IU a top contributor to Peace Corps

Described as “the toughest job you will ever love,” the Peace Corps serves in underdeveloped countries around the world – and IU-Bloomington is pulling its weight in the effort.\nIU is once again one of the top –25 large schools producing Peace Corps volunteers. Coming in at No. 14, IU has moved up 13 spots since it last appeared on the list two years ago. IU has produced 1,411 Peace Corps alumni to date.\n“IU has always been a top-producing university,” said Christine Torres, a Peace Corps public affairs specialist. “This is a representation of Indiana University’s students’ character. To be on the list means that students are promoting a global understanding.”\nCurrently stationed in 74 countries around the world, the Peace Corps has been serving since 1961. As the IU Peace Corps campus representative, Brett Kuhnert’s goal is to get more people interested in the program.\n“I served in Morocco from 2000 to 2003,” he said. “The best part of my job is probably getting to know and talk to IU students. I am especially impressed with all the volunteers’ backgrounds.”\nIU alum Andrew Ross, a 2003 graduate, served in South Africa from 2005 to 2007 as an education research volunteer. His decision to join was influenced by the mission work of his parents.\n“I had always wanted to join the Peace Corps; my parents’ stories of mission work really inspired me,” Ross said. “I wanted to tell stories like them. We as Americans are very fortunate and I wanted to give to others.”\nWhile students are being encouraged to get more information on joining the Peace Corps, Torres said many volunteers are well above college age.\n“The average age of volunteers is around 25 to 27,” Torres said. “5 percent of our volunteers are over the age of 50. It is great to see college graduates and retired professors get out there.”\nThe program’s partnership with the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs is also a plus. \n“The collaboration level has increased between the two and we are seeing a lot more people come out,” Kuhnert said.\nJoining the Peace Corps might not only help volunteers physically feel better about themselves, but help them advance mentally as well.\n“You gain a certain cultural understanding, you get to travel and learn another language and it is a time for personal growth,” Torres said.\nFirsthand experience is something in itself. The memories that the volunteers gain are worth the 27 months required to serve, Ross said.\n“When I left, all the people in the village threw a big party for me,” he said. “They had been planning it for a month and a half in advance. There were over 1,000 people there.”\nAny student interested in adding his or her name to the list of IU alumni in the Peace Corps can contact Kuhnert through e-mail at peace@indiana.edu or attend an informational meeting on 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 in Ballantine Hall, room 205.