From 2006 to 2017, when volunteers got an invitation to serve, they would receive Welcome Books. And they were all about the country where they would live and work, and information to make that transition easier. The books helped the volunteers get ready. And the viewpoint was probably much different than the volunteer would find in a travel guide or history book. I’ve collected 69 and they are here free to download.
The Value and Limitations of Peace Corps Welcome Books
Although some of the Peace Corps Welcome Books were last updated a decade ago, they still hold a lot of value today. These books give us a window into the cultures, histories, and ways of life in different countries. They are great resources for anyone curious about exploring the world. But, it’s important to know that some of the information in these books might be outdated. Things change in countries, like local customs and society, and that can affect the accuracy of what’s in the books. While these Welcome Books are a good starting point, double-check with more recent sources.
What Are Peace Corps Welcome Books?
The Peace Corps Welcome Books covered everything the volunteer might need to know before leaving for their new host country. Below is a breakdown of what’s included in most of the Welcome Books.
What’s included in the Peace Corps Welcome Books
- A Welcome Letter is included by the then Country Director.
- Core Expectations for Peace Corps Volunteers are listed
- Peace Corps (host country) History and Programs are gone over in depth.
- Country Overview: (host country) at a Glance: a full snapshot of the host country.
- Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle: a guide for volunteers living in their new home
- Peace Corps Training: covers the training to prepare volunteers for service
- Health Issues in (host country): advice on staying healthy
- Safety and Security in Depth: talks about things that could be risky and tips to avoid crime
- Diversity and Inclusion Overview: discusses challenges some may face
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Packing List
- Pre-Departure Checklist
- Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters
This information is still available to new volunteers, but now it is all online. But there is still something special about these books and how they can connect you to volunteers of the past.
How to Access and Download Welcome Books
Below are the Welcome Books included in this collection, arranged by world region. Just click the link and you should be able to view the PDF and/or download it if you choose to.
Africa
Asia
| Cambodia Indonesia Mongolia | Myanmar Nepal Sri Lanka | Thailand The Philippines | Timor-Leste Viet Nam |
Caribbean
Central America & Mexico
Eastern Europe & Central Asia
| Albania Armenia Azerbaijan * | Bulgaria * Georgia Kosovo | Kyrgyz Republic Moldova Montenegro | N. Macedonia Romania * Ukraine * |
North Africa
Pacific Islands
South America
To find out more about current Peace Corps programs around the world, check out our Country section where you can find out more – including history, country overview, language, PCV health and safety, volunteer blogs, and links to RPCV groups and the official Peace Corps pages.
Conclusion
The Peace Corps Welcome Books offer a unique window into countries around the world. While information may be outdated, the books still provide interesting cultural insights.
Browse the collection of 69 free Welcome Book PDF downloads below. Transport yourself to Peace Corps host countries by learning about local life, history, food, customs, and more.
Expand your global knowledge and understanding. Download a few Welcome Books today!
