Peace Corps Prep

About

The Peace Corps Prep Program at Texas A&M University is a program designed in collaboration with the Peace Corps to prepare undergraduate students for international service and leadership through coursework, hands-on experience, and community engagement. Whether you're interested in eventually serving with the Peace Corps or simply passionate about making a difference in the world, this program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural understanding to lead effectively in global settings.

Quick Links

• Apply Today
• Download Student Guide
• Schedule Advising Appointment

Why Peace Corps Prep?

Prepare for International Field Work

Peace Corps Volunteers work in partnership with host communities in more than 60 countries. The PC Prep program prepares you for the experience of immersing yourself in a new culture while living and working alongside local community members.

Visit PeaceCorps.gov

Learn About Other Cultures

Peace Corps Prep gives you the chance to explore different cultures and relate across differences. You'll build real-world skills in communication and cultural understanding that help you connect with people from all backgrounds.

Peace Corps Benefits

Earn Recognition

Upon completion of the Peace Corps Prep program, you will receive a certificate from the Peace Corps, a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service, and a Texas A&M Global Aggie Medallion once you have applied for graduation.

Global Aggie Medallions

Be Prepared with Peace Corps Prep

Open to students from all majors, the program empowers Aggies to become global citizens—ready to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to positive change. Students in the Peace Corps Prep Program gain a structured pathway, field experience, intercultural competence, and leadership opportunities. With early and careful planning, many students can complete the Peace Corps Prep program without taking a single additional course beyond what is required for their A&M degree plan

Structured Pathway

Follow a structured pathway to increase your competitiveness when it comes time for Peace Corps applications.

Field Experience

Gain valuable field experience through internships or volunteer service.

Intercultural Competence

Build your intercultural competence and language development skills to prepare you for serving in other countries.

Leadership Opportunities

Build your intercultural competence and language development skills to prepare you for serving in other countries.

Core Competency Requirements

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Training & Experience

Requirements

Focus Sectors	Coursework	Volunteer
CHOOSE ONE SECTOR Agriculture, Youth in Development, Education, Environment, Health, or Community Economic Development	Take three courses related to your chosen sector	Complete 50 hours of related work or volunteer experience

Intercultural Competencies

Requirements

Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one's own self-awareness. With this learning objective, you will deepen your cultural agility - by taking three intercultural courses that provide opportunities to learn about others while reflecting upon your own self in relation to others. The goal is for you to build your capacity to understand multiple cultures and build intercultural competence. These courses are all either CD or ICD courses as listed in the Texas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog.

Intercultural Courses

Students will deepen cultural agility through a mix of three self-reflective courses focused on global perspectives. You will take at least 3 of these intercultural courses:

• AGSM 105 – Global Water Scarcity
• ALEC 350 – Global Agricultural Issues
• ANTH 205 - Peoples and Cultures of the World
• ANTH 222 - Cross Cultural Competency
• CARC 101 - Cultural and Social Issues in the Natural, Built and Virtual Environment
• COMM 335 - Intercultural Communication
• GEOG 202 – Geography of the Global Village
• GLST 211/ENGL 211 - Foundations in Cultural Studies
• IBUS 310 – Global Context of Business
• PERF 301 – Performance in World Cultures
• TEFB 273 – Intro to Culture, Community, Society and Schools

Is there another course in the catalog that you feel meets this requirement? Please discuss it with the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator.

Substitution Options

A maximum of two courses can be substituted with an Intercultural Experience or Foreign Language Course/Proficiency.

Intercultural Experience: Engage in an intercultural experience - including studying, volunteering, and/or teaching abroad or in a different cultural context from your own in the United States (including U.S. territories). Learn more about opportunities through the Education Abroad office.

Foreign Language Skills: Develop language skills by taking courses in a foreign language or American Sign Language. Please note that sign language or native/fluent experience with more than one language can also satisfy this requirement. All are encouraged to hone their capacity to interact professionally in more than one language. You can explore course option in the Texas A&M University Undergraduate Course Catalog.

Professional Leadership & Development

Requirements

​The Peace Corps and other international development opportunities are highly professional and selective. The PC Prep program requires three specific activities that will strengthen your candidacy for the Peace Corps (and any other professional endeavor!)

You will need to:

 

1. Have your resume reviewed by the Career Center
2. Attend a workshop or class on interview skills at the Career Center
3. Develop at least one significant leadership experience and be prepared to discuss it thoughtfully. For example, organizing a campus event, leading a work or volunteer project, or serving on the board of a student organization.

4. Connect with a Peace Corps Recruiter or Returned Peace Corps Volunteer about volunteer service, the application process and benefits of service. All Peace Corps Prep participants interested in applying for Peace Corps should complete this online form at Peace Corps Prep Connect to connect with Peace Corps recruiters.

How to Get Started

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STEP 1: Review Student Guide

Review the requirements outlined in the Peace Corps Prep Student Guide

STEP 2: Select a Focus Sector

Select a focus sector for your certificate:

• Education

• Health 

• Environment 

• Agriculture 

• Youth in Development 

• Community Economic Development 

STEP 3: Submit Enrollment Form

Submit the Peace Corps Prep application form. (Students without an application form will not be considered participants in the PC Prep Program.) After being accepted into the program, you will be enrolled in the PC Prep Canvas course. 

STEP 4: Fulfill Program Requirements

Begin completing your certificate and stay connected with the PC Prep team!

STEP 5: Meet with Program Advisors

• Contact the PC Prep Advisor (Michayla Robles michayla@tamu.edu) with any questions on classes and general certificate requirements. 

• Contact the Peace Corps Campus Recruiter for how to best leverage your certificate to start your Peace Corps Journey.