FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, November 24, 2008

Peace Corps Master's International Partners with Oregon State University

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 24, 2008 - The Peace Corps recently welcomed Oregon State University (OSU) as its newest Master\'s International (MI) partner school. Oregon State joins more than 58 other institutions in offering the Master\'s International option to potential Peace Corps Volunteers. OSU\'s program, offered through the College of Forestry, will grant candidates Master\'s of Forestry or Master\'s of Science in forest resources, forest economics, or wood science and engineering, all in tandem with a 27-month Peace Corps assignment.

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter said, "We are pleased to announce this new partnership with Oregon State University. This partnership will allow the Peace Corps an opportunity to further develop skills of Volunteers in the forestry sector, and I know academic discussions will be enriched through the real life experience students will be getting as Peace Corps Volunteers overseas. I am confident Oregon State University will be a strong Masters International partner."

Sabah Randhawa, the Provost and Executive Vice President of OSU, welcomed the partnership, saying, "The type of students attracted to OSU is similar to those choosing Peace Corps service, and OSU graduates already choose post-graduate assignments with Peace Corps in large numbers. OSU is in the top 25 sending institutions category. By creating a seamless process whereby students can integrate their coursework with their Peace Corps service, we hope to attract even more students who are bright, energetic, and mindful of the international implications of their work at the university."

Candidates who have been accepted to both Oregon State University and the Peace Corps will be eligible for the program, which besides class work towards the degree will include a full Peace Corps assignment overseas. After successful completion of the Peace Corps assignment, students will return to the campus to finish out their degree requirements.

For more information about Master\'s International, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last 5 years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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