The Peace Corps at the University of North Georgia
By Charlotte Walton

The Peace Corps was established by President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 1961, with the aim of promoting world peace and friendship. It attempts to accomplish this by helping participating countries in meeting needs for trained men and women, as well as aiding in both the improved understanding of Americans across the world and in improving Americans’ understanding of other peoples. Peace Corps volunteers serve in host countries by living and working in communities all over the world. There are currently 65 host countries that the Peace Corps serves.

UNG offers the Peace Corps Preparatory Program, which allows the graduates of this program to receive a certificate from the Peace Corps. The program was created in 2011 and 37 of its graduates have become volunteers. In 2016, three alumni entered the force. These alumni went to teach English in Cambodia and Samoa.

While obtaining the Peace Corps Preparatory Program certificate does not guarantee admittance into the Peace Corps, it grants the owner a competitive edge when seeking to apply for entry into the Peace Corps.

The preparatory program is composed of eight courses, paired with opportunities with community service, internships, or Study Abroad opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to apply in their sophomore year. For more information, visit: https://ung.edu/political-science-international-affairs/student-resources/peace-corps-prep-program.php