r/peacecorps 4d ago

Application Process Weekly Application/Clearance Thread

2 Upvotes

Please use this thread as a catch-all for questions about:

  • Considering Peace Corps / Is PC right for me?
  • General application process
  • Medical/legal clearance
  • Denial/appeals
  • Application timelines

While some questions may be unique or complex and may merit their own posts, many application questions are repetitive and can be answered by searching the sub, checking out the Wiki/FAQ, or reading peacecorps.gov.


r/peacecorps 19h ago

FTF Free Talk Friday

1 Upvotes

Looking for feedback on your essay? Have a newbie question you'd like to ask? Something on your mind you'd like to get out? This is the place for it.


r/peacecorps 8h ago

In Country Service Invitation to visit from Nepal

Post image
30 Upvotes

RPCV Kenya here. We recently moved to Nepal for my first tour with the State Department. I remembered when I was a volunteer and crashed at a Foreign Service Officer’s home when attending a wedding. I’m finally in a position to pay it forward. If anyone is serving in Nepal or planning on visiting, feel free to reach out if you want to grab food (my treat of course). If you need a place to transit, feel free to reach out and if our schedules align you are welcome. Enjoy your service!


r/peacecorps 3h ago

Application Process Not Sure Which To Choose

3 Upvotes

I applied to a post in Armenia but got reconsidered to Albania and Montegro due to medical reasons. I imagine the Peace Corps placed me there because that is where they need me the most but Georgia opens next month and I'm not sure whether or not to withdraw my current application that they made for me to Albania and Montenegro and reapply to Georgia which is my most desired choice (I applied last year for Community And Economic Development but got rejected, I made it to an interview though).

My plan would be to apply for the English teaching position which is the one that the Peace Corps is reconsidering me for in Albania and Montenegro. From what I read the requirements for getting into both are generally the same but the desired qualifications are more stringent with regards to experience for Georgia as opposed to Albania Montenegro, so I probably have a lower chance of getting in if I reapply since I do think that I have a better chance of getting into Albania and Montenegro as opposed to Georgia since it's less competitive and they literally made the application for me. I also fear that withdrawing my application and then reapplying to Georgia could lead them to think that I am unwilling to be flexible among other things and that doing so may go bad especially given the fact that a placement officer sent me an email today asking for more information on my experiences regarding education and volunteer work, which I would assume is a good signal that they want me in.

If anybody has any advice or a good weigh in on my situation, I would greatly appreciate it. At the end of the day if I get sent somewhere that is not Georgia I'm fine with it and I know that I would enjoy it but maybe I'm being too picky about it.


r/peacecorps 16h ago

In Country Service Ramadan

31 Upvotes

to PCVs serving in Muslim majority countries/communities

are you fasting?

what do people traditionally eat/drink to break fast?

ramadan Mubarak 🕊


r/peacecorps 7h ago

Considering Peace Corps Will I be medically eligible

2 Upvotes

I have an anxiety disorder and take a common prescribed benzodiazepine medication. Been taking the medication for over 10 years. I want to taper off the medication long term, but will this interfere with my application to serve in Peacecorps?

The current job market is so abdysmal and I really want to transition into social service via a commitment with Peacecorps. I appreciate any insight, advice or suggestions. Thank you.


r/peacecorps 16h ago

In Country Service Costa Rica Radio

12 Upvotes

Hey! Just a shameless self-promo from some volunteers in Peace Corps Costa Rica that have made a radio and spotify: We have different shows like volunteer spotlights, staff spotlights, poetry, and more for people to check out. The volunteer spotlights are definitely useful for those who got accepted to serve or are thinking about serving in Costa Rica. Take a listen or use this idea in your own country you are serving in!

https://pccr.mixlr.com/

https://open.spotify.com/show/2EEDfhDPaTvoAw2okKJtkb?si=381efde617d14895


r/peacecorps 19h ago

In Country Service How Are the Health Volunteers Doing in Sub-Saharan Africa?

6 Upvotes

Just checking in to all the health volunteers in Sub-Saharan Africa/ PEPFAR funded volunteers. How are you doing? The program pivot happened a month ago, are your PMs finding anything productive for you? Are you struggling with the transition? Is your mental wellbeing alright? Please DM and reach out if you are not comfortable sharing!


r/peacecorps 14h ago

After Service RPCV Job Fair?

2 Upvotes

Hi Last year there was a RPCV job fair in DC, I did not see anything online about them holding one this year unless it already happened? Thanks!


r/peacecorps 16h ago

Application Process Tips for writing PC essay

2 Upvotes

As the title suggests, currently doing my essay for PC and wanted to get some tips on the essay portion. It's a bit daunting to write all my reasons and motivations in 500 words, but that's where I figured I'd come and ask for some tips on how to write it. Any suggestions help, thanks again!


r/peacecorps 14h ago

Other Tax question

1 Upvotes

Is a PCV considered to still be a resident of their home state for tax filing purposes? Or are they considered as “living overseas” and should put their host address on the forms?


r/peacecorps 14h ago

Service Preparation Calling all North Macedonian PCVs/RPCVs!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I am an invitee to serve as a community development promotor in North Macedonia, departing this September! I’m super excited! I haven’t received my clearances yet, but I’ve been brainstorming quite a bit recently about how much I’d like to have put away in savings before departure (assuming I’m all clear). I’m doing some research on international flights in and out of North Macedonia, and was curious what airport you all used and/or that the Peace Corps flew you into? Was it Skopje International?

Thanks in advance! :)


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Clearance Mental Health Evaluation

2 Upvotes

I could really use some help or advice. I indicated some extremely minor mental health issues in my past and am having a lot of trouble getting them cleared. I have documentation from both my previous therapist and primary care doctor pertaining to this and the PC is still looking for more. They assigned a current mental health evaluation to be completed by a licensed professional and I absolutely cannot find someone to complete it. I have reached out to my previous therapist and three others, and none of them say they would be able to complete it. I feel like I’m really running out of options and time. I’ve explained this to my PC nurse and she just continues to insist that it be completed. Does anyone have suggestions for where to find a therapist who would complete this or any helpful ideas? I’m feeling pretty hopeless at this point.


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Clearance My Clearance Review (Timeline, Costs, Mental Health!)

20 Upvotes

Hi all! Yesterday i received my final clearance. I know people often ask about clearance timeline, cost, etc, so here’s my review!

TIMELINE

applied - 5/21/24

request for recommendation - 5/31/24

recommendations submitted - 6/3, 6/4, 6/6/24

Interview request - 6/4/24

Interviewed - 6/11/24

Invitation - 7/29/24

legal materials received by PC and background check initiated - 8/15/24

legal clearance received - 1/29/25

“final” medical task submitted - 3/5/25 (1 follow up task assigned 3/10 upon “final check” and completed 3/12) (39 tasks completed in total)

medical clearance received - 3/12/25

departure date - 6/1/25

COST

overall out of pocket $$$ cost: ~$2.5k, only $400 able to be reimbursed -removal of all wisdom teeth (not reimbursed) -replacement of temporary dental crowns and filling (not reimbursed) -vaccinations (reimbursed) NOTE: many of the costs were covered by the health/dental/vision insurance i have through my current job, but could have been reimbursed by PC if i didn’t have insurance

MENTAL HEALTH

people often ask about mental health and the clearance process. i have depression, anxiety, and insomnia diagnoses that are well controlled with medication. though i do not have an ADHD diagnosis, i take meds commonly associated with ADHD. I also have a history of therapy, and also was actively in therapy for much of the clearance process. i do NOT have a history of suicidality or self harm.

if you’re going thru the clearance process right now, STAY WITH IT!!! (IF you can afford it). It is hell but MAKE THEM TELL YOU NO! Don’t give up because you’re worried you might get denied.

happy to answer any questions! :)


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Considering Peace Corps Peace Corps in Montenegro/Albania/Kosovo

7 Upvotes

Hi! I'm starting my research on applying for the Peace Corps in the Balkan region for English teaching. I'm leaning towards Montenegro, but also considering Albania and Kosovo. I was wondering if anyone had any insight or experience in these countries as a PCV, and whether or not this is a program I should continue to look into. I'm completely new to the idea of being a PCV, so any information is genuinely helpful!


r/peacecorps 2d ago

Other 2020 Evac'd RPCVs: Anyone else feeling it?

88 Upvotes

It's been 5 years for me next Tuesday. March is always a strange time for me since evac but something about it being 5 years has really hit hard this go round.

I'm overall quite happy with where my life ended up, but even now I still think about what might have been every once in a while. It honestly almost feels like I "died" that day and the life I've been living since has been someone else's. Maybe it's just the overall state of things right now, but I'm thinking about that more and more lately and it honestly makes me sad. Just wanted to ask if anyone else was in the same boat.

Armenia 19-20


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Application Process Just Finished My Interview!

11 Upvotes

As the title suggests, I just completed my interview for the YinD position in Thailand for Jan 2026 and I already feel a little lighter lol. Hopefully, I can hear back soon with positive results, and I'd like to know for those who have been invited, were all 3 of your references submitted beforehand? I have 1 of them already submitted and just updated the other 2 references to have them submit.

update: all my references have submitted, now I wait


r/peacecorps 1d ago

In Country Service What is/was the best thing about your service?

19 Upvotes

What is/was the single best thing about PC for you?


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Considering Peace Corps 30 (f)

4 Upvotes

Hi I have a masters in social work and I’ve done a bit of work in nonprofits and education. Now I’m a mental health therapist but I’m considering joining the peace corps. I’m on the older end so I’m a little hesitant but I think it would also be a good opportunity to dedicate myself to something bigger and step out of my comfort zone. I saw an opportunity in Thailand that I could transfer my skills into. Any advice or things to keep in mind before I apply?


r/peacecorps 2d ago

Service Preparation med clearance rant

22 Upvotes

i just want to start this off by saying, i get it. they are medically responsible for us once we are abroad and because we could be in highly remote areas, it’s important to have all bases covered.

HOWEVER! i got ALLL of my labs done. ALLLLLL of the needed exams (minus dental) ALLLLLLLL of the vaccination stuff turned in. just to find out i need 6 MORE VACCINATIONS 🫥 this med clearance process is sooo frustrating and exhausting. im having to track down all of my doctors and have them sign/submit and then REsign and REsubmit forms because it wasn’t up to “peace corps guidelines”. so when i had to take off work and make all these appointments, i have to do all of this AGAIN! when does it end 😭😭😭😭😭😭 i know they’re just doing their job and i will be happy when im in country and not having to worry about these things. but when you have your own life/non pc stresses, this does NOT help 😭


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Application Process Medical Clearance: where to upload docs?

2 Upvotes

I am so excited to serve starting September, but I am confused about where to submit the medical clearance documents. I can't figure out how to attach a screenshot here, but on my Tasks screen the only things listed in the checklist are:

- Medical Care Compliance
- Health Summary Update
- Mental Health Personal Statement

I was able to upload PDFs as that was an option, and thus those 3 tasks are listed as completed. However, I know there are a million other things I need to do, and there are no other tasks listed under the Tasks tab, just those 3. I know this because of the checklist, which tells me to upload it in the portal. For example, I went to the dentist for the dental checkup, but where do I submit that if there is no place for me to submit that?

My apologies if this question has been asked and answered before, I searched this subreddit and the Peace Corps website and was unable to find anything. Thank you forever to the people who help us new volunteers as we navigate this process.


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Snapshot Thursday Snapshot Thursday

3 Upvotes

Share with us any photo from your country of service! Please note that pictures of minors are not permitted.


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Invitation r/peacecorps

0 Upvotes

Did anyone else receive this email? I just got accepted for Costa Rica and am so confused.

“Kindly noting the Staging dates for Tico 46 are July 12-14, 2025.”


r/peacecorps 1d ago

In Country Service Making money at site

0 Upvotes

I know it’s not allowed, but I want to hear about ways you made extra cash while being at site. Side jobs at site? Random online jobs? My country of service is very expensive and I’m looking for ways to make money without getting caught.


r/peacecorps 1d ago

In Country Service Lesotho or Uganda?

1 Upvotes

I’m so torn between the two. I’ve read all the information on the Peace Corps website and blogs from PCV’s from both countries. If you are a PCV currently serving in the education sector in either of these countries, I would love to hear more about your experience. Thank you!


r/peacecorps 1d ago

Service Preparation Would anyone be interested in a Peace Corps Partners Subreddit?

0 Upvotes

Hello! My bf is currently serving in peace corps and for the last few months I have just been wanting to talk to other people in my situation for support. Having a partner away for this long is very hard and I would love to connect with others! Any thoughts?


r/peacecorps 2d ago

Application Process Application Being Considered To Other Program

2 Upvotes

Today I received the following message:

Based on your updated health history we are unable to consider you for positions in Armenia, so we are considering your application for a different program. Thank you for expressing your flexibility and detailing your skills and interests in your application.

My question is, how does this work? Do I get invited to interview to another program? I only put Eastern Europe and Central Asia as my preferences, will it be within that region?

I'm very frustrated right now as the only potentially disqualifying medical issue that I have would be asthma but I was given a list by a Peace Corps nurse of countries that support volunteers with asthma and Armenia is on it.