A Peace Corps Master's International program in mitigation of natural geological hazards: Student outcomes and lessons learned

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Abstract

© 2016 The Geological Society of America. All rights reserved. The Michigan Technological University Peace Corps Master's International (PCMI) program in mitigation of natural geological hazards combines Peace Corps service with a master's degree in geology, geophysics, or geological engineering. The program provides students with a 2 yr international fi eld experience, which helps to educate an adaptable, interculturally competent geoscientist. The challenges of conducting research while serving in the Peace Corps often provide opportunities for substantial learning and growth. A multiple-year evaluation of the PCMI program (2005-2013) suggests substantial impacts on students' professional confi dence and career aspirations. These conclusions are supported by data drawn from an objective-based evaluation of the Remote Sensing for Hazard Mitigation and Natural Resource Protection project, which supported the PCMI students. Instruments employed in the project assessment include the Intercultural Development Inventory, exit surveys, individual qualitative interviews, postparticipation tracking, and a comparison group survey. The small participant population and relatively short project duration, however, limit the defi nitiveness of the conclusions and how broadly they can be applied. These fi rst 10 yr of this unique program have provided many lessons on the administration of a nontraditional international master's degree program, including the diffi culties of applying research to international development, funding, and advising students serving abroad in the Peace Corps. While the career paths of the program's graduates remain in progress, the students' unique skills and experiences are likely to be in demand given the global scope of many natural resource and environmental challenges.

Publication Title

Special Paper of the Geological Society of America

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