To dietetics senior Laura Periou, the Peace Corps may offer an opportunity to put her education to work while learning about another culture.
Regional recruiter Linnea Ashley was on campus last week speaking to classes and holding an informational session in the Union to answer questions of potential volunteers for the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is an international service organization providing trained men and women to countries needing assistance.
“I want to use my education to help other people,” Periou said. “Instead of just traveling to a country and experiencing it as a tourist, I can learn and experience first-hand what it’s like to live there.”
Jesus Garcia, a spokesperson for the Peace Corps, said 173 University alumni have served since the organization’s creation in 1961. Seven former students are currently serving overseas.
“We enjoy coming to Louisiana because of the need for French speakers in the West African countries we serve,” Garcia said.
Garcia said the organization currently has the most need for those with a background in agriculture, environmental issues and health.
He also said those who choose to volunteer can have their federal student loans deferred while they are serving abroad. Additionally, many Perkins loan providers will forgive up to 15 percent of the loan’s balance for each year of service in the Peace Corps, meaning in 27 months of service, students can save 30 percent on their Perkins loans.
Upon returning from service, students can begin graduate studies at one of 54 universities nationwide that extend fellowships to volunteers or continue in a career of public service. Returning Peace Corps members that choose to continue government work are offered one year of non-competitive federal employment, Garcia said. This means the resumés of returning volunteers get looked at before those of the general public.
For those interested in Peace Corps service, the organization provides an informational packet that also includes a book of stories from returned volunteers. To learn more, visit their Web site at www.peacecorps.gov.