Cross-Cultural Solutions or the Peace Corps?

"I really thank CCS for taking me to this next step in life. Without my amazing experience in Peru, there's no way I would have known that I was willing to (and truly wanting to) do a 27-month program with the Peace Corps. Now I can't imagine wanting to do anything else."

Sarah Bartlett, Lima and Ayacucho volunteer

What are some of the differences between CCS and the Peace Corps?

Start Date & Length of Stay

The Peace Corps usually requires a minimum 2 year commitment. You will begin on a start date based on the country to which you are assigned.

At Cross-Cultural Solutions you can choose to volunteer from 1 to 12 weeks, and from start dates year-round. The CCS experience ensures that you get the most out of your experience in a relatively short period of time.

Requirements

To join the Peace Corps, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old; most Peace Corps volunteers have a college degree. Married couples are required to participate together, and those with dependents generally cannot participate.

Since CCS is an independent not-for-profit organization, we are able to welcome a wide range of participants to our programs. We accept citizens of any country, and from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Families with young children and groups are welcome, and 16 and 17 year-olds can participate under supervision as well.

Application Process

Peace Corps volunteers make a formal application to the Peace Corps that includes a medical review process, and not all people who apply are accepted.

CCS does not have a formal application process; you may enroll online or by contacting us today.

Safety and Security

Peace Corps volunteers stay with people from the local community for their first three months in-country and then, in many cases, find their own accommodation.

All CCS volunteers live together in a Home-Base, and have constant access to in-country staff, who are always locally born and based. In-country staff coordinates your volunteer placement, prepares healthy and safe meals and snacks, and provides you with safe transportation to all volunteer placement sites and cultural and learning activities.

Affiliations

The Peace Corps is an agency of the United States government and is funded by U.S. tax-payers.

Cross-Cultural Solutions is an independent not-for-profit organization. We do not seek funding from religious, corporate or government agencies; this allows us to remain completely independent, focusing our efforts on serving the needs and goals of the community.

What are some of the main similarities between CCS and the Peace Corps?

The Peace Corps was a source of inspiration and an integral part of our founder’s story. After volunteering alongside a friend who was working for the Peace Corps, Steve Rosenthal wanted to make volunteering abroad available to those who were interested in a short-term option.

Experience

Both CCS and the Peace Corps now have many years of experience in operating highly successful international volunteer programs, and they share similar missions and philosophies. We are both dedicated to creating opportunities for people of different cultures to share perspectives and foster cultural understanding. We also share a commitment to provide volunteers and service in the local communities, rather than financial aid or material contributions.

Orientation

Once in-country, volunteers with the Peace Corps and CCS both enjoy a detailed and comprehensive orientation. Many of our in-country staff members have worked directly for the Peace Corps in their careers.

Alumni Network

When you return from volunteering abroad, participation with either organization will be an invaluable addition to your resume, and you will be welcomed into an alumni network across the globe.

Which organization is right for you?

You may find that you’re interested in both organizations. If you are interested in the Peace Corps, but hesitant to commit two or more years, a CCS program is an excellent way to experience international volunteering.