Peace Corps Prep Program

 

The San Diego State University Peace Corps Prep program (PC Prep) will help you acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to serve in the U.S. Peace Corps. Additionally, it will increase your competitiveness in the job market by expanding your global awareness and by providing experiences that will give added value to most careers even if you do not choose service in the Peace Corps. Through participation in the PC Prep program you will become part of a community of like-minded students interested in international service and the betterment of all peoples. You will also earn a Peace Corps Prep certificate from the United States Peace Corps.

The PC Prep program is open to students of any major. You must be in good standing at SDSU and have completed at least fifteen hours of coursework prior to applying. Although completion of the program does not guarantee acceptance as a Peace Corps volunteer, the specialized curriculum and experience through PC Prep will greatly increase your chances. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to participate in the SDSU PC Prep program; however, you must have U.S. citizenship to serve in the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps Prep Program Requirements

• 9 units of sector related courses
• 3 units of intercultural competence and cultural proficiency
• 80-100 hours of sector related community service or internship
• Paperwork items as you complete different requirements of the program

SDSU Peace Corps Certificate

• To be awarded upon completion of the Peace Corps Prep.
• 15 units total
• Recognized by the Peace Corps
• Increases chances of Peace Corps acceptance
• Academic support provided by Peace Corps Prep advisors
• Can share academic credits with your major
• Complete 80-100 hours community service hours with GEN S 400 or departmental internship courses

Get Started

1. Fill out the interest form
   
   • The Peace Corps Prep Coordinator ([email protected]) will reach out to you to set up a meeting to review your options and the steps to get started.
2. Meet with the Peace Corps Campus Recruiter, Christian Schuh ([email protected]) to decide Peace Corps sector focus:
   • Education
   • Health
   • Environment
   • Agriculture
   • Youth in Development
   • Community Economic Development
3. Schedule a meeting with the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator ([email protected]) to discuss credit and noncredit options, next steps, make a plan and find resources. 
4. Submit your application (PDF) for the Peace Corps Prep progam to [email protected].
5. Begin completing your plan and stay connected with the coordinator and Peace Corps at SDSU.
6. Upon completion of requirements, receive your prep certificate from Peace Corps.

If you have questions, send an email to the PC Prep Coordinator at [email protected].