In celebration of International Education Week, the College of Education and the Education Student Council hosted a presentation on Peace Corps opportunities for education students.
April Matthews, Peace Corps representative from the University of Kansas, gave a presentation about her time as a volunteer in Madagascar from 2002 to 2005. Matthews was stationed in a small village without electricity or running water, teaching English to middle and high schoolers and working in environmental education.Related:
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As a volunteer, Matthews said she had to adjust to a different way of life. She was required to use an outhouse, and she visited the market every day.
Matthews said the Peace Corps promotes peace and friendship by increasing the global perspective of American citizens, equipping volunteers with a better understanding of other cultures and providing developmental help to other countries.
Any American citizen over the age of 18 can apply to travel and volunteer in another country with the Peace Corps.
Matthews said students interested in the Peace Corps should talk to a recruiter.
“Do your research and understand as much as you can before applying,” Matthews said. “It can make the difference between being accepted or not.”
Matthews came to Kansas State as part of an exchange between the Peace Corps representatives at K-State and KU. Rebekah Carnes, current K-State Peace Corps representative, will be speaking in Lawrence to finalize this partnership.
“In the Peace Corps, we go where invited,” Carnes said. “I am excited to present in Lawrence on their behalf.”
The presentation was held as part of International Education Week, hosted by the Office of International Programs. The week ended Thursday with the 2017 International Education Awards Ceremony.
Mary Pyle, assistant director for international support, said she has enjoyed celebrating this week.
“K-State has had 882 students participate in an international experience this past year,” Pyle said. “This week allows us to share the stories of those students.”
