Why I Introduced The Campaign Of The Peace Corps

Mallory Abell
Grieman
Lit/Comp G2
28 January 2014
The Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is an agency that has been helping people around the world for years. They send volunteers to help countries in need of services. The Peace Corps offers many opportunities for American citizens to take. Many volunteers come back satisfied from their trip. The history, the process of getting in, being accepted, and life before and after the Peace Corps is a challenge and experience that many American volunteers can have.
In 1960, October 14, John F. Kennedy came to the University of Michigan and introduced the campaign of the Peace Corps. He stood in front of 5,000 students encouraging them to contribute two years of their lives to their country helping others
There is a lot to prepare for. It is recommended to research the country you will be moving to in order to prepare for what you need to bring. Volunteers are only allowed to bring 80 pounds of luggage, unless you are going to a colder climate then it is 102 pounds. It can be overwhelming to pack this little for two years, but volunteers can send items too. The key to packing for the Peace Corps is to pack light and save room for souvenirs. The country that you will be going to will have essentials that you can buy. It is also recommended that you bring your favorite books, games, pictures, and items that remind you of home. Some necessities are basic clothes, money, a water purifier, a sleeping bag, and other things you would bring on a camping trip. The Peace Corps advises you to not bring any electronics such as laptops, tablets, and cellphones. It all depends on your living
Before volunteers settle in to their new homes, they go through training. New volunteers live with host families for three months while they go through the program. Training applies to all of the job categories such as agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development. It is an experience where volunteers make friends, learn about a different culture, and learn skills that they will need for the two years to come. For many volunteers the lifestyle varies. If you are working the businesses side of the Peace Corps than you will most likely be in a more established region with running water and electricity compared to some one working in health care for sick people with Ebola in a poor village. Volunteers find their life simple and fun. They get to know their fellow neighbors and adjust to the new culture. Some volunteers live with other volunteers and some live independently. The Peace Corps pays its volunteers monthly or quarterly. The range of payment is usually between 200 to 300 dollars. It is your choice how you spend your money. A fraction of it goes for food and other essentials such as soap or towels. The rest of the money can go towards souvenirs, a pet, or someone coming once a week to clean your house. Depending on your program, the days and hours you work can differ. Each volunteer is given 48 days of vacation throughout