Cross-Cultural Solutions and the Peace Corps offer two distinct kinds of cultural immersion and volunteer placement experiences. CCS is an independent, international not-for-profit organization offering volunteer abroad programs and the Peace Corps is a governmental agency that provides volunteer abroad opportunities specifically for U.S. citizens. Here’s some more information to help you decide which one is right for you.
Similarities between CCS and the Peace Corps
CCS has a considerable amount of praise and admiration for all the work Peace Corps and its volunteers have done around the word to provide technical assistance and advance cross-cultural understanding. In fact, the Peace Corps was a source of inspiration and is an integral part of our founder’s story. After working alongside a friend who was volunteering for the Peace Corps, Steve Rosenthal wanted to make volunteering abroad available to those who were interested in a short-term option. Many CCS staff members have even volunteered with or worked directly for the Peace Corps during their careers.
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Approach: We share similar missions and philosophies—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 in a sustainable way, rather than financial aid or material contributions.
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Pre-departure support: We both provide quality resources to prepare for the logistical needs and cultural learning, and personal attention to support volunteers and set proper expectations prior to departure.
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Orientation: Once in-country, volunteers with the Peace Corps and CCS both receive a comprehensive orientation to encourage cross-cultural adjustment.
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Volunteer placement: Volunteer work is carefully chosen based on how your skills and interests match the needs of a particular community organization. Both CCS and the Peace Corps provide the specific placement for you.
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Network of former volunteers: 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.
Differences between CCS and the Peace Corps
Though CCS and the Peace Corps share a common approach to international development and volunteerism, each offers unique opportunities to get involved.
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Start date and length of stay: The Peace Corps requires a two-year commitment serving in a country and starting on a date that’s chosen for you based on a combination of your skills, interest, and the needs of the host nation. At CCS, you can choose to volunteer from one to twelve 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.
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Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old to join the Peace Corps, though successful applicants typically possess at least an undergraduate degree as well. Also, those with dependents are not allowed to bring them. CCS’ program structure provides a way for participants of all ages, skills, and backgrounds from any country to experience our programs. Families with young children and groups are welcome, and 16 and 17 year-olds can also volunteer independently in our Teen Volunteer Abroad program.
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Funding: The Peace Corps is 100% cost-free for U.S. citizens. In exchange for two years of service, Peace Corps volunteers are provided air transportation, in-country training, a modest living allowance, comprehensive medical care, and a post-service readjustment allowance. Participation in CCS programs requires the payment of a program fee that covers the cost of pre-departure materials and support, in-country lodging, all meals, cultural activities, ground transportation, and a personalized volunteer placement. Many people fundraise part or all of the program fee.
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Locations: The Peace Corps operates in over 70 countries; applicants can choose a region but the country is chosen by the Peace Corps. CCS offers a mix of urban and rural sites which volunteers may choose from, among 12 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
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Application process: Peace Corps volunteers make a formal application to the Peace Corps that includes a comprehensive interview and medical clearance process, and can typically take up to one year. With the exception of teenagers interested in our Teen Volunteer Abroad program, CCS does not have a formal application process for our Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad, or Insight Abroad programs. Depending on the CCS program site you choose, you can enroll between one and eight weeks prior to your start date.
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Housing: Peace Corps volunteers stay with people from the local community during their pre-service training in-country and then live independently in modest housing located in communities throughout their country of service. CCS volunteers live together in a Home-Base throughout their volunteer experience.
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Affiliations: The Peace Corps is an agency of the United States government and is funded by U.S. taxpayers. CCS is an independent not-for-profit organization founded in 1995, with no political or religious affiliations whose funding comes from program fees.
Which Experience 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 in a short period of time.
