A photo of a Peace Corps member at a school with with children in Africa

How can you prepare yourself to be an agent of change and make a difference in the world? Answering that question is the focus of the Peace Corps Prep program (PC Prep) at Northeastern Illinois University. As the only college or university in Chicago to offer this unique certificate program, and because Northeastern understands the impact this certificate can have on students and communities, undergraduate students of any program at our University are able to apply to PC Prep. 

What is PC Prep? 

The PC Prep program prepares students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. To accomplish this, students will build four core competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experience and professional development support. The four competencies are:

  1. Training and experience in a work sector
  2. Foreign language skills
  3. Intercultural competence
  4. Professional and leadership development

“Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level to create change that lasts long after their service. As a volunteer, you can make an investment in our world—one handshake, one project, one friendship at a time—that leads to new possibilities in service and when you return home.”
PeaceCorps


Through participation in the PC Prep program, students: 

  • Integrate academic work with practical experiences and professional development
  • Are prepared to respond to the demands of the labor market with a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service;
  • Build relationships, expand cultural knowledge and hone essential skills 

Learn more about the Peace Corps
Learn more about Peace Corps Volunteers