Program Overview
The program focuses on four core competencies: training in a work sector, intercultural competence, leadership development, and optional foreign language skills. Upon completion, students gain the necessary skills and experience to be competitive applicants for the Peace Corps or pursue global careers in international development, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
Program Outline
It is designed to prepare students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a global context. The program focuses on four core competencies:
- Training and experience in a work sector: Students gain practical experience in one of the following Peace Corps Work Sectors: Education, Health, Environment, Agriculture, Youth in Development, or Community Economic Development.
- Intercultural competence: Students develop the ability to understand and navigate different cultures effectively.
- Professional and leadership development: Students enhance their leadership skills and professional development through various program activities.
- Foreign language skills (optional): Students have the option to develop proficiency in a foreign language relevant to their chosen work sector. Students create an ePortfolio to document and reflect on their experiences in the Peace Corps Prep program.
Careers:
The Peace Corps Preparation Certificate prepares students for a variety of career paths, including:
- Peace Corps Volunteer: The program provides students with the necessary skills and experience to be competitive applicants for the Peace Corps.
- Global careers: The program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in international development, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other global organizations.
Other:
The program is a formal partnership between the University of North Texas and the U.S. Peace Corps. It is designed to help students prepare for service as Peace Corps Volunteers or for global careers. The program highlights include:
- Leadership: Builds global leadership skills.
- Experience: Provides professional global training and experience.
- Knowledge: Contributes to intercultural competence and global knowledge.
- Professional Development: Prepares students to be competitive applicants for the Peace Corps and other global careers.
- Resume Building: Students create an ePortfolio to synthesize and reflect upon their UNT Peace Corps Prep experiences.
- Degree Specialization: Allows students to complete a globally-focused UNT certificate that counts toward their degrees. The program offers a variety of courses that can be taken to fulfill the certificate requirements, including:
- Migrants and Refugees
- Intercultural Communication
- Global Societies
- Culture, Environment and Society
- Developing Societies
- Diversity and Cultural Awareness
