Peace Corps Prep Program
Established in 1961 by the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps is a highly respected and competitive volunteer program that sends U.S. citizens to serve in communities around the world. Peace Corps Prep (PC Prep) is a diversity-focused certificate program that enhances students’ undergraduate experience by preparing them for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. Students who participate in PC Prep take academic coursework and gain practical field experience related to one of the six sectors that align with Peace Corps volunteer assignments. Students also develop foreign language skills, enhance intercultural competence, and participate in professional and leadership development activities.
Students who complete PC Prep are encouraged to apply for the Peace Corps. Although acceptance into the Peace Corps is not guaranteed, completing the PC Prep program increases your chance of being accepted. PC Prep can also help prepare students for other global opportunities, such as teaching abroad or the U.S. Foreign Service. For more information about serving in the Peace Corps after graduation, please visit: peacecorps.gov.
Students interested in completing Peace Corps Prep should Register here!
Eligibility
The PC Prep program is open to any UH undergraduate student* who is not facing disciplinary action and is in good academic standing with a 2.0 GPA or above. *While the PC Prep program is open to all students, Peace Corps service after graduation is contingent upon US citizenship.
Process
- Register and begin an online Peace Corps Prep application.
- Do research about the Peace Corps. Choose one sector (list below) and region of interest to determine program requirements.
- Refer to the Student Guide then schedule an advising appointment to talk about your sector choice and pathway to graduation.
- Complete the program requirements and submit documentation online.
- Schedule an exit interview in your final semester and complete the Peace Corps Prep Exit Checklist.
Program Requirements
Training and Experience in a Specific Work Sector
Complete three courses that align with one of the six Peace Corps Prep sectors below.
Complete a minimum of 50 hours of sector-aligned field work through volunteer opportunities, work, or internship positions.
Intercultural Competence
Complete three approved courses/experiences that bolster your intercultural competence, such as:Global Courses
Language Courses or Language Proficiency
Learning Abroad
Professional and Leadership Development
Students must complete and submit proof of all three activities below:
Meet with a career counselor at Career Services to have your resume reviewed.
Attend an interview workshop or schedule a mock interview with a career counselor
at Career Services.
Participate in one activity to develop significant leadership experience such as,
leading a volunteer project or a student organization, organizing an event, etc.
Exit Interview
Students must complete an exit interview and submit proof for all three sections to
the online application.
Successful completion of an exit interview will result in a signed Peace Corps Prep
Exit Checklist that can be uploaded to a Peace Corps application.
Additional Resources
Advising Support Available
Students may schedule an advising appointment by emailing us or scheduling via Navigate (under Support Services and UHGlobal).
For questions or to join the listserv, please contact us at uhglobal@uh.edu.
Awards
Students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Peace Corps. When applying to the Peace Corps, students can attach their Exit Checklist or Certificate to their Peace Corps application as proof of completion.
Peace Corps Prep students are also encouraged to complete the Global Citizens Credential (GCC) as completing the above will qualify you to earn points towards the program and may further strengthen your Peace Corps application! Students who complete the GCC program receive an honor cord, certificate, and transcript notation.