Peace Corps at UW-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is proud of our long-standing and significant role in promoting Peace Corps on our campus. We are #1 in Peace Corps Volunteers for 2020 for the 4th year in a row, and always in the top tier. Since 1961, nearly 3,300 University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates have put their education and experience to work around the world in the areas of education, health, environment, community and economic development, agriculture, and youth in development. Until the global pandemic evacuation of volunteers on March 15, 2020, there were 79 volunteers serving in 40 countries. We patiently await the reopening of Peace Corps countries.
The state of Wisconsin has also made a notable contribution to the Peace Corps organization. In 2017, the city of Madison ranked No. 8 among metropolitan areas with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers. Over 6,400 Wisconsinites have served in the Peace Corps since its creation in 1961.
Peace Corps Events
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Upholding the Wisconsin Idea
Peace Corps is an international service organization of the United States that focuses on service beyond the borders of the country. The Peace Corps sends American citizens abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service while at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country. Through their service, Volunteers return home as global citizens with new perspectives. They have cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching and community development skills that give them a competitive edge for advanced education and job opportunities in today’s global economy. They return prepared to respond to President John F. Kennedy’s challenge – to “ask what you can do for your country.”
The UW system is a state level organization that has from its early years focused on education beyond the borders of the campus. The UW-Extension system was ground-breaking in its time, and has worked in communities all over the state to provide research, ideas and tools to tackle their most pressing needs. Since 1905, the Wisconsin Idea has evolved to signify more broadly the university’s commitment to public service and knowledge at a global level. This is evidenced by UW leadership in many areas, including Study Abroad, International Internships, the many global area studies centers, and the Morgridge Center’s Badger Volunteers Program.
Learn more about Peace Corps
Advising Hours
The Peace Corps Office at UW–Madison is open for the 2021-2022 academic year. As a part-time position, hours are generally expected to be 11am-3pm, with flexibility to meet your availability. If you have questions related to Peace Corps service, your application, or a presentation, please email or phone the Campus Recruiter, Kate Schachter
Check the “Peace Corps Events” on this page to find out when and where the next Hybrid Virtual / Drop-In Advising Hours will be held.
Because of its long-established commitment to service and volunteerism, and continued interest in Peace Corps opportunities, UW-Madison employs a campus-based Peace Corps Recruiter who is responsible for providing advice and insight to those interested in the Peace Corps organization.
The Recruiter is your face-to-face resource to learn about opportunities with the Peace Corps, the application process, and what the life of a Peace Corps Volunteer entails. The Peace Corps Recruiter is housed within the UW-Madison International Division.