PEACE CORPS RECRUITER COMING TO KEY WEST

 
 

peace corp

The Peace Corps is actively recruiting Key West residents for overseas assignments. An information session has been scheduled at the Monroe County Library, 700 Fleming Street, on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 1- 2pm. The event will be hosted by Steve Hunsicker, the Peace Corps recruiter for South Florida. Hunsicker will be in town to meet with potential volunteers, discuss opportunities and to answer questions.

“Key Westers have a history of serving in the Peace Corps,” Hunsicker said. “Since the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, 36 volunteers have come from Key West, and residents continue to show strong interest in serving. This meeting is open to potential volunteers as well as anyone interested in learning more about the Peace Corps.”

Volunteer opportunities fall into six work areas: Education, Health, Business Development and ICT, Agriculture, Environment and Youth and Community Development. While most Peace Corps assignments require a college degree, there are some positions available for applicants with 3-5 years of relevant work or life experience and a demonstrated interest in public service. Language, cross-cultural and technical training is provided before arriving in country of service. While Peace Corps volunteers should not expect to get rich during their assignments, there are significant perks in serving. For example, all basic expenses are paid, including travel to and from country of service, a monthly living and housing allowance, full dental and medical coverage, 48 paid vacation days and emergency leave for family emergencies. Some categories of student loans may be eligible for deferment or partial cancellation. Upon completion of service, volunteers receive a $ 7,425 “readjustment” allowance (pre-tax). Also, transition and job support services are available, which include advantages in federal employment. Peace Corps service also opens up a number of unique graduate school opportunities.

President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to foster a better understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide. Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more about the Peace Corps.