If a health problem occurs that cannot be treated locally, the Peace Corps will send the Volunteer to an appropriate facility in a nearby country or back to the United States. All requisite vaccinations are given before and during a Volunteer's service. In addition to these procedures, the Peace Corps expects Volunteers to enhance their personal health and safety by exercising mature, appropriate behavior and sound judgement in the countries where they serve. To prepare for their job assignments, Peace Corps Volunteers participate in a three-month training program in the country where they will serve. While in training, they often live with a host family.
Volunteers receive intensive instruction in the local language, usually from native speakers.
Volunteers learn technical skills for their assignments and receive extensive information about the local culture and traditions of the people in their communities. At the completion of the training program, Volunteers are sent to their sites with the language, technical, and cross-cultural skills they need to begin their assignments. To ensure that all Volunteers can be effective throughout their service, the Peace Corps provides regular training information and workshops, which reinforce existing skills and allow Volunteers to develop new skills as needed. In addition, Peace Corps staff periodically visit Volunteers at their sites during the course of their service.