Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1960, approximately 200,000 Peace Corps volunteers have been invited by 140 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to environmental preservation.

Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in essential, emerging areas such as information technology and business development. Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

To serve in the Peace Corps a person must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries.

The Peace Corps’ mission has three simple goals:

1. Help the communities of interested countries meet their need for trained people.
2. Help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served.
3. Help promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.

The University of Oregon ranks in the top 25 of Peace Corps volunteer-producing institutions, with more than 1,300 graduates serving since 1961. To be most competitive upon graduation, it is best to connect with the Peace Corps Recruiter no later than the beginning of your graduation year. Working with the recruiter will give you the guidance you need to leave for your service as soon as possible and be most competitive.