignment will be grounds for dis­
ciplinary action, anrl rlepending upon the circumstauccs, may
include administrative separation.

Automobiles
Traineeti and Volunteers may not own an automobile in their
country of atisignment. ln many host countries, private ow~­
en::hip of an automobile :S iocunslstent with the Peace Corps'
standards of modest living and goal of integration into the local
community. In addit.ion, driving may pose a safety risk to Vol­
unteers and others.
A CD may authorizE' a Vohmt.eer to drivE' a Peace Corps vehicle if
it is necessary to perform his or her job or to serve a Peace Corps
program purpose. The authorization will generally be limitf'd in
time and scope, and Volunteers are required to follow a1110cal
traffic regulations as well as Peace Corps' rules. Policies govern­
ing the use of other vehic:es in-country (e.g., those owned by a
sponsoring agency, or friends, or rental vehicles) are included in
country-specific policy handbooks.

Motorcycles
The Peace Corps strictly restrictti the ownership and limits use
of motorcycles by Volunteers, traineeti, and titatt. Motorcycles
are more dangerous to operate than other mot.or vehicles, and
they haw contributed signillcantl..v to deaths oJ. and irtiurip.s t,o,
Volunteers and others.
In rare cases, the use of a motorcycle may be authorized if it is
judged integral to successful project implemeotatioll and the
Peace Corps determines it can be operated safely. Authorization
for motorcycle use within a particu:ar project and for a speeific
Vohlnteermay be given by the CD uftcr obt.aining appl'Ovalfor llte
project from Peace Corps headquarters. If approval is granted,
trainees and Volunteers arE':
• required to wear a motorcycle It~Jmet, goggles, hard-sole shoes,
and protective clothing at all times while operating or ridin,g
on a motorcycle, regardless of ownership;
• prohibited from operating a motorcycle while carrying a pas­
senger (even lithe passenger is not a lrainf'f' or Volunteer) who
is not. wearing a motorcycle helmet and protective clothing;
• prohibited from operating a motorcycle in an unsafe manner
or while wIder l.ht; influence of drugs or alcohol; and
• prohibited from operating a motorcYcle, or allowing another
person to operate thc motorcycle, when the use is not in con­
nection with the Volunteer's assignmenl.
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in ad­
ministrative separat.ion except in rare, extraordinary circum­
stances.

Bicycles
In certain countries, the CD may authorize Volunteers to have
Peace Corps-supplied bicycles. The Pea'~e Corps promotes bicycle
safety by distributing bicyde helmets with each hicyde and by
providing training about operating a bicycle safely. Volunteers
must wear helmets when using a bicycle. Failure to wear one is a
serious infraction and may result in administrative separation.

Firearms and Radio Transmitters

Trainees and Volunt,eers are nut permitted to use or possess any
firearms. Volunteers may no: pOSSess radio transmitters (ham
radios, shortwave transmitters, etc.) withont the express written
permission of the country diredur.

77
 Transfers and
excensions
of Service
Transfers
Transfers within ,\ country or lo another country are discuuraged
because trey aF::' costly and disr1J;>t,ive to programs However,
when there are valid programmatit reasons, a country director
/[lay -seck <:l transfer 1'01' a Volunteer. Transfers a:e approved only
WhH( it appears lhat, t'le VohlltCN will be hig~lly su.x-essf:J} in
the Tiew aS3ignm~nL. Transfers are rare because they often entail
an extpll"inll of service and additional training.
Transfers within a CO~lIltry are subject La thE appl'~vaJ of the
country director. Tramfcr.s 01 exlel.:;ion.'j to another cGuntl'y !!lust
meet with the 4,pr<Jva: ofthe CD, Peatp Corps heo.dquart.crs and
the CD in [,he host country recPivlng OlE::' LransJcr Voluntf'cr. 'l'hc
originating and receiving medical officers must, also mecEe<llly
app:rrwe t~le Volunteer for trallsfe:r. Th~::re h llu (lJ![J'Oal pruc<';sJ
for denial of it lnnsfH.

Extensions of Service
The Peace Corrs seeks to accept as many' new applicants as pos­
The Peace Corps
:;ibk inVJ lJcrviC0 because it. jwli('ves the Volunteer experience
permits a few
should be available UJ a broad spect.rum of Amel'lcars. However, Volunteers to
t,he Peace Cor[,s doe~ permit 3 fpw Vohmtee:rs to Extend their elltend their
regular term of service, provided they have the capacity to sustain regular term or
5etYice, provided
thdl commitm8nt, and te, continue' to SPf\'f' pl'fectively.
thlly have Ihe
You may be appravc(j for extension if yrm have ~;xpcrience or a capacity to
sUl'Olaln their
5carr:e skill th(lt is needed in it new or cngoing rroject as weI! as
commitment and
an outstc.nding record of service. To extend, submit a request to to continue to
your CD at least t",,-o munths before the ~nd oryaur original Lour. setYe effectively.
(,Rrcquests [01" extensions may al.'i"C' be go','erned t,.'r" in·(;ountry po]·
icy and may require more advanced notification.) The extensior.
rP'111irps not or.Jy the CD's appruval, buL that of your host country
supervisor and medical approval by the med:c,,! oftker
If you extend for 12 months or more, you are entitled to 30 days
of special leave. This leave is not counted towl'Inl ('ompletion of
the extended service. Therefore, if you ex tend 12 months and
take 30 days of special leave. the total extension period is 13
months. Volunteers who extend service and plan to takp sppri:'ll
leave are expected to take the leave as soon as possible after
the beginning of extended service, preferably during the first
three months.
You will be given a ticket valued at the U.S, government (or ex­
cursion) fare that Peace Corps designates from your country of
assignment to your horne ofrecOI"d in the United States. You will
continue to receive living and readjustment allowances, plus a
speciallea"'e allowance.
 f=arly Terminations

Peace Corps invites aPPlicants to become trainees and Volunteers

with the expectation that they will complf'te a f'lll term ofservice.
Sometimes, however, trainees and Volunteers separate :'rorn the
Peace Corps before comp!p,t-ing their terms. Such early termi­
na~ions (ETs) fait within foul' categories: resignation, medical
separation, intprrupted service, and administrative separation.

Resignation
All trainees and Volunteers have the right to resign at any time,
for any reason, during their training or service. ThE' Peace Corps
strongly urges trainees and Volumeers to discuss the circum­
stances that are If>adi ng them to consider resigning with a staff
member or appropriate third party. This way, the Peace Corps
can takf' stf\j)s to resolve the situation and, hopefully, avoid the
resignation. Even in those cases where resignation cannot be
avoided, the Peace Corps seeks to understand the reasons for a
resignation so that it may minimize early terminations by others
in the future. In the case of a resignation, the Volunteer/trainee
and staff should complete the forms found in Ute Peace Corps
Manual, Sect.ion 284, Attachment D, and send them to:
Peace Corps
Office of Planning, Policy, and Analysis
Pau! D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
WaShington, D.C. 20526
In all cases, resignations are final and may not be reconsidered or
appealed.

Medical Separation
A trainee or Volunteer will be medically separated from the Peace
Corps jf a health condition precludes continued se-rvL.'l:'. Whell a
trainee or Volunteer:s medically separated, he or she will be given
an €xp:anation of the reasons for the utcisi()lI, Those who wi8h
to appeal a o,edieal separation may contact their field support
nurse to request a review by the Medical Evacuation (Medevaf')

81
 Review Board, The t,rainee 01' Volunteer may submit any opinions
(>l" c.iagnoses that were rut considered ',vhen the decisil1n to medi­

r;ally sep::l.T:ltc ,va.s m;1de. TIle /;'cu,..,y1:tt Heview Bo;] rj will review
the medical sepa:'al:ion decision and make a recommendation tQ
the dir'octpr of TI1l'dir'il] servicC''>. The. d:n:<.:tor of me.d:C(tl service't;
decision is the <Jgency's jna! decision. A Voh:nteer who wins <J1l
appeal of a medical separation may re-cnroll for ~I,nother tour of
A trAinee or
Volunteer will duL::. {f certain crJcria are met, t.he Volunteer milY be reinstated
be medically to his 01' her initoia! coun;!'y of service to fini~h Ollt the tOUI".
lIeparated
from thl! Interrupted Service
Peace Corps
it.a health A trainee (,/, VrAuntcer may t,e separar,(od. with inte1l'upt.t:,c-ser­
condition vice status if the CD detErmines that circUnl."tances beyond th",
arises that
control oJ Lite Lrainee 01' Vo]nr,teel' make it, neceSS<:lry Jor the
precludes
c<;Kltinued
trainee or Volllnte,,1' to 't:'av p t:le present flssignnwrlt. Special
l'iOQrvice. circumstances that, may result in illtt'ITilyLed service inr;;ude,
bu~ are nollimit.ed lO, tll~ [oIJowing:

• there is :10 viable assi,gnment in-cou~Ltry for which Ihe Lrainep

or Vo!ur.teel' is qualified;

• th'" trainee or VoJunk(or cmmot lm:d te.chniei:ll (,r language

requirements, bl.lt th(' CD recormnends futll'r~ sen'ice:

• the lr"iree or VoluntEer no longer meet,s eligihility I'cquirr~"

mconts dlJP rl' ehnngcs in legal, m::Jl"itul, or or,her drculllsl<Jllces
br>yond his or h",r control:

• CirClllJ IsLil\ces ill the' COUl\ty'y Of plae", of 85signment. Endanger

an individu<lI trainee oj' Volnnleer's :'inlet.)' (exeludi:1g evacu.'l­
ti,ms);

• tllE:' trainee or Volunteer's spOllse has been separaled and the

t.laLr It'0 or VO!\lmi:er is not s\lb.kd to administratlve "ep::IJatiun;
and

• t,he host connt!":,: or other coclpel'<:lting agencv requests that

the trClinEe or v\llunt.te~ be removed from service for rcasons
th:lt W(luli not bo grounds Jor (ldrninistl'alivt' separation
Administrative separation
i,.
AdmiJlisLraLivl- separation a decision by thp agpn(7 that a
trainee orVolutiteer sh,1uld not contnuc in Peace C(lrps servke.
The proe<dul"e;, fol' admilljstnltjvply~pp.'l.l'ating II trDine:' or Vol­
unleCr arc- set out in Scction 4.0 of the Ppoce Corps Manual,
Scetiun 281.

Trainees
Trainees may [e administr,qlively separated at the diScretion
u[ the: deciding offiCiaL for any r('ason, Onp n:a~on mar be, t"8r

example, that the trainee has delYloHstntcd that he (,j' she is

no~ suited to be a Volunt,Pf'T n1l1'ing staging or training in the

Ur,ited S~ates, a trainee may be administratively separated at

the JiSClelion nf the applicable regional direct,x or designee,
in consu~bLion with the Offce fJf the General Counsel (OGC).
nlJTing traininil overseas, trainees nay be administratively sepll­
ra~,eJ by ~he country director (a thi.'"d-country C!J if the training
is in a third ccuntry), in consultalion with OGe and with the
ccncurrence of the applicable regional director, Upon deciding
tD administratively separate II trainee, tllt: regi'Jnat din~ct(,l' or
CD, as aPr,!icable, sha:J inform thp trainee of the oplion Lo resign
within 24 hours in lieL of being adrr.inistratively separa:ed. 1fthe
trainee does not resign within ~4 tours, the reg~oll<tl ilir~dor or
CD, as 8pplic8t.le, shnll sign nnd provide to thp. t.faillee a writr,en
notiflcalion that the traine!:' has l,Jet:Il stoparated from service
pursuant to Section Z504 (i) of the Peace Carr,s Act. There are
no uther [,rocedurf>s ,hitll Hlust:· stated irJ this para.sraph.

Volunteers

Volnnteers may be admillistratively separated for unsatisfactory

conduc! or jJel fUrl1lilnct-; violation of any Peace COTP~ P(l1iCY, in­
dndingthose in the Peace Corps Manual, whether agency-wide
01' post-5p",cifk~; or (Jther grounds that dim i nish [,he en:o,ctiveness
of the Volunteer orthe Peace Corr,s ptfJgram, at the sole discretion
d th<:> Poace Corps. Under the procedmes in Section 4.0 of MS
:84, Volunteers will te given notic", by t.he CD of [,he consideraUon
(,f [Jdmjni.~tnltivp seraration, the opportunirytol'espond, and the
option GO resign in lieu of administrative separation.

83
Procedures for Volunteers
(a) 'When considering administmtive separation for a Volunteer,
the CD shall inform the Volunteer orally or in a brief"consid­
erat.ion of administrative separation memo" of the grounds
for Ire separation and th(' informat.ion ill support of those
grounds. The CD shall inform the Volunteer of the option to
resign at. any time before a final arhninistrative separation
decision is made:
(b) U, after considering the Vollmt.eer'.~ respon~e, the CD decides
to separate the Volunteer, the CD may do so only with the
concurrence of the applic<:.ble regional. director. In order to
insure an informed concurrence, t.he CD shall provide the
regional director, either orally or in writing, with the reasons
for the CD's decision;
(e) If the regional directo!' CQncurs, the CD shall inform the
Vulullte~r of ~he final decision to administratively separate

the Volunteer and shall give the Volunteer an opportunity

to resign within 24 flours, in lieu uf Oeillg administratively
separated. If the Vol·Jnteer does not resign within 24 hours,
the CD shall sign ann provide to the VoluntGcr a wdten
notification that he or she has been separated from service
pursuant t.o 22 U.S.C. 25040); and
(d) lfthe Volunteer resigns inIieu of administrative separation,
the CD shall forward to the Office of Volunteer Recl"llit.mf>nt.
and Selection (VRSj a memo (which can be the "consider­
ation of administrative separation memo") :hat states that the
V(llunt~er or trainee resigned in lieu of bem,g admirliBtratively

separated, and sets out the grounds for the action and the
information in support of thuse grounds.

Noncompetitive Eligibmty for

Early Terminees
ExeCllt.ivf> Order (E.o.) 11103 provides a benefit oy which re­
t.urned Peace Corps Volunteers may be noncompetitIvely hired
by federal agencies. (See Future Fectf'l"al Service and Noncom­
petitive EHgibility b the "Life After the Peace Corps" sectionfor
additional information.) In all E'",rly termination cases. the CD
will determine a Volunteer's eligibility for E.O, 11203 benefits.
The CD may issue a certificate ofeligibiIity to early-terminating
Volunteers only if they have served satisfactorily for at least one
calendar year (including training), and if their termination is
determined to be for /"Io'awns beYond their control. CDs must
inform earlY terminating trainees anrl Volunteers who will not
receive a certificate of eligibility of the reasons, in writing. If
a terminating Volunteer disagrees with the decision, he or she
can appeal through the Office of Special Servi<:es.

:35
allowance, along \vith a starcmeIlL of account, will be mailed to
your home of record in the United States or any U.S. address
specihecj bf>Iol'e COS. If yVlJ liu not [-erejvc your check by th.'lt
timC'. you should write or rall:
Peace Corps/Volunteer Financial Operation~
Pttul D. GoverdelJ Pettee Corps HeadquMtel'S
1111 20t.h Strcet NW
Washington, DoC 20526
BOIJ.Q18SS0, exl 1770

Post-Service Insurance Coverage

Health Insurance
Vo]unte0rs are eligilbe to purchase a post-se,vice h~alth insurance
plan called COTT,sr,aTf';_ For nore irformation, see page 12.

Life Insurance
The life insuran~e coverage purchased byyoll through be Peace
Corps cnds 60 days after servkp if you terminate overseas, ()["
15 days after the ('rid pf service if you terminate in thf' United
Stat.es.

Personal Property Insurance

If YOIl h\1ve not already done so by the ti:ne you complete yeur
service, consider insuring persona 1iI,pms for shipment back home.
Tbe Peace Corps cannot accept responsibility for your personal
itellls or for any Joss, 'hpn, (of damage to them.

Outstanding Debt and Borrowed Materials

V,ihen yc,u tE"rrninate serviCE, yOll are responsible [or clearing all
debts iII your country of sel"lic>2. Vo]un1:PPTS 3re required to sign
a statement indicating they have no olltstanding debts in the
country, to the Peace rarps, tn fellow Voluntccers, to host COUll try
nationals, or to ot.her;;. You may authorize deductions from your
readjustmpnt !'il1nwance account to satisfy ourst,mding debts. You
will also be eX;:l€cted toJ return technica 1publications and other
reference materials supplied by tte Peace Corps.
 Volunteer Description of Service Statement
The DOS stat,ement is the official Peace Corps reeord of service
for former Vn]unfeers. It describes the V1Auntee's training ani
overSo?':lS activities in none\'aluativ,:, terrn~ and, where appropri­
ale, includes the Volnnteer's certification or nnnrnmpetitive
There ani
restrictions
E'ligibility in seeking federal emplt1yment (see sectiom "Early
OIl plants and Terminations" and "Life A~ter Pea~e COl'PS" for more informa­
agricultural tiun). Volunteers retain their original DOS statement to use injob
items that may (II' school appllcillions; the Peace Ct1rps also keeps copies, which
be brought into
('eln be released to p'ospective err,jJluyers, with Ihe Volunteer's
tile U.S., and
you may be written consent, for 60 years.
required to pay
duty on certain Customs
items acquired
abroad. You should familiarite Y01l1'sr'lr with U.S. Custom;; Service ane!
U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations I,hat apply to any
I'''t.urning U.S. resident. TheIr;' are rest,rictilms rJll plants Jnd
agricultural items tJat may be brought into the U.S., and you
may be required to pay duty on ce,tain it.ems acquired abroad.
Customs brochures (Ire generally available through the country
directur or through any American embasw or consulate. Your
hosl country D:1Y alst\ have restrictions (In '""hal yeu can lake (Jut
of tbe country, so ch,:,ck those 'Customs regulatior.s as well.
I uture Peoce Corps Ser\/ice

Reapplying for Peace Corps Service

Return2d Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) sorDetirues consider

serving an additional term of Peace Corps service. While the

P'~ac£' Con's l'pcogniz('s thE' value of prior service and the pr-ten­

tial conLrlltuLiollo; of npcvs, ccmplctiIlg a term of serde"" noes not

automatically 'lualify an indi~ idual for a n<:~w assignment. Since

the P,,:lCP Corps tries to provide thE' opportunity of Voluntee!'

serviLe to as martY Americans as possihlc, first-tirnf' applicants

."If€' gen8rally granted hi.'~her priority over RPCVs.

RPCV,:; who Lave recently completed their service are USll­

ally asked to wait one year before reapplying for Peace Corps

service. At t.h.:H point, t.hey ma.v r;ompete .....i th al,her applicants

for aw,ilable assignm?nts and are re-evaluated for medical and

denLal cleararce. PCfJonal rcfer8ncE.'; from fhp rOll nt.ry dir?ctor

or other st.aff members havc a strong influence on determining

suitab;lity for another assignment. Alt;hough these references are

W)t required if servics was completed more thfln fivp years prior

to a reapplication, personal references from your initial term can

help s'Jppurt an appllcatiun for a second t~!m.

 Under some cireurnst,anccs, an RPC:V may re-e:1foll for a.nothcl'

term without havi~lg to subnlit anew application. Re-enrullment is
pr)ssible if the RPCV completed sel'vlce within the past two year~
and the /{l'CV's end of service was due to circumstances beyonj
hb or )1t'r control. Re-enroJlhnent applications are consdered on
a case-bY-Gase bD~i3, <LOG are handlell dirf:'cl,ly b.\' the Offlce 01'
AnRPCV who
Placement. An RPCV who wishes to be considered for re-enroll­
wishes to be
considered 10r
ment. should conuet, (,!If' Ofllce of PlacfOffiE>nt i1t 8,00424.8:">8(',
re-enrollment ext. 1830.
should contact
the Office 01
Tr<:iinees or Volunteers who decide to tprrninate their service
Placement at early are asked to wail a year be:ore submitting a new applica­
600.424.8580, tion. These applications are alsc eonsidered case by case, de­
ext. 1830. fJending on the circumstances of the early termination and the
support of ,eferenees from st.affmember,> in the f,)nnel' countr)'
of sl"'rvice_
In rare cases, a trainee or Volunteer miJY be reinstated to the
mipinal cO".lTItry of service within a .Yt'a:- uf completing or ter­
minat.ing service. To obtain additional information on reinstate­
ment, contact the appropriate country desk uniL
Trainees or Volunleers who are administratively separated are
typically nct considered for an additional to=-l'ffi of servke.
Beyond two years from close of service (COS), an RPCV mllst
submit a new application thT('llgh:'l regio:1al recruitmcn~ office.

Crisis Corps
The Crisis Corps is a unique Peace Corps program that utilizes
RPCVs and Volunteers at their close ,)f service to hf'lp c(lurtries in
varied program areas, including recovery from natural disasters
and humani~arian crises. The program was formally established
in 151iJfj :'loci more than 600 \'oluntccrs were placed ill 40 cll'~ntries
in it.s first nine years. Assig:1ments typically range from three to
six months, lind V(llunteersare generally placed with n~tion"-l\ or
international governmental or nongovernmental organizations
engaged in reconst,ruction and development activities.
With an extensive database of interested and available ~PCVs
and Volunteers at their close of service, Crisis C<::rps can pl<lce
Vulullteers with the technical, cultural, and language skills nec­
ess(1.I'Y t.o make an impad in critical situatk1ns.
To ~erve as a Cri~is Corps Volnnteer, an applicant must have ~uc­
r.essfully completed two years as a Peace Corps Volnnteer. One
exception to such a reqnil'ement is a Peace Corps Vqlunteer wIlo
had to leaye service early due to reasons bey:md his or her control,
but who had completed at least one year of service (exclnding pre­
service training). In some circumstances, Peace Corps Vdrmt.eers
can transfer or extend directly into a Crisis Corps assignment.
Volunteers can also end their service and serve again at a later
date; it is not U:lcomrnon 1m a Volunteer whq served 10 to 20
years ago to become a Crisis Corps Volnnteer.
When Vo~unteers are requested, Crisis Corps staff search the
database for applicants with the skills required for the assign­
ment. Qualified applic8.nts 8.re then cont2.cted and, if available
and interested in the assignment. are iut,erviewed and their
professional references checked. All Crisis Corps Volunteers 1IlUst
be medieally and legally cleared for service.
Crisis Corps Volunteers have served in a v.ide variety of as­
Because the
signments. These include w')rking with refugees and internally Crisis corps
displaced persons: assisting conntries after earthquakes, cy­ is only open
clones, and hurricanes in the areas of water sanitation, housing to Volunteers
completing
reconstruction, and health education; providing trainjng to
their tours
communities in disaster preparedness and mitigation; joining and to RPCVs,
in the efforts to fight HIV/A;DS th,ough LLfe-skiUs training aJul please watt
HIVIAIDS education; and working with countries in their post­ until your COS
conflict fecons:ruction efforts. conference
10 apply.
Crisis (;,)rpfl Volunteers ,generally receive the same benefits as
Peace Carps Volunteers wit~ the following exceptions;
• Crisis CorT's Vohmteers are issued round-trip t.Lcke~s prior to
their depaIture. They do not have the option of cash in lieu
of ticket at COS; however, the ticket is valid for one year from
t.he date it. is issued.
• Crisis COlW Volunt.eers reeeive the sa:1l€ readjustment allow­
ance as Peace Corps Volunteers. However, ufl1ike Peace Corps
Volunteers, Crisis Corps Volunteers cannot receive one-third of
the readjustment allowance while in their C'Olllltry of service,
The Peace Corps sends the check for the total readjustment
allowance to the home of record address of the CriGis Gqrps
Volunteer upon COS.

'.;1
• [)u~ ~o the short term of ~ Crisi.~ Corps assignment, Crisis
Corps Volunteers may not be ablE- to secure a studerr; loan
Jefcnneilt, although lv,m furbearancf' i:> Glways J!0ssible.

At your COS con:erent:f yOU 'Will IeceivE' an application for the

Ct'isis Corps. 1.f you are inLeresl;ed in adding your :lame to the
Crisis Corps dat,ibase, complete the application aCld retnrn it
alorg with a copy of yOUl' 1'~:>Ullle tel you!' c01lntry director, who
wiUforward the material to Peace Corps headquarters. ReCOrll­
ml:'ndalions from the country director 01' other slaH IlIellluen;
in your country d s~rvicp. carry strong infh.:ence in detdmin­
ing your suitability for a Crisis Corps assignmrnt. You may also
obtain an application Cind information about the Crisis Corps on
the wehsite at www.pe::::.ci..corps.gov.rpcv/crl<>iscorps.Th(lu~h
you .:nay apply at any time, Volunteers should wait until at least
thj'(~~ months prior to lheir COS datt:'o
P",ace Corps/Crisis CDrps
Paul D. Coverdell P~aee Corps Headquarters
1 \ \ 1 :!Oth Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20526
800.424.8580, ext 2250
cri::;is('orps@peacecorps.gov
Life After the Peace Corps

Career Planning and Re-Entry

The Peace Corps' headquar:ers and regi<.;llal r~cruitment offices

have a "ariet)' oI Ull"eer, educational, and re-entry information

and resources to assist re\,urlllllg and retnrncd Peace Corps

Volunteers (RPCVs) in self-dirt"cted approach~$ to career and

educatj,)nal tlvportllnities. The hcadquarters' regiom] TN'mir­

ing office in Rosslyn, Virginia, maintains a career center with

LOlllj.mter-s, Internet access, job listings, ;J. rp5(llirCe rODm, phone

t,anks, and a fax machine Other regional recruitment. offices

ma.intain smaller career arefiS that offpl" RPCVs the use of a phone,

fax, and computer w:th printing capabilities and Internet aCCesS.

Additicnal servi(~es vary b~' oinee.

At the close-or-service (COS) conference or before leaving post,

Peace Corps VolUlIL8ert; receive a, COS kit, which contains t.hp

Career Reso'urce Manual/RPGV Handbook. This publicdtion

col\tain~ information on n:';;ume writing, Intp.rnFt job searches,

:nterview techniques, and other asplO'cts of career/life planning

3nd job hunting.

93
For Volunteers who plan to pursue 3cademic opportunities,
the Peace Corps publis:r~s th~ Gro:ldu(JJe &hoof Gu-ide. This
guide providcs information on selectillg agraduate program and
information about schools that offer scholarships and financial
assi~tance t,) Rpr,V:-"'r gr,mtcredit bas~d on Peace Corps selVlc\:.

The Peace Corps also publishes a series of manuals ~ocusing on

careers of .'>pedal interest to HPCVs, such as agricult.ure, busi­
ness. teaching, environment, health, and intBl·national employ­
ment. Sample copies of each manual are sent to the resource
center at each overseas [;ost.
RPCVs who wish to request career manuals should mail" copy
of the publication order form Jound in the appendix of the
Car'eer Resource Manual) to the address printed on the form
Publication order forms are also avai!a::,le in the career centers
at all regional recruitment offices. You may also request a form
by sending an e-mail to l'vs@veacecorps.gov.
Hotline is an online bulletin of employment. educational, re­
\:Jl\.ry, and third-goal opportnnities for HPCVs, published twice
mont:11y by the Peace Corps. When the final porti.@ of your
readjustment allowance i~ released, YOur name will be added to
the H)t!ine email list. You will re:::eive Hotli,ne for two full years
following Y01Jr end ,)f service. CourteGY copies of each l55ue of
Hotline are also sent to overseas posts. Hotline is also available
online at www.peacecol.ps..govJhotline.
The Peace Corps offers an alumni net.work program through a
publication r.allp.d rn.reeT If?foTmJJtiov' COv"lUlMnts. Thou.sawl.s
of HPCVs are listed in the directory and can be contacted for
netw,)rking and inf,)rmational interviewing. Thf' TJlIhlication
may be ordered using the request form in the Career Resource
Manual; it is also available on CD-ROM.

Peace Corps Week

Un March 1, 1961, President .fohn F. Kennedy signed the execu­
live order estatlishing the Peace Corps. Each year during the
week of Marcil 1, t,housands of former and current Volunteers
commemorate the ailency's anniversary-Peace Corps Week-by
parridpat.ing in activities that advance the Peace Corps' goals to
promote a better understanding of other peoples on the pattof
Americans, and to promote a hettPl"understanding of Americans
JTI the countries where Volunteers serve.
 Peace Corps Week materials

The Peace Corps mission to promote world peace and friendship is

a" vit.al today as it was when the Peace Corps was created, perhaps
even more so. During Peace Corps We~k, RPCVs "bring the world
homE:" by re]&lin,g U-,,,,,ir Pp<J.ce Corps experiences t.o t.heir COlT,mu­
nities-in classrooms, community organizations, and workplaces
throughout the United States_ VO]llntpers and overseas posts also
play an important role by Ol'ganizing activities that showcase
American culture in their host eOlnlT.unitiI'S_
You can partir;ipate in a v,uiety of ways, including shating photo­
graphs, artifacts, musk, or folk tales with students or other groups.
Consirler il.Rking another Volunteer or RPCV to make the presen­
tation with you. Two or more \-iewpoints will give yOLr aud~ence
a brooder perspechW' of the work of Volunteers and might make
the experience more enjoyable for yoo_ You might enccurage your
local newspuJjer to run a story ~.b()llt. your experiences in the Peace
Corps, ~o publish a letter to the editor about Peace Corps service,
or to cuver yuur presentation.
Ry living and work;ng among different cultures around the world,
Peace Corps Volunteers attain an especL:lly keen cross-cnltural
urulE>r.,tanrli:1g. Srarinp; their overseas experiences not. only en­
rir-he., t.he lives of students, ne:ghbors, and colleagues, but.it also
ndps build bridges .'If'ross f'ultures-bl'id,ges to friendship, (:1'oss­
cultural understanding, acceptance, and, ultimately, pEace. Former
and currently serving Volunteers also help raise awareness of the
Peace Corp,s' ongcing globaJ contributiom and plant the seeds of
servke III Ll.e minds of fut.ure recruits.
Visit t,lle Peace Corps Week website at www.peacecorps.gov/rpcv/
pcweek to register as 2. partcipan~, online and to get ideas and
suggestions for your presentat.ion. AU respondents receive a free
presentation kit, which includes so,wenirs for your audience and
matc'rials to help you pl'Pvare for and pW:1.lOte your pl'esen:,ation

<:f_:
 Noncompetitive Eligibility
and Future Federal Service
Under Presidential Ex(~cutive Ordt::r 11103, Volunteers who
successfully c(;mplete their service are awarded Dlle year of
nOf.compditivr::- eligitility fol' selection for fr::-cieral e:nplo.. .mr::-nt.
ThJS eligibility does not mean that RPCVs are entitled to federal
t::mploymenL Rather, noncompetitive eligibility permits, bu~ doE's
not. rr::-quire, an agency to hil€ an RPeVwho meets the min:mum
qualifications for the po::;ition, without going thl'<llJgh all tbe for­
malities of the competitive process. The decision whet.hertohire
an RPCVundel' noncompetitive eligibility is within the discretion
of the hiriJ\g agency.
lfy>:'u qualify fol' nOllcUlllpetitive eligibility under the E:xecutive
order, a statement t.o that effect will be indudl"d in the Descrip"
EO. 11103 tion of Service (DOS) st,atE'ment you receive aL COS. While
provides a noncompetitive eligibi!ity is initially graned for one year imme­
benefit in
diately fulluw il\g your Peace Corps service, it may bE' exk~lded
which returned
Peace Cacps
by a hiring agency for all additional tv,..,) years if you ~nter sch.ool,
ValLJnteenl jOill tlte military, or are involved b an activity that the hiring
may be non­ agency considers as warranting an extension.
campetitively
hired by lederal Early terminating Volunteers also may be eligible for the :lon­
agencies, cOflrpetitivp p.ligibility benent. (Sec Noncompetitive Eligibility for
Early Tern:inees in t.h~ "Earl:i Terminations" s~ction.)
Peac,:, (;<ll'I's service may be eounted for retil'~men\ purposes
under Lhe Civil Service Retirement S:vst.em (CSRS), the Federal
Employees Retirement System (FERS), the ForE'ign Service Re­
tirement System, and several other smaller retirement syst.Rms
olf thE U.S. ~o'[ernmeHt for individuals who enterfedelal employ­
ment after their Peace Colrps service.

Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program

Peace Corps Fellows/USA is D. graduate fellowship program for
RPCVs As Peaec Corps Fellows, n:\ul'lIed Volnnteers pursue
graduate studies at a reduced cost whill? using the skills and
experience ~hey gained [Jver~l;as in internships that help meet
the m:eds ofunder3erved U.S. communities. Returned Volnnteers
haw- lifctim<' digitility fUJ FelhjWsiUSAprograms, Depmding on
[he pr:::>gram, benefits include assistantshiDs, Luition remissi,m,
scholarships, in-state t.',litiol\, stipends, hOL;sing, paic! employ­
me:lt, and health benefits.
Fellows/USA is a collabOl'a;,ion of universities, public school
systellls, cummunity agencies, thE Pea!.'p r.orps, and the Fellows
themselves. Its partners highly value t.he uniqne perspectives
and spEcial skills that tonner Volunteers bring to classrooms
and communitie!'i

ThE: fust FE:lbws/l5SA program was crEate~1at TeachE:rs College,

Cdumbia Ur.iversity, in 198;3. Since tht time, the Peace COI'jJs
!lao; establis:<cd p:lJ't,n2J'ships with more than 30 universities
nationwide that cffE'r programs in arEas tJ,at include business,
ccmmunity and economic develop/llEllt, environmental stud­
ip.~, [walth care, edncation, international developm0nt, public
administration, and IT.ore. Led by on-campus p·ogram c:oordi­
nacon;, Fellows/USA programs prepare RPCVs Jor enallenging
assignments, .support them duriLg their work commit:nent3, and
providE' a supporUve atmotphere for RPCV,s lu ~hale idens and
to helJ=' end. othf'l' with readjust,:nE-nt.

FJr more information, including a list of plogram3, v[::oit the

website or conta2t the F>?!lows/USA office at:
Peace C')]'P$ Fellows/USA
Paul D. Goverdell Peace CorrJs Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington. D.C. 20526
800.424.8580, pxt. 1440
IV W w,peacecol'ps.gov/fellows

Academic Credit for Peace Corps Experience

A number of Ulllvelsities "'ill grant ac:ad~mic rrpoit for Peace
COlPS experien':e. The following two Peace CJrps ~,ublkations
offer mor>? information about Otis benefit,
• Tiw Gmdua(e School Gu-ide, aVRilnhlf' from Returnee! Volun­
teer Services, contains updated infoTTIation on scholarships,
tuitjon assistauce, out"of-sta\.e t.uition waiw:rs, and 3{'ademic
credit for Peace Corpt service.
• E07"Ylin,g CollegE Cn,,~dilfO'r Your Pea,re Corps Experience,
available flUm the Iuforrr,[l.tiou Catectiol! and Exchauge
(ICE), describes how Volunteers may earn acade:nie credit for
 training, act-ivities, and accomplislunents dOling thpir service.
Headen; are t.aken step-by-step t.hrough an assessment co seE
how each stage of Sf'r..,k,p ran be documented and pl~sellteu
as e,ridence of credit-worthY leaming. The publication also
rlisrnsses the requircwents colleges l.l'pically establish for
granting credit for life experience.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Groups

There are more t.han 150 geographic and country-oI-service RPCV
groups t.hrough,mt the United States, The goals and objectives
of each group vary. Most groups pubLsh regular newsletters t.o
tighlight s~ecial events such as issue feTUms, oJlnmuni:,y inv'Jlve­
went, and social activities.
Dev€loping ;;duC2tionaL programs that utilize the eXPerienrf" and
knowl€dge of HPCVs to educate Affii'~ricans about thE develop­
ing world is a major goal of many RPCV groups. By sharing the
Peace Corps experience with schools. community groups, and
h lsinesses, RPCVs promote the third goal o[1,he Peace Corps by
hringing thi2- world back home. These groups alsc' participate in
(;OmmLltity servico:; prc;.1ects, develop speakErS' bLreaus, partici­
pate in the Paul D. Coverdeli World Wise SChO,,]S pl'O~raHls) and
suppor: Volunteer projects under the Peaee Corps Partnership
Pro,gram.
The National Peace Corps Association (NPf:A) is :l :nembor
ship-based alumni organization that serves all rEturned Pe1ce
Corps Volunt,f'prs and fermer staff, as well as Peact Corps falT'jIy,
friends, and supporters. The NPCA and its 150+ affiliate groups
pl'oduce globalt:ducaUun and other programs.
For a cllmpletp affiliate group list and t.o regi.-;ter for a 1ree
year of membel'ship upon conclusion of your service, go to:
www.p(:acecorpScOI\ll\::'d.org,

A
ADP
American Diversity Program. This
pro!!ra:n ensures equal employment
oPP0rtunity and enforcement of all
statutes, rule~, ;Jill.! r~gl.(la.tions related
:0 IWII"discri:nination and the broad
spectrum of . \mericans (both Volun­
teers and employees) repl'(-sented ill
the Peace Corps.
Allowances
Payments plOvidec to trainees and
Volunteers that permit. (hem to live
according to the modest s~andards of
the people they serve. These include
walk-"round, settling-in, living, aud
leave allowances.
AD
APeD for adminis~ratl'm, or aumill­
istl'lltive officer; Peace Corps staff
melnber whc lnanages the hudgpr. and
administrative functions if. the co-mtry
of assiloinment.
APeD
AS5~)(iatc Pc",;c Ccrps dtredot'
Corps staHmemher respofLsible for pro­
grmnming, administratkm, and st.:pport
of Vo~unteel' prQjetl.s in-country,
A Few Minor Adjustments
Cross-cultural handbook available to
Volunteers in t.heir countT,"'- of assign­
ment
Glossary
c
Career Information Consultants
Alumni network d RPCVs who can b"
r:;olltacted [ur l1etwprking and ir\form::.­
tional interviews.
Career Resource Manuall
RPCV Handbook
H.e~l)urc:e proviLleti to Volunteers :1',
close-of-service cGnIerences tbt con­
tains infol'mfltion on resume writing,
Internet job sean:hes, interview tech"
niques, a:ld othO'f aspects of career
planning,
CD
CO'JIltry director. Senior Peace Corps
ofticial in tt,e CGllntry :J[ assignmell!,
responsible for ::.~l aspects of LillO Peace
COl'PS' program in that (Ountry,
Continuing Education Guide
Res.)urce trlat contains npd::.ted in­
Io"mation on ~eholalships, tlliUcn
aS3istan..::e, out-c.f-state tuition waivers,
and aeutJcmk credit flw Ppa,:e Corps
service.
PP;J.C('
CorpsCa-e'"'
Private, comprehensive he31th insllr~
anee plan available to Vol\mt,eer.s- after
Ped<::e Corps service.
CDS
Clc,se 01 servi<::e. End of service as a
Poaee C.)rps Voluntper,
 Country Desk Unit
Thl' eOLJl1try dCi>k unit lClK) is tl"P
main liaison bc,t,wccn hea<:lquaileJ'S
and ovr.l'S~as posts. Eac:, CDU supports EAP
post. op-:rat.i0ns in sev",ral countries. Emergency action pla.n. Stntr.gy d2.vpl­
wo!'king with sea:! on nlar.ters related to oped by each 'country to pl'e;:.are for and
admj nistr::t.tion, n:.anagerlent, programs, respor<:J to cris1s situilUons overse%.
and crisis w<J.ll<Jgelllr.:lt. CUUs also
Earning College Credit for 'four
previde hl"orrna(jrjn and assistance
Peace Corps Experience
lo .~lllT-:nr. and porpnti:1] V"]unte<wf.
Resource available frOIT, ICE :hat
their families and friends, and answer
de,crf')es hoI\' Volt.:nteen. can earn
inquiries from tit? genelal public. academic credit for t;'aining, activities,
Crisis Corps !lno accomplishments dming t:1eir
Th(' PeaCt: CrJrps prognrn that mobi Peace Corps 52.rvirp.
lizes RPCVs and COS-i:l.g Volunteers
EEO
to pl'ovidt short-term aid in 5Pverai
Equal EmpluYlflelil Opportunity. fed­
program areas, inclu<:ling recovery
eral pn,gram to ensure 8(pal oppor­
from nalural disasters, humanitarian tunities for aE enlf1]oypes, ~pplicants,
cri~"'~, and post conflict de~·e!opnl~(lt
invitees. trainees, and Volunteers.
assistance.
ET
Culture Matters
Ea rly termina.t:on. An:1 of the four types
I:':ross-cultlll'a) lesollrce given to Volun­
of sepal'ation from sfrvicp otber than
ter.r~ during pre-servicf' t~uining.
COS: l'esignatbn, medical s2paraeion,
cwws interrurted 5ervke, and adm:nistrative
separation.
Paul D. Coverdell World Wisp Sehools
Third-goal initiative that links ~chool
clas;;",!; or 3tuden! groups in tbe U.s.
with cUl'rcntly serving Volunt8ers to par­ F
licipat.e in a COlTcspondt'nce exdlwJge.
FECA
It abo produces f'eac8 COl'ps-rel~terj
F;oderal Employees Compensatk>n Act.
edUCIltional materials for U.S. classl'ooms
l"erleraJ program t~)f both ernp!J.vees and
:lnd is named fO\' th~ 11 ttl drector of the
Voluntet-rs t.ha; provj1es benelits for
Peace Corps.
s'2l"vie".-rE'l\l.t.cd injlJri".3 01 iljl\~~se>;.

FellOWs/USA
D Peace Corps tbird-go~l progl'am that
of:'ers RPCVs the opportunity to work
DOS in I)ndersen·('(i un::us of the Unit.~,.\
DesCliption of Service. O:'ficial Peace St'JI,eS while attending gradnate school
Corps rec.)rd or staterneLt of service for "'hkh tuir.ion has been ....-aiV80 ,W
ror fornler Volunteers. discounted.

"c:r
G
GAD
Ge:l.der and development. Peace Corps'
prc:kGts t tat address tlL!' socic>-l'Ul!UI<Jl
needs and issues of girls, women, men
and boys to en~urp f'c(llitahJE' and
sustainable df've]opmem.
GC
3lLJ cast st.udieD puhlished by the Pp>lI'e
Office of the General Counsel Peacl'
Caps tll'";ldqllartHs oJfire ttla! rnwide,
legal advir:e and assistance comerning
Pe3.cc Co:·ps.
Office of the In.sp'?c!ol' GeneraL An
Gift-in-Kind
Any gin including rpal, personal, mixed,
tangible, or irrtEngible property. Thi3
iIl£'ludes servkb oI tile kind oftell
pWCI!l-e'~ by government eonlr3ct as
nOll-personal sen'ices, such as films,
H'porls. st,udies, and IransportahOII
It does 1I0t mean gifts of money or
vohJlltal7 services.
H information.
HeN
Host, country nationaL Citizen of tt.e
country of assignment
HOR
Home of record. OfIicial horne aduress
for each trainee and Volunteer,
Hotline
Online l'eSOlll'le nel'lsl€ l ter publishtd
twir'e a month by Peace Corp!';' HetuIIlerl
\roluntE'er S,"rvices. It contains o.n
nOllllCfTncn ts from {;mplQyer~ inrerestcrl
in hiring RPCVs and t"rom institutions
oIIerillg educa,k,nal t::r<)gran',s.
ICE
Information Gollel'tioll and Exchallg",.
'[nil of the Cenlel' for Fi,·lrl A~sistame
and Applied Res~arch. The ICE Catalog,
av;:,ilabJ.. on tll€ Peacf: Corp,~ Intranet,
is a bibl:ography of "h8w-to" 'llanuals,
t,aininggllidE's. curricula, lE's~on plans,
I.
Corps and others.
independent entity within the Peace
Corps tn improve the aijency's etotlOrny,
eft"ectivelless. and efficieIlCY; and to
prevent and detect fraud, w;J~t,e, abuse,
and misman.'l.gement.
Invitation Kit
Informat.ion received ,Yhen a prospec­
tive Vo.unt.eer is firsl ilLvil,e,j [,0 sen'"
in the Peate Corps. PClcket includes
the VollJn~,f'(':' Assignment Descrip­
tion as well as OthP.T country-sped fie
1ST
In-sen-ke training. Comporent of [,he
Peace Corps' integrated training system
that continues throughout Volunteer
servICe.
M
Medevac
Mf'dical evacuation. Relocation of
a lrainee or VQlunle,;r to a lOI;RU()fT
wJJlo're appmI:-l'iate 12,'aluation Clnd treat­
ment are available when the medcal
pruhlems arc b",yond the lev'?l (,f~are
avaibble locally.
 OSS
N
Office of Special Services. Peace Corps
lteadquan",rs office that provjde~ assis­
Noncompetitive Eligibility
tance in handling emergencies aJfecting
Onl:' year of lO'ligibility available tor trainees, V(jhJnt,ef'r.~, or their farrjlies.
federal ClnpJo)'meilt thai J-I,:,rmics a
retuned Peace Corps Volunteer with Office or Placement
the minima~ qualEications W apjlly P<;ace Corps h':'dU\jlldrlerS office that
for enploym~nt with a federal agency plans and f1anages the plOcessing and
wit!toJt going through tht' formalities of placement of Peace CorpsappliCfinr,s in
the c'jmperitive pl"()ceMJ. The eligibilit,Y prepJ-ratior for orientati')fl to Volunteer
is ava:lable to Vrj!untt:oers w~o satisfac­ service.
torily eomplete a [ul! tOlJr as wfll a" Ht
the discretion of the Coulltl','" directol',
V<)lul1teers who tlave complHed at. kast
one ,',ear of ~ervice and have ended
p
their service earLy 101' reasons outoide
Partnership Program
their contru!,
Peace Corps pr,jgnrn thallinks private

NPCA sector fina;lcial sJPport to well-de­

Natiorol Pc~cc Corps Assoc:icd,j()ll. A pri­ veloped commun:ly-ba~ed pro.1tCCS

vate, nonpr,Ait, alumni aE>$rJ(.jation that coordinated by a V(,jllntee\·.

serves as the organizatirJnal umbrella PC,

ilnd Vic.sJ:lington, D.C., voice ofretumed

Peace Corps Volunteer. American citizen

Peace Corps V:,!unte",r groups and their

who hil.s <:,ornpleted pre service training

Inembcn.
and ras been sworn-in as J Vo[unt"er.

PCMO

o Peacr Corps medical officer. Peace

Corps staff memhf'r wh,,;s respomible

OMS
for assisting Volunt/?E'rs in maintaining

Office ()fMedical Serv;ces Peace Corps

[heir heaHh while in tile eountI)' of

'leadquurtoo,rs office chat provirk,.; lu\:di­

assignment.

cal screening, in-service health earl',

arid p.)st-serv:ce support to trainces

PST

and Vobnteers.
Pre-service t:'"aining. Period of approx­

imately 8-12 weeh 01 training in

On the Home Front Inngwlge, cIo~:o-c:ullUral, safety, and

Handb00k for families of Volunteers t1lat technical skills that precedes Volun~eer

describes the process )f croS5-cultural service.

adjustment and provides practical ad­
vice for evTlcerns that may arise during
a Volllnti"er's service overr,eas.

OPSI
Office of PlivallO St:c~or InilLatlves.
Peace CJlp.'f headquart,ers office tnat
raises private donor support for Peilfe
Corps proJf'cts in aU countri~s whele
the Peace Corps serves.
ICQ

R
SI\i:lll Project Assistanee. Program that
Readju:slmenl Allowance
Allowance given tu VolLmteels upon
COS to facilitate the transition after
Peace Corps service.
RD
ReglClIl31 director. PeacE Corps efficial in
charge of administering one of the Peace
C'-jrp~' three gE'ogrilphk legion.',; Afrira:
Europe, Mediterranean and A~ia; and
Inter-America and thp Pacific.
Reporting Instructions
Palt, of a staging kit sent to applicants
three to tire weeks /)"IL,! e tht st«lging
event., to inforr.l them of the date, bme,
and location of the event.
RPCV
Returned Peace Cmps Volunteer
RVS
RPrIIl'J.ed Vc,!Jnteer Services. Pe3ce
Corps headquarters omce that provides
career, education, and related assi~­
tance to RPCYJ.
s u
Sato Travel
Travel agency used by thf: Peac:e COI'P5.
SOlicitation
The personal request, writtenor oral, by
a Vo1unteer [or gins in support of a sp~­
cihc project, initiated by his ur Iter host
community, school, 0r organization.
SPA
ccmbim~s the hands-on capabilities
of Pear.:e Curps Volunteers with the
financial resources of USAID to help
communities heir' themselves.
Staging Event
Pre-dep:lrtme orientation. First. stage
of V0lunteer service as a trainee; state­
side introductiou to Volunteer safet.y
,mJ service over.'f'as
Siaging Kit
A packet sent t,oapplican:~ t.hrpe t,o five
weeks before a st[lging ew<nt. This kit
in(-\ude~ reporting instructions, regis­
tration farms, and l)tllel ,[[furmation.
T
Trainee
Prospective Peace Corps Volunteer
during t.he periN} of thE staging event
through the conpletion of pre-service
training,
USAJD
U.S. A~ency for Int.ernational Develop­
ment. Agency of the IJ S. go\'~rnm~nt
that :ldministers foreign assistance pro­
grams () developing m,(ions, indllcling
financial support for the Peace Corps
SPA program,
103
VAD
\"01unl0OT A53ignmcnt D~~lJ ip\.illlL
Profil~ of the project to which the
Peace CorPf> has assignE'J :r. Voinntp,:r
It provide] (l general desclipliull of lIw
Vuluntf'er's ll-ssign:"llcnt.
VFD
VJlunleer FinancicJ Operations. Peace
CJrps headquarters office :hal. adwjn·
iscers r,he J'p;;djuslmelU allowrmcc ror
Volllnteen, provides stud",n: InarL dp!N­
ment t:;ertilteatioIls and verJic,J-tions of
SHYicP. an;j mRintalns Vo]unte8f records
[i:lc!uding DOS).
Welcome Book
PubJu:alll\n included r~s ~ llRL in the
invitation kit r:1at crmtain$ spedfic
infllrmution about the country in wllich
tIle inviteE' will he working,
WID
W()ftlefl in Devl,"'J\lmem Pea':"" Corps
pro,wets lhat address the needs and
issuE'S 0; girls and wnlllen in the social
and eCGllVllli(; i.1f'velopmenC 01 :heir
counlriE'S
 Telephone Nurnbers

The Peace Corps toll-free number is 800.424.8580. To contact the follow­

ing offices tOil-free, select option 2 at the voicemail prompt, and enter
the last four digits of the direct dial number.

Placement Office
Africa Placement Team .. , 202692,1850
Erv\A Placement Team. . 202.692.1875
lAP Placement Team. . 202.692.1835

Host Country
Country Desk Unit, ..... See VAD for contact name
and number (or call the 800
number above and ask for
the specific CX)untryj'

Medical and Dental Clearance

Office of Medical Services ..... _... "'"" .... 202.692.1500
Questions concerning medical billing .. ,.. .... 800.544.1802

Office of Private Sector Initiatives

General line . . ,.. 800.424.8580 x2170 or
202,692.2170

Passports and VisasfTravel Arrangements

Sato Travel Office, Washin9ton, D,C , ... 202,692.1170

Staging
Office 01 Staging . , 202,692.1865

Student Loan DefermenVTaxes

Volunteer Financial Operations .. ,. ..202,692.1770

Family Emergencies
Office of Special Services ........... 202.692.1470

After-Hours Emergencies
(5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.) .. .. 202.638.2574

IU:,