Peace Corps Prep

1. Training and Experience in a specific work sector:

Leveraging concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through this Peace Corps Prep program, you will begin to build a professional specialty, which should serve your career well and prepare you for Peace Corps service.

Students select and develop skills in one of the Peace Corps’ six sectors: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development, or community economic development.

PCP participants will complete three classes of related coursework plus 50 hours of related field experience in that sector.

2. Intercultural Competence

Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one’s own self-awareness. With this learning objective, you will deepen your cultural agility by taking three intercultural courses that offer opportunities to learn about others while reflecting on yourself in relation to them. The goal is for you to build your capacity to understand multiple cultures and build intercultural competence. PCP participants will deepen cultural agility through a mix of three self-reflective courses focused on global perspectives.

3. Professionalism & Leadership Development

Peace Corps service and similar international development work opportunities are highly professional and selective.
Peace Corps Prep requires the following activities that will strengthen your candidacy for the Peace Corps (and other professional endeavors):

• • Visit Career Services for a resume critique.
  • Attend a workshop or class on interview skills or participate in a mock interview at Career Services.
  • Develop at least one significant leadership experience and be prepared to discuss it thoughtfully. For example, organizing a campus event, leading a work or volunteer project, or serving on the executive board of a student organization.
  • Connect with a Peace Corps Recruiter, Strategic Campus Recruiter, or Returned Peace Corps Volunteer about volunteer service, the application process, and the benefits of service.

Students who complete the program requirements will receive Peace Corps Prep certification upon graduation. The certification will give students eligible to enter the Peace Corps an advantage in the highly competitive process. 

1. Review the Peace Corps Prep Student Guide & Worksheet. 
2. Meet with the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator to discuss the program and begin documenting the requirements that you have already met. 
3. Check in with the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator each year to review your progress. 
4. Upon completion of requirements, you will receive a Peace Corps Prep Final Checklist and certificate.