peace corps costa rica

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Since that time, nearly 200,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation.

Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and committing more than 1,000 new Volunteers as a part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

Highlights

 A Call to Serve

By: Meghan McAuliffe

In May 2007, my soul began speaking to me in a very gentle whisper, telling me that it was time. I tried to ignore the calling but it soon became apparent that I had no choice but to listen and to act. I finally embraced the messages that were pointing me towards joining the Peace Corps and in February 2008, I sold my possessions, said goodbye to family and friends and left for Costa Rica. My dream of serving as a Peace Corps volunteer had finally come true. More

back to top ^