the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement: "Only 1 out of every 4 applicants to the Peace Corps is accepted" (U.S. Congress, 1990, p. 11). The minimum amount of education expected for competitive candidates varies, but a bachelor's degree is suggested. Teaching experience is preferred, but not required. In general, the more professional work experience, the better. Study of a foreign language is an important factor in determining competitiveness.
Such a scarcity of recruits exists in certain skill areas that sometimes volunteers are accepted who do not have college degrees. The technical programs in skilled trade and agriculture are examples. Experienced carpenters, masons, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and welders are constantly in short supply. Likewise, agriculturalists with solid backgrounds in farming, gardening, or agribusinesses are sorely needed. Thus a minimum of three to five years of related work experience is required to qualify for service in these areas.
Besides educational and professional criteria, Peace Corps volunteers must meet certain personal requirements. Only U.S. citizens over the age of 18 may volunteer. The applicant must not be or have been involved in intelligence organizations. Nor can the applicant have dependents. Although during the 1960s the majority of Peace Corps volunteers were under 30, current volunteers reflect a much wider age range: "the percentage of volunteers and trainees under 26 years of age has decreased substantially--from a high of about 88 percent in fiscal year 1969 to about 52 percent in fiscal year 1988" (U.S. Congress, 1990, p. 46).
The normal tour of duty for the Peace Corps, after training, is two years. Most volunteers spend an average of 27 months on an overseas assignment. Volunteers receive living-expense allowances and other benefits, free travel, medical and dental insurance, and language training. Although the economic benefits are minima...