Peace Corps Preparatory Program
Hiram College began offering a Peace Corps Preparatory Program in Fall 2014. We are among the first colleges/universities in Ohio to offer a program officially designated as preparation for Peace Corps service.
At Hiram College, our values of service learning, global reach and making a change in the world are closely aligned with the Peace Corps. For that reason, many alumni have found the Peace Corps to be a natural transition to the liberal arts education they receive at Hiram. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students to serve in the Peace Corps upon graduation. Completion does not guarantee placement in the Peace Corps, but makes you a stronger candidate.
More than 215,000 volunteers have served 139 countries since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961. The organization sends Americans abroad to serve in areas of education, health, the environment, economic development, youth development, agriculture and more, to create sustainable change that lives on long after their service.
Pre-Professional Concentration
Additional Information
About the Program
Program Summary
The Peace Corps Preparatory Program is well integrated into our broad liberal arts curriculum, and it builds on our strong tradition of service learning and study abroad. Below are the general courses you’ll want to take to prepare for a fulfilling career in the Peace Corps:
- Four courses in a single language.
- Two years of coursework with a focus on economics, management, history, sociology, political science, or an interdisciplinary field related to (a) contemporary global issue(s).
- At least one co-curricular experience, including study abroad, a volunteer/service project, internship, teaching experience, etc.
- Three courses in education, if you wish to teach in the Peace Corps.
Image: Recent Peace Corps Ceremony
Benefits of Joining
Aside from the significant accomplishments and contributions volunteers make during their service, benefits of joining the Peace Corps include:
- Public student loans may be eligible for deferment, and Perkins loans may be eligible for cancellation
- Language, cross-cultural and technical training
- Full medical and dental coverage
- Unique graduate school opportunities
- Transition and job support and social networking after services
- Advantages in federal employment
- Development of skills suitable for the global marketplace
JESSICA BESSNER ’16 | Sociology and Religious Studies Double Major
“Every day I am solving different problems, and I am learning impactful information from my counterparts and community partners. I will use my new skills and knowledge when I return to the U.S. and continue a career as a English as a Second Language Teacher.”
Image: Peace Corp
get Involved
Faculty
Merose Hwang, Ph.D.
READY TO APPLY TO THE PEACE CORPS PREP PROGRAM?
Students interested in the Peace Corps Preparatory Program at Hiram College should apply before the start of their junior year. Select the links to download an application. Completed applications should be emailed to Professor Merose Hwang or physically mailed to:
Dr. Merose Hwang, Coordinator, Peace Corps Prep Program
P.O. Box 67
Hiram, OH 44234
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