Start date
August 31, 2026

End date
December 11, 2026

Duration
15 weeks

ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Activity/project background

The Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a Mexican educational institution with a long history and recognition in academia. BUAP was founded on April 15, 1587, making it one of the oldest universities in the Americas. The name "Benemérita" refers to the recognition of its merits and significant contributions to society.

BUAP has outstanding research activities in various disciplines, promoting the generation of knowledge and innovation. It participates in research projects both nationally and internationally, contributing to scientific and technological advancement.

BUAP is requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support university researchers develop their academic writing skills by creating or adapting a research writing guide and facilitating weekly workshops focused on developing and practicing writing and editing skills.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Co-conduct an assessment to understand the researchers’ skill level and interests
• Co-design and co-facilitate two series of workshops to help researchers acquire the skills needed to review and edit research articles (group size will be approximately eight researchers with a B2 (intermediate high) to C1 (advanced) English level, who will participate by invitation only. Each workshop series will have six one-hour long sessions. The final (sixth) session will allow participants to provide feedback and resolve any lingering questions
• Review researchers’ articles and provide feedback
• Create a digital folder containing workshop session plans and materials used
• Participate in weekly planning and feedback meetings
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 4–5 hours per week, with one hour of synchronous facilitation and approximately 3–4 hours of asynchronous work.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Mexico City time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Google Meet and/or email for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

Optional Additional Activities

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
  
  

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.

Essential Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in any field

Experience: 2 years teaching research and/or academic writing

Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually