WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Peace Corps today announced Texas Tech University as their newest partner in the Master's International program. With more than 360 Texas Tech alumni serving as Peace Corps Volunteers since its creation, the new partnership will enhance and strengthen both organizations.

"I'm thrilled to have Texas Tech as our partner in the successful Master's International program," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter. "As Americans serve as Peace Corps Volunteers around the globe, they improve communities at the grassroots level and then return to the U.S. as exceptional students and citizens that bring along real-world international experience."

Designed for Americans who want the opportunity to earn graduate degrees while serving as Peace Corps Volunteers abroad, Master's International is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Texas Tech Master's International program will be managed by the University's Office of International Affairs with Ambassador Tibor P. Nagy, Jr., Vice Provost for International Affairs, serving as the program's coordinator. Master’s International students will enroll in degree programs in the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources and the College of Education, then combine their academic knowledge with a practical, international field assignment.

"I am delighted that Peace Corps selected Texas Tech as a partner for the highly prestigious Peace Corps' Master's International program," says Jon Whitmore, president of Texas Tech University. "This will offer our students an excellent opportunity to learn new languages and cultures in a real-world environment, and gain first-hand insight into global development challenges. At the same time, our students will be able to share their professional expertise while serving in their host nations."

"During my 25 years as a U.S. diplomat in Africa, I consistently found two groups of people with uniformly positive views of America: those who had contact with Peace Corps Volunteers in their own countries, and those who came to the U.S. to study," says Ambassador Nagy. "Peace Corps Master's International is a phenomenal program for preparing students to be even more effective Peace Corps Volunteers while overseas, and to be high performers in their selected professions once they return."

Since 1987, Master's International has expanded to include partnerships at more than 50 universities throughout the U.S. These graduate programs provide opportunities for Volunteers to fill specialized assignment areas that require advanced education. For more information, visit the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 187,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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