Finding Purpose as A Peace Corps Volunteer

An Alumna Turns Uncertainty into Making an Impact Abroad

When Kylie Scarzafava graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, she wasn’t sure what direction her career would take. However, the Georgia Southern University alumna was sure she wanted to help people and improve communities.

“I started thinking about ways I could grow both personally and professionally while also making a meaningful impact,” she said. “That’s when the idea of joining the Peace Corps really stood out to me. It felt like the perfect opportunity to gain diverse, real-world experience while using my skills to serve others.”

Created in 1961, the Peace Corps is a federal agency that sends volunteers to help developing countries with education, health and agriculture. The process for Scarzafava to become a Peace Corps volunteer took about a year. She was assigned to Armenia after choosing the option to serve where she was needed most.

“Looking back, I believe it was exactly where I was meant to be,” she said. “Serving here has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

The alumna works as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) volunteer in Armenia’s Shirak region.

“I formally teach students from third through ninth grade, working alongside my amazing counterpart to teach English,” Scarzafava noted. “As a TEFL volunteer, I collaborate with a host national English teacher within the school system, which makes the teaching experience both supportive and rewarding.”

In addition, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences graduate has directed clubs and camps for students through the school or other youth organizations in the area. She also organized a creative writing club for students in grades sixth through ninth that focuses on language development and short story writing.

“My favorite club to teach is my U.S. States Club,” Scarzafava recalled. “In this club, we learn about states, what makes them unique and participate in engaging activities related to what each state is known for. It is interesting comparing Armenian culture to American culture and listening to students’ perspectives.”

Her experience in Armenia has been both rewarding and challenging. She speaks the language well enough to handle daily conversations, translate for her students and engage with people in the community.

“Armenian is a beautiful and unique language, with many different dialects depending on the region,” she explained. “I typically speak in a more literary tone, but I also try to use some words from my regional dialect. I have found the dialect in my region to be the most challenging aspect of communication. Although I rely on gestures and facial expressions, there are still phrases that are difficult to understand at normal speaking speed, even after two years.”

Missing important moments back home has been the most difficult part of her service. However, internet access where she lives makes it easier to stay connected to family and friends. Scarzafava admitted that when she first told her parents she was joining the Peace Corps, they were supportive but fearful.

“There is always uncertainty and fear of the unknown, especially when it involves moving to a country 6,000 miles away,” she said. “This past summer, my parents, aunt and uncle (both Georgia Southern alumni) visited me in Armenia. It was the best trip any of us could have imagined. They described Armenia as a hidden gem for its beauty and rich culture. Seeing them move from feeling fearful about me to experiencing my daily life here was truly spectacular.”

Scarzafava, who grew up in McDonough, Georgia, said Georgia Southern was her first choice for college. As an undergraduate, she had leadership roles in her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, was involved with the Methodist campus ministry and participated in faith-based community activities.

“These opportunities helped me develop skills in teamwork, communication and service that I continue to use in my work today,” she noted. “What made Georgia Southern especially meaningful to me was its unique balance of a close-knit community feel within a large academic environment.”

Of all her time at Georgia Southern, studying abroad in Wexford, Ireland, remains one of her favorite memories.

“My study abroad trip to Ireland gave me a unique perspective by highlighting the historical connection between Wexford, Ireland, and Savannah,” said Scarzafava. “Experiencing this relationship firsthand helped me better understand how cultures can be connected across time and distance. Part of my role as a Peace Corps volunteer is to promote a better understanding of the American people in Armenia, while also sharing Armenian culture with people back home.”

With her 27-month commitment nearly complete, Scarzafava isn’t ready to say goodbye yet. She hopes to extend her stay in Armenia for a third year. The extra time would allow her to continue making an impact through the sustainable projects and grants she has helped implement.

“At the same time, I have grown in unexpected ways in daily life,” she said. “I have learned how to prepare new meals, since I would not consider myself a natural cook, and how to plan for different celebrations and traditions. I have become more mindful about reducing waste, living simply and taking better care of myself.”

Overall, she considers learning new things a major highlight of her service, as it has helped her grow, embrace new experiences and adapt to a different culture. Outside of work, she spends her time walking, visiting old Soviet-era amusement parks and connecting with community members over tea.

“I love immersing myself in different cultures, learning from others and working alongside communities to help prioritize and support their goals,” she said. “My Peace Corps experience has been incredibly rewarding.”

Serving as a volunteer has strengthened her skills in creativity, adaptability and relationship-building — skills she hopes to carry into her future career. For now, she is grateful for her Armenian host families, Armenian friends, counterparts and the Peace Corps Armenia staff.

“They have taught me so much — not only about Armenia, but also about the small things in life that truly matter, what to value, why history is so important for understanding culture, how to smile even in difficult circumstances and even how to navigate everyday household tasks,” she said. “More than anything, the people I have met and the relationships I have built are what I value most from this experience.”

— Sandra Bennett