University students are finding it increasingly difficult to turn down the "toughest job you'll ever love" -- serving in the Peace Corps.
The University boasts a number-one ranking among the top Peace Corps volunteer-producing colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Sixty-nine University graduates now are serving in the Peace Corps.
Regional rankings are calculated every September; national rankings will appear in January. This past January, the University was ranked sixth nationally in the number of Peace Corps volunteers it produces, up from 20th last year.
"The vast majority of U.Va. students have a wonderful experience in the Peace Corps," said Paige Risser, Peace Corps public affairs specialist.
Serving in the Peace Corps is a unique opportunity to travel, learn a language and become fully immersed in another culture, Risser said.
|
Allyson Gardner served in the Peace Corps from 1996-1998 and received her master's degree in French language and literature from the University in May 2000.
"If they asked me to do it again, I would do it immediately," Gardner said, citing her fondest memories of the Dansoko family in Guinea, West Africa, with whom she lived for two years. "I won't forget sharing countless meals, witnessing baptism, weddings, death and prayer [with the] family who took me in as their own."
Shawn Davis, a Mid-Atlantic region recruiter, said the Peace Corps is making a strong effort to "get the word out" and show students that serving is an option.
Representatives from the Peace Corps will be visiting the University for the McIntire School of Commerce Career Day on Sept. 29 and from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.
The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has sent over 160,000 volunteers to 134 countries. The Peace Corps expects to have more than 7,000 representatives serving in 76 countries this fall.
Read More
Police forcefully clear encampment near University Chapel, detain protesters
By Thomas Baxter and Finn Trainer | 8 hours agoThe University declared the encampment an unlawful assembly at 2:44 p.m.
Student Council passes appointment bill, approves new CIOs at final meeting of semester
By Arshiya Pant | YesterdayMendoza Gonzalez also said she will be meeting with Kenyon R. Bonner, vice president and chief student affairs officer, to discuss further strategies for the Student Council Endowment Fund.
Professors speak about leading productive dialogue on Israel-Hamas war
By Lexie Stadler | 2 days agoThe event was hosted by the University’s Task Force on Religious Diversity and Belonging, which is designed to ensure that the University is welcoming to community members from all religions and cultures.
