Florida State U launches new Peace Corps Prep program

 

FSU graduate, Jared Tirone volunteering in Mali from 2009-2011. Tirone earned a Master’s Degree in International and Multicultural Education.

Florida State University will launch a new program this fall that will prepare students to volunteer in the Peace Corps or work abroad.

The Peace Corps Prep program will help undergraduate students explore and discover the Peace Corps service opportunities that interest them and the skills they need to be a competitive applicant for those positions.

“FSU is delighted to extend its ongoing work with the Peace Corps through this program,” said Helen Boyle, associate professor of education and program coordinator. “It will be invaluable for undergraduates who are thinking about international careers in government, development or teaching abroad.”

Through a partnership with the College of Education, FSU’s Peace Corps Prep will assist new graduates through the application process to the Peace Corps Education volunteer program. The Peace Corps established the preparation program in 2007 to support universities’ efforts to provide substantive, globally focused experiences for their students. There are more than 75 institutions of higher education nationwide that offer the curriculum.

“FSU is among the top 25 universities in the United States supplying volunteers to the Peace Corps, and this program will help to expand that number,” Boyle said.

FSU Doctoral Candidate Wykia Macon, volunteered in Kenya from 2011- 2013

Peace Corps Prep students combine targeted coursework with hands-on experience, building the competencies needed to be strong Peace Corps volunteers or to live and work abroad. Upon successful completion, students will receive a signed certificate from the Peace Corps.

“The Peace Corps Prep program is a unique way to enrich your college experience as you gain the knowledge and skills vital to becoming a successful Peace Corps volunteer, or living and working in the international arena at large,” said Grant Matthews, senior Peace Corps recruiter. “Through a diversified curriculum tailored toward individual student goals, prep students will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience geared toward global service and employment.”

Since 1961, FSU has produced 856 volunteers, with 38 currently serving today.

“For me and for every volunteer I know, Peace Corps service was a life-changing experience — one filled with challenges and incomparable opportunities,” said John Mayo, director of the FSU Social Sciences Scholars Program and former volunteer. “This program will be an invaluable tool in preparing students to make the most of this once in a lifetime experience.”

Peace Corps Prep at FSU, administered by FSU’s Learning Systems Institute, is currently accepting applications for Fall 2018. For questions or to receive application forms contact Helen Boyle at hboyle@lsi.fsu.edu  or FSU PC Recruiter Jared Tirone at (850) 645-0245 or at fsupeacecorps@gmail.com . For more information, click here.