The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government. Its official mission is to provide social and economic development abroad through technical assistance while promoting mutual understanding between Americans and populations served.
UAB has two distinct university Peace Corps programs available to its students.
Peace Corps PREP Certificate Program
The Peace Corps PREP certificate program provides undergraduates an opportunity to focus their coursework, extracurricular leadership, and community engagement activities to prepare them for international service.
Learn More About Peace Corps PREP →
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program is a graduate school program for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who seek to get a master’s degree in education, nursing, public administration, or public health.
Learn More About Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program →
University Programs:
- School of Public Health at University of Alabama - Birmingham
- School of Education and Human Sciences at University of Alabama - Birmingham
- School of Nursing at University of Alabama - Birmingham
- College of Arts and Sciences, Dept of Political Science and Public Administration, Master of Public Administration Program at University of Alabama - Birmingham
The Office of Education Abroad is a member of the Forum for Education Abroad (Forum), Institute of International Education, and Association of International Educators (NAFSA). The Office of Education Abroad is guided by the Forum's Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, 6th Edition, to support high-quality programs.
UAB Education Abroad administers, establishes, and sends UAB students on high-quality education abroad opportunities to prepare them for success in the globalized world.
Visit our Office
UAB Office of Education Abroad
Suite 222M | Sterne Library
917 13th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294
(205) 975-6611
Get to Know Our Staff

Rachel Bailes, Associate Director Education Abroad and Passport Office
Rachel graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in School Counseling.
Prior to UAB, she was a One Stop advisor at Samford University, where she developed a passion for supporting students in their personal and academic development. She is passionate about advocating for students to explore and experience the world and develop a stronger sense of self through education abroad.
As the associate director, Rachel collaborates with various campus partners to provide oversight for the education abroad and passport offices with a goal of delivering high quality education abroad experiences to students and excellent service to customers visiting the passport office.
In her free time, you’ll find her spending time with her family and friends, planning her next trip abroad, trying local coffee shops and restaurants, and exploring Birmingham with her rescue dog, Zoe.

Justin Lampley, Director of Global Affairs
Justin has been at UAB since 2016, and began his current position of Director of Global Affairs in December 2023, overseeing both the Education Abroad Office and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Prior to UAB, he was an international student advisor at Troy University for over two years, and also worked as an ESL instructor for four years in Busan, South Korea. He also completed a Master’s degree in International Studies while living in Adelaide, Australia. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys, watching sports (Go Blazers!), playing golf, and enjoying Birmingham's many parks and restaurants.

Brooke Stoves, Education Abroad Advisor
Brooke Stoves is a recent graduate from UAB, who majored in English Literature and a minor in Social Psychology. A passionate traveler, she has explored much of the U.S. and has a special affinity for international adventures. After several visits to Haiti, Brooke spent a semester in 2023 studying at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, where her combined love for literature and travel flourished and blossomed into a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and people.
During her times abroad, Brooke has immersed herself in rich literary history and vibrant cultures, visiting cities such as London, Port Au Prince, Augier, and Birmingham (England, that is!) Inspired by her experiences, she hopes to return to both the UK and Caribbean in the future, as well as travel across Europe and Asia while also encouraging others to explore the world through both academic and personal lenses.
When she isn't writing, working, or planning her next exploit, Brooke is a proud cat lover who spends her time finding joy in various forms of art, such as painting and listening to Bossa Nova. As Education Abroad Advisor, Brooke is eager to share her passion for travel with others and provide assistance to students who are seeking education abroad opportunities across the globe.

Mason Thompson, Faculty-Led Program Coordinator
Mason graduated from UAB with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Chinese Language in 2021. Currently, she is the Faculty-led Program Coordinator, however, she has also been the Passport Agent, and a Peer Ambassador here in Education Abroad. While still a student, she studied abroad in Chengdu, China for fall 2019 and Montevideo, Uruguay for spring 2020.
Mason’s love of adventure has been present since she was a child. She visited 17 states and Mexico before graduating high school and has not stopped exploring since. Her goal is to eventually visit all 50 states and all 7 continents. After her study abroad experience as an undergraduate, she found a passion for making education abroad obtainable for all students.
When it comes to time-off, Mason enjoys exploring new local coffee shops, taking long drives with the top down, and singing off-key karaoke. On sunny days and long weekends, you can find her curled up with a book or at the park enjoying a picnic.
As the Faculty-Led Program Coordinator, Mason collaborates with faculty to develop short term education abroad programs across the world and recruit students across campus. She looks forward to growing and diversifying the faculty-led portfolio.
The UAB Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides immigration advising and cultural exchange events for international students and research scholars. Our vision is to provide cutting-edge immigration advising and programming to UAB and its international community, preserving the integrity of our programs while advocating for the unique needs of international students and scholars, leading to enriched educational and research opportunities, broadened cultural perspectives, and ease of adjustment to life in the US. Our work supports the university’s four pillars of education; research, innovation & economic development; community engagement; and patient care by bringing world-class talent to Birmingham to internationalize our campus and our city.
ISSS is located in the international center on the second floor of Mervyn H. Sterne Library on the corner of 9th Avenue and 13th Street South.
Education Abroad
UAB Education Abroad establishes, administers, and sends UAB students on high-quality education abroad opportunities to prepare them for success in the globalized world.
Learn More →International Student & Scholar Services
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides immigration compliance expertise and cultural exchange events for international students, research scholars, residents and fellows, and visitors.
Learn More →English Language Programs
English Language Programs (ELP) is the professional resource for English language learning and cross-cultural training in the Birmingham metropolitan area. The ELP offers a range of ESL courses to students, area residents, business people, local corporations, and international visitors.
Learn More →Passport Services
UAB Passport Services is an official U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility, which serves UAB and the greater Birmingham-area community.
Learn More →Global Risk & Safety
The health & safety of our students, faculty, and staff are a priority for UAB. International Education staff monitor worldwide events and travel conditions while providing health & safety resources and emergency support for anyone on official university travel.
Learn More →




