The University of Florida and Peace Corps are offering a new opportunity to enhance your global learning experience! The Peace Corps Prep program will prepare students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service by building competencies through international coursework, hands-on experience, and professional development support.
Beyond having a global perspective, language skills, and professional development, Peace Corps is looking for applicants that have technical skills to offer.
Students must be enrolled in the International Scholars Program to co-enroll in PC Prep. PC Prep requires the addition of three sector-specfic classes and 50 hours of hands-on experience in that sector.
Leveraging concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through this PC Prep program, you will begin to build a professional specialty, which should serve your career well whether or not you become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
For PC Prep, you need to complete at least 3 courses that align with a specific work sector (they can but do not need to come from your academic major or minor). Keep in mind that some of the courses offered as part of the International Scholars Program course requirements may also qualify as a sector specific course. You also must accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in that same sector, preferably in a teaching or outreach capacity. Keep in mind that some opportunities, such as a study abroad / service learning opportunity may satisfy the requirement for both ISP International Experience and PC Prep Sector Experience.
There are six sectors in which Peace Corps Volunteers serve—detailed below. Choose one sector to focus on then complete at least 3 courses + 50 hours of related experience in that sector. The lists of majors/coursework areas are meant to guide you, but not limit you. If you are interested in a course in another area of study that will help prepare you with technical skills for a Peace Corps position, you can take it. The same applies to the experience opportunities. Listed are ideas to get you started, not limit you. Feel free to explore your community, develop your own volunteer projects, and go beyond the 50 hour requirement.
Peace Corps Tip! If you intend to apply to the Peace Corps, the best way to assure that you will be a strong candidate is to identify the type of assignments in which you’d like to serve through this interactive tool, then review the positions’ desired qualifications and build them up accordingly. Be intentional in your course selections and the experience you gain. Your Campus Peace Corps Recruiter is available to discuss course offerings, volunteer options, and help you tailor your selections to your interests and Peace Corps needs.
Note: Actual Peace Corps assignments are based on local needs, and thus may or may not align seamlessly with your qualifications. Flexibility is central to the Peace Corps experience!
Learn more about the PC Prep work sectors and UF sector-specific courses and experiences by clicking on any of the six sectors listed below.
What are the benefits of completing the PC Prep Program?
- You will build skills and knowledge through international coursework with a sector-specific focus, hands-on experience, and professional development support.
- Students who successfully complete the PC Prep Program receive a Certificate of Completion from Peace Corps.
- Your successful completion of the PC Prep Program will make your Peace Corps application more competitive.
How do I enroll?
Students may co-enroll in the PC Prep Program through the International Scholars Program enrollment process.
Questions?
- Read through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
- Contact Taylor Simpson, ISP Coordinator, to discuss enrollment and program requirements.
- Contact Danielle Arnwine, UF Peace Corps Recruiter, to learn more about Peace Corps sectors and potential opportunities to meet 50 hours of required hands-on experience.
Interested in joining Peace Corps after graduation and want more information?
The UF campus-based Peace Corps Recruitment Office is located in the UF International Center. Learn more about the PC office and opportunities for involvement here.
