Peace Corps

Peace Corps Volunteers

Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years after they have received three months of in-country training. Volunteers collaborate with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to create sustainable, community-based projects that address the complex needs of the local community.

Peace Corps Mission

The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals: 1) to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; 2) to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and 3) to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Benefits of Volunteering

Through their service in countries around the world, Peace Corps Volunteers not only help communities address local needs, but Volunteers return home as global citizens with new perspectives. They have cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching, and community development skills that give them a competitive edge for advanced education and job opportunities in today’s global economy. Many companies, non-profits, and federal agencies actively recruit Returned Peace Corps Volunteers as employees.

The Peace Corps Prep Program

The Peace Corps seeks volunteers to serve in six main areas: Education, Health, Environment, Agriculture, Youth in Development, and Community Economic Development.

 To help students qualify for Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps Prep Program at UCM emphasizes the following academic, interpersonal, and leadership skills that are established by the U.S. Peace Corps:

• Complete three classes in one of the six areas
• Complete 50 hours of volunteering or work-related experience in one of the six areas
• Foreign Language skills
• Intercultural competency
• Professional and Leadership development