THE PEACE CORPS 

WELCOMES YOU TO

BURKINA FASO

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

December 2015
MAP OF BURKINA FASO

Cover Photo:

Natalie Moore, Burkina Faso PCV 2012–14

1st Place in the 2014 Viewfinder Photo Contest

Photographer’s comment: “On Christmas Day, I was inside a church celebrating the holiday with the local Catholic 

population when I saw this young Muslim girl looking through the wall of the church. Having just arrived in the 

Muslim-majority village a few days earlier, I was amazed at how peacefully the different religious groups coexist.” 
A WELCOME LETTER

Bienvenue! We invite you to join the Peace Corps/Burkina Faso team. During your service as a Peace 

Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso you will have the privilege of experiencing the colorful, dynamic, and 

welcoming country of Burkina Faso and her people! The country possesses a rich culture and history, and 

its people comprise 60 ethnic groups. The people of Burkina Faso, known as Burkinabè, are renowned for 

their tolerance and acceptance of ethnic and religious diversity, with Islam, Christianity, and indigenous 

animist beliefs all being practiced. The name Burkina Faso is a combination of two local languages, 

mooré (Burkina = man of integrity) and dioula (Faso = father’s house or homeland). Thus, Burkina Faso 

is the “Land of the Upright/Honorable People.” Burkinabè take pride in the fact that they are known for 

their integrity as well as their hospitality. On the African continent, Burkina Faso has a stellar reputation 

for the arts, including traditional music, dance, singing, mask festivals, and more. Burkina Faso hosts the 

Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou and the International Arts and Crafts Show, 

two major international events that highlight Burkina Faso as a country devoted to cultivating the arts. 

Artists and art connoisseurs from all over the world attend these events.

The Peace Corps has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the people of Burkina Faso since the 

first Volunteers arrived in 1967. The Peace Corps briefly ceased operations in Burkina Faso in 1987 due 

to host government development goals no longer aligning with the Peace Corps’ mission. However, the 

Peace Corps was invited back in 1995 to begin a community health project, followed by the establishment 

of education and small enterprise development projects. Burkinabè communities have hosted over 2,100 

Peace Corps Volunteers since 1967, carrying out meaningful development work built upon a strong 

foundation of cross-cultural understanding, community ownership, and the individual and collective 

strengths of the communities served. The Peace Corps’ programmatic priorities align with those of the 

government of Burkina Faso and the U.S. Department of State Mission through three primary sectors: 

Community Health, Community Economic Development (CED), and Education. Additionally, the Peace 

Corps trains and supports all Volunteers and their community partners to address important cross-cutting 

development areas, leveraging global partnerships and resources to improve food security and nutrition, 

promote malaria prevention and youth development, support HIV/AIDS prevention, and foster integration 

of gender equality into development activities.

Our Volunteers are dedicated to promoting sustainable development, building the capacity of the local 

population, and enhancing mutual understanding on the part of Americans and Burkinabès. Our 

Volunteers collaborate with their community partners to address development priorities with an emphasis 

on community ownership and community resources. Peace Corps/Burkina Faso ensures that our 

remarkable Volunteers have the training and support they need to be successful in service through the 

assistance of a qualified team of dynamic staff. It is truly an honor and privilege to work with such a 

highly committed team of Volunteers and staff members. We celebrate our daily work with the people of 

Burkina Faso to build the long-term development capacity of the communities we serve. We will never 

cease to honor the valiant people of Burkina Faso and our host communities for their hard work, their 

warmth, and unsurpassed hospitality.

Sincerely,

Keith Hackett, Ph.D.

Country Director

Peace Corps/Burkina Faso

RPCV Mali, 1992–95
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Core Expectations for Peace Corps Volunteers............................................................................... 1

Peace Corps/Burkina Faso History and Programs............................................................................ 2

History of the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso................................................................................ 2

Peace Corps Programming in Burkina Faso................................................................................ 2

Country Overview: Burkina Faso at a Glance................................................................................. 3

History................................................................................................................................. 3

Government.......................................................................................................................... 3

Economy.............................................................................................................................. 3

People and Culture................................................................................................................. 3

Resources for Further Information................................................................................................ 4

General Information About Burkina Faso .................................................................................. 4

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees................................................................. 5

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Burkina Faso.............................................................. 5

International Development Sites About Burkina Faso.................................................................. 5

Recommended Books............................................................................................................. 6

Books About the History of the Peace Corps .......................................................................... 6

Books on the Volunteer Experience....................................................................................... 6

Books About Burkina Faso.................................................................................................. 6

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle..................................................................................... 7

Communications.................................................................................................................... 7

Housing and Site Location....................................................................................................... 7

Living Allowance and Money Management............................................................................... 8

Food and Diet........................................................................................................................ 8

Transportation ....................................................................................................................... 8

Social Activities..................................................................................................................... 9

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior........................................................................................ 9

Personal Safety...................................................................................................................... 9

Rewards and Frustrations.......................................................................................................10

Peace Corps Training ................................................................................................................11

Peace Corps Training Continuum ............................................................................................11

Technical Training ................................................................................................................12

Language Training ................................................................................................................13

Cross-Cultural Training .........................................................................................................13

Health Training.....................................................................................................................13

Safety and Security Training...................................................................................................13
YOUR HEALTH CARE IN BURKINA fASO..............................................................................14

Health Issues in Burkina Faso.................................................................................................14

Helping You Stay Healthy......................................................................................................14

Maintaining Your Health........................................................................................................14

Women’s Health Information..................................................................................................15

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit ................................................................................................15

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist...................................................................................16

Safety and Security in Depth ......................................................................................................18

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk .................................................................................18

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime................................................................................19

Support from Staff ................................................................................................................20

Office of Victim Advocacy.....................................................................................................20

Crime Data for Burkina Faso ..................................................................................................20

Volunteer Safety Support in Burkina Faso ................................................................................20

Diversity and Inclusion Overview ...............................................................................................22

Diversity and Inclusion at Your Site.........................................................................................22

Cross-Cultural Considerations.................................................................................................23

What Might a Volunteer Face?................................................................................................23

Possible Gender Role Issues................................................................................................23

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color.................................................................................24

Possible Issues for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Ally (LGBTQA) 

Volunteers........................................................................................................................25

Possible Issues for Volunteers with Disabilities......................................................................26

Possible Issues for Volunteer Couples ..................................................................................26

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers...............................................................................26

Possible Issues for 50+ Volunteers.......................................................................................27

Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................................................................28

Welcome Letters from Burkina faso Volunteers.............................................................................30

Packing List.............................................................................................................................34

Pre-Departure Checklist.............................................................................................................36

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters..........................................................................................37
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps mission of promoting world peace and friendship, as a 

trainee and Volunteer, you are expected to do the following:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term 

of 27 months

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work and, in doing 

so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship if necessary, and with 

the flexibility needed for effective service

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and 

confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community 

and culture

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal conduct and 

professional performance

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and national laws of the 

country where you serve

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and well-being and 

that of others

9. Recognize that you will be perceived in your host country and community as a representative of 

the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America

10. Represent responsibly the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host country and 

community to people in the United States both during and following your service
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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PEACE CORPS/BURKINA FASO HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso

The first group of Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Burkina Faso, then called Upper Volta, in 1967 and 

operated here uninterrupted for 21 years. Major projects included forestry extension, young farmer 

education, small enterprise development, secondary education (math, science, and English language), 

water well construction, agricultural and environmental extension, arts and crafts, basketball coaching, 

and parks development. In 1987, the Peace Corps program was phased out due to local political changes, 

but in 1995 the new government requested the re-establishment of the program.

The program was re-launched with a group of 17 Public Health Volunteers, who began their service in 

Burkina Faso in December 1995. Today, approximately 120 Volunteers serve in Burkina Faso, working 

in Health, Community Economic Development, and Education. In total, over 2,100 Volunteers have 

served in Burkina Faso since the Peace Corps first opened its program in 1967.

Peace Corps Programming in Burkina Faso

Peace Corps/Burkina Faso works within three program areas: Community Health, Community Economic 

Development (CED), and Education. These projects were recently revised, taking into account the 

country’s needs and the comparative advantage of using Volunteers. Community Health Volunteers’ 

primarily work in close collaboration with local health clinic staff to raise awareness on topic s such as 

maternal and child health, malaria, hygiene, nutrition, family planning, and HIV/AIDS for people living 

in their communities. CED Volunteers help farmers increase their business skills and knowledge in an 

effort to develop profitable and sustainable income-generating activities such as gardens, woodlots, 

animal husbandry, and transformation of post-harvest crops into market products. Education Volunteers 

use participatory student-centered approaches to teach either English at junior-high school level or preschool. School programs such as clubs, tutoring, and camps that generate awareness on life-skills and 

gender equality are also facilitated by all Volunteers.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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COUNTRY OVERVIEW: BURKINA FASO AT A GLANCE

History

Most of the area known today as Burkina Faso was once dominated by the Mossi people, who established 

their empire around 1500. In 1897, France imposed its rule over the people of Burkina Faso, but it was 

not until 1947 that the French colony of Haute Volta (Upper Volta) was created. Full independence from 

the French came on August 5, 1960, with Maurice Yaméogo as the nation’s first president. 

Four of the six presidents after Yaméogo came to power through military coups. Thomas Sankara, who 

led the country from August 1983 until his death on October 15, 1987, was arguably the most influential 

of Burkina Faso’s presidents. Sankara’s charismatic leadership style, which emphasized self-sufficiency 

and a lean, efficient government that transferred wealth from urban centers to rural areas, was popular 

with citizens, and created a sense of hope in the country. In 1984, the country’s name was changed from 

Upper Volta to Burkina Faso: “Land of the Upright/Honorable People.” 

Former President Blaise Compaore had been in power since Sankara’s death. Compaore led four years of 

military rule, and then was the only candidate in the presidential election; he was sworn-in as president of 

the fourth republic on December 24, 1991. Former President Compaore had won the last two presidential 

elections, held in 1998 and 2005, by wide margins. Former President Compaore resigned on October 31, 

2014, following a popular uprising against his efforts to amend the Constitution’s two-term presidential 

limit. A transition government, led by President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Yacouba Zida, is in 

the process of organizing elections, which are scheduled for November 29, 2015.

Government

Burkina Faso is an independent republic with a unicameral National Assembly of 127 members, called 

deputies, who serve five-year terms. Political and constitutional reforms have moved Burkina Faso 

incrementally toward democratization. In 1991, a new constitution was passed following a referendum, 

laying the foundation of the current republic. There is currently some debate regarding the perceived 

necessity of drafting a new constitution after the November 2015 elections.

Economy

Burkina Faso has few natural resources, and 80 percent of its population engages in subsistence 

agriculture (peanuts, sesame, cotton, sorghum, millet, corn, rice, and livestock). Agricultural production 

varies geographically, but can be challenging due to poor soils in some regions and cyclical droughts

which often impact the entire sub-region. Many young Burkinabè migrate to neighboring coastal 

countries annually, in search of unskilled employment. Burkina Faso is landlocked, which presents a 

significant obstacle to product exportation. The primary exports are cotton, livestock, and gold. Burkina 

Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world (per capita gross domestic product of $1,213). Burkina 

Faso ranked 183 of 187 in the 2012 U.N. Human Development Index.

People and Culture

The population of Burkina Faso is approximately 18 million, with an annual growth rate of 3.05 percent. 

Burkina Faso is composed of a rich mix of over 60 language or ethnic groups. The major ethnic groups 

include the Mossi, Bobo, Peul, Gourmanche, Gourunssi, Bissa, Samo, and Dagara-Lobi. Islam is 

practiced by about 60 percent of the population. Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism) is 

practiced by about 23 percent of the population. Traditional indigenous beliefs (animism) continue to play 

a major role in the lives of many Burkinabè, regardless of their formal religious orientation. The 

Burkinabè are known for their tolerance and acceptance of ethnic and religious diversity, and religious 

fundamentalism is rare. It is very common to find Christians, Muslims, and animists in the same family 

participating in one another’s religious celebrations, and marriage across ethnic lines is widely accepted.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps and Burkina Faso and to 

connect you to returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind that although the Peace Corps

tries to make sure all these links are active and current, the Peace Corps cannot guarantee it. If you do not 

have access to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries offer free Internet usage and often let you 

print information to take home.

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in 

which people are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own experiences, 

including comments by those who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These 

opinions are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and please keep in mind that no two 

people experience their service in the same way.

General Information About Burkina Faso

State.gov

The Department of State’s website issues background notes periodically about countries around the 

world. Find Burkina Faso and learn more about its social and political history. You can also go to the 

site’s international travel section to check on conditions that may affect your safety.

Gpo.gov/libraries/public/

The U.S. Government Publishing Office publishes country studies intermittently.

Lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html

The Library of Congress provides historical and sociological data on numerous countries.

Http://unstats.un.org/unsd/pocketbook/World_Statistics_Pocketbook_2013_edition.pdf

The United Nations resource book contains 2013 statistical data on all countries.

Data.un.org

This United Nations site has links to data from U.N. member countries.

Wikipedia.org

Search for Burkina Faso to find encyclopedia-type information. Note: As Wikipedia content is usergenerated, information may be biased and/or not verified.

Worldbank.org

The World Bank Group’s mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in the 

developing world. It is a development bank that provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance, and 

knowledge-sharing services to developing countries to reduce poverty. This site contains a lot of 

information and resources regarding development.

Data.worldbank.org/country

This site contains information on development indicators on countries, including population, gender, 

financial, and education, and climate change statistics.

Www.countrywatch.com

On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the capital of Burkina Faso to how to convert 

from the dollar to the Burkina Faso currency. Just click on Burkina Faso and go from there.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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Www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

RPCV.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned Volunteers. On this site you 

can find links to all the Web pages of the “Friends of” groups for most countries of service, comprised of 

former Volunteers who served in those countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get 

together for social events and local volunteer activities. Or go straight to the Friends of Burkina Faso site: 

http://www.friendsofburkinafaso.org/

PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org

This site, hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers, is a monthly online publication of essays and 

Volunteer accounts of their Peace Corps service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Burkina Faso

UN.org/News/

The United Nations news service provides coverage of its member states and information about the 

international peacekeeping organization’s actions and positions.

VOAnews.com

Voice of America, the U.S. government’s multimedia broadcaster, covers news from around the world.

gouvernement.gov.bf/

This is the government of Burkina Faso website (in French).

fespaco.bf

This is the site of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (in French or English), 

which takes place in Burkina Faso every two years.

allafrica.com

The All Africa Global Media site is a news and information service.

africa.upenn.edu/Country_Specific/Burkina.html

This page from the University of Pennsylvania’s African Studies Center links to other sites of interest.

http://library.stanford.edu/areas/african-collections

This Stanford University-based site on the region also links to a variety of other sites.

International Development Sites About Burkina Faso

unaids.org

This is the Joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS.

unicef.org

UNICEF is the U.N. agency focused on promoting the rights and well-being of every child.

who.int/en

The World Health Organization website has information about several countries.

pnud.bf

The United Nations Development Program website is in French.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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Recommended Books

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. “All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 

1960s.” Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000.

2. Rice, Gerald T. “The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps.” Notre Dame, IN: University of 

Notre Dame Press, 1985.

3. Stossel, Scott. “Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver.” Washington, DC: Smithsonian 

Institution Press, 2004.

4. Meisler, Stanley. “When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and its First 50 

Years.” Boston: Beacon Press, 2011.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. “Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place.” Santa Barbara, CA: McSeas 

Books, 2004.

2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. “Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience.” Gig Harbor, 

WA: Red Apple Publishing, 2000.

3. Erdman, Sarah. “Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village.” New 

York City: Picador, 2003.

4. Hessler, Peter. “River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze.” New York City: Perennial, 2001.

5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. “From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps.” Santa 

Monica, CA: Clover Park Press, 1991.

6. Thomsen, Moritz. “Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle.” Seattle: University of Washington 

Press, 1997 (reprint).

Books About Burkina Faso

1. Chilson, Peter. “Riding the Demon: On the Road in West Africa.” Athens: University of Georgia 

Press, 1999.

2. Else, David, et al. “West Africa.” Oakland, Calif.: Lonely Planet, 1999.

3. Englebert, Pierre. “Burkina Faso: Unsteady Statehood in West Africa.” Boulder, Colo.: Westview 

Press, 1995.

4. Guirma, Frederic. “Tales of Mogho: African Stories from Upper Volta.” New York: Macmillan, 

1971.

5. Rupley, Lawrence, and Daniel Miles McFarland. “Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso (2nd 

ed.).” Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 1998.

6. Knight, James, and Katrina Manson. “Burkina Faso: The Bradt Travel Guide.” Bradt Travel 

Guides, 2006.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE

Communications

Despite Burkina Faso’s relatively good communications systems, you should be prepared for a significant 

reduction in the frequency and reliability of your communications with friends and family.

Mail

The postal system in Burkina Faso is reliable by African standards. Few Volunteers report problems 

receiving letters sent from the United States by airmail, however packages have arrived damaged or gone 

missing. Airmail letters and packages typically take three to four weeks to arrive, but can take longer if 

there are mail strikes or other disruptions. Internal mail service is reliable for the most part, with mail 

delivered within a few days to two weeks. 

Packages sent via courier service or the post incur customs fees, which need to be paid by the recipient 

before receiving the package. These fees run anywhere from $1 for a small package through the post to 

$100 or more for packages through DHL, FedEx, or other courier services. Please discourage friends 

and family from sending packages via DHL, FedEx, or other courier services. The Peace Corps will 

usually pay these fees up front and deduct them from your living allowance. You can receive mail at the 

Peace Corps office or at your site through a local post office box. During pre-service training, have mail 

sent in care of the Peace Corps office to the following address: 

“Your Name,” PCT

S/c Corps de la Paix

01 B.P. 6031 Ouagadougou 01

Burkina Faso

Telephones

Cellphone service in Burkina Faso is relatively reliable and is expanding rapidly. All Volunteers have 

cellphone coverage in their sites. Peace Corps/Burkina Faso will make basic cellphones available for 

purchase soon after your arrival and you will be part of the Peace Corps/Burkina Faso “family plan,”

which allows unlimited calling to other Volunteers and staff once you complete initial training. 

Additional usage for texting or calls outside the Peace Corps group is on a pre-paid basis, but is generally 

inexpensive for local calls. Phone credit is readily available and can be used for talk/text/data. Many 

Volunteers bring a smartphone for basic email and Internet access. While data coverage is far from 

universal, and very slow compared to the U.S. or Europe, it has expanded rapidly across many parts of the 

country in recent years. If you choose to bring a phone from the States, be sure it is a GSM phone 

compatible with the European bands and is “unlocked” or it will not work in Burkina Faso.

Computer, Internet, and Email Access

Computer access is available at private Internet cafes in many towns and cities and, for work-related 

purposes, at the Peace Corps office. Wireless coverage, when available, can be slow. Unlocked 

smartphones can provide Internet access almost anywhere. In smaller villages, there may not be 

electricity, but there are almost always places to charge electronic equipment for a small fee. Many PCVs 

have solar panels that allow them to charge phones and computers.

Housing and Site Location

Your community or the government ministry to which you are assigned is responsible for providing you 

with housing in accordance with the Peace Corps’ site selection criteria. Peace Corps housing is modest 

and comparable to houses in your community. The majority of Health and Community Economic 

Development Volunteers live in small rural villages, while Education Volunteers tend to live in larger 
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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villages and towns. Volunteer housing is typically a small house made of mud or cement bricks with a 

thatch or tin roof. Most Volunteers do not have running water or electricity; they draw their water from a 

well and use kerosene lanterns for light at night. Some Volunteers live with a host family during their 

Volunteer service. Most Volunteers are within a couple hours of a neighboring Volunteer and able to 

reach the Peace Corps office in Ouagadougou by public transport within a day.

Living Allowance and Money Management

Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance in local currency (West African CFA franc) that is 

sufficient to live at the level of people in their host community. The allowance covers food, household 

supplies, clothing, transportation to and from work, utilities (if available), recreation and entertainment, 

and incidental expenses. Peace Corps Volunteers are expected to live at a level that is comparable with 

that of their host country counterparts. The Peace Corps discourages Volunteers from supplementing their 

living allowance with funds from home. Volunteers are considered to be working seven days a week and 

they accrue two days of annual leave allowance for every month of Volunteer service. Each PCV receives 

the equivalent of $24 per month in CFA, representing the two days of vacation (leave) allowance you are 

entitled to each month regardless of whether you actually travel during that month. Travel within Burkina

Faso or West Africa is highly encouraged.

Food and Diet

Your drinking water is likely to be of poor quality and thus will require boiling and filtering (the Peace 

Corps will provide you with filters). Availability of fruits and vegetables varies based on location, but can 

be somewhat limited in villages and small towns where Volunteers live, with only one or two fruits or 

vegetables available during any given season. Burkina Faso produces some of the best mangoes and 

papayas in the world, but the mangoes are seasonal. Garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a local variety of 

eggplant are available year-round in many locations. Other fruits and vegetables grown in the country, 

depending on the season and location, include oranges, limes, grapefruits, bananas, strawberries

(available in January in Ouagadougou), melons, carrots, cabbages, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, 

bell peppers, hot peppers, beets, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumbers. Bulk dried spices (basil, 

oregano, cumin, coriander, curry, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, etc.) are also readily available in 

Ouagadougou and other large towns. Burkinabè meals are simple. A typical dish consists of a staple food 

such as rice, millet, yams, sorghum, or maize served with a sauce made from okra, various greens (e.g., 

spinach), tomatoes, and/or peanuts. Sauces may contain fish or meat. French bread is available in larger 

towns and villages and whole wheat bread is available in Ouagadougou. The normal diet in village is 

typically lacking in certain nutrients, thus Volunteers are provided and encouraged to take multivitamins 

to address deficits in their diet.

Transportation

Paved roads connect the largest towns and cities in Burkina Faso, and fairly well-maintained buses 

service these routes on relatively consistent schedules. Smaller towns and villages are served by “bush 

taxis,” typically overcrowded and poorly maintained minibuses, which do not normally run on fixed 

schedules. As some Volunteer sites are not on paved roads, Volunteers are sometimes required to bicycle 

to a nearby town or village where public transport is available. All Volunteers are issued basic mountain 

bikes for work purposes and must wear a bicycle helmet when cycling. Trainees should bring a bike 

helmet from the U.S. with them. If you need to purchase a bike helmet in the States, bring the 

receipt with you for reimbursement after arrival in-country. For safety reasons, Peace Corps/Burkina 

Faso prohibits Volunteers from driving or riding on any two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicles (such 

as a motorcycle), traveling at night, or owning/driving any type of motorized vehicle. As a Volunteer in 

Burkina Faso, riding public transportation is the most dangerous thing that you do on a routine basis. As 

part of your pre-service training (PST), you will receive information on how to reduce risk while riding 

public transportation.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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Geography and Climate

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country that sits on the edge of the Sahel. Topographically, it is mostly flat 

with undulating plains. It has an area of 274,200 square kilometers, slightly larger than Colorado. It is 

bordered to the north by Mali and Niger and to the south by Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. 

While the north is approaching desert conditions, the southern and central regions are partially forested. 

There are two distinct seasons in Burkina Faso: the rainy season from June to October and the dry season 

from November to May. The climate is warm, dry, and dusty from November to February (harmattan 

season), very hot and dry from March to May, and warm and wet from June to October, when most staple 

crops are grown. The monthly mean maximum temperature ranges from a high of 104 oF (40 oC) in 

March and April to a low 86 oF (30 oC) in August. The monthly mean minimum temperature ranges from 

a high of 80 oF (27 oC) in April and May to a low 61 oF (16 oC) in December and January. During the 

heart of the hot season in April, it is not unusual for daytime temperatures to reach 110 oF (43 oC). 

Average rainfall ranges from approximately 40 inches in the south to less than 10 inches in the north.

Social Activities

Social activities will vary according to where you are located. They might include relaxing and talking 

with friends and neighbors, drinking tea, going to the market, or taking part in local festivals. The cultural 

diversity of Burkina Faso means that there is always something of interest taking place nearby that you 

can learn from, be it drumming and dancing or planting peanuts. In keeping with its goal of cross-cultural 

exchange, the Peace Corps expects Volunteers to establish social networks with Burkinabè friends and 

colleagues at their sites rather than seeking out other Volunteers for social activities. Such networks 

enhance Volunteers’ ability to integrate into their communities and be effective in their work.

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

One of the biggest challenges faced by Volunteers in Burkina Faso is defining their role as professionals 

in the Burkinabè context. The tendency of Burkinabè counterparts to blur (from a Western perspective) 

the distinction between professional and personal time and space adds a layer of complexity to the 

challenge of establishing oneself as a professional. Cultivating work relationships is not something that 

happens only during work hours: Behavior and activities outside the work setting will have a significant 

impact on your professional relationships. 

The Burkinabè, like other Africans, put a great deal of emphasis upon dressing well in public, whether at 

work or in the market. It is almost unheard of for a Burkinabè man or woman to wear shorts in public 

unless he or she is taking part in some kind of sporting event. Nor would a professional man or woman 

ever be seen wearing dirty, disheveled, wrinkled, or torn clothing. Observe how respected colleagues are 

dressed in your workplace as a guide to professional dress in your school or office.

Volunteers need to be aware of other unwritten rules of the culture, such as the fact that Burkinabè

women never go to a bar on their own. Exposed body piercings on men and women or long hair on men 

may elicit stares and, possibly, rude questions or comments, and may make it more difficult to integrate 

into your host community. Serving in the Peace Corps often demands sacrificing personal preferences 

regarding dress and behavior. There will be ample discussion of this subject during cross-cultural sessions 

in pre-service training.

Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach to safety is contained in the Safety and 

Security section, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer 

Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an 

unfamiliar environment (often alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and 
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being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that increase the risk level for Volunteers. Many 

Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries 

are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Burkina Faso

Volunteers complete their two years of service without incident. The Peace Corps has established 

procedures and policies designed to help reduce the risks and enhance your safety and security. These 

procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Burkina Faso. 

Using these tools, one can be empowered to take responsibility for his or her safety and well-being.

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the support they need to 

successfully meet the challenges they will face and have a safe, healthy, and productive service. 

Volunteers and families are encouraged to look at safety and security information on the Peace Corps 

website at peacecorps.gov/safety. There is a section titled Safety and Security in Depth. Among topics 

addressed are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, posts’ safety support systems, and emergency planning 

and communications.

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and safety. There is a section titled Safety 

and Security in Depth. Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, posts’ safety 

support systems, and emergency planning and communications.

Rewards and Frustrations

The Peace Corps has been accurately described as “the toughest job you’ll ever love.” The experience of 

adapting to a new culture and environment commonly results in a series of emotional peaks and valleys. 

You will be given a high degree of responsibility and independence in your work—perhaps more than in 

any other job you have had or will have. You will often find yourself in situations that require an ability 

to motivate yourself and your co-workers with little guidance from supervisors. You might work for 

months without seeing any visible impact from, or without receiving feedback on, your work. You must 

possess the self-confidence, patience, and vision to continue working toward long-term goals without 

seeing immediate results. To overcome these challenges, you will need maturity, flexibility, openmindedness, and resourcefulness. Based on feedback from returned Volunteers, the peaks are well worth 

the difficult times, and most Volunteers leave Burkina Faso feeling they have gained much more than 

they were able to give during their service. If you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your 

community and fully dedicate yourself to your work, you will have a productive Volunteer service. 
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PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Peace Corps Training Continuum

The Peace Corps uses a competency-based training approach throughout the continuum of learning, 

supporting you from arrival in Burkina Faso to your departure. Pre-service training (PST) is the first event 

within this continuum of learning and ensures that you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and 

attitudes to effectively perform your job. Pre-service training is conducted in Burkina Faso by Peace 

Corps staff, most of whom are locally hired trainers. Peace Corps staff measure achievement of learning 

and determine if you have successfully achieved competencies, including language standards, for 

swearing-in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

Peace Corps training incorporates widely accepted principles of adult learning and is structured around 

the experiential learning cycle. Successful training results in competence in various technical, linguistic, 

cross-cultural, health, and safety and security areas.

Integrating into the community is one of the core competencies you will strive to achieve both in PST and 

during the first several months of service. Successful sustainable development work is based on the 

relationships you build by respectfully integrating into the host country community and culture. 

You will be prepared for this through a homestay experience, which requires trainees to live with host 

families during PST. Integration into the community fosters language and cross-cultural learning and 

ensures your health, safety, and security.

The continuum of learning starts at PST when you arrive in Burkina Faso and continues until your 

departure 27 months later (Figure 1). Training combines structured classroom study, independent study, 

and hands-on experiences. The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to countryspecific needs and conditions. The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and 

interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation (staging) through the end of service. Peace Corps/Burkina 

Faso staff members anticipate that you will approach training with an open mind, a desire to learn, and a 

willingness to become involved. 

Figure 1. Peace Corps Burkina Faso Volunteer Training Continuum

PST has traditionally been the first 11–12 weeks of in-country training that trainees receive before 

swearing-in as a Volunteer and being assigned to a site for two years of service. Peace Corps/Burkina 

Faso employs an extended PST model (Figure 1), which encompasses the initial 11–12 weeks of incountry training (referred to as PST1), a three-month etude du milieu (community study), and an 

additional two weeks of intensive technical training (referred to as PST2). The beginning of PST1 
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consists of several days of orientation that will take place in the capital city of Ouagadougou. After this 

orientation period, trainees will travel to Leo, about 180 kilometers south of Ouagadougou, where the

training center is located. Trainees will live with host families, which is one of the most valuable and 

critical elements of training. The integration into the host community and host family fosters language 

and cross-cultural learning and helps ensure Volunteers’ health, safety, and security. By the end of PST1, 

trainees will have developed the competencies (technical, linguistic, cross-cultural, health, safety and 

security) necessary to begin Peace Corps service. These competencies will serve as the foundation upon 

which you will build your experience as a successful Peace Corps Volunteer.

After a provisional swearing-in ceremony, which takes place at the end of PST1, you will be assigned to 

your site where you will have three months to complete your etude du milieu (community study). During 

the community study, you should focus your energy on integrating into your community. This can be 

accomplished by improving your French and local language skills, getting to know your neighbors, 

learning about the culture of your community, eating with your neighbors, participating in community 

social gatherings, attending classes at the primary schools, and reading technical documents. Successful,

sustainable development is based on the relationships you build and your ability to respectfully integrate

into your host community and culture. 

Because of the importance of integration to your success as a Volunteer, you are required to remain 

within your community during your community study. Peace Corps/Burkina Faso recognizes that you

may need to leave your site from time to time to conduct personal business (e.g., banking and shopping). 

Therefore, you are authorized a personal absence of two nights per month, within your region, during 

your community study.

At the end of your community study, you will participate in PST2, which consists of two weeks of 

intensive technical training. During PST2, you will also be asked to present the findings of your 

community study to your supervisor and other trainees. Peace Corps staff will measure your progress and 

determine if you have successfully achieved the necessary competencies, including language standards, 

for swearing-in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Trainees officially become Volunteers after successful 

completion of PST1, the community study, and PST2.

In addition to PST, the Peace Corps provides Volunteers with a continuum of opportunities to increase 

their technical and cross-cultural skills through in-service trainings and technical exchanges. These 

additional training events are optional and tend to be focused on a specific topic of interest that addresses 

a major need of Burkina Faso. As the Peace Corps is a capacity-building organization, Volunteers are 

required to bring counterparts or community members to training events. Approximately four months 

before your service ends, you will attend a close of service (COS) conference. The goal of the COS 

conference is to prepare Volunteers for their future after Peace Corps service. Additionally, the COS 

conference is a time to review Volunteers’ respective projects and personal experiences. 

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Burkina Faso by building on the skills you already have 

and helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps 

staff and other Burkina Faso experts will conduct the training program, with input from current 

Volunteers. Training places great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the 

community in which you will serve as a Volunteer. 

Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Burkina 

Faso and strategies for working within such an environment. You will review your project’s goals and 

objectives and will meet with the Burkina Faso agencies and organizations that invited the Peace Corps to 

assist them. You will be supported and evaluated throughout training to build the confidence and skills 
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you need to undertake your project activities, report your progress, and serve as a productive member of 

your community.

Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, language skills are the key to a productive and meaningful service. 

Language skills are critical to your job performance, help you integrate into your community, and ease 

your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, language training is at the heart of the 

training program. You must successfully meet minimum language requirements to complete training and 

become a Volunteer. Burkina Faso language instructors usually teach formal language classes five days a 

week, in small groups.

Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to classroom time, you 

will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to 

meet, and hopefully exceed, the minimum language requirements during PST1 and to continue to develop 

your language skills after you arrive at your site. Prior to being assigned to your site, you will develop 

strategies to improve your language skills during your service. Volunteers are encouraged to continue 

studying language with the assistance of a local tutor. Peace Corps/Burkina Faso will support your 

continued language learning for up to one year after you have been assigned to your site.

Cross-Cultural Training

During cross-cultural training, you will have opportunities to reflect on your own cultural values and how 

they influence your behavior in Burkina Faso. You will also discuss the questions you have about the 

behaviors and practices you observe in Burkina Faso, exploring the underlying reasons for these

behaviors and practices. 

Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve your communication skills 

and understand your role as a facilitator of development. During cross-cultural training we will explore

topics such as the concept of time, power and hierarchy, gender roles, communication styles, and the 

concept of self and relationships. Because adjusting to a new culture can be very challenging, you will 

participate in resiliency training which provides a framework and tools to help with adjustment issues. 

The host family experience provides a unique context for cross-cultural learning, and is designed to ease 

your transition to your site. Families go through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain 

the purpose of PST and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Burkina Faso. Many Volunteers 

form strong and lasting friendships with their host families.

Health Training

During pre-service training, you will be trained in health prevention, basic first aid, and basic treatment of 

medical illnesses found in Burkina Faso. You will be expected to practice preventive health and to take 

responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all 

medical sessions. Health education topics will cover nutrition, food and water preparation, emotional 

health, alcohol awareness, prevention of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), common 

illnesses, domestic and intimate partner violence, emergencies, and medical policies in Burkina Faso.

Safety and Security Training

During the safety and security training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces your 

risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for 

coping with unwanted attention, how to identify safety risks in-country and about Peace Corps’ 

emergency response and support systems.
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YOUR HEALTH CARE IN BURKINA FASO

The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace 

Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. The 

Peace Corps in Burkina Faso maintains a clinic with two full-time medical officers who take care of 

Volunteers’ primary health-care needs, including evaluation and treatment of most medical conditions. 

Additional medical services are also available in Burkina Faso at local hospitals. If you become seriously 

ill and cannot receive the care you need in Burkina Faso, you will be transported to a Peace Corpsapproved regional medical facility. If the Office of Health Services (OHS) determines that the care is not 

optimal for your condition at the regional facility, you will be transported to the United States.

Health Issues in Burkina Faso

Major health problems among Peace Corps Volunteers in Burkina Faso are rare and are often the result of 

Volunteers not taking preventive measures to stay healthy. The most common major health concerns in 

Burkina Faso are malaria, amebic dysentery, hepatitis, meningitis, and HIV/AIDS. Because malaria is 

endemic in Burkina Faso, Volunteers are required to take anti-malarial pills. You will also receive 

vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, typhoid, and rabies, if you are not 

already vaccinated against these diseases. 

Other health problems in Burkina Faso are similar to those found in the United States, such as colds, 

diarrhea, headaches, dental problems, sinus infections, skin infections, minor injuries, STIs, emotional 

problems, and alcohol abuse. These problems may be more frequent or compounded by life in Burkina 

Faso because environmental factors raise the risk or exacerbate the severity of certain illnesses and 

injuries.

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to 

stay healthy. Upon your arrival in Burkina Faso, you will receive a country-specific medical handbook. 

By the end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first 

aid needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this section. 

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the medical officers. 

However, during this time, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any 

other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace Corps will not order these items during training. 

Please bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they may not be available in 

country and it may take several months for shipments to arrive.

You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical 

problem during your service, the medical officer(s) in Burkina Faso will consult with the Office of Health 

Services in Washington, D.C., or a regional medical officer. If it is determined that your condition cannot 

be treated in Burkina Faso, you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care.

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will 

significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a 

pound of cure” becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up 

to the standards of the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in Burkina Faso is to 

take the following preventive measures:
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Falciparum malaria is endemic in Burkina Faso and the surrounding countries, so you are required to take 

malaria prophylaxis. The medical officers work with each Volunteer to provide the best prophylaxis 

possible. There will be more information on malaria prevention during pre-service training.

Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are preventable if proper food preparation and water

treatment guidelines are followed. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis 

A, dysentery, Guinea worm, tapeworm, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific 

standards for water treatment and food preparation in Burkina Faso during pre-service training.

Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent STIs, including HIV. You are taking risks if you choose 

to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner is a 

host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or 

other STIs. You will receive more information from the medical officer about this important issue.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned 

pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your 

individual needs. Contraceptives are available, without charge, from the medical officer. 

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for 

scheduled immunizations, and that you immediately inform the medical officer of significant illnesses or

injuries.

Women’s Health Information

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the local market, the Peace Corps 

medical officer in Burkina Faso will provide them. If you require a specific product, please bring a threemonth supply with you. Many female Volunteers take menstrual cups (The Diva Cup, The Keeper, The 

Moon Cup, etc.) to avoid potential problems with availability or disposal of feminine hygiene products.

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require medical 

attention. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of 

appropriate medical care if the Volunteer wishes to remain in-country. Given the circumstances under 

which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical 

standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met. 

The Peace Corps follows the 2012 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for screening PAP 

smears, which recommend women aged 21–29 receive screening PAPs every three years and women 

aged 30–65 receive screening PAPs every five years. As such, most Volunteers will not receive a PAP 

during their service, but can use Peace Corps supplied health insurance after service to have an exam.

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit containing basic items to prevent and treat 

illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office.

Medical Kit Contents

First Aid Handbook

Ace bandages

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Adhesive tape

Antacid tablets 

Anti-diarrheal (Imodium)

Antibiotic ointment 

Antifungal cream

Antihistamine

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner 

Band-Aids

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
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Butterfly closures

Calagel anti-itch gel 

Condoms 

Cough lozenges 

Decongestant

Dental floss

Gloves

Hydrocortisone cream

Ibuprofen 

Insect repellent 

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

Lip balm 

Oral rehydration salts

Scissors 

Sore throat lozenges

Sterile eye drops

Sterile gauze pads 

Sunscreen 

Thermometer (Temp-a-dots)

Tweezers

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or dental—since you submitted your 

examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Health Services 

(OHS). Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and 

may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. 

If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or 

repair, you must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or 

X-rays to the Office of Health Services.

If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, bring a copy of your immunization record to your predeparture orientation. If you purchase any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service that are not listed 

as requirement in your Medical Applicant Portal, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The 

Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment. Volunteers must 

be willing to get all required vaccinations unless there is a documented medical contraindication. Failure 

to accept required vaccination is grounds for administrative separation from the Peace Corps. You do not 

need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a regular basis, 

including birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply, 

it will order refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you 

will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or 

nonprescribed medications, such as St. John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements. 

Medications supplied may be generic or equivalent to your current medications.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a 

requirement, but may be helpful if you are questioned by officials about carrying a three-month supply of 

prescription drugs.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs (of the current prescription) with you. If a pair breaks, the Peace 

Corps will replace them, using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the 

eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace Corps Office of Health Services strongly 

discourages Volunteers from wearing contact lenses while overseas unless there is a true medical 

indication documented by your ophthalmologist. Contact lenses, particularly extended use soft contacts, 

are associated with a variety of eye infections and other inflammatory problems. One of the most serious 

of these problems is infectious keratitis which can lead to severe cornea damage which could result in 

permanent blindness requiring corneal transplantation. These risks of permanent eye damage are 

exacerbated in the Peace Corps environment where the Volunteer’s ability to properly clean the lenses is 

compromised due to limited access to sterile water as well as decreased effectiveness of cleaning 

solutions due to prolonged storage in unsatisfactory conditions. In addition, when bacterial eye infections 
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occur, assessment and treatment within hours by a competent ophthalmologist is indicated. This is 

virtually impossible in the Peace Corps setting. If you feel that you simply must be able to use your 

contacts occasionally, please consider using single use, daily disposable lenses which do not require 

cleaning.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your

future participation in health-care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique 

coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health care from the 

time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you 

will be entitled to the post-service health-care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. 

You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age or 

pre-existing conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan when you return home.
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SAFETY AND SECURITY IN DEPTH

Ensuring the safety and security of Volunteers is Peace Corps’ highest priority. Serving as a Volunteer 

overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a 

limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American 

are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are not uncommon. 

Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Volunteers complete their two years of 

service without a serious safety and security incident. Together, the Peace Corps and Volunteers can 

reduce risk, but cannot eliminate all risk.

Beyond knowing that the Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you, it might 

be helpful to see how this partnership works. The Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in 

place to promote your safety. The Peace Corps depends on you to follow those policies and to put into 

practice what you have learned. An example of how this works in practice—in this case to help manage 

the risk and impact of burglary—follows:

 The Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will live and work.

 The Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to established security criteria.

 The Peace Corps provides you with resources to take measures such as installing new locks.

 The Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country counterparts or other community 

leaders in your new community.

 The Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise.

 You lock your doors and windows.

 You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you live.

 You get to know your neighbors.

 You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is appropriate for you.

 You don’t change residences before being authorized by the Peace Corps.

 You communicate your concerns to Peace Corps staff.

This welcome book contains sections on Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle, Peace Corps 

Training, Your Health Care, Safety and Security, all of which include important safety and security 

information to help you understand this partnership. The Peace Corps makes every effort to give 

Volunteers the training and tools they need to function in the safest way possible and prepare for the 

unexpected, teaching you to identify, reduce, and manage the risks you may encounter.

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s 

control. By far the most common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. Thefts often occur when

Volunteers are away from their sites, in crowded locations (such as markets or on public transportation), 

and when leaving items unattended. As in the United States, you should never leave your phone or wallet 

on a table and walk away from the table. 

Before you depart for Burkina Faso there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk: 

 Leave valuable objects in the United States, particularly those that are irreplaceable or have 

sentimental value

 Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with someone you trust in the States

 Purchase a hidden money pouch or “dummy” wallet as a decoy

 Purchase personal articles insurance
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After you arrive in Burkina Faso, you will receive more detailed information about common crimes, 

factors that contribute to Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For example, Volunteers 

in Burkina Faso learn to do the following:

 Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the community 

whenever possible

 Make sure one’s personal appearance is respectful of local customs

 Avoid high-crime areas

 Know the local language to get help in an emergency

 Do not carry a purse, backpack, or bag in Ouagadougou or Bobo Dioulasso; individuals with 

bags are targeted by thieves

 Make friends with local people who are respected in the community 

 Be careful and conscientious about using electronics (phones, cameras, laptops, iPods, etc.) in 

public. Never leave items unattended.

 Limit alcohol consumption

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the 

risks of being a target of crime. As anywhere in the world, crime occursin Burkina Faso. You can reduce 

the risks by avoiding situations that place you at risk and by taking simple precautions. Crime at the 

village or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know each other and generally are less 

likely to steal from their neighbors. However, tourist attractions in large towns are favorite sites for 

pickpockets and other thieves.

The following are other security concerns in Burkina Faso of which you should be aware:

 Ouagadougou, the capital city, and other large towns are frequently the worksites of scammers 

(“faux types” in French) who will portray themselves as good Samaritans and act as if they want 

to help you. Their real goal is to steal from you, change counterfeit money, or sell you fake items. 

Do not be impressed by the fluency of their English or their clean appearance.

 When riding in public transport, do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Incidents have 

occurred in which Volunteers were given a drugged soft drink and subsequently been robbed. 

Another example is drugged candy or snacks. The criminal eats untainted candy or biscuits and 

gives drugged candy or biscuits to his target. 

 Taxis are often the worksite of criminals. Certain passengers, working with the driver, distract 

Volunteers and steal from them. Peace Corps/Burkina Faso has a list of preferred taxis in 

Ouagadougou and urges all Volunteers to use the preferred taxis. 

 While whistles and verbal harassment based on race or gender may be fairly common on the 

street, this behavior may be reduced if you abide by local cultural norms, dress conservatively, 

and respond according to the training you will receive.

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime

Because many Volunteer sites are in rural, isolated settings, you must be prepared to take on a large 

degree of responsibility for your own safety. To reduce the likelihood that you will become a victim of 

crime, you can take steps to make yourself less of a target such as ensuring your home is secure and 

developing strong relationships in your community. While the factors that contribute to your risk in 

Burkina Faso may be different, in many ways you can do what you would do if you moved to a new city 

anywhere: be cautious, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky 

locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your risk of being a victim of crime by 

integrating into your community, learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace 

Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Burkina Faso will require that you accept 

some restrictions on your current lifestyle.
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Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety and security incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to 

provide support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to crimes committed against 

Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe 

and receiving medical treatment if needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff 

response may include reassessing the Volunteer’s worksite and housing arrangements and making any 

adjustments, as needed. Peace Corps staff will also support and assist Volunteers who choose to make a 

formal complaint with local law enforcement. It is very important that a Volunteer reports an incident 

when it occurs. The reasons for this include obtaining medical care and emotional support, enabling Peace 

Corps staff to assess the situation to determine if there is an ongoing safety and security concern, 

protecting peer Volunteers and preserving the right to file a complaint. Should a Volunteer decide later to 

file a complaint with law enforcement, this option may be compromised if evidence was not properly 

preserved at the time of the incident. 

Office of Victim Advocacy

The Office of Victim Advocacy (OVA) is a resource for Volunteers who are victims of crime, including 

sexual assault and stalking. Victim advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help 

Volunteers understand their emotional, medical, and legal options so they may make informed decisions 

to meet their specific needs. The OVA provides a compassionate, coordinated, and supportive response to 

Volunteers who wish to access Peace Corps support services.

Contact information for the Office of Victim Advocacy

Direct phone number: 202-692-1753

Toll-free: 855-855-1961 ext. 1753

Duty phone: 202-409-2704 (available 24/7, call or text)

Email: victimadvocate@peacecorps.gov

Crime Data for Burkina Faso

Crime data and statistics for Burkina Faso, which are updated yearly, are available at the following link: 

http://www.peacecorps.gov/countrydata/burkinafaso. Please take the time to review this important 

information.

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes. Crimes that do occur abroad are investigated 

and prosecuted by local jurisdictional authorities. If you are the victim of a crime, you will decide if you 

wish to file a complaint with law enforcement, who will then determine whether to prosecute. If you 

decide to file a complaint, the Peace Corps will assist you in filing the complaint. The Peace Corps staff 

will ensure you are fully informed of your options and understand the local legal process. Further, the 

Peace Corps will help you exercise your rights to the fullest extent possible under the laws of your host

country.

The Peace Corps will train you on how to respond if you are the victim of a serious crime, including how 

to get to a safe location quickly and contact your Peace Corps office. It’s important that you notify the 

Peace Corps as soon as you can so Peace Corps staff can provide assistance.

Volunteer Safety Support in Burkina Faso

The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your service. The 

plan includes information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed emergency action 

plan, and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Burkina Faso’s in-country safety program 

is outlined below.
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The Peace Corps Burkina Faso office will keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer 

safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in 

updates from the country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be contacted 

through the emergency communication network. An important component of the capacity of Peace Corps 

to keep you informed is your buy-in to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. You will be 

required to get approval from your supervisor or the medical unit before leaving your site.

Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Burkina Faso. This 

training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes 

safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout 

service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other components of training. You 

will be expected to successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas, including safety 

and security, as a condition of service.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. 

Peace Corps staff work closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a 

Volunteer’s arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. 

Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure 

housing and worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access to medical, 

banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; 

different housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.

You will also learn about Peace Corps Burkina Faso’s detailed emergency action plan, which is 

implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, 

you will complete and submit a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to 

your house. If there is a security threat, you will be instructed to remain in your site (stand fast) or gather 

with other Volunteers in Burkina Faso at predetermined locations (consolidation points) until the situation 

is resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate. There is a team of security professionals (including 

the U.S. embassy’s regional security officer, the U.S. ambassador, Peace Corps headquarters security 

staff, Peace Corps regional security staff, and post security staff) who will evaluate security threats and 

coordinate any needed actions to insure the safety and security of Volunteers.

Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that 

Volunteers immediately report any safety and security incidents to the Peace Corps office. The Peace 

Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and 

appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and develop 

strategies to minimize risks to current and future Volunteers.
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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION OVERVIEW

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship and to improve people’s lives in the 

communities where Volunteers serve. Instituting policies and practices to support a diverse and inclusive 

work and Volunteer environment is essential to achieving this mission.

Through inclusive recruitment and retention of staff and Volunteers, the Peace Corps seeks to reflect the 

rich diversity of the United States and bring diverse perspectives and solutions to development issues. 

Additionally, ensuring diversity among staff and Volunteers enriches interpersonal relations and 

communications for the staff work environment, the Volunteer experience, and the communities in which 

Volunteers serve. 

The Peace Corps defines diversity as a “collection of individual attributes that together help agencies 

pursue organizational objectives efficiently and effectively. These include, but are not limited to, 

characteristics such as national origin, language, race, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, 

sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and family structures. Diversity 

also encompasses differences among people concerning where they are from and where they have lived 

and their differences of thought and life experiences.”

We define inclusion as a “culture that connects each staff member and Volunteer to the organization; 

encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness; and leverages diversity throughout the organization so 

that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.” The Peace Corps promotes 

inclusion throughout the lifecycle of Volunteers and staff. When staff and Volunteers are able to share 

their rich diversity in an inclusive work environment, the Peace Corps mission is better fulfilled. More 

information about diversity and inclusion can be found in the Volunteer Handbook.

An inclusive agency is one that seeks input from everyone in an effort to find the best ideas and strategies 

possible to execute its objectives. When input is solicited, heard, and considered from a rich multitude of 

individuals the best course of action usually emerges. The Peace Corps seeks to improve its operations 

and effectiveness by ensuring that all voices and ideas are heard and that all Volunteers and staff feel 

welcome and appreciated. When each person’s voice is heard, the agency is stronger and the impact of 

Volunteers is strengthened.

Diversity and Inclusion at Your Site

Once Volunteers arrive at their sites, diversity and inclusion principles remain the same but take on a 

different shape, in which your host community may share a common culture and you—the Volunteer—

are the outsider. You may be in the minority, if not the sole American like you, at your site. You will 

begin to notice diversity in perspectives, ethnicity, age, depth of conversation, and degree of support you 

may receive. For example, elders, youth, and middle-aged individuals all have unique points of views on 

topics you may discuss, from perspectives on work, new projects, and social engagements to the way 

community issues are addressed.

Peace Corps staff in your host country recognize the additional adjustment issues that come with living 

and working in new environments and will provide support and guidance to Volunteers. During preservice training, a session will be held to discuss diversity and inclusion and how you can serve as an ally 

for your peers, honoring diversity, seeking inclusion, challenging prejudice and exclusion, exploring your 

own biases, and learning mechanisms to cope with these adjustment issues. The Peace Corps looks 

forward to having Volunteers from varied backgrounds that include a variety of races, ethnic groups, 

ages, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The agency expects you to work collaboratively 

to create an inclusive environment that transcends differences and finds common ground.
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Cross-Cultural Considerations

Outside of large towns in Burkina Faso, residents of rural communities have likely had little direct 

exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. People will likely have misconceptions 

regarding typical U.S. behavior or norms. The people of Burkina Faso are known for their generous 

hospitality to foreigners, however, members of the community where you will live may display a range of 

reactions to cultural differences that you present. 

As a Volunteer and representative of the United States, you are responsible not only for sharing the 

diversity of U.S. culture (to include your individual culture and the culture of other Americans) with your 

host community, but also for learning from the diversity of your host community and country. An 

important aspect of this cultural exchange will be to demonstrate inclusiveness within your community in 

a sensitive manner. Additionally, you will share the responsibility of learning about the diversity of your 

fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and exploring how best to respect differences while serving as supportive 

allies as you go through this challenging new experience. 

To ease the transition and adapt to life in your host country, you may need to make some temporary, yet 

fundamental, compromises in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For 

example, female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence they have in the 

United States; male Volunteers may be expected to not perform chores or other tasks ascribed to women; 

political discussions need to be handled with great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best 

remain undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these 

and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead a diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity discussion 

during pre-service training and will be on call to provide support. This training covers how to adapt 

personal choices and behavior to be respectful of the host country culture, which can have a direct impact 

on how Volunteers are viewed and treated by their new communities. The Peace Corps emphasizes 

professional behavior and cross-cultural sensitivity among Volunteers and within their communities to 

help integrate and be productive during service. 

An ideal way to view the pursuit of cross-cultural adaptation and/or cultural integration is to recognize 

that everything done in your host community has both a specific explanation and an expected outcome. 

Trust that members of your host community are acting with positive intentions and work to mutually seek 

understanding and commonality. Language differences may add a communication barrier and lead to 

misunderstandings. Listen more than you speak and seek clarity. Remember that having the ability to 

laugh at yourself and at life’s little surprises goes a long way—laughter is universal.

What Might a Volunteer Face?

Possible Gender Role Issues

Gender is a set of socially constructed roles, responsibilities, behaviors, and opportunities. Gender differs 

from sex, which refers specifically to biological and physiological characteristics of males and females. 

Gender roles and expectations are learned, change over time, and vary within and among cultures. 

Volunteers are trained in gender awareness as they approach their work in the host country. Gender roles 

in the United States may differ greatly from those in your country of service. It is important to absorb and 

to attempt to understand the cultural nuances of gender where you are. For example, in many cultures 

males are held in higher regard than females and females may manage the households. In some places, 

females are encouraged to attend school, while in other countries females are discouraged from engaging 

in such activities and instead work inside or outside of the home.

During the pre-service training, trainees receive an introduction to gender awareness in Burkina Faso, and 

examine their own thinking about gender roles and how this thinking has impacted them. They then learn 
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24

how to analyze development projects using a gender lens to better understand gender roles in their host 

country and to understand how these gender roles can benefit or limit what females and males may or 

may not do. During their 27 months of service, Volunteers will further engage in gender trainings to 

understand better how their gender identity impacts who they are as females or males in the host country 

and how this perception influences their work and relationships.

Burkina Faso has a traditional, patriarchal society. Female Volunteers may be surprised by the extent to 

which community and domestic roles are defined along gender lines. Men generally hold positions of 

authority in the workplace (though women are becoming more visible there), in the community, and in the 

home. This can present challenges for female Volunteers, as the work they do may be seen as a typically 

“male” job. The difficulties are exacerbated because single women do not usually have the status and 

respect that comes with marriage and having children. Thus, women may find it challenging to have their 

ideas recognized and respected by both women and men.

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color

Volunteers of color sometimes, but not always, have a different Peace Corps experience than white 

Volunteers. Because of limited exposure, some foreign nationals will expect to see U.S. citizens who are 

white. People from different cultures may not envision the States as a place of rich diversity with various 

culturally acceptable perspectives, personalities, and characteristics. Thus, a Volunteer of color may be 

questioned about their U.S. citizenship.

In places where American stereotypes and/or caste system dynamics influence perception, Volunteers of 

color should be mindful of the reasons for these views without creating contentious environments. All too 

often, host country nationals are simply unaware of the diversity of the United States and require 

additional information and dialogue. Direct interactions with someone new or something different can 

take time to get used to, but those who take the time tend to be better off. Although host country nationals 

may assert that the United States is made up of predominately one race, we know that is not true. If a 

member of your community knows of compatriots living in the United States or of notable U.S. citizens 

of color, you can build on this knowledge as a point of reference for discussing diversity within the 

States.

For Volunteers of color, the range of responses to their skin color may vary from extremely kind to very 

insensitive. In African and Latin American countries, host country nationals may say “welcome home” to 

African Americans or Hispanic Americans. Sometimes Volunteers expect to be “welcomed home” but are 

disappointed when they are not. More commonly, if a Volunteer is mistaken for a host-country national 

citizen, he or she is expected to behave as a male or female in that culture behaves, and to speak the local 

language fluently. Host country nationals are sometimes frustrated when the Volunteer does not speak the 

local language with ease. Conversely, some in the same country may call you a “sell out” because they 

feel the United States has not done enough to help with social issues. These instances can be turned into 

teachable moments for the Volunteer and the host country national, in which the Volunteer can ask 

questions surrounding perception and collaborate with respect to issues and projects at hand, while 

engaging in cross-cultural exchanges. All Volunteers should be mindful of the issues of race that are 

embedded in U.S. culture and within the culture in your country of service. These issues may significantly 

affect how Volunteers interact with fellow Volunteers and host country nationals. Being open and 

inclusive to everyone will improve your experience interacting with fellow Volunteers and members of 

your host community.

Although Burkinabè society can be conservative, Volunteers generally find the Burkinabè to be 

hospitable and accepting of people with a wide variety of backgrounds. Nevertheless, Burkinabè may 

have preconceived notions of Americans based on the kind of information available in Burkina Faso 

about Westerners, which comes mainly from television, movies, magazines, and local news reports and 
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25

often presents a limited view of American diversity. For example, Asian Americans are often called 

Chinois (Chinese), regardless of their actual background, and African Americans may not be considered 

Americans.

Volunteer Comment:

“Volunteers of color can have a much different experience from white Volunteers. Issues that Volunteers 

of color face that are not mentioned above involve the question of lineage. Once you have established that 

you are African American to the people in your village, they then want to know about what part of Africa 

you are from. For most African Americans, pinpointing exactly where they come from is difficult and it is 

even more difficult explaining this to someone in your village. Even though you may face this issue it is 

important to use it as a teaching experience. This allows you to teach people about American history and 

also about the history of Africa. Sometimes being a Volunteer of color can present challenges that other 

Volunteers probably will not face, but it is important to know that people ask questions and make 

statements because they do not know. So it is important to be patient and open-minded.”

Possible Issues for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Ally (LGBTQA) 

Volunteers

For LGBTQ Volunteers: Given Burkina Faso’s traditional values, sexual orientation and non-conforming 

gender identities might not be discussed openly. In some cases, the LGBTQ community may be 

stigmatized. Mindful of the cultural norms and country-specific laws, the decision to serve openly is left 

to each individual Peace Corps Volunteer. Many LGBTQ Volunteers have chosen to be discreet about 

their sexual orientation and/or gender identity within their host communities. Some LGBTQ Volunteers 

have chosen to come out to community members, with a result of positive and negative reactions, while 

some have come out only to select Peace Corps staff and Volunteers. Dealing with questions about 

boyfriends, girlfriends, marriage, and children may, at times, be stressful for LGBTQ Volunteers. You 

may find that Burkina Faso is a less open and inclusive environment than you have previously 

experienced. Please know, however, that Peace Corps is supportive of you and Peace Corps staff 

welcomes dialogue about how to ensure your success as an LGBTQ Volunteer. More information about 

serving as an LGBTQ Volunteer is available at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Peace Corps 

Alumni website at lgbrpcv.org. Additionally, the Peace Corps’ LGBTQ employee resource group, 

Spectrum, can be reached at spectrum@peacecorps.gov.

For Ally Volunteers: Peace Corps staff intends to create open, inclusive, and accepting environments. As 

an agency, the Peace Corps encourages Volunteers to serve as allies to their LGBTQ colleagues in order 

to create a safe environment.

Many LGBTQ Volunteers have served successfully in Burkina Faso and have very fond memories of 

their community and service. LGBTQ support groups may be available in your country of service, 

providing a network to support the needs of the Peace Corps LGBTQ community. Peace Corps staff will 

work with Volunteers to provide them with locally informed perspectives.

While same-sex acts are not illegal in Burkina Faso, the country has a very restrictive climate for sexual 

and gender minorities. LGBTQ individuals who are open about their orientation or gender identity face 

significant safety and security concerns. LGBTQ Volunteers will need to exercise caution about 

disclosing their orientation or gender identity in their host community, as doing so will most likely 

impede building a working relationships in the community. Other Volunteers and the Peace Corps staff 

will provide support, but it will likely be very difficult to be open outside of that circle.
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Volunteer Comment:

“Having it not be an option to be open with my sexual identity in my village community is not easy: There are 

some days that are very difficult. But through understanding, and acceptance, of why that is, along with the 

well of acceptance that is offered from the Peace Corps community, this part of who I am isn't fully kept in the 

dark.”

Possible Issues for Volunteers with Disabilities

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Health Services determined you were 

physically and emotionally capable, with or without additional medical support, to perform a full tour of 

Volunteer service in Burkina Faso without a significant risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service. 

The Peace Corps Burkina Faso staff will work with disabled Volunteers to support them in training, 

housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and effectively.

As a disabled Volunteer in Burkina Faso, you may find that you face a special set of challenges. In 

Burkina Faso, as in other parts of the world, some people may hold prejudicial attitudes about individuals 

with disabilities and may discriminate against them. There is very little of the infrastructure to 

accommodate individuals with disabilities that has been developed in the United States.

Possible Issues for Volunteer Couples

Before committing to Peace Corps service, couples should consider how different degrees of enthusiasm 

about Peace Corps service, adaptation to the physical and cultural environment, and homesickness will 

affect their lives. It can be helpful to recognize that your reactions to these issues will change throughout 

your service, and you may not always feel the same as your partner. You and your partner will have 

different jobs, different schedules, and difference societal pressures. One partner may learn the language 

faster than the other or have a more satisfying assignment. This can create competition and put different 

kinds of stress on each person. Anticipating how these pressures will affect you and your partner 

differently throughout your service can help you remain a source of support for each other. Making 

friends with other Volunteers is a critical part of fitting into the larger Volunteer culture and can also be a 

good way to expand your support network. 

While couples will live together during their service, they may live in separate towns during their preservice training. This is a stressful time for most Volunteers, and it can be helpful to discuss in advance 

how you will deal with this potential separation. Your partner can be an important source of stability but 

can also add stress to your training experience. You may feel torn between traveling to visit your partner 

and focusing on your training, your host family, and friends you have made at your training site.

Couples often face pressure from host country nationals to change their roles to better conform to

traditional Burkina Faso relationships. Burkina Faso men and women alike will often not understand 

American relationship dynamics and may be outwardly critical of relationships that do not adhere to 

traditional gender roles. It is also helpful to think about how pressures to conform to Burkina Faso culture 

can be challenging to men and women in very different ways. Considering how your partner is being 

affected and discussing what, if any, aspects of your relationship should be changed can help reduce stress 

for you both.

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Christianity, Islam, and animism are all practiced in Burkina Faso. You will be free to practice your own 

religion as long as you demonstrate respect for the religion of the people in your community and refrain 

from proselytizing.
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Possible Issues for 50+ Volunteers

Older Volunteers may find their age an asset in Burkina Faso. They will often have access to individuals 

and insights that are not available to younger Volunteers. On the other hand, they will be in a distinct 

minority within the Volunteer population and could find themselves feeling isolated, looked up to, or 

ignored. 

Older Volunteers are often accustomed to a greater degree of independence and freedom of movement 

than the Peace Corps’ program focus and safety and security practices allow. Pre-service training can be 

particularly stressful for older trainees, whose lifelong learning styles and habits may or may not lend 

themselves to the techniques used. A 50+ individual may be the only older person in a group of 

Volunteers and initially may not feel part of the group. Younger Volunteers may look to an older 

Volunteer for advice and support; some find this to be an enjoyable experience, while others choose not to 

fill this role. Some 50+ Volunteers may find it difficult to adapt to a lack of structure and clarity in their 

role after having worked for many years in a very structured and demanding job.

More than younger Volunteers, older Volunteers may have challenges in maintaining lifelong friendships 

and dealing with financial matters from afar. They may want to consider assigning power of attorney to 

someone in the States.

The high regard for elders in Burkinabè society lends support to older Volunteers’ effectiveness at work. 

They, in turn, are able to find ways to use their extensive experience to assist their communities. 
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Burkina Faso?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that 

exceeds those limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of 

transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps’ allowance is two checked pieces of 

luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and 

a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 

pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds per bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave 

radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable 

materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an 

important safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Burkina Faso?

If you have electricity at your site, and it works, the current will be 220 volts, 50 cycles. Voltage sags and 

surges are very common and place a real strain on power supplies and voltage transformers or regulators. 

The Peace Corps does not provide transformers or regulators to Volunteers. Many Volunteers use 

rechargeable batteries with a solar charger, which is a good alternative to disposable batteries.

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. You will be given a 

settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your expenses. Volunteers 

often wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and traveler’s 

checks are preferable to cash (though traveler’s checks may be hard to cash in Burkina Faso). If you 

choose to bring extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. 

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (not including PST1, i.e., the first three 

months in-country). Leave may not be taken during pre-service training, community study, PST2, the 

close of service conference, or the last three months of service. Family and friends are welcome to visit 

you after pre-service training and the community study as long as their stay does not interfere with your 

work. Extended stays (longer than three weeks) at your site are not encouraged and may require 

permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, 

medical, or travel assistance. 

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects. Volunteers are ultimately 

responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. You are encouraged to purchase personal 

property insurance before you leave (contact your insurance company). Volunteers should not ship or take 

valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, electronics, and expensive appliances are 

subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and, in many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are 

not available. 

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Burkina Faso do not need an international driver’s license because they are prohibited from 

operating motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and 

minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. 
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What should I bring as gifts for Burkina Faso friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include knickknacks 

for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies 

that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees will be assigned sites at the beginning of pre-service training. Keep in mind that 

many factors influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement 

where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in rural villages and are 

frequently within one hour of another Volunteer. Some sites require a day’s travel to reach the Peace 

Corps/Burkina Faso office. 

How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps Counseling and Outreach Unit provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting 

trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States, instruct your family to notify 

the Counseling and Outreach Unit immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness or death 

of a family member. The Counseling and Outreach Unit can be reached at 855.855.1961, select option 1, 

ext. 1470. After business hours, on weekends, and on holidays, the COU duty officer can be reached at 

the same number. For non-emergency questions, your family can contact your country desk staff through 

the main Peace Corps number: 855.855.1961.

How easy is it to call home from Burkina Faso? 

International phone service to and from Burkina Faso is quite good, and you should be able to send and 

receive calls and text messages from your cellphone in Burkina Faso. Alternative SMS and phone 

services like Viber, WhatsApp, Skype, and Mio have become very popular with Volunteers. U.S. calling 

cards cannot be used in Burkina Faso, and calling collect is not possible.

Should I bring a cellphone with me?

Peace Corps/Burkina Faso will make basic cellphones available for purchase soon after your arrival and 

you will be part of the Peace Corps/Burkina Faso “family plan,” which allows unlimited calling to other 

Volunteers and staff once you complete PST1. Additional usage for texting or calls outside the Peace 

Corps group is on a pre-paid basis, but is generally inexpensive for local calls. Phone credit is readily 

available and can be used for talk/text/data. Many Volunteers bring a smartphone, for basic email and 

Internet access. While data coverage is far from universal, and very slow compared to the U.S. or Europe, 

it has expanded rapidly across many parts of the country in recent years. If you choose to bring a phone 

from the States, be sure it is a GSM phone compatible with the European bands and is “unlocked” or it 

will not work in Burkina Faso.

Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?

Computer access is available at private Internet cafes in many towns and cities and, for work-related 

purposes, at the Peace Corps office. Wireless coverage, when available, can be slow. Unlocked 

smartphones that use SIM cards can provide Internet access almost anywhere.

The decision whether to bring a laptop computer depends on your own needs. Among the factors to 

consider are that computers are not required for Volunteers’ work; the Peace Corps does not provide 

technical support or insurance for personal computers; you may not be assigned to a site with electricity; 

and, as mentioned above, computer access is available at Internet cafes and at the Peace Corps office. 

However, most Volunteers who have brought laptops with them have been happy with their decision and 

have used their computers for both personal and work-related purposes. Volunteers recommend bringing 

an external hard drive or large flash drive and computers with long battery life. In smaller villages, there 

may not be electricity, but there are almost always places to charge electronics for a small fee.
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WELCOME LETTERS FROM BURKINA FASO VOLUNTEERS

Welcome to Burkina Faso!

Congratulations on surviving the application process and being invited to serve. You should feel both 

proud and excited about the experience and adventure that you are embarking upon. Burkina Faso, 

although one of the poorest countries in the world, has tons to offer and your experience in the Faso will 

probably be marked with you taking away more than you contribute. As with all things, your experience 

here is what you make of it and every Volunteer’s experience is different.

I affectionately call Burkina Faso the “Wild West” of Africa because this is one of the frontiers of global 

development. Anything and everything that you will do here will touch the lives of the people around you 

because things can only realistically get better. You will make a difference. Volunteers here are making a 

difference while teaching an English class of rowdy eighth graders, setting up business plans with 

farmers, and also while hanging out with villagers drinking local home-brewed beer. An important thing 

to note is that your experience will only be worth as much as you yourself invest into it. You may not 

always see the dividends that you expect, but the ratio remains true: big input = big output. 

As with the stereotypical idea of the “Wild West,” your dusty adventure here will be complete with 

cowboys, beautiful sunsets, wandering animals, Wild West-style towns and saloons, and more than a few 

adrenaline rushes. This is the ultimate adventure that you will never adequately be able to prepare 

yourself for. In order to be successful you need only bring lots of clean underwear, a way to stay 

connected to home, and an attitude targeted towards adventure and hard work. Leave any and all 

expectations at home along with unnecessary clothing and tools. You can buy anything that you need 

here, barring good underwear, and the most useful expectations are the ones that you never have. “Ça va 

aller” (It’s all good homie!)

Good luck with your preparations and enjoy your last few weeks in AmericaLand. 

Best wishes,

Pat, Health Volunteer
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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Dear Invitee,

Félicitations! You are one step closer to becoming an official Peace Corps Volunteer. That’s a big deal. 

At the moment you may be feeling excited, anxious, eager, uncertain, or all of the above and that’s 

OK. By accepting your invitation, you will face some of the toughest challenges you will have ever 

confronted, but you will also gain a wealth of unique and invaluable experiences. As a Volunteer, not 

only will you commit to spend 27 months in one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, you 

will also be continuously challenged by an unfamiliar culture, moments of self-doubt and loneliness, and 

bouts of homesickness. However, these obstacles will only serve to strengthen you in the long run and 

will push you to undergo important moments of introspection in which you will learn a tremendous 

amount about yourself and your capabilities. Additionally, you will forge lasting friendships with other 

Volunteers and locals within your village. You will learn to speak at least one of the many local 

languages in addition to French, and will get to experience firsthand the generous and fascinating 

Burkinabe culture. Throughout your service, you will experience moments of overwhelming fulfillment 

and joy in which you will remember exactly why you joined the Peace Corps. It is moments like these 

that you will cherish and that will keep you driven. And when confronted with temporary hardships it’s 

always useful to remember the common Burkinabe saying, “Ça va aller,” meaning “Things will work 

out,” as they indeed always do if you persevere and remain optimistic.

However, these are considerations that apply only to you, and you are only half the picture when it comes 

to the Peace Corps. Our Peace Corps slogan for Burkina Faso is “Challenge Yourself. Empower Others.” 

As it suggests, more than anything, your purpose as a Volunteer is to empower those you work with. 

Whether it’s through teaching science at a high school, raising awareness of gender equality issues, or 

teaching local womens’ associations bookkeeping skills, you will be empowering those around you to 

take control of their lives and work toward improving their living conditions. Even through your mere 

presence in village and your daily interactions with the locals, you will help to “promote world peace and 

friendship,” the very bedrock on which the Peace Corps is founded. It is with all this in mind that I 

sincerely hope you choose to take the next step by accepting your invitation. An unforgettable journey is 

just around the corner. It’s yours for the taking.

Nadim, CED Volunteer
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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Dear Peace Corps Invitee,

Congratulations on the start of a new and wonderful chapter of your life! Serving as a Peace Corps 

Volunteer in Burkina Faso is an opportunity for you to become a part of a new culture, to empower your 

new community, and to grow personally. 

The culture of the people of Burkina, the Burkinabe, is rich and exceptional. You will learn about their 

kindness, even while you are still a stranger. When you meet your host family, they will introduce you to 

their lives: their food, their language, their daily chores, and their families. At first, you will find it all 

very strange and foreign. Meals consisting of millet and leaves, languages like French, Moore, and Bissa, 

chores including pumping water and washing clothes by hand, and families with two wives and 15

children will take time to get used to. However, you will slowly grow accustomed to it and embrace it as 

your own.

The work that you do at your site will be different from mine and even different from the Volunteers that 

will come in with you. Your activities will take all different shapes and forms. Whether it is inviting your 

Burkinabe family to Thanksgiving dinner, teaching them about America and the rest of the world, 

empowering one woman in your village by teaching her how to make tofu so she can sell it in the market 

and pay for her children to go to school, starting a girls’ mentoring project at your elementary s chool, or 

running workshops with parents and teachers to better run and maintain your school, your work will be 

fulfilling. There will be days when the only thing you check off your list will be hanging out with your 

neighbors and getting water from your nearby pump to wash your clothes. The most important things to 

remember are that your experience is unique and that you will get as much out of your experience as you 

put into it!

I am sure a lot of you are nervous about coming to Burkina. It is true, Burkina Faso is a challenging post, 

but also the best post (alright, that is my opinion, but it truly is a wonderful post). The Burkinabe are 

thoughtful, caring, and will do everything possible to help you through your time here; whether that is 

when you are taking public transport across the country or struggling with a new language, they will be 

there for you. Peace Corps staff and all of the other Volunteers will also always be there to support you. 

Making mistakes is normal, but smiling and saying, “Ça va aller,” (things will work out) will make your 

experience continue and only get better. 

Enjoy a wonderful service in land of the upright people! Your community is already looking forward to 

you and cannot wait.

Katie, Third Year Volunteer
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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Hey All!

Congratulations on being invited into the Peace Corps! As you've probably heard this is a very 

challenging, rewarding, thought-provoking, experience that is full of personal growth. I'm very excited for 

you all. It is not always easy, there are many difficulties, but it continually gets easier, and Burkina Faso 

becomes your home, and your colleagues and friends, both American and Burkinabe, become your 

family. 

In the Peace Corps, what you give is what you get, and your experience will be what you make of it. If 

you keep your mind open, and commit to the experience with a positive attitude and an ability to go with 

the flow, you'll find time passing by too quickly.

Looking back at the process of getting here, it can be very long and often stressful, dealing with medical, 

etc. But if you hang in there you'll get to start the adventure of a life time. 

Burkina Faso is a special place. I've been told multiple times (not just by Burkinabe) that it has the nicest 

people in Africa. It is a diverse country, home to over 60 different ethnic groups, the largest being the 

Mossi. Many figures point to Burkina Faso as being one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is 

also a country full of acceptance, culture, stability, and peaceful people. 

At this point in the process, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions: anxiety, excitement, nervousness, 

stress, and maybe even sadness at the thought of leaving everyone you love and the comforts of home. 

Well, this mix of emotions, and many more, will probably ebb and flow and change and resurface 

throughout your service as you move from one day to the next, and then one year to the next. But through 

it all, remember that the Peace Corps is a two-year process for a reason. Be patient with yourself. You 

will make mistakes, and that’s OK, because in the end you will learn French. You will learn your local 

language. You will become a leader in your community. And, in time, you’ll learn to love your new home 

in Burkina Faso.

I would also like to state that whatever your background/past experience, you have something to offer. 

You will learn appropriate skills, and we are here to help, teach, and train each other as well. I believe it is 

an almost universal thought of not being prepared/qualified for this experience...But it will be OK.

I know that from the moment you all meet, your start of service will be full of memories, both challenging 

and joyful, frustrating and fun, and I wish you the best, and enjoy the U.S. while you are there.

Calder, PCV
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Burkina Faso and is based on their experience. Use 

it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is unique. There is 

no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items that make the 

most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you 

decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, 

you can get almost everything you need in Burkina Faso.

General Clothing

 1 pair of nice jeans

 Dress clothes (business casual for trainings; Education Volunteers should dress nicely in the 

classroom or at work). Don’t bring too much clothing as you will begin having clothes made 

locally during PST.

 Slacks, 1 tie (you can buy more here if you really feel like you’re going to wear them)

 Solid color button up shirts (2-3)

 Nice quality solid color dress T-shirts (2)

 A good amount of quality underwear!

 5 pairs of good socks

 Shorts: only for sports (not for everyday use—you can also get them here)

 Light jacket and/or sweatshirts

 Nice belt

Shoes

Your shoes should be nice and clean if you are in a professional environment—no old Berks or holey 

tennis shoes.

 A good pair of Chacos, Tevas, Keens, etc., for walking/traveling

 Running shoes

 Nice-looking comfortable dress shoes

 Work boots/something to go to the farm in

 Don’t bring anything white or white-ish (black or brown recommended)

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items 

Note that the medical kit Peace Corps gives to Volunteers includes Ibuprofen, non-aspirin, tampons, 

sunscreen, insect repellant, basic first aid supplies, pepto bismol, and multivitamins, so there is no need to 

bring these items. Other things that are easy to find include toothpaste, lotion, toothbrushes, and soap, so 

only bring enough to get you through the first month or so.

 Good conditioner (shampoo can be found)

 Deodorant

 Good razors (inexpensive razors are available)

 Extra reading glasses (if you need them)

 Hand sanitizer (can be found in supermarkets in Ouaga and in pharmacies)

Electronics

 USB key (a MUST—bring a couple)

 Laptop (if you have one and are OK with the possibility that you may not return with it).Note: 

viruses are rampant here, so come with either great virus protection or a Mac, set a system restore 

point before coming, and backup everything. Or bring a portable DVD player and good DVDs 

(there’s a DVD player in the capital and new movies or series are great here).
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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 IPod, wall charger, good headphones, small speakers

 Lithium batteries for the camera (batteries here are poor quality and expensive)

 Cellphone – see information in previous sections

 External hard drive (for movies, music, and documents. Bring a 500GB if you can afford it.)

 Short-wave radio for security reasons, and if you’re old school and like Voice of America/BBC

 Headlamp/wind-up flashlight/led flashlight

 Solar charger

 Protective coverings for electronics (Burkina Faso is a very dusty country)

Kitchen

 Spices—ones that are difficult to find are chili powder, dill, paprika, nutmeg, and a good 

peppercorn grinder

 Zip-top bags/plastic food containers—important for protecting food against pests (containers can 

be found in town).

 Snacks for training before you get used to the food, such as granola bars.

Miscellaneous

 Quick-drying/microfiber towel

 Hand crank lantern/flashlight.

 Leatherman/Swiss Army knife

 A good pillow/airplane pillow (difficult to travel with, worth it for some Volunteers)

 Hair-cutting scissors

 Good, durable watch.

 A few good novels/books. There is a large library of shared books, so bring your favorites to get 

you through training.

 Photos of family, friends, your hometown

 Padlock/combination lock

 Good travel games (cards, scrabble, etc.)

 Money belt for traveling

 French press (if you love coffee)

 Nice-looking but inexpensive jewelry

 Sleeping sac—lightweight—amazing for traveling

 Vegetable seeds for a personal garden

 Good sunglasses

 Yoga mat/exercise band

What Not To Bring

 IPad (no USB drive)

 Medical supplies (i.e., ibuprofen—all essentials provided by the Peace Corps)

 Shoes that you wouldn’t wear in the U.S. (Chacos, Keens, Tevas are not for everyone. If you like 

them, bring them; if you don’t like them normally you won’t wear them here.)

 Cheap sunglasses (can be found everywhere here; bring nice ones if you want them)

 Dishes, utensils, etc.

 French dictionary (provided by the Peace Corps during training)

You are going to forget stuff you wish you had, and bring stuff you don’t need. Don’t stress about it too 

much. You can find everything you really need here, and your family can send you essentials and treats 

during your service. Don’t spend too much money. It’s better to buy things here after you know what you 

need/want. Good luck!
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside the United 

States for two years. Not all items are relevant to everyone, and the list is not comprehensive.

Family

 Notify family that they can call the Counseling and Outreach Unit at any time if there is a critical 

illness or death of a family member (24-hour phone number: 855.855.1961 ext. 1470).

 Give family and friends the Peace Corps On the Home Front handbook.

Passport/Travel

 Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas.

 Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.

 Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps 

passport expires after you COS; if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

 Complete any needed dental and medical work.

 If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

 Bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control) you are currently taking.

Insurance

 Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

 Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you are away. (Even though the Peace 

Corps is responsible for your health care during Peace Corps service abroad, it is advisable for 

people who have pre-existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental 

health coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.)

 Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

 Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting

 Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state universities consider voting and 

payment of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)

 Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

 Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas. 

Personal Effects

 Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home for service 

overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the United States.

Financial Management

 Keep a bank account in your name in the United States. 

 Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service. Information about loan 

deferment is at peacecorps.gov/loans/. 

 Execute a power of attorney for the management of your property and business. 

 Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child support, and 

other debts through the Office of Volunteer Financial Operations at 855.855.1961 ext. 1770.

 Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with 

an attorney or other caretaker.
THE PEACE CORPS | BURKINA FASO WELCOME BOOK | DECEMBER 2015

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CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters to 

answer various questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local 

numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free number and extensions with your family so they can 

contact you in the event of an emergency.

Peace Corps headquarters toll-free number: 855.855.1961, press 1, then extension number (see below)

Peace Corps mailing address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street NW

Washington, DC 20526

For Questions About Staff Toll-free extension Direct/Local

Responding to an invitation Office of Placement ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Country information Christina Stegura ext. 2852 202.692.2852

Desk Officer burkinafaso@peacecorps.gov

Plane tickets, passports, visas, or other travel matters

CWT SATO Travel ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Legal clearance: Office of Placement ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Medical clearance and forms processing (includes dental)

Screening Nurse ext. 1500 202.692.1500

Medical Applicant Portal questions amsadmin@peacecorps.gov

Medical reimbursements (handled by a subcontractor) 800.544.1802

Loan deferments, taxes, financial operations ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Readjustment allowance withdrawals, power of attorney, staging (pre-departure orientation), and 

reporting instructions

Office of Staging ext. 1865 202.692.1865

New Volunteer Portal questions staging@peacecorps.gov

Note: You will receive comprehensive information (hotel and flight arrangements) three to five weeks 

prior to departure. This information is not available sooner. 

Family emergencies (to get information to a Volunteer overseas) 24 hours

Counseling and Outreach Unit ext. 1470 202.692.1470

Office of Victim Advocacy ext. 1753 202.692.1753

24 hours (call or text) 202.409.2704