UW is No. 3 producer of Peace Corps volunteers
January 31, 2005
The UW was recently ranked the third-highest producer of Peace Corps volunteers in a national report from the non-profit development organization.
According to the Peace Corps' annual report, 98 graduates from the UW joined the program in 2004. The University of Wisconsin at Madison, which has been the first-ranked school for the past decade, produced 123 volunteers.
"Students see the Peace Corps as a great way to learn more about themselves and to find out what works for them," said Lauren Candia, UW campus representative and former volunteer for the Peace Corps.
Most volunteers are returning students or have family and friends who were involved in the program before, she said.
Candia finished her 27-month Peace Corps commitment in April. She was a water and sanitation volunteer in Honduras, where she designed and built water systems while helping educate youth groups about the risks of HIV/AIDS.
The UW features a graduate program encouraging participation in the Peace Corps. Graduate students in the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs have the opportunity to participate in the Peace Corps Master's International Program in international forestry, health or non-governmental organization development.
Students complete an extensive year of graduate school before embarking on a 27-month commitment with the Peace Corps. When they return, the students will only have one quarter and a dissertation to finish before receiving a degree.
"With this program, graduates with no work experience will be receiving their master's degree and two years of work experience at the same time," said Douglas Leek, a recruitment manager for the Evans School.
According to Leek, it is not difficult to get into the program, "as long as the student is a well-rounded individual," he said.
Peace Corps volunteers work in youth outreach, community development, education, HIV/AIDS awareness, business development and information technology.
Volunteers receive a modest stipend for housing, food, and health insurance costs while on assignment. After returning to the United States, they receive $6,075 to help with readjustment.
Campus interviews for Peace Corps positions will be conducted Feb. 9 and 10th. For more information or to fill out an application, visit www.peacecorps.org.
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