The United States Peace Corps is looking for student recruits.
Buffalo State graduate student and Peace Corps representative Dove Russo
organized an information table and presented an information session to spread
awareness to students about international opportunities for students through the
Peace Corps.
While handing out pamphlets, stickers and pens, Russo said she had good
expectations for recruiting students.
“Buffalo State has always been a school we get a lot of volunteers from,” said Russo,
a returned Peace Corps volunteer.
Since 40 percent of the volunteers serve in the education sector, Buffalo State’s
rigorous education program is an appealing feature for Peace Corps recruiters, said
Russo.
She said she tries to come to Buffalo State twice each semester as the information
table and presentation are sponsored by the Career Development Center. About 15
students attended the presentation.
“We have a great relationship with the Career Development Center,” she said.
Stephanie Zuckerman-Aviles, director of the CDC, said the center would get students
prepared for the application and help them decide if it is the right choice for their
careers.
“It’s a career decision,” she said. “We would talk to students about the Peace Corpse
being an international opportunity for them.”
The Career Development Center is home to the volunteer and service learning
programs, which are important aspects of the Peace Corpse application.
Volunteering, work experience and education were three credentials that Russo said
the Peace Corps looks for with applications they receive.
“The Career Development Center can help students with building their skills and
resumes for the application,” said Zuckerman-Aviles. “We offer several service
learning courses and that’s what they look for.”
Many service leaning programs offered include working with refugees in the Buffalo
area, which Russo said is a great resume builder for applicants.
“Because so many of our programs are teaching English as a foreign language
program, Buffalo State students have so many things to offer Peace Corps,” Russo
said. “We like to see people with cross-cultural experiences.”
Russo said that volunteers are sent overseas for a 27-month period and that
applicants should apply a year in advance.
Some of the benefits of the Peace Corps Russo suggested students consider are job
opportunities.
“This type of international experience opens the doors to federal jobs,” said Russo.
More benefits include 24 days of vacation a year and a percentage of the student’s
federal loans paid off.
Katie Anderson can be reached by email at anderson.record@live.com.