American Sign Language Advisor and Facilitator
Project Description
The Universidad Politécnica de Santa Rosa Jáuregui (UPSRJ) in Mexico has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as an American Sign Language Advisor and Facilitator. The Polytechnic University of Santa Rosa Jauregui (UPSRJ) offers undergraduate and graduate education to deaf/hard of hearing students and has partnered with Gallaudet University of Washington, D.C. to develop and implement a basic American Sign Language (ASL) course. The purpose is to enhance students’ international education experience and increase their access to future professional opportunities through participation in educational exchange programs in the United States and Canada. UPSRJ has identified a need for additional support to continue implementation of the basic ASL course.
The PCRV will be part of UPSRJ’s inclusion program staff and will collaborate with the Inclusion Program Coordinator in the design or adaptation of an ASL course curriculum and creation of content and materials to support ASL acquisition and the development of intercultural competencies. The PCRV will also facilitate instruction of a basic ASL course that will enable students to reach A2 ASL level based on CEFR assessment levels. The goal of this assignment is to provide support to students and interpreters, create opportunities to practice and acquire intercultural competencies related to the Deaf community in the United States, and assist in strengthening the inclusion program and services offered to deaf/hard of hearing students.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Mexico together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Volunteer safety is of paramount importance, and the protections of U.S. citizenship promote volunteer safety. Under Mexican law, anyone born in Mexico who became a U.S. citizen after 1998 or anyone holding dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship is considered a citizen of Mexico, and not of the United States. If such an individual faced a legal, safety or other emergency situation in Mexico, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene could be limited. Therefore, the PC will not place in Mexico individuals who are either dual citizens of Mexico and the U.S. or who were born in Mexico and became U.S. citizens after 1998. If you fit either of these categories, we encourage you to look at other opportunities with PC Response.
Partner Information
Universidad Politécnica de Santa Rosa Jáuregui
Required Skills
• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education
• Advanced American Sign Language proficiency, written and reading English proficiency, and at least Basic Spanish (candidates with strong ASL teaching experience may be considered without Spanish proficiency)
The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Serving in Mexico
Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Mexico: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, health, and safety -- including health and crime statistics -- in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.
Medical Considerations
Before you apply, please review Medical Information for Applicants to learn about the medical clearance process.
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