UAB was established as a Peace Corps partner university in 2017, and the Sparkman Center for Global Health is proud to sponsor the Peace Corps Prep (PCP) program. PCP is an undergraduate certificate defined by the Peace Cops as a “program for undergraduates that centers on one empowering question: How can you prepare yourself to be the best Peace Corps Volunteer you can be?” We’re excited to support students interested in joining the Peace Corps, and PCP is beneficial for anyone wishing to work internationally.
Begin Your Journey to Working Abroad
The Peace Corps Prep program will prepare you for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. To accomplish this, you’ll build four core competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experience, and professional development support. These competencies are:
Pc Prep Sector
There are six sectors in which Peace Corps Volunteers serve: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development, and community economic development. Read more about them on the Peace Corps website.
Choose one sector to focus on then complete at least 3 courses + 50 hours of related experience in that sector.
Pc Prep Language
Minimum course requirements for this vary depending on what region you're hoping to serve in...
- Latin America: Two 200-level Spanish courses
- West Africa: One 200-level French course
- Everywhere else: No explicit requirement; however, you are highly encouraged to study a foreign language. UAB's Department of World Languages and Literatures has courses in German, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian
Pc Prep Intercultural
The goal of this competency is for you to build your capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences.
You will either take 3 approved courses or 1-2 courses + a substantive intercultural experience to meet this requirement.
Pc Prep Prof Devel
Peace Corps service is a significant professional experience and very selective. To prepare for that you will:
- Have your resume critiqued by someone in UAB Career Center
- Attend a workshop or class on interview skills at UAB Career Center
- Develop at least one significant leadership experience
The Student Guide (link to document in Box) can assist you in deciding which courses to take that will meet the requirements of the certificate program. Use this guide to map out your Peace Corps Prep course of study. In particular, refer to this when completing your PC Prep application where you’ll need to document how you plan to fulfill each requirement. This guide aligns point-by-point with each section of the application
Contact your Peace Corps Prep Coordinator: Camryn Durham (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or schedule a Peace Corps Prep Advising Session!
Program Disclaimer
Completing the Peace Corps Prep program does not guarantee acceptance as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The many factors considered in the selection and placement of a successful Peace Corps applicant include the individual qualifications vis-à-vis the needs of the position, the other candidates applying, and background and health screenings of each candidate. While acceptance is not guaranteed, the Peace Corps Prep Certificate offers a likely advantage when competing with other qualified candidates.