Peace Corps Prep Program 
EIU has partnered with the Peace Corps to offer an exciting new program, Peace Corps Prep! The Peace Corps is a government created initiative that was created in 1961 with the purpose of deploying volunteers to communities around the world and connect the world with American people. Those that volunteer for the Peace Corps enter one of six potential fields: education, health, youth development, agriculture, community economic development, and environment. Those that volunteer and are selected agree to serve in the Peace Corps for two years and will be sent to places all around the world. During that time the Peace Corps will cover food, board, medical costs, and a generous stipend while you assist in one of the six sectors of your expertise. At the end of which, the Peace Corps offers generous assistance in reacclimating to the United States, offers assistance in subsidizing graduate school, and is often considered a gateway into government employment.
However, considering that the Peace Corps is a highly sought-after position, many people volunteer for the programs and only a few are selected. It is often the case that the application process can be quite confusing, and some may feel intimidated by the process. The Peace Corps Prep Program is an initiative that is designed to help students prepare for Peace Corps applications and give students a leg up in the application process.
Students that join the Peace Corps Prep Program will need to take a set of four core
competencies in addition to their existing majors and minors:
Students that join the Peace Corps Prep Program will need to take a set of four core competencies in addition to their existing majors and minors:
- Sector Specific Skills
- Foreign Language Proficiency
- Intercultural Competency
- Professional and Leadership Development
The totality of the certificate will require three courses taken in one of the six sector specific fields, a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in the same sector, two semesters of world language courses at EIU or an equivalent, three courses in intercultural competence or a study abroad program, and finally one interview workshop with EIU career services. Apply to the Peace Corps Prep Program
The Peace Corps Prep Program is designed to be complimentary to student majors with courses that are taken will also serve as part of the students major and minor requirements as well. A student that signs on to the Peace Corps certificate will meet with the Peace Corps academic advisor to work out a plan to ensure coursework is compatible with the students preexisting major/minor requirements.
EIU鈥檚 Peace Corps Prep Program is designed to give students that are curious about the world and have a deep sense of adventure the opportunity to gain an amazing experience and give their life direction after their college courses are completed.
For more information read our FAQ and contact:
Robert Tanner Bivens, PhD
Political Science Department
Peace Corps Prep Academic Advisor
Email: rtbivens@eiu.edu
Crystal Brown
Associate Director of the Office of Leadership and Engagement
Peace Corps Prep Coordinator
Email: cmbrown6@eiu.edu