Orono - Peace corps is celebrating fifty years.

There was a special reception to honor Maine volunteers in Orono Friday.

" We really want to give the UMaine students and the greater community a chance to learn more about how they can serve their communities both domestically and abroad."

Nearly 2,000 Maine residents have volunteered for Peace Corps.

Taking away valuable lessons.

" An experience of a lifetime, living in a different place and a different culture for two years. Also learning a new language. Being able to live and survive that's very different than where they grew up."

Zoe Armstrong returned from Armenia in July.

" I think the most important thing I took away from Peace Corps was actually my relationship to the United States and all of the opportunities we have here and the resources that we have here."

Armstrong says she wanted to join the Peace Corps since she was about 4-years-old.

She worked at a women's development resource center in Armenia.

" Working with woman of Armenia definitely made me grow as a person. They're very proud people and very classy and they made me reform my own identity."

Recruiters say they always hear the same thing from volunteers once they return to the U.S.

" It's almost like they can do anything. The world is something they feel more comfortable with. They understand more intimately and so I think it really changes their world view and also their roles and responsibilities as a global citizen."

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