WHY PEACE CORPS?
- Work and learn in 60 possible countries. Use your major and experience to impact communities across the globe.
- Housing and a living wage provided in your country + $9,450 when you finish your assignment to reestablish in the U.S.
- A leg up on federal jobs after you finish the program. You get extra application points to help you get noticed by a great gov. agency.
- Many volunteers are hired on in their respective countries after their term.
- A 3-month training program prepares you to serve + you’ll have a partner in your assigned country.
- Access to apply for a special fellowship that pays toward future graduate studies.
Agricultural/Forestry Majors:
The Peace Corps is competitive. The good news is that agricultural and forestry majors are desired. Actually having a degree in your fields is not common among applicants. So you can stand out! With your background, you may be selected for an educational position, usually with small farmers around the world. Duties could include helping with sustainable farming practices, food security, irrigation in dry climates, and income supplementation. You may help with everything from crops, to bees, to livestock.
o E.g. You may help tackle deforestation, understanding economic forces that drive it and how communities can begin to recover.
Environmental Sciences/Natural Resources:
STEM fields are greatly desired in the Peace Corps. An important tip, if you plan to apply, is to get some educational experience outside of the classroom. You may have research and fieldwork (like sampling/trail maintenance) on your resume, but showing you can communicate with and teach others is a big selling point for you on an application.
o You may work on climate change and how it is affecting an arid region. Showing a community how to recover and address their farming practices or soil erosion.
o You may tackle issues like poaching or introducing eco-tourism to preserve wildlife. Or work on a nature preserve.
o It is also very common for hard science students to teach math or science in high schools across the globe.
HOW CAN I STAND OUT?
- Knowing a foreign language is a big deal, especially Spanish or French. Even some introductory courses count.
- Education experience. Consider volunteering to teach English or getting together with international students to practice conversation.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
- Reach out to Scot Roskelley, the Peace Corps recruiter for Oregon State. He can help you strategize about how and when to apply: sroskelley@peacecorps.gov or 503-290-4024.
- Note that there is a 8-10 month gap between when you apply and when you go. For graduates in June 2019, apply by Oct. 1.
