Peace Corps Prep
The Peace Corps Prep program prepares students for work in the field of international development and potential Peace Corps service. To accomplish this, students build four core competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experience, and professional development support. The four competencies, or "learning objectives," are:
- Training and experience in a work sector
- Foreign language skills
- Intercultural competence
- Professional and leadership development
Upon completing the program, you will receive a federal certificate from the Peace Corps - giving you a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps as well as other positions within the federal government.
Program Requirements
For detailed information on the Peace Corps Prep Program requirements, please review the Student Guide.
Training and Experience in a Work Sector
Leveraging concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through this program, you will begin to build a professional specialty, which should serve your career well whether or not you become a Peaces Corps Volunteer.
- Three courses that align with a specific work sector
- Minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in that same sector
Stetson supports six sectors in which Peace Corps Volunteers serve:
- Agriculture
- Education
- Health
- Environment
- Youth in Development
- Community Economic Development
Foreign Language Skills
Working across cultures often entails verbal and nonverbal languages distinct from your own.
Requirements vary by language.
Intercultural Competence
Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one's own self-awareness. With this learning objective, you will deepen your cultural agility through a mix of three introspective courses in which you learn about others while reflecting upon your own self in relation to others. The goal is for you to build your capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences.
- Three approved courses
Professional and Leadership Development
International development is a highly professional sector. It is difficult to break into and demands great initiative and leadership to advance professionally within the field.
- Resume workshop and review offered by Career and Professional Development or resume review by approved non-profit employer partner (e.g., Peace Corps, City Year, AmeriCorps)
- Interview workshop offered by Career and Professional Development or practice interview with approved non-profit employer partner (e.g., Peace Corps, City Year, AmeriCorps)
- Participate in a Leadership Education and Development program and serve in a leadership role on campus
Interested in Applying for Peace Corps Prep?
- Complete the Peace Corps Prep Application (in Engage) by Monday, December 11, 2023.
- Meet with a current Peace Corps Prep member to discuss pathways and program interests.
- Participate in an interview with the Peace Corps Prep leadership team and current Peace Corps Prep students. Once your application has been submitted, the coordinator will connect with you to schedule an interview.
If you are interested in joining the Peace Corps Prep Program and have additional questions, contact Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, Melanie Smith at [email protected] or 386-822-8166 or schedule a meeting. You can also contact Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown at [email protected].