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The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE



Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu
Aug. 21, 2007

Explore Peace Corps Initiatives

Explore global initiatives and volunteer opportunities in the Peace Corps at an information session on Monday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Latin American & Iberian Institute, 801 Yale NE on the University of New Mexico campus.

International work experience and opportunities are available in more than 70 countries where Peace Corps volunteers perform a variety of jobs in business, education, community development, environment, health, information technology and agriculture.

Learn more about these opportunities by joining Lisa Paton, recently returned volunteer and recruiter, for a film presentation and informational session.

Opportunities are available for those with a four-year degree or a combination of job experience and a two-year degree or substantial experience, in lieu of a degree, in specialized areas. Specialized areas include: skilled trades, farm/agribusiness, vegetable gardening/nursery/forestry or fish cultivation/production, business management, computer technology, nursing (RN/LPN/LVN), non-profit management/organizational development, and work with at-risk youth.

Peace Corps benefits include medical, dental and housing, as well as a monthly stipend, transportation to and from the host country, graduate study benefits, 24 vacation days a year, and a $6,075 readjustment allowance after a 2-year service. Some student loans can be deferred during Peace Corps service. After the 2-year service, former volunteers receive one year of noncompetitive eligibility for employment in the federal government.

Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment, which includes 12 weeks of language training in the host country.

The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu