TERRE HAUTE —
The world was calling Thursday night, and ISU students wondered just how far they might go.
The Indiana State University Office of International Programs and Services hosted an informational event in conjunction with the Peace Corps that evening, drawing 11 students with an interest in global service. Surrounding a computer screen in a conference room inside University Hall, the group participated in a live web-based discussion with a Peace Corps official, while hearing about the experiences of past volunteers.
Chris McGrew, director of International Programs and Services, said that for an inaugural event, the evening was a success.
“This was a great turnout,” he said, explaining the university has strong connections with AmeriCorps, but has never really developed such a relationship with the Peace Corps. “What we’d like to do is have a regular event each semester.”
Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps dispatches volunteers to nations around the globe in hopes of promoting world peace and friendship. Since its inception, American Peace Corps volunteers have worked in 139 different countries, strengthening international bonds and helping communities therein, according to information provided by the agency.
Volunteers commit to a 27-month tour in another nation, working in one of six different fields: education, youth and community development, agriculture, environment, health and HIV/AIDS, business, and information and communication technology. Extensive training in those fields, as well as foreign language, is a component of the program.
Kendrall Masten, Peace Corps recruiter for the Chicago region, facilitated the live webcast, recalling his own experiences as a volunteer between 2005 and 2007. Originally from Georgia, he found himself working in the field of business development in the African nation of Zambia.
According to Masten, the average age of a Peace Corps volunteer is 28, but seven percent are over 50 years old. The ratio of men to women is about 40:60, and 93 percent of the participants are single. Nearly 90 percent have a college degree.
In addition to potential deferment of student loans, Peace Corps volunteers also receive medical and dental coverage, and are well-positioned to secure graduate school and federal job opportunities upon completion of the program, he said. And in the meantime, they get to immerse themselves in a foreign culture.
Richelle Kimble, a junior majoring in communication and journalism, said she’s interested in the Peace Corps and wants to learn more about the program. The chance to engage in business development or international affairs is a positive, as are the opportunities involving graduate school, she said. Getting the chance to experience another culture is the biggest draw.
“Obviously the weak point is being away from your family and friends for 27 months,” she said, describing the program as a significant commitment.
Masten said volunteers become immersed in their new communities, and 50 miles could separate one Peace Corps worker from their nearest American counterpart. Safety and security are key components of the program, he said, but participation in the “global village” is very real.
Alyssa Brooks, a junior psychology major from St. Louis, said she’s very interested in the opportunity.
“I’ve always wanted to do it. It’s just a matter of when,” she said after the session.
Having studied Spanish, Brooks said a posting in South America would be interesting, particularly in the field involving children and community development.
“I like the idea of traveling and experiencing different cultures,” she said, noting she’s never been outside the United States.
McGrew, though never a Peace Corps volunteer himself, recalled how the program touched his own life.
“My high school world history and geography teacher was a Peace Corps volunteer,” he said, explaining the valuable experience it provided back in an American classroom. “He was a great storyteller, and he had great stories about the Peace Corps.”
Individuals interested in the program were encouraged to visit its website, www.peacecorps.gov for more information.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
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Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Let's talk: Chris McGrew, Director of International Programs and services at Indiana State University talks with sophomore Erika Lomax after a virtual session with a Peace Corp representative.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Almost there: About a dozen Indiana State University students attended a virtual session with a Peace Corp representative Thursday evening. The session was about an hour long and included a presentation by Peace Corp volunteers in the field followed by a question and answer session.
Discussion
Presentation informs ISU students of Peace Corps
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