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. The PCP is an undergraduate certificate defined by the Peace Corps 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 the PCP is beneficial for anyone wishing to work internationally.
Begin Your Journey to Working Abroad
The PCP will prepare students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. To accomplish this, students will build four core competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experience, and professional development support.
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Competency 1: Work Sector Training and Experience
Goal:
Gain knowledge on the six sectors in which Peace Corps Volunteers serve: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development, and community economic development.Requirements:
Students will choose one sector to focus on, then complete at least 3 courses and 50 hours of related experience in that sector. -
Competency 2: Foreign Language Skills
Goal:
Develop basic foreign language skills depending on what region students are interested in serving.Requirements:
Latin America: Two 200-level Spanish courses
West Africa: One 200-level French course
Other Regions: 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. -
Competency 3: Intercultural Competence
Goal:
Build capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences.Requirements:
Students will either take 3 approved courses or 1-2 courses AND a substantive intercultural experience to meet this requirement. -
Competency 4: Professional Development and Leadership
Goal:
Peace Corps service is a significant professional experience and has a competitive selection process.Requirements:
Students will have their resume critiqued by the UAB Career Center, attend a workshop or class on interview skills at the UAB Career Center, and develop at least one significant leadership experience.
The Student Guide
The Student Guide can help assist in deciding which courses to take that will meet the requirements of the certificate program. Students are advised to use this guide to help map out their preferred PCP course of study. Students should refer to this when completing their PCP application where they will need to document how they plan to fulfill each requirement. As it aligns with each section of the application.
Apply Now
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.