Science & Outdoors
Peace Corps offers endless opportunities to UWSP students
The Pointer
kbeck271@uwsp.edu
Teaching math in Azerbaijan. Helping a small business get on its feet in Mali. Introducing farmers in Ecuador to new agricultural techniques. Developing a library in Honduras. Working with at-risk teens in Cambodia. Educating a community in Mozambique about HIV/AIDS prevention and care. What will you be doing next summer?
With the Peace Corps, these are just a few of hundreds of possibilities.
Since 1961, the Peace Corps has sent 195,000 volunteers to 139 countries. According to the Peace Corps Web site, these volunteers have worked toward three simple goals: “Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.”
Currently, there are approximately 7,500 Peace Corps volunteers overseas working to promote peace, friendship and understanding in 74 different countries. According to Peace Corps Public Affairs Specialist Christine Torres, there are currently 17 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduates serving overseas and over 380 Peace Corps/UWSP alumni. This ranks UWSP fourth in Wisconsin for all-time Peace Corps alumni, trailing only UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University and UW-Madison.
Why do thousands of Americans choose to leave behind comfortable homes, friends and family each year to immerse themselves in the developing world? To make a difference!
Other benefits of Peace Corps service can include student loan deferment, fluency in a foreign language and the acquisition of skills applicable in almost any future career.
If committing 27 months to training and service in the Peace Corps sounds like your cup of tea, then hit the books. That’s right; getting a diploma is step number one. Most Peace Corps volunteers have a four-year degree. Step number two is demonstrating your commitment to serving others by volunteering. Tu hablas Español? Parlez vous Français? Knowledge of Spanish or French is helpful as well.
Although the Peace Corps is a volunteer organization, the application process is still competitive. In fact, each year, over 14,000 people vie for 3-4,000 spots. According to Joshua Becker, Peace Corps Regional Recruiter, there has been a 20 percent increase in applicants over the past year. The volunteers that are chosen for service are those best qualified to fit the needs of the individual countries.
Feeling deflated because you don’t think you’ll qualify? No worries. “Any volunteer who is willing to gain the necessary experience can become qualified and can ultimately serve. It’s not our business to be turning people away. We want people to have this experience and be able to share their skills,” said Becker.
Natural resources students interested in the Peace Corps can look forward to many opportunities in forestry, protected-areas management and environmental education. According to Becker, the organization is seeing many requests for men and women trained in the field of natural resources. In addition, students can work toward a master’s degree in natural resources from UWSP in conjunction with their Peace Corps service through the Master’s International Program.
The Peace Corps also recruits volunteers in other categories including education, youth and community development, health, agriculture, business and communication and information technology.
Ready to hop on a plane right now? Enthusiasm is great, but patience is a virtue. If you are a senior, start filling out your application as soon as possible. It can take up to 12 months to complete the entire process. If you are a freshman or sophomore, get involved on campus or in the community and if you have a few spare hours, dust off your old Spanish workbook from high school.
A life-changing adventure awaits, and upon your return, you’ll join Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and NBC’s Chris Matthews in holding the distinguished title of Returned Peace Corps volunteer.
For more information, explore the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov or e-mail questions to Joshua Becker at jbecker@peacecorps.gov.
