Peace Corps looking for volunteers
By Stefanie Ickowski


As the semester draws to a close, some Buffalo State College seniors may still be undecided about their post-graduation plans. While it seems like options are limited to going to graduate school or applying for a job, the Peace Corps provides college graduates with the opportunity to gain experience in their field while making a difference in the lives of people in foreign countries.

Amy Nyman , a Peace Corps recruiter who gave a presentation at Buffalo State in March, described the application process, which can take three to nine months to complete, as “a little arduous but well worth it.”

In order to join applicants must:

  • be a U.S. citizen
  • be at least 18 years of age

Most programs require a bachelor's degree, but some programs take into consideration previous volunteer experience, past internships and other relevant skills.

Nyman said that the Peace Corps is “best suited for independent people who aren't afraid of new things.”

Volunteers are given a lot of freedom in arranging their own work schedule, as well as the projects that they take on. Since they are expected to communicate with natives of the host country, volunteers are provided with information about the culture in which they will be living, as well as extensive language training . Nyman said that it took her about two months to become confident with her speaking skills when she volunteered in the Dominican Republic.

Since many of the countries that volunteers visit are underdeveloped, indoor plumbing and electricity are scarce . Nyman made the adjustment quickly and said, “I forgot about life with running water and electricity until I got home.”

The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President Kennedy. Since then more than 170,000 volunteers have served in 137 countries in the areas of:

  • education
  • health and HIV/AIDS
  • environment
  • business development
  • agriculture
  • information technology

The Peace Corps' Web site provides extensive information about the program as well as how to apply.

While living independently in a foreign country may not appeal to some, Nyman promises those who are interested that, “nothing compares to the experience as a Peace Corps volunteer.”
Source: www.peacecorps.gov Interacting with other cultures is a large part of being a volunteer in the Peace Corps. Volunteers are sent around the world to countries such as Belize, Uganda and Fiji.