The Peace Corps Prep Program (PC Prep) at the University of Oklahoma prepares students for service as a Peace Corps volunteer. Qualified undergraduate students can apply to take part in the program, which equips students in four areas: intercultural communication coursework, sector-specific skills, language development, and professionalism and leadership. After completing the program, students receive a certificate from the Peace Corps. While completion of the program does not guarantee that applicants are selected for service, it makes students much more competitive applicants for Peace Corps volunteer positions.
The program is open to all undergraduate students at the University of Oklahoma. PC Prep not only prepares students for service in the Peace Corps, but also demonstrates to employers a dedication to community service, international affairs, cultural understanding and adaptability.
For the full requirements of the Peace Corps Prep program at OU, read our student guide (PDF).
Want to chat about the program or get assistance with the application?
Email Peace Corps Prep coordinator Maura McAndrew at mmcandrew@ou.edu to set up a meeting.
Volunteers work with small-scale farmers and families to increase food security and production and adapt to climate change while promoting environmental conservation.
They introduce farmers to techniques that prevent soil erosion, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and replenish the soil. They work alongside farmers on integrated projects that often combine vegetable gardening, livestock management, agroforestry, and nutrition education.
Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations and municipalities to encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings as well as work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products.
Some volunteers also teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies that connect them to the global marketplace.
Education is the Peace Corps’ largest program area. Volunteers play an important role in creating links among schools, parents, and communities. They may work in elementary, secondary, or post secondary schools, teaching subjects such as math, science, or conversational English; or as resource teachers or teacher trainers. Volunteers also develop libraries and technology resource centers.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate program
Some programs afford Volunteers the opportunity to earn a recognized teaching credential during Peace Corps service, a unique opportunity to meet global professional English standards. View TEFL program details.
Volunteers lead grassroots efforts to protect the environment and strengthen understanding of environmental issues. They teach environmental awareness in schools and to local organizations, empowering communities to make their own decisions about conserving the local environment.
Volunteers also address environmental degradation by promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Health Volunteers work within their communities to promote important topics such as nutrition, maternal and child health, basic hygiene and water sanitation.
Volunteers also work in HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs, where they train youth as peer educators, provide support to children orphaned by the disease, and create programs that provide emotional and financial support to families and communities affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Volunteers work with youth in communities to promote engagement and active citizenship, including gender awareness, employability, health and HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, sports and fitness programs, and information technology.
PC Prep is open to all undergraduate students at OU, regardless of major. Applicants should note that service in the Peace Corps is only open to U.S. citizens.
For more information on requirements, see the Student Guide.
NOTE: The student guide currently only includes recommended courses and explanations for three sectors: community economic development, environment, and health. We are working on getting this updated to include all six sectors.
One core course from the options listed below:
+ Two additional intercultural courses or experiences
Questions? Email OU Peace Corps Prep coordinator Maura McAndrew at mmcandrew@ou.edu.
Want to learn more about the program before you apply? Email Peace Corps Prep Coordinator Maura McAndrew at mmcandrew@ou.edu to set up an appointment.
Photo credits: Peace Corps.
