Frequently Asked Questions: Peace Corps Masters International

When are the application deadlines?
Most PCMI volunteers leave in the summer following their first year of academic coursework in the program. This means that they must have their application submitted by September of their first year in the program. Generally, applicants complete the Peace Corps application and their application to graduate studies at FSU simultaneously, although some students with medical or other concerns might wish to apply to Peace Corps in advance of their application to FSU to ensure that medical clearances are obtained before committing to the PCMI program.

How soon after I apply will I know if I've been accepted?
After someone completes the application and the interview, they are nominated to the PCMI program. This means that if they clear medically to serve and their background check is clear then they will be given their invitation to serve.

I have medical concerns. Can I still participate?
Every situation is unique and Peace Corps is diligent in understanding the medical situation of each individual. Once an individual is nominated, their situation is reviewed by the medical office and they will make the final decision.
Volunteers range in age from recent college graduates to retirees, and many have been able to serve despite medical conditions.

Will I be alone overseas? What kind of support can I expect to get?
Volunteers serve in groups that can range in size from 10 to 120. Volunteers support each other which leads to many long lasting friendships and relationships after Peace Corps service. There is also a network of support staff that supervise and support volunteers in each country, and can respond to emergency or crisis situations to ensure the safety of volunteers if ever necessary.

I don't speak a foreign language. Can I still participate?
Yes. Knowledge of a language may make you a stronger candidate for placement in a country where it is spoken, but foreign language skills are otherwise unnecessary.

What areas are most in need of volunteers?
The Peace Corps is an organization which is invited to a country to help serve that country's population. There is a need for volunteer in all areas Peace Corps volunteers serve.

How long would I stay overseas?
The Peace Corps commitment is 27 months. Training will take place for three months (in the country of service), followed by 24 months of service.

Will I be trained in a foreign language for my assignment? If so, when will this occur, where, and for how long?
Yes, all volunteers go through language training regardless of previous experience with a language. This training will be conducted as part of a volunteer's 3 months training in country. Volunteers learn the local language of the region where they will be serving. If the local language of study is not widely spoken, volunteers may also learn a second language of greater national or regional utility.

What kind of previous experience do I need to participate in this program?
If you are a student in the Master's International Program in Education, then you should have all the experience necessary to qualify for a Peace Corps assignment.

Can I choose the country where I will work?
No, your country assignment will be given when your invitation is made. During the application process, you will be asked to list 3 of several regions in which you would like to serve. The Peace Corps will do its best to place you in one of these regions.

What if I'm assigned to a country I don't like?
It is important for a Peace Corps volunteer to understand that as volunteers we are not going to countries to enjoy them; we are their to serve the communities in which we live. The Peace Corps asks that volunteers be open minded about their assignments and you never know the place you may not like may eventually become a place you love.

What are the advantages of serving in the Peace Corps?
The most important advantage of Peace Corps service is experience. As a volunteer you may be teaching as a job in a foreign country . This means when one comes back, they have two years full time teaching experience internationally. This can easily place you ahead in being competitive for domestic and international teaching positions.

What kind of work will I be doing while overseas?
Peace Corps volunteers can expect to do work related to their field of education and experience. If you are in the Master's International Program, then you should expect to be working in an educational field. The following may apply:

Teacher Training (K-16, special education)
Primary or Secondary Teaching
(Math, Science or English)
Skills Training (Health, Business etc)
University English Teaching

Is this program more expensive than a fully campus-based Masters program?
No, you will be responsible for paying your school expenses, but once an invitation has been offered and accepted the Peace Corps pays for every aspect of service. This includes the cost of flights to and from your country of service, any required innoculations, and in-country living expenses, medical expenses, and other such costs.

Will I receive fiscal compensation for my time in the Peace Corps, like non-degree-seeking volunteers do?
Yes, although you will be in a different program, you will still be a Peace Corps volunteer and are entitled to all of the financial compensations as a regular volunteer.

Can I be assigned with a friend? How about a spouse?
Spouses may request to serve together, but typically must have already been married for at least six months at the time of application. Contact the Peace Corps recruiter for more information regarding this scenario. Unmarried individuals may submit applications indicating identical preferences in terms of country of service, but no guarantee can be made that they will be placed in the same country, let alone the same geographic region within a country.

For more information about the Peace Corps, please visit their website, or contact the FSU Peace Corps recruiter at PeaceCorps@admin.fsu.edu.