A Message from the Coordinator
This unique academic year is now drawing to a close. We are all looking forward to a future that affords us more in-person interactions and an improved sense of protection, both from the vaccine and from the health protocols we have adopted as second nature. Peace Corps is also making progress with its plans to begin sending volunteers back out to posts as early as the beginning of 2022, with open postions in all regions and program areas . You can read more about this on Peace Corps' Covid19 Updates page, and view open positions in the Volunteer Openings page.
In the meantime, I am (virtually) available to talk to those of you with interests in the Peace Corps, whether you are just curious about the experience or strongly considering applying. Since even under normal conditions the application process takes 6-9 months, this is a good time to explore what Peace Corps life is like and what opportunities might be a good match for you. Check out some of our campus events below, which often have a 'local-global' approach, or explore the many resources on the Peace Corps website itself.
Laura Joseph, RPCV Benin, peacecorps@osu.edu
Office hours:Thursdays from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, or by appointment.
"The toughest job you'll ever love": Peace Corps basics and opportunities
Learn about Peace Corps through the experiences of volunteers with connections to Ohio State in this short video.
Peace Corps and Graduate School: Considering the Options
Interested in serving in the Peace Corps and in pursuing graduate studies? What should you consider about doing one before the other? What graduate school resources exist for returned Peace Corps volunteers? This panel will feature the different paths taken by two returned Peace Corps volunteers along with their insights.
Kathleen Jackson (The Gambia, 2015-17), served with the Peace Corps as a community health volunteer, working on several initiatives related to maternal and child health, water sanitation, and gender development. These experiences, particularly her interactions with mothers and their children, compelled her to pursue further studies focusing on maternal reproductive practices and child undernutrition. This Fall she will begin a joint Masters in Public Health and PhD in biocultural anthropology at the University of Alabama.
Scott Demyan (Armenia 2006-2008) served as an environmental education volunteer working with local NGO's on soil and water research and educational outreach. He is now an assistant professor at Ohio State in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, in the area of soil and environmental mineralogy with a focus on carbon permanence. Prior to joining the Peace Corps, he completed a Master’s program in Soil Science at Ohio State, while also serving in the National Guard.
Tuesday May 4th
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Register Here
Peace Corps Information Session
Learn about international public service through the Peace Corps in positions promoting Education, Agriculture, Health, Environment, Economic and Youth Development, including its impacts and benefits, as well as how to become a competitive applicant.
Thursday, May 6th, from noon to one o'clock p.m.
Register Here
Diversity in International Public Service: Explore the Possibilities
Are you interested in a career in international public service? This April 13th panel event featured alumni of diverse backgrounds who have taken part in such programs as the Peace Corps, Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Pickering, Rangel and Payne Fellowships. Program alumni describe their experiences, including challenges and opportunities that have impacted their subsequent professional paths. You will also learn more about Ohio State connections and financial resources that can help you develop the international engagement skills and experience sought by these programs.
Hosted by the Office of International Affairs, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Undergraduate Fellowship Office, and International Programs in Agriculture at Ohio State, and by the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Program
Peace Corps Environment Programs: CFAES Faculty share their Volunteer Experiences
Hear about the Peace Corps experiences of four CFAES faculty in this webinar held on February 10th, 2021. Featured are Matt Hamilton (Paraguay, 2005-2007), Susan Burks (Guatemala 1991-1993), Scott Demyan (Armenia 2006-2008), and Darren Drewry (Mauritania 1996-1998).
Ohio State University ranks among top volunteer-producing colleges and universities in 2020
There are 62 Buckeyes currently volunteering in countries around the world.The university held strong at its No. 6 spot from last year’s ranking on the annual list. Consistently ranked in the top 10 for the last eight years, Buckeyes have shown their commitment to helping people in interested countries meet their need for trained men and women. The university is among three Ohio schools on the list this year. “Everything I have done during the last two and a half years as a volunteer in central Peru has been possible because of the amazing education and opportunities that I received at Ohio State,” said Shelby Crosier, a health education volunteer. Read more