Program Rationale

Peace Corps Prep ProgramPrairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) mission “seeks to invest in programs and services that address issues and challenges affecting the diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population of Texas and the larger society including the global arena”. PVAMU’s Strategic Plan: A Plan for Reinventing Prairie View A&M University includes a focus on globalization and outreach. The learning objectives of PC Prep are designed to enhance students’ education with marketable skills such as foreign language, intercultural/global competencies, and an area of specialty backed by coursework and hands-on experience. With this alignment of objectives, the synergy between PC Prep and our curriculum will strengthen the pipeline of PVAMU’s alumni serving in the PC, thus giving our alumni the type of international standing we envisage and in the process help us boost our international standing among our peers while also advancing the mission of the Peace Corps. For more information about serving in the Peace Corps after graduation, please visit peacecorps.gov.

All undergraduate degree-seeking students at Prairie View A&M University are eligible to pursue an application into the PC Prep Program. The Fall application deadline for the program is November 8 at 11:59pm and the Spring application deadline for the program is March 31st at 11:59pm.

Steps to Apply for the Program:

  1. Read the student guide and course inventory
  2. Fill out the application by November 8 at 11:59pm for the Fall Application Cycle or March 31st at 11:59pm for the Spring Application Cycle.
  3. Students will be notified of their application status (accepted or declined) 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.

Program Requirements

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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 field experience through volunteer, work, or internship positions in the same sector.

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Foreign Language Skills

Latin America: Complete two intermediate Spanish courses (2000 level or higher).

West Africa: Build proficiency in French or another Romance language by completing at least one intermediate course (2000 level or higher).

Other regions: Students indicating an intention to serve anywhere else have no explicit language requirements, but are encouraged to take at least one foreign language class.

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Intercultural Competence

  • Students may substitute one or two courses with a Learning Abroad experience if was in one of the Peace Corps Countries. Programs one week to a summer in length may substitute for one course and those lasting one semester may substitute for two courses.

  • Students may substitute one of the above courses with a prolonged (40 hrs+) intercultural activity (such as interning or volunteering with a global organization or diverse populations). Depending on the activity, it may also count towards the field experience or leadership requirement.

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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.

For more Information about the Peace Corps Program, contact:

Mr. Benjamin Simington, Program Assistant
Phone: 936-261-2146
Email: studyabroad@pvamu.edu