News
A Volunteer’s Reflection from Cuenca, Ecuador
Immersing myself in Ecuadorian culture has given me a new perspective on priorities, balance, and communication as I experience different interpretations of time, courtesies, and welcome. By Caroline Williams (PCV Ecuador 2023—present) Since taking an extended volunteer trip in a completely new culture far from home six years ago, I have been curious about a long-term, service-based cultural exchange program. The Peace Corps was the perfect opportunity to merge my love for service with a passion for cultural immersion and community building—all while representing my country. Little did I know how much my time serving as a Health and Wellbeing...
Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Ethiopia
Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Ethiopia Due to ongoing security concerns, the Peace Corps will close its country program in Ethiopia, with no plans to return Volunteers in the foreseeable future. There are currently no Volunteers serving in the country; however, since 2021, 129 Americans have participated virtually with Ethiopian partner organizations. Since 1962, more than 4,000 Americans have served in Ethiopia, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service, friendship, and shared progress. Read more from the Peace Corps Press Release below. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Ethiopia The...
Cancellation of Incoming Cohorts to Cameroon and Kyrgyz Republic
Cancellation of Incoming Cohorts to Cameroon and Kyrgyz Republic Due to agency-wide restructuring and recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency, the Peace Corps has cancelled the June 2025 volunteer cohorts for Cameroon and the Kyrgyz Republic. While current operations remain active, new Volunteers will not depart as scheduled. The Peace Corps remains committed to its partnerships in both countries and to supporting Volunteers through continued collaboration and connection. Read more from the Peace Corps Press Release below. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Cancellation of Incoming Cohorts to Cameroon and Kyrgyz Republic As part of agency’s restructuring of...
In Honor of the Fallen: A Memorial Day Reflection on Peace Corps Volunteers
Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps. Among them, 309 made the ultimate sacrifice—losing their lives while serving in countries far from home. This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women in uniform and remember those who wore no military badge, carried no weapon, and yet gave their lives in service to peace. These fallen Peace Corps Volunteers were teachers, health workers, environmentalists, and friends. They believed that lasting peace begins with understanding, and they crossed oceans and borders with open hearts. In remote villages, bustling towns, and coastal communities, they worked...
Town Hall Summaries and an NPCA Call to Action!
Town Hall Summaries and an NPCA Call to Action! Over 700 people attended two National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) virtual town hall meetings on May 15th, following news of significant staffing cuts planned for the Peace Corps. After providing updates on the current status and future of the agency, NPCA issued a call for nationwide, positive public actions in support of the Peace Corps and its current and future Volunteers. An outline of targeted action dates was shared, spanning the next four months. [While NPCA has worked to verify the following information, it does not speak on behalf of the...
35 Senators Sign Peace Corps Funding Letter
With a quick turnaround, we needed swift, steady action to urge your Senators to sign the annual Peace Corps funding letter. You delivered. We had less than a week. But in that time, well over 6,000 messages were sent to members of the United States Senate, asking them to sign the annual Peace Corps Funding letter, which was authored this year by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). On the afternoon of May 22, Senator Booker submitted the letter – addressed to leaders of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for State/Foreign Operations – requesting $479 million for the Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2026—an...
Pictures Worth a Thousand Words
During my Peace Corps service, I took 4,807 photos. Photos of friends, family, places, moments, and people I never want to forget. By Jade Johnson-Pittman In almost every Timorese household, framed photos capture times and celebrations, so they are never forgotten. Memories are easy to bring forth and reminisce about. My host family’s house has pictures of graduations, events, and family ties that my younger host brother and sister would ask about repeatedly. Sometimes they would look at pictures on my phone of my younger brothers and sisters in the US and ask the same questions, wanting to hear the...
5 Job Interview Questions Peace Corps Will Help You Ace
For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers navigating the current job market, this article is a must read. The Peace Corps provides volunteers with an incredible opportunity to learn more about different cultures and develop practical experience. This Peace Corps article lists five common job interview questions and helps Returned Peace Corps Volunteers use their practical skills developed in the Peace Corps to stand out in the workforce. With the current state of the job market and the increasingly high standards for employees, being able to make an impression in an interview is crucial. The memorable stories that volunteers gain from their...
We Invite You to a Town Hall Discussion
How Do We Respond to Peace Corps Staff Cuts? Join NPCA Town Halls on May 15. The Peace Corps community has important questions following recent reports of staff cuts at the agency. These changes could have serious implications for volunteer recruitment, training, and in-service support. National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) invites you to a Virtual Town Hall Discussion📅 Date: Thursday, May 15🕚 Time Options: 11:00 AM or 7:00 PM (Eastern Time)📍 Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration) We’ll discuss: What the staff cuts mean for the future of the Peace Corps How they may affect the agency’s capacity to...
Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Mozambique
The Peace Corps is closing its program in Mozambique. Due to ongoing security and operational challenges, Volunteers will not return in the foreseeable future. At present, there are no currently serving Volunteers. Since 1998, over 1,400 Americans served in Health and Education—leaving a legacy of friendship that will endure. Read more from the Peace Corps Press Release below. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 9, 2025 Peace Corps to Close Country Program in Mozambique The Peace Corps has announced that the agency will close its country program in Mozambique. After nearly three decades of close partnership with the people and...