Start date
September 14, 2026

End date
December 21, 2026

Duration
14 weeks

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

Activity/project background

A business college in central Ukraine is one of the leading educational establishments in the country and specializes in training specialists for the modern economy. The college provides bachelor’s and professional junior bachelor’s degrees in several fields of study: economics; management and marketing; computer engineering and information technology; graphic and multimedia design; and accounting and finance. Preparing students for a global economy requires them to develop a strong grasp of English and media literacy.

English language skills and media literacy skills are critical skills for future business leaders. Developing and practicing English language skills allows these burgeoning leaders to participate more fully in different international conferences, programs, and trainings and pursue careers that serve their companies – and their country – on a global stage. In particular, using English in the context of strong media literacy supports these students’ participation in an international economy, both consuming and producing media in a way that is ethical, effective, and informed.

The college is requesting the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to enhance the English language skills for students in a media literacy club. The VSPP, in partnership with a co-instructor at the college, will be assigned a group of 15–20 motivated college-aged students. Through this club, students will enhance their command of English, increase confidence in their language usage for academic needs in the sphere of media literacy, improve their communication skills, and enhance their intercultural competencies.

The college 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 role.

Engagement and tasks

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

• Co-design session plans about media literacy for club meetings with clear policies, procedures, resources, and outcomes that encourage language proficiency, confidence, and cultural understanding
• Co-develop learning resources that consider ESL teaching techniques and technologies, U.S. education procedures, and intercultural immersion
• Co-teach 75-minute virtual media literacy club sessions each week for a group of 15–20 students during the fourteen-week engagement
• Co-assess sessions and use the assessment to identify learning objectives and appropriate communicative activities for future sessions
  
  

VSPP is expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5–6 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Ukraine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to email, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet 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: Bachelor’s degree in any field

Experience:

• 1 year teaching college or university students
• Teaching or facilitation sessions, presentations, workshops, or public talks about media literacy, communications, or the media for adult audiences
  
  

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.