Peace Corps officials announced Tuesday that the University generated more Peace Corps volunteers this year than any other medium-sized school in the nation.
"We are thrilled that U.Va.'s numbers are going up," said Sara Johnston, spokesperson for the Mid-Atlantic regional recruiting office of the Peace Corps.
According to Johnston, the University also is the largest producer of volunteers from colleges and universities of any size in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Delaware, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Washington D.C.
Presently, the University has 75 alumni serving in countries such as Ghana, Bulgaria and Uzbekistan, signifying a 10 percent increase from last year. In addition, the University has had 772 alumni who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961, Johnston said.
"Peace Corps is heavily involved in attending campus activities such as job fairs and resume preparation marathons, perhaps more so than most employers," said Ladd Flock, director of career services for the College.
The Peace Corps had a nomination party last night in Garden II recognizing over 40 graduating fourth-year students who will enter the Peace Corps at the end of the semester.
There have been many University alumni who have gone into the Peace Corps and can provide advice for current students preparing for interviews, Flock added.
"International affairs and non-profit organizations are some of the top categories on HOOSTRAK, so it makes sense that the Peace Corps is a top choice for students," Flock said.
Many study abroad students consider entering the Peace Crops to build experience after returning, and the Peace Corps allows them to continue to be abroad as well as focus on community service, said Murielle Kervizic, assistant director of the study abroad program.
Joining the Peace Corps is a three-step process. After applying and interviewing, students receive a nomination letter indicating what specific region of the world they are assigned to and the field in which they will be working, Johnston said.
She added that in addition to offering students an opportunity to serve their country, the Peace Corps also gives volunteers a chance to gain important language and leadership skills that are very saleable in today's job market.
"U.Va. continues to promote volunteers not just locally in Charlottesville but throughout the world as well," Johnston said. "We continue to feel great support from U.Va. staff and faculty for the Peace Corps"
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