Peace Corps Master's International Program (MIP)

Since 1960, the Peace Corps has provided individuals, communities, and countries with meaningful experiences of peace, leadership, and progress. With the Peace Corps Master's International Program, you can serve in the Peace Corps while earning your Master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - two invaluable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Saint Michael's is one of only 14 colleges and universities in the United States that offers the Peace Corps Master's International Program (MIP) in TESOL. The 36-credit combined program allows students to earn eight tuition-free credits toward their MATESOL degree while performing volunteer service abroad in the Peace Corps. You won't just learn about the culture of the students you'll be teaching in your career - you will experience it and live it every day. Through total immersion, you will gain knowledge and worldliness that classrooms in the States just can't provide. 

How it works

Prospective students need to be accepted by both the Peace Corps and by Saint Michael's MATESOL degree program. Acceptance to the MATESOL Program is necessary before Peace Corps can grant acceptance to the MI Program. Before entering the Peace Corps, students need to complete at least three semesters of course work at Saint Michael's.

Three Terms of On-Campus Course Work

Fall Term (10 credits)

GSL 500 - Foundations of Linguistics
GSL 685 - Practicum I: Seminar/Observation
GSL 542 - Theory and Method in Second Language Teaching

Spring Term (10 credits)

GSL 506 - Master's Seminar
GSL 502 - English Grammar
GSL 544 - Teaching Reading and Writing in ESL/EFL

Summer term (8 credits)

GSL 543 - Teaching of Oral Skills in ESL/EFL
GSL 620 - Principles of Testing & Assessment in Language Teaching

Eight Tuition-free Credits Earned During Peace Corps Service

GSL 693 - Offsite Practicum (4 credits)

After on-campus course work is completed, students enter the Peace Corps for their two years of service. Your Saint Michael's advisor will work with you and the Peace Corps regional staff to set up procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and providing feedback on your teaching, lesson planning and materials developed.

GSL 694 - Reflective Portfolio of Peace Corps Experience (4 credits)

Under the supervision of your Saint Michael's advisor, you will compile an in-depth Reflective Paper of a selected aspect of your experience living and working as a Peace Corps volunteer in a developing country. Possible topic areas for your reflective studies could include cultural adjustment, language learning, or language teaching.

After successful submission of your work, you will receive eight credits toward your degree, thus completing your Master's program.

Want to know more? Contact:

Dr. Daniel Evans
devans@smcvt.edu
802.654.2264