“*I definitely think it’s a good opportunity to do something a little different and experience lots of things you can’t in the U.S.,*”
Kattner said.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be hosting an information meeting and slide show May 1 for students interested in volunteering for Peace Corps, the 47-year-old federal agency that allows students and others to live abroad for two years and gain valuable work experience.

The event, which will be held in room 143 of the Union and run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., will feature a brief video showcasing other volunteers’ experiences and a slide show presentation by former volunteers, with time for questions at the end.

Peace Corps currently offers 25 programs in over 70 different countries. Some of the programs focus on education, health and water sanitation, agriculture and community and youth development, among others.

Ryan Kattner is a regional recruiter for Peace Corps and is also a former volunteer for the agency. Kattner works out of the agency’s Minneapolis office which also handles recruitment for Wisconsin.

Kattner said his time spent in Yap, an island in Micronesia, is something he’ll look back on for the rest of his life.

“It gave me a different and unique perspective about how people live around the world and in their communities,” Kattner said of his experience. “It can be life changing for individuals.”

From 2001 to 2004, Kattner helped set up a library and literacy program for the people in the community. Other projects volunteers are currently involved in include building local businesses, teaching in classrooms, planting trees, and assistance to those affected by HIV and Aids.

Kattner said some of the things Peace Corps look for in an applicant include education level, volunteer and work experience, flexibility, professionalism and leadership skills. He emphasized that volunteer experience within the past three to five years is particularly important due to the nature of the work.

Peace Corps generally accepts one-third of its applicants to the program as trainees, with the two-thirds who didn’t make the cut usually due to medical reasons or other disqualifications. Applicants who are accepted usually find out nine months after sending out the application, Kattner said.

One of the most common questions Kattner said he’s asked is whether or not you can choose the country you are sent to. He said that while you can request a general geographic area of interest, it’s never guaranteed that you will be sent there and that participants should be open to going anywhere. Kattner said that an individual’s skills are taken into consideration and where they are needed above anything else.

For those wondering about money issues, Peace Corps provides volunteers with a monthly allowance for room and board. The money is enough for volunteers to live similarly and covers incidental and travel costs.

Upon completing service, volunteers also receive a payment of $6000 in order to help them transition back to life at home. Medical and dental insurance are also included.

“I’ve never heard anyone complain about the money,” Kattner assured.

The only potential costs to an applicant can occur if they don’t have health insurance Kattner said, as a medical screening process is involved in determining an applicant’s eligibility.

Kattner said that although students may worry about being taken out of the job market for two years, the skills they develop while serving abroad are irreplaceable.

“The cross-cultural experience is important to the growth of an individual and when looking at an application, those kinds of skills will be very valuable to an employer,” Kattner said.

For those worried about unsafe conditions in an unfamiliar region, Kattner stressed that the safety and security of a volunteer is Peace Corps’ number one priority. He said that not every country or household that wants to participate can because of the stringent screening process.

Kattner also added that surveys show 99 percent of participants felt safe during their experience. He also referenced the recent political unrest in Kenya and how volunteers were pulled out immediately.

Kattner said that students should think about doing something significant after graduating that benefits the lives of others and provides life-long lessons.

“I definitely think it’s a good opportunity to do something a little different and experience lots of things you can’t in the U.S.,” Kattner said.

Students are encouraged to check out www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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