Peace Corps MATESOL Program

Students may enroll in the MATESOL program in conjunction with a minimum of two years of service in the Peace Corps. The Saint Michael's Peace Corps Master’s International Program (MIP) is one of only fourteen colleges and universities in the United States that offers this opportunity. The combined program allows students to earn credits toward their MATESOL degree while performing volunteer service abroad for the Peace Corps.

How It Works
Prospective students must meet all admission requirements and be accepted by both the Peace Corps and by Saint Michael's MATESOL degree program. Before entering the Peace Corps, the student must complete at least two semesters of course work at Saint Michael's that include all the required courses, except for the teaching practicum. There are eight credits to be earned - tuition free - from the student's period of Peace Corps service, as follows:

GSL 693 Overseas Student Teaching (4 credits)
The Saint Michael's advisor will work with the student and the Peace Corps regional staff to set up procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and providing feedback on the student's teaching, lesson planning and materials developed.

GSL 694 Reflective Portfolio of Peace Corps Experience (4 credits)
Under the supervision of the Saint Michael's advisor, the student will compile an in-depth reflective study of a selected aspect of his or her experience living and working as a Peace Corps volunteer in a developing country. Possible topic areas would include cultural adjustment, language learning and language teaching. 

Suggested Sequence of Study

Suggested sequencing of course work is below. All courses and course descriptions are listed in the catalog.

Students who begin study in the fall semester can take the maximum course load (14 credits per term) to complete all required courses in two semesters. Many students, however, prefer to take a smaller load and stay on for an additional term. Beginning in the spring or summer terms makes it difficult to finish in two terms, so fall term entrance is preferred.

Suggested Sequence:
Fall Term (14 credits)
GSL 500 - Foundations of Linguistics
GSL 506 - Master’s Seminar
GSL 542 - Theory and Method in Language Teaching
GSL 543 - Teaching of Oral Skills in ESOL
Spring term (14 credits)
GSL 685 - Practicum I: Seminar/Observation
GSL 502 - English Grammar
GSL 544 - Teaching Reading and Writing in ESOL
GSL 620 - Principles of Testing & Assessment in Language Teaching
Elective of your choice
Two Years Peace Corps work (8 credits)

Alternate Sequence:
Fall Term (10 credits)
GSL 500 - Foundations of Linguistics
GSL 506 - Master’s Seminar
GSL 542 - Theory and Method in Language Teaching
Spring Term (10 credits)
GSL 685 - Practicum I: Seminar/Observation
GSL 502 - English Grammar
GSL 544 - Teaching Reading and Writing in ESOL
Summer term (8 credits)
GSL 543 - Teaching of Oral Skills in ESOL
GSL 620 - Principles of Testing & Assessment in Language Teaching
Elective of your choice
Two Years Peace Corps work (8 credits)


To apply to the Saint Michael's Peace Corps Master's International Program, see Admission. For further information on the Saint Michael's Peace Corps Master's International Program, contact:
Dr. Daniel Evans, Coordinator
devans@smcvt.edu
802.654.2264

or contact the Peace Corps at www.peacecorps.gov/masters