Peace Corps Office of Overseas Programming and Training Support (OPATS) Internship, spring 2012
The Peace Corps is currently in the process of developing standardized training materials to better prepare Volunteers for their service. The agency is interested in collaborating with ITEP because there are a number of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) in the program, and the program includes coursework in training design and evaluation. This is an excellent opportunity for ITEP students to work with Peace Corps training specialists to design and develop training materials that will be used worldwide.
The specialists in Peace Corps’ Office of Overseas Programming and Training Support (OPATS) are developing Volunteer training packages. Training packages will draw on best practices from the field and current evidence-based findings in order to standardize and improve the quality of training. Peace Corps overseas posts will still be responsible for “contextualizing” these training packages to their host country.
OPATS is looking for graduate interns who can commit between 8 and 16 hours per week for 3 to 6 months to work on various training packages. Internships could begin as early as January 2012. OPATS seeks to develop internship projects that will result in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Specific tasks involved in training package development might include:
* Defining the purpose and scope of each training package;
* Analyzing learning objectives and grouping them into session plans;
* Soliciting and integrating field feedback;
* Developing and editing session plans; and
* Designing learning evaluation tools.
Some of this work can be done off site and outside regular work hours, but interns are requested to work part of one day each week in the office with the Peace Corps team. Collaborative pairings can also be formed to complete the work. This can also be used as a capstone project, with faculty consultation and approval, and similarly, qualify for the individual or group training assignment for EDU642 (Training Design). This will be a great opportunity for personal learning and professional networking.
To apply for this internship opportunity, please send a cover letter and resume to: Tom Lent, tom.lent@gmail.com. In the cover letter, please be sure to include your time availability.
Being a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) is an advantage since the modules are based on the PCV experience. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are encouraged to apply, but non-RPCVs are also welcome to apply.