The Peace Corps is a U.S. government organization that seeks to promote development and cultural understanding worldwide. Well-trained volunteers travel to developing countries to carry out the three goals of the Peace Corps: to provide needed skills to the host country, to share American culture with host country nationals, and to help Americans gain a better understanding of other cultures. Peace Corps volunteers typically serve in one country for two years. Some live with host families while others live in their own houses or with other Peace Corps volunteers. Peace Corps projects are determined by the needs of each host country. In Micronesia, volunteers work with their counterparts to create marine conservation programs and libraries. Throughout Africa, volunteers provide AIDS education and teacher training. Volunteers are chosen after a competitive application process and must usually hold a college degree. The Peace Corps provides two and a half months of language, culture, and technical training for its volunteers. The Peace Corps was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1960. Since then over 170,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 138 countries.