Program Overview

Peace Corps Prep Program

The Peace Corps Prep program is designed to prepare students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. The program focuses on building four core competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experience, and professional development support.

Core Competencies

The four core competencies, or "learning objectives," are:

1. Training and experience in a work sector
2. Foreign language skills
3. Intercultural competence
4. Professional and leadership development

Training and Experience in a Specific Work Sector

To fulfill this requirement, students must complete at least 3 courses that align with a specific work sector, which can be from their academic major or minor. Additionally, students must accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in that same sector, preferably in a teaching or outreach capacity.

Work Sectors

There are six sectors in which Peace Corps Volunteers serve:

• Health
• Education
• Environment
• Agriculture
• Youth In Development
• Community Economic Development

Foreign Languages

The requirements for foreign languages vary by language and region. For example:

• Latin America: strong intermediate proficiency in Spanish, typically through two 2000-level courses
• West Africa: proficiency in French, usually through two 2000-level courses
• Other countries: no explicit language requirements, but the ability to learn languages is augmented by the study of linguistics, such as two 3000-level linguistics courses

Intercultural Competence

To fulfill this requirement, students must complete 3 approved courses that focus on introspective learning, self-awareness, and cultural agility. Some example courses include:

Anthropology

• ANTH 2302: Introduction to World Cultures and Ethnology
• ANTH 2304: Global Forces and Local Peoples

Communication Studies

• COMS 3332: Intercultural Communication

English

• ENG 3338: Global South Literatures

Geography

• GEOG 2351: Regional Geography of the World

History

• HIST 2322: World History to 1500
• HIST 2323: World History since 1500
• HIST 3308: United States Diplomatic History to 1913
• HIST 3309: United States Diplomatic History since 1913
• HIST 3340: War and Memory
• HIST 3382: Modern Latin America
• HIST 3383: Modern Mexico and Central America
• HIST 3384: History of Brazil
• HIST 3389: The British Empire, 1783 to Present
• HIST 3394: Religion, Family, and the State in Asia
• HIST 3395: Africa: Empires and Civilizations
• HIST 3396: Africa: Revolution and Nationalism since 1800
• HIST 3398: The Modern Middle East, 1800 to the Present

Political Science

• POLS 3301: Selected Topics in International Relations
• POLS 3363: International Organization
• POLS 3375: South American Governments
• POLS 3376: Asian Governments and Politics
• POLS 3365: War and Security
• POLS 3368: Transnational Issues

Sociology

• SOC 3323: Race and Ethnicity

Women's Studies

• WS 2305: Intersectionalities: Race, Class, and Gender in a Global World

Intercultural Experience Abroad

Students must see their advisor for details on fulfilling this requirement.