Do you like…  Eating weird food?  Having a wealth of crazy stories?  Immersing yourself in a foreign culture?  Being outside your comfort zone?  Meeting new people?  Waiting?  Traveling?  Helping people?  Being frustrated? Then you should consider joining the…..

Peace Corps “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love”

To join the Peace Corps, you must:  Be a U.S. Citizen  Be a college graduate or have many years of work experience  Have good health  Be committed to sharing your skill set with a community in another country for two years  Be open-minded and flexible

Benefits of the Peace Corps  Live in a foreign country for two years (not as a tourist-- like a local) -You may quit at any time without penalty  Become fluent in the local language (effort required)  Experience a different culture  Peace Corps pays for everything: airfare, all medical costs, training, living stipend  Peace Corps gives you a $6,000 readjustment allowance when you return

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History of Peace Corps  In 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy gave a speech challenging students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries.  In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship.  Since 1961, more than 195,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation.

Three Goals of the Peace Corps  Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.  Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.  Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Something to think about:  Dept. of Defense 2010 budget: $663.8 billion  Peace Corps 2010 budget: $400 million  The Peace Corps costs 6 cents for every $100 spent on the defense budget.

Types of jobs in the Peace Corps  Education, Youth Outreach, and Community Development Introduce innovative teaching methodologies, encourage critical thinking in the classroom, and integrate issues like health education and environmental awareness into English, math, science, and other subjects. Teach conversational English, English as a foreign language, or content-based English in middle and high schools.  Information Technology Help communities capitalize on technologies by teaching computer and multimedia skills, developing regional databases, and implementing networks for non-governmental organizations, businesses and government offices.  Business Development Focus on increasing family income, improving the environment for businesses, educating young people, and helping businesses find markets for traditional or value-added products.  Environment Lead grassroots efforts to protect the environment, working on projects such as providing potable water to rural and urban communities, alleviating waterborne diseases, establishing forest conservation plans and developing alternatives to wood as a fuel source. Collaborate with various organizations to promote environmental education through projects like recycling, wildlife protection, and park management.

Types of jobs in the Peace Corps (cont.)  Agriculture Volunteers help farmers improve local diets and increase income through farming techniques consistent with environmental conservation. They work with communities and farmers on projects such as implementing agroforestry techniques to improve soil quality and conserve water, fisheries, beekeeping and honey production, organic vegetable gardening, and nutrition education..  Food Security Volunteers address the adverse impact of food shortages. Projects range from fish farming and the introduction of small scale irrigation systems to improved food processing and marketing of food. Volunteers also help address food availability and nutrition through a variety of projects, including building school gardens, growing agricultural microenterprises, and educating others about good nutrition.  Health Health Volunteers educate and promote awareness issues such as malnutrition and safe drinking water.  HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Volunteers provide education and meaningful assistance to communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Long term benefits of serving in the Peace Corps  Good memories, lasting friendships  Greater awareness of the world beyond the USA  Better understanding of the challenges facing developing countries  Feeling that “If I survived those two years, I can survive anything.”

For more information   Mrs. Arcaro  Recommended Reading:

Peace Corps Expo: Saturday, April 30 th Raleigh Convention Center 2:00-5:00pm  Peace Corps Recruiter Chat (2:00- 3:00) Let returned Peace Corps volunteers inspire you to make a difference as they share stories and photos from their services abroad. This workshop is for anyone interested in becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. Returned volunteers and Peace Corps recruiters will answer questions about life abroad, the application process, eligibility requirements and benefits of service. Family and friends are also welcome to attend.  “Around the World” Exhibits (3:00-5:00) Hear firsthand from Returned Peace Corps Volunteers about their experiences and projects. Peace Corps’ 50 th Anniversary Celebration

Namibia  Namibia Picture set 1 Picture set 2 Picture set 1 Picture set 2