Corps members and alumni say that living in a new community is one of the most memorable and rewarding aspects of their corps experience. They talk about the unique opportunity to live in a different part of the country, to experience a new culture, to make lifelong friends, and to become part of a community they may otherwise never have experienced.
For many corps members, the idea of moving to a new community seems overwhelming at first: it may be the first time they've lived away from their family and friends; they may have concerns about fitting into a new community as an outsider and about safety; or they aren't sure they can live comfortably off a teacher's salary. Yet most make the adjustment and are very happy they did, despite the practical concerns with which they were struggling.
To help corps members acclimate to their regions, Teach For America hosts local orientations before and after the summer institutes, where corps members meet in their assigned regions to learn about the local communities, meet community members and local current corps members and alumni, locate housing, discuss issues of personal safety, and orient themselves to their neighborhoods.
Hear what corps members have to say about their experience in a new community
Our corps members
Corps and Alumni