The Peace Corps is the gold standard for Americans who are drawn to volunteering abroad, those who are interested in not just imagining a better world, but rolling up their sleeves and doing something about it. That spirit of service is alive all over Ohio State’s campus, and OSU graduates carry it with them after they graduate. In fact, OSU ranks No. 4 nationally on Peace Corps’ annual list of the top volunteer-producing large universities, with 83 graduates serving around the world. Since 1961, more than 1,700 Ohio State University graduates have served as Peace Corps Volunteers.

Will you join them? Visit www.peacecorps.gov/apply to start your journey.

Peace Corps Volunteers make a difference in the areas of education and English teaching; agriculture, forestry and environment; public health, HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention; youth and community economic development; math and science, and engineering; and information technology.  Jack Campbell, OSU’s on-campus Peace Corps recruiter and a returned Volunteer who served in Botswana and Fiji, is looking for college seniors, graduates, retiring faculty, and community members with majors and skills in these areas to fill Peace Corps programs. Applicants with French or Spanish skills or experience integrating into new cultures may be more competitive for certain assignments, but most important is having a desire to serve.

“Peace Corps service offers a unique combination of international experience and rewarding work,” Campbell said. “It changed my perspective of the world and allowed me to grow personally.  Professionally, it underscores your commitment and dedication, and your ability to adapt, problem-solve and work across cultures.”

Peace Corps Volunteers gain language, technical, and cross-cultural skills that leave them well-positioned for advanced professional and educational opportunities. Additionally, they are eligible for graduate school benefits and receive paid living expenses, full health and dental coverage in service, vacation days, and more than $8,000 upon completion of service.

There’s never been a better time to apply to Peace Corps. The agency implemented historic changes this summer, making the application process simpler, more transparent, and more personalized than ever before. Buckeyes can now apply online in under an hour and choose the countries and programs they’d like to be considered for. Volunteer assignments, including skill and language requirements, application deadlines, and departure dates, are posted online at www.peacecorps.gov/openings, and OSU students can browse the job descriptions to find the programs that align with their personal interests and professional goals.

To reach Ohio State University Peace Corps recruiter Jack Campbell 
          §  Call 614.292.3008 or e-mail peacecorps@osu.edu.
          §  Follow facebook.com/OSUPeaceCorps and www.twitter.com/PeaceCorpsOH
          §  Attend an event. On Dec. 3, Jack will hold an informal chat at 3 p.m. in Denney Hall, Room 352, and an information session at 6 p.m. in Enarson Classroom Bldg., Room 358.
          §  Sign up at www.peacecorps.gov/info to receive updates on local events and presentations.

About the Peace Corps: As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences – and a global outlook – back to the United States, enriching the lives of those around them. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 to foster a better understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide. Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.