Purdue launches Peace Corps Prep program

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University is launching a new Peace Corps Prep Program to help undergraduate students prepare for a global career.

The partnership combines undergraduate coursework and community service, as well as professional development seminars and mentoring opportunities, with those who have participated in the Peace Corps. This program is offered through Purdue's Office of International Programs and students can begin applying this semester.

 "This program is available for all majors so students can gain hands-on experience and leadership skills while fulfilling Purdue's graduation requirements," said Carrie Anne Thomas, intercultural programs specialist and Peace Corps Prep co-coordinator. "Students will be able to tailor their electives to focus on intercultural competence and foreign language skills. Those who complete the program will make more competitive Peace Corps applicants."

Purdue's prep program is different from the nation's other 70 prep programs because Purdue will offer a six-lesson practicum to partner American students with international students. Through this practicum experience, American students will develop intercultural competence skills such as curiosity, openness, empathy, communication and self-awareness.

Interested students can attend a callout at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Aug. 31) or 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 in Krannert, Room G012. Applications are due Oct. 3.

Purdue has been involved in the Peace Corps since 1962. The program was established in 1961, and since then 220,000 Americans have served in 140 countries. Volunteers work with local communities to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development

Established in 2007, the Peace Corps Prep program aims to support schools' efforts to provide substantive, globally focused experiences for their students. 

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Carrie Anne Thomas, 765-494-1711, carrieannethomas@purdue.edu