Peace Corps Prep Program

FAQs

Eligibility and FAQs

USF undergraduate students in all degree-granting colleges who are in good academic standing can join the Peace Corps Prep Program.

Please be sure to:

  • Enroll in the program by the end of add/drop of the first semester of your senior year (defined as having at two semesters remaining at USF, including the semester they are enrolling)
  • Review completed GCP courses prior to enrollment - and will only count if they are an approved GCP course.
  • Review Language Skills - any college coursework completed prior to enrollment will count towards meeting the language learning option.
  • Understand that past study abroad program participation will meet a portion of the intercultural experience requirement - depending upon the length of time/stay as noted in the Student Guide.
  • Take into consideration the time you will need to complete all the program requirements. If you are a junior or senior it will be important to develop a program plan to ensure timely completion by your final semester.
  • Confirm you have met all program requirements by the graduation application deadline in your final semester. This will permit us time to prepare your Exit Application and for you to receive the Peace Corps Prep Certification.
  • Transfer credits of international coursework completed at another institution of higher education so they may be counted.
  • Know that AP and IB credits will not be accepted for the international coursework or language learning requirements.
  • Review ePortfolio guidelines: ePortfolio workshops are held on a regular basis each semester.

What about enrollment in Peace Corps (PC) Prep? Am I eligible?

Students who enroll in the GCP have the added option of co-enrolling in the PC Prep Program. It requires 3 sector specific courses and 50 hours of documented hands-on experience in that sector. We expect that in some cases, the coursework you complete for GCP will meet the sector course requirements of the PC Prep Program, thereby not adding any additional credits requirements to complete both programs. Depending on the program and focus, it's also possible that your GCP international experience, such as study abroad, will meet the PC Prep 50 hours of sector experience requirement. Students must co-enroll in the Peace Corps Prep Program by the end of add/drop of the first semester of their senior year (defined as having at two semesters remaining at USF, including the semester they are co-enrolling).

Is PC Prep only for students who want to work internationally or focus on international academics?

Being a global citizen builds upon intercultural skills which enable you to see a global vision for your educational goals, as wells as, your career goals. Earning a PC Prep Certificate is a major component to building a strong resume, set of skills, and marketable talents that will enhance your professional future.

Should I join Peace Corps Prep?

PC Prep may have particular appeal to students who are interested in global citizenship, international development, and/or transnational relations - and plan to apply to Peace Corps. The Peace Corps Prep program is not a requirement for you to join the Peace Corps, however, it does make you more marketable and readily visible by their selection process.

Here are just a few reasons to enroll in the PC Prep Program:

  • You may be interested in gaining volunteer experience in a particular Peace Corps work sector. These include education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development, and community economic development.
  • PC Prep is a great resume-builder, and if you do apply to Peace Corps it will improve the ranking of your application.
  • Your participation in PC Prep will enhance your understanding of international development and global citizenship.
  • It will provide you with a clear understanding of Peace Corps as a career move after graduation.
  • There may be other reasons or interests that you have; however, we do encourage you to co-enroll along with the GCP.

How will the PC Prep coursework affect my major(s), minor(s) and/or certificate(s)?

  • The required coursework to complete the PC Prep Program will not significantly affect your major(s), minor(s) and/or certificate(s). Some required coursework may be academic electives, or in other cases major, minor or certificate credit. There should not be any credits taken in excess so that you graduate on time.
  • A PC Prep course may also meet General Education coursework or college requirements - depending on your college and academic department.
  • PC Prep course credits are not exclusive to the program, as you will note that they are from various academic disciplines. All coursework should enhance your ability to complete the program and your degree without additional credits.
  • PC Prep courses will cause you to reflect on the global and intercultural aspects of your academic experience.