Peace Corps Prep Certificate

 

The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation, and aligns well with St. Lawrence University's history of service, global mission, and applied learning.

The Peace Corps mission 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.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Peace Corps volunteers serve in over sixty countries. Learn more through the Peace Corps website and read about St. Lawrence University's history as one of the top institutions producing Peace Corps volunteers. 

St. Lawrence University’s Peace Corps Prep Program (PCPP) will help you acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to serve in the U.S. Peace Corps. The program is open to both domestic and international students as the program works to increase your competitiveness in the job market by expanding global awareness and preparing you for international careers. Participants build knowledge and skills through coursework, service learning, and field work. By choosing the path of the PCPP, students will join a community of those dedicated to international service and collaboration. Each student meeting the requirements will also earn a Peace Corps Prep certificate from the United States Peace Corps. Please note, completion of the Peace Corps Prep Certificate does not guarantee placement as a Peace Corps volunteer; however, it will strengthen your application.

Apply for the Peace Corps Prep Certificate Program

I believe it is next to impossible to leave [St. Lawrence] without wanting change or making change in some capacity. 

- Cheyenne Tardie '18, Peace Corps Volunteer in Albania 

Guide for Completing the Peace Corps Prep Certificate

A PDF copy of the Student Guide outlining the requirements of the Peace Corps Prep Certificate is available to download and print. Hard copies of the Student Guide are also available upon request from the Program Coordinator for the Peace Corps Prep Certificate, Robin Rhodes.

Eligibility

The Peace Corps Prep program is open to students of any major, and you must be in good standing (minimum 2.8GPA) at SLU prior to applying. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to participate in the program, but you must have U.S. citizenship to serve in the Peace Corps. Those with other citizenship status may go on to be employed in their home country by the US Peace Corps. 

Program Structure

Students in the Peace Corps Prep certificate program engage in a wide range of skill-building experiences, including coursework, research, and volunteer and leadership activities. The program is interdisciplinary, while preparing students for future experiences in complex international settings. Students can use coursework already required for majors and minors and build a program that fits their career trajectory and secure volunteer and/or work experience here or in their home area. Students must choose a specific work sector and be prepared to maintain that focus. Students in the Peace Corps Prep certificate program will be advised by the Peace Corps Prep Program Coordinator as they fulfill the requirements of the following four components:

1. Training and experience in a work sector

• Complete three courses that align with one of the following specific work sectors: Education, Health, Environment, Agriculture, Youth in Development, and Community Economic Development.
• Accumulate 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in that same work sector.

2. Foreign language skills

• Requirements vary by the student's world region of interest.

3. Intercultural competence

• 3 academic courses courses oriented around developing intercultural competencies and introspection, or 1-2 courses and a substantial intercultural experience such as off-campus study in a country that hosts Peace Corps volunteers. 

4. Professional and leadership development

• Have your resume critiqued by the Center for Career Excellence.
• Attend a workshop or class on interview skills at SLU.
• Develop at least one significant leadership experience and be prepared to discuss it thoughtfully. For example, organizing a campus event, leading a work or volunteer project, or serving on the executive board of a student organization.

Steps for Completing the Peace Corps Prep Certificate

1. Submit the Online Application Prior to the Deadline.
   Applications will be available online each semester and will be reviewed each semester after the March 30th or October 30th deadlines.
2. Complete a Program Interview
   Applicants will participate in a short interview led by the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator and the Associate Dean of International and Intercultural Studies. 
3. Fulfill the requirements of the Peace Corps Prep Certificate
   Following the student's acceptance to the program they can meet with the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator at any time to review their progress and what requirements remain.
4. Complete the Exit Checklist and Graduate!
   After all requirements have been fulfilled, the student must complete the exit checklist and submit this to the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator to receive their certificate. 

Apply for the Peace Corps Prep Certificate Program