Peace Corps Prep Certificate Program

The Global Education Office has been a proud participant in the Peace Corps Prep Program since 2014. This self-paced, service-oriented, academic initiative is designed to help students build cultural awareness and develop practical skills sought by the Peace Corps, other nonprofit organizations, and global employers. Students who enroll in the Peace Corps Prep program will gain knowledge and experience that make them more competitive Peace Corps applicants and better prepare them to enter a global workforce. Participation in Peace Corps international service is not an expectation or requirement for participation in the Peace Corps Prep program.

Program Requirements

• Academic coursework
  • Sector-specific coursework
  • Intercultural coursework
• Note that many students do not need to take additional coursework beyond what is already required for their major but may need to make specific choices amongst electives.
• 50 hours of volunteer service
• Leadership and professional development experiences

View the Peace Corps Prep Certificate Student Guide for all information about program requirements.

Eligibility

All undergraduate students at VCU are eligible to participate in the Peace Corps Prep Program. This unique partnership is an ideal opportunity that meets the needs of students who are passionate about engaging with diverse cultures, increasing their global competency, and serving their community. The university’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, aims to provide students with high-quality living-learning experiences that prepare them for success in a global environment. VCU’s partnership with the Peace Corps is an intentional step toward fulfilling that goal.

Application process

Students must submit the certificate program application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students may progress through the program at their own pace.

Program Benefits

This formal partnership between the Peace Corps and VCU allows students to develop intercultural competency skills while simultaneously preparing for the Peace Corps.

Students who successfully complete the program gain knowledge and experience that make them more competitive Peace Corps applicants, and help them prepare for a global workforce.

Participation in and completion of the Peace Corps Prep Program demonstrates a sense of global awareness and compassion that many employers and graduate programs find attractive in their candidates.

All Peace Corps Prep Program graduates receive a signed certificate of completion from the Peace Corps.

Have questions or would you like to speak with a student currently completing the program? Please email pcprepprogram@vcu.edu

VCU REAL graduation requirement

Students can fulfill their VCU REAL degree requirement through completion of the Peace Corps Prep program. This certificate helps to advance the REAL mission of giving students high impact, hands-on, real world experiences that will benefit them academically, personally and professionally. Please speak with VCU's Peace Corp Prep coordinator at pcprepprogram@vcu.edu if you have any questions about the process for fulfilling this requirement.